Portrait of Jennie Blu-ray Review

"Portrait of Jennie" boasts a striking AVC encoded image in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, capturing the cinematographic brilliance of Joseph H. August. The transfer's inherent charm lies in its depth of clarity and emotive intensity, with the visual quality oscillating between lush black levels and bright, well-defined whites. Detailed close-ups showcase the nuanced expressions of Jennifer Jones and Joseph Cotten, lending a palpable emotional gravity. Scenes shot through textured canvases emerge crisp and vibrant, amplifying the painterly essence integral to the narrative.

Conversely, the print exhibits considerable wear and tear, detracting from its pristine potential. Flurries of scratches and speckling are persistent, while erratic grain levels suggest a composite print from multiple sources. This inconsistency disrupts the film's dream-like ambience, with certain sequences appearing notably soft and murky. The final act's dramatic green-tinted storm sequence and subsequent sepia-toned scene, although slightly anemic, retain their intended aesthetic effect. The climax's transition to three-strip Technicolor offers a visually arresting finale despite occasional purplish blobs marring the frame. While the transfer showcases a venerable improvement over previous iterations, it awaits a full restoration for optimal visual fidelity.

The audio presentation of "Portrait of Jennie" on Blu-ray is notable for its two distinct listening options: a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track and a more expansive 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix. The 2.0 track provides a straightforward experience that emphasizes dialogue and the film's evocative score without any noticeable directional separation, primarily emitting sound from the center channel. While this setup ensures clear and nuanced audio, some viewers may detect slight synchronization issues with the overdubbed dialogue. However, it excels in its clarity and modulation, rendering subtleties like footsteps with finesse and presenting Dimitri Tiomkin's adaptations of Claude Debussy’s themes in rich detail.

More intriguing is the 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix, which diverges from the 2.0 track by incorporating brief surround activity during the movie’s climactic storm sequence. Despite the lack of directional separation—where sound emanates uniformly from all speakers—the effect is surprisingly immersive. This multi-channel gear shift, albeit brief and somewhat crude, injects a heightened intensity to the storm scene, enveloping the listener in howling winds and crashing waves, thus enhancing the dramatic impact. Still, age-related artifacts such as hiss and pops are perceptible in both tracks, though minimal enough not to detract significantly from the overall listening experience. Despite these minor imperfections, the audio tracks manage to convey the mysticism and romantic essence of "Portrait of Jennie" effectively.

The Blu-ray release of "Portrait of Jennie" offers a thoughtfully curated selection of extras that add significant value to any cinephile's collection. Commentary by film historian Troy Howarth stands out as particularly informative and entertaining. While initially heavy on plot recapitulation, Howarth quickly shifts to engaging discussions of the cast and crew bios, the film's themes, budgetary challenges, and its place within the broader spectrum of supernatural love stories. Of notable interest is his analysis of the Magnascope process used in the climactic storm sequence and early efforts to promote multi-channel audio. Additionally, a Theatrical Trailer and Trailer Gallery provide both historical context and promotional materials, featuring trailers for related Selznick films starring Jennifer Jones and Joseph Cotten.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Insightful track by historian Troy Howarth.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview for the film.
• Trailer Gallery: Additional trailers for related Selznick films.

Portrait of Jennie, directed by William Dieterle and released in 1948, is a romantic fantasy that deftly intertwines reality with ethereal elements. The film opens with a narrated prologue, invoking philosophical minds such as Euripides and Keats, setting a mystical ambiance. Based on Robert Nathan's novella, the story follows Eben Adams (Joseph Cotten), a disenchanted artist in 1934 New York, who encounters Jennie (Jennifer Jones), a mysterious young girl with an anachronistic aura. Strikingly, with each encounter, Jennie appears older, compelling Eben to demystify her enigmatic existence. The production meticulously meshes cultural motifs, particularly Irish ones, enhancing the film’s poetic resonance and mystical tone.

The film features notable performances that elevate its narrative. Joseph Cotten skillfully portrays Eben without succumbing to self-pity, bringing depth to his character’s obsession and artistic despair. Jennifer Jones delivers a luminous performance, navigating the complexities of Jennie’s rapidly maturing character with grace and subtlety. Ethel Barrymore as Miss Spinney and Lillian Gish add gravitas to the film's more mystical elements. The visual execution is ambitious for its time, employing techniques such as Magnascope for the storm scene. This technique, along with the employment of multi-channel sound during climactic moments, underscores Selznick's commitment to creating a visually immersive experience.

Despite its initial tepid reception and the production difficulties that plagued its creation, Portrait of Jennie has grown in acclaim over the years. Its haunting elegance and emotional potency make it a standout romantic fantasy that defies conventional storytelling boundaries. The on-location shoots in New York City and Massachusetts lend authenticity, and the selective use of Technicolor accentuates pivotal moments, making it an enduring example of Hollywood’s golden-era ambition and innovation.

"Portrait of Jennie" captivates as an exquisite romantic fantasy, distinguished by its stirring narrative and the remarkable performances of Jennifer Jones and Joseph Cotten. Jones brings ingenuity to her portrayal, convincingly illustrating Jennie's rapid growth, while Cotten imbues his character with a compelling mix of realism and obsession. Supported by legendary actresses Ethel Barrymore and Lillian Gish, their synergy breathes life into this poignant tale of love transcending time.

Technically, the Blu-Ray offers commendable enhancements, particularly through the use of tinted and Technicolor sequences which exquisitely capture the film's painterly visuals. Despite the source material's inconsistency and the noticeable need for a full restoration, the introduction of multi-channel audio enriches the viewing experience, elevating the film's evocative score and dramatic climax. The addition of a powerful storm sequence toward the end, while somewhat overwrought, remains visually impressive and thematically resonant.

Conclusion

While some may find the supplemental content lacking, "Portrait of Jennie" retains its allure as a timeless romance. Its lush visuals, memorable performances, and engrossing mystery make it a worthy addition to any classic film collection. Recommended.