A Foreign Affair Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber presents Billy Wilder's "A Foreign Affair" in a commendable 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition transfer, maintaining the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. The evocative black-and-white cinematography comes alive with this generally satisfactory transfer, capturing the film’s artistic intent with a deep appreciation of its visual nuances. The transfer provides excellent detail in several scenes, delivering impressive clarity that highlights the film's cinematic strengths.

However, the overall presentation does have its inconsistencies. While many scenes are downright stunning, showcasing crisp details and a fine greyscale with deep blacks and pure whites, certain sequences appear inherently soft with noticeable minor wear and thin scratches that can momentarily draw away from the viewing experience. These fleeting imperfections, including occasional dirt and debris, remind viewers of the film's age but do not significantly detract from the overall appreciable quality. Additionally, a nice layer of grain maintains the analog texture, ensuring a film-like experience.

In summary, "A Foreign Affair" on Blu-ray offers a good (if imperfect) transfer that undoubtedly will satisfy enthusiasts of classic cinema, despite some minor and momentary distractions. The presentation honors the film’s distinctive cinematography while balancing the preservation of its vintage charm with modern high-definition clarity.

The audio presentation of "A Foreign Affair" on Blu-ray boasts a commendable DTS-HD Master Audio mono track that delivers an engaging experience. The dialogue, known for its wit and charm, is rendered with crisp clarity, ensuring that every word resonates perfectly with the viewer. Frederick Hollander’s music and appropriate sound effects are seamlessly integrated, providing a well-balanced auditory experience. Optional English subtitles are also available for added accessibility.

Universal's efforts are evident in the meticulous cleanup of the film's soundtrack. The lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix succeeds in eliminating age-related issues such as hiss, crackle, hum, and flutter, allowing for an uninterrupted listening experience. While the overall fidelity may not reach the heights of a pitch-perfect restoration, it stands a few steps above average, offering satisfactory performance without any glaring audio detriments.

The Blu-Ray extras for "A Foreign Affair" include a range of engaging and informative content. Highlights include an insightful audio commentary by film historian Joseph McBride, who provides in-depth analysis based on his personal acquaintance with Billy Wilder and Jean Arthur. This commentary offers both biographical insights and film analysis. Additionally, the disc features various theatrical trailers that provide a historical context for the film and its place within Billy Wilder's body of work.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Film Historian Joseph McBride: Insightful commentary featuring biographical and analytical discussions.
• A Foreign Affair Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Witness for the Prosecution Trailer: Trailer for another classic Billy Wilder film.
• One, Two, Three Trailer: Preview of another comedic venture by Wilder.
• Irma La Douce Trailer: Trailer showcasing this romantic comedy.
• The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes Trailer: Promotional trailer.
• Avanti! Trailer: Brief insight into this romantic comedy.
• The Front Page Trailer: Teaser for Wilder’s satirical comedy.

Billy Wilder's 1948 dark romantic comedy, A Foreign Affair, stands as a brilliant yet underappreciated gem in the annals of post-war cinema. Set against the backdrop of a devastated Berlin, the plot centers around Iowan congresswoman Phoebe Frost (Jean Arthur) navigating the complexities of her new environment during a fact-finding mission about American troop morale. Frost's journey through the ravaged city introduces her to Captain John Pringle (John Lund) and glamorous cabaret singer Erika von Schluetow (Marlene Dietrich), weaving them into a compelling love triangle.

Wilder’s characteristic cynicism is tempered by sharp political satire and nuanced performances from Arthur and Dietrich. Arthur’s portrayal of the dowdy and principled Frost contrasts starkly with Dietrich’s sultry and resilient Erika, a former Nazi associate whose survival instincts are both haunting and mesmerizing. This dynamic serves as the crux of the story, emphasizing the lingering desperations of the time. Wilder’s screenplay, co-written with Charles Brackett and Richard L. Breen, masterfully integrates these interpersonal conflicts with a broader commentary on the moral ambiguities of occupation, capturing the disillusionment and opportunism prevalent in post-war Berlin.

Technically, the film benefits from exceptional contributions that elevate its narrative depth. Cinematographer Charles Lang’s evocative imagery and meticulous lighting lend authenticity to both on-location shots and studio sets, enhancing the film's melancholic atmosphere. Friedrich Hollaender’s poignant score, particularly the cabaret numbers tailored for Dietrich, underscores the thematic elements of desperation and illusion. Additionally, Edith Head’s costume designs are noteworthy, particularly in how they contrast Erika’s seductive allure with Frost’s initial severity before transforming her into a polished beauty. This combination of stellar performances and technical prowess results in a compelling cinematic experience that not only entertains but also provides a thought-provoking look at human resilience and moral compromise in times of upheaval.

Billy Wilder's "A Foreign Affair" is a striking blend of comedy and satire, portraying post-war Berlin with a precise yet entertaining lens. This Blu-ray version highlights the stellar performances of Jean Arthur and Marlene Dietrich, two luminaries of Hollywood's Golden Age. The transfer quality impresses, exhibiting a clean image with detailed texture and balanced contrast, preserving the film’s original noir aesthetic. The sound mix brings depth to the auditory experience, maintaining clarity and enhancing dialogue delivery, pivotal for a film of this genre.

Moreover, the supplementary materials included in the Blu-ray enrich the viewing experience, offering insights into the production process and the historical context of the film. The retrospective featurette elevates appreciation for Wilder's creative genius, dissecting his narrative techniques and directorial choices. It’s clear that this release has been thoughtfully crafted to honor both the film's legacy and its audience.

What a beautiful production. "A Foreign Affair" is a must-see classic by the great auteur Billy Wilder (The Apartment, Some Like It Hot). The performances by the all-star cast are impressive and the filmmaking demonstrates creativity in spades. The Blu-ray release features a worthy PQ/AQ presentation and is certainly well worth picking up for fans of the film. Highly recommended.