A Special Day Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of Ettore Scola's "A Special Day" by Criterion is presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and encoded with an MPEG-4 AVC, offering a stunning 1080p transfer. This meticulous restoration, orchestrated by the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia—Cineteca Nazionale, and executed at L’immagine Ritrovata under Scola’s direct oversight, truly shines in every frame. The 4K scan of the 35mm original negative has resulted in a visual experience that maintains the film's period-correct diffused gray tint, expertly replicating the vintage look reminiscent of faded photographs. The color grading overseen by Scola and Luciano Tovoli ensures that this unique aesthetic aligns perfectly with the director and cinematographer's vision, delivering consistency across all scenes.

Technically, the Blu-ray features impeccable detail and clarity, significantly benefiting from high-definition resolution. The grain structure is authentically preserved, with no signs of digital manipulation like artificial sharpening or noise reduction. High-detail scenes, such as the wide shots of the apartment building and bustling crowds, display rich fidelity where even minute details like individual bricks are discernible. Moreover, the color palette incorporates deep browns and red sepia tones that shift subtly to more vibrant hues as character interactions warm up, enhancing the narrative visually. Robust black levels and well-defined shadows contribute to a remarkable three-dimensionality, making the imagery feel vivid and tangible.

Overall image stability is exceptional with no evident debris, damage marks, or dirt spots, underscoring the high-quality restoration effort. "A Special Day" on Blu-ray is not only a feast for the eyes but also a testament to modern film preservation techniques, capturing every nuance intended by Scola and De Santis with precision and care. This release stands as an exemplary demonstration of Blu-ray capabilities, making it a must-have for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The Blu-ray release of "A Special Day" features a single audio track: Italian LPCM 1.0, supplemented with optional English subtitles. This audio presentation is solid and resonates with remarkable clarity, perfectly suited for the film's intimate settings such as Antonietta's kitchen and Gabriele's living room. Dialogue is particularly crisp, clean, and unwaveringly clear, consistently holding to the front of the soundscape. The film exhibits excellent depth without any dynamic sound effects that could detract from its chamber-piece nature. The overall presentation remains devoid of any audio dropouts, pops, or digital distortions.

Armando Trovajoli’s gentle score subtly enhances select scenes, providing a subdued yet effective background. The track impressively captures the quiet ambiance of the film, with the most significant dynamic movement being the faint sound of the radio parade announcements echoing through the apartment building. The audio is impressively clean, without any age-related issues such as hiss or cracks. The presentation ensures that individual sound elements have sufficient space to breathe, contributing to a lively and present auditory experience throughout the film. This track excels in maintaining intimacy and clarity, resulting in a superb auditory experience.

The extras provided in the Blu-ray release of "A Special Day" profoundly enrich the viewing experience by offering historical context, personal reflections, and insightful interviews. The Ettore Scola interview brilliantly delves into the director's inspirations, his political views, and his collaborative relationship with stars Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni. Loren’s interview further personalizes the film's journey, revealing her initial fears and cherished memories of working with Mastroianni. The inclusion of archival footage from "The Dick Cavett Show" adds depth, featuring the actors' candid conversations about their careers and behind-the-scenes moments. The restored trailer and Edoardo Ponti's short film "Human Voice" complement the main feature by maintaining thematic continuity and showcasing Loren’s enduring screen presence.

Extras included in this disc: Trailer: Restored original trailer for A Special Day. Ettore Scola: Interview discussing career, political views, and filmmaking. Sophia Loren: Interview on her role and experiences in A Special Day. The Dick Cavett Show: Two episodes featuring interviews with Loren and Mastroianni. Human Voice/La Voce Umana (2014): Short film directed by Edoardo Ponti, starring Sophia Loren. Leaflet: Illustrated essay by Deborah Young titled Small Victories.

"A Special Day" (Una giornata particolare), directed by Ettore Scola and featuring the formidable talents of Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni, is a quintessential cinematic exploration of personal dilemmas set against the ominous backdrop of Mussolini's Italy. The film, which is predominantly set within the confines of an apartment building, presents a day in Rome when Hitler visits Mussolini, compelling the city's denizens to partake in nationalist celebrations. Antonietta, played by Loren, is a weary housewife who remains behind to tend to her household. Her encounter with Gabriele, an enigmatic neighbor portrayed by Mastroianni, catalyzes an introspective journey filled with poignant revelations and a fleeting but profound connection.

Scola’s direction and Pasqualino De Santis' cinematography transform the seemingly banal apartment setting into a microcosm of fascist Italy’s larger societal constraints. Despite its limited physical scope, the narrative unravels like an elaborate theatrical play, rich with character development and thematic depth. Antonietta's conservative, indoctrinated persona contrasts sharply with Gabriele's progressive and secretive nature, highlighting the oppressive dichotomies of the era. The chemistry between Loren and Mastroianni is palpable and evocative; their performances are lauded as defining points in their illustrious careers.

This iteration on Blu-ray from Criterion features a 4K restoration supervised by Scola and Luciano Tovoli. The meticulous restoration captures De Santis' unique visual style, preserving the sepia-tinged palette that subtly transitions when the characters discover transient joy. This release, adorned with supplemental features such as insightful interviews and critical essays, celebrates "A Special Day" not just as a nostalgic relic but an enduring critique of conformity and an homage to fleeting moments of human connection amidst political turmoil.

The Criterion Collection’s release of Ettore Scola’s "A Special Day" on Blu-ray is a masterclass in film restoration, offering a sublime visual and auditory experience that honors this cinematic masterpiece. The storyline, featuring a housewife and a blacklisted radio announcer who intersect on a historic day in Rome, is both poignant and relatable, brilliantly brought to life by the performances of Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni. The historical context is beautifully woven into their personal transformations, creating a narrative that is both intimate and expansive.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation is exceptional. The video quality is nothing short of breathtaking; each frame is crisp and vibrant, capturing the essence of 1938 Rome with remarkable clarity. The audio quality is equally impressive, providing a clean and immersive soundscape that enhances the emotional weight of the film. Additional features on the disc include behind-the-scenes insights and interviews, offering an enriched viewing experience that further immerses fans into Scola's world.

In conclusion, this outstanding Blu-ray release of "A Special Day" is a must-have for cinema enthusiasts and collectors alike. Criterion has once again demonstrated their commitment to preserving cinematic treasures with this beautifully restored edition. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.