Rosemary's Baby Blu-ray Review

Criterion's new Blu-ray presentation of Roman Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby" offers an impressive video transfer, maintaining the film's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC in 1080p resolution, approved by the director himself. The high-definition transfer was crafted in 4K resolution from the original 35mm camera negative using a Scanity film scanner, with extensive restoration work carried out to remove thousands of instances of dirt, debris, splices, and other imperfections. This meticulous process involved advanced tools like MTI’s DRS, Pixel Farm’s PFClean, and Image Systems' Phoenix. The end result is a presentation that is remarkably clean and visually stunning.

Visually, the new transfer significantly surpasses previous releases, including the out-of-print R1 DVD from 2003. Viewers will notice an impressive enhancement in detail and clarity; close-ups of Mia Farrow's transformative portrayal of Rosemary show abundant textures that were previously indiscernible. Color stability is vastly improved, offering natural and lifelike hues especially evident in skin tones. The cinematography by William A. Fraker can finally be fully appreciated—the subtle soft focus brings out the dreamy, surreal quality of the film's first three-quarters, contrasting sharply with the sharp realism that follows. The tonal palette of softer pastel colors is well-preserved, while black levels are accurate with discernible shadow details. Grain distribution is evenly resolved, contributing to a splendid cinematic quality while avoiding any trace of edge-enhancement.

The Criterion team’s painstaking restoration work ensures that "Rosemary's Baby" retains an organic, filmic look, almost entirely free from distracting artifacts or compression issues. The nuanced cinematography combined with the significant technical enhancements makes this Blu-ray presentation a special treat for fans and cinephiles alike, capturing the film's atmospheric essence with newfound precision and fidelity.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Rosemary's Baby" delivers an impressive audio experience with its English LPCM 1.0 track. The uncompressed PCM mono track, remastered from the original 35mm magnetic soundtrack, markedly enhances the film's auditory dimensions compared to the lossy track from the R1 DVD release. The absence of background hiss, pops, cracks, dropouts, or distortions ensures a clean and immersive listening experience. The sound is notably thick and well-rounded, exhibiting a wide range of nuanced dynamics and superior depth.

From the opening moments, the music by Krzysztof Komeda fills the auditory space with an eerie, demonic-like lullaby chant that immediately sets the tone for the film. The soundstage is broad and all-encompassing, offering wide imaging that is both engaging and hypnotically disturbing. Each note and timbre is distinct with superb separation, maintaining clean mid-range dynamics even in scenes with higher frequencies. These frequencies retain their sharpness and clarity, penetrating deeply into the room. Dialogue is crystal clear and precise, capturing every nuance in Mia Farrow's performance. An appreciable low-end adds a welcomed weight and depth to the music without seeming forced or artificial.

Overall, the LPCM 1.0 track on this Blu-ray disc provides a marvelous lossless mix for one of the most terrifying films ever made. Criterion's meticulous remastering ensures that both the music and dialogue are rendered with exceptional clarity and emotional impact, making this release a must-have for audiophiles and horror aficionados alike.

The Blu-ray release of "Rosemary's Baby" includes an impressive array of extras that provide a deep dive into the film’s production and cultural impact. The standout documentary, "Remembering Rosemary's Baby," features insightful interviews with director Roman Polanski, actress Mia Farrow, and producer Robert Evans, shedding light on behind-the-scenes dynamics and Polanski’s unique approach to working with actors. The transfer quality is excellent, ensuring a visually engaging experience. Additionally, a 1997 radio interview segment with author Ira Levin adds depth by discussing not only his work on "Rosemary's Baby" but also broader aspects of his literary career. The inclusion of the documentary "Komeda, Komeda" offers a poignant look into the life and career of the composer Krzysztof Komeda, a key collaborator of Polanski, enriching the viewer's understanding of the film’s haunting score.

Extras included in this disc:

• Remembering Rosemary's Baby: Documentary featuring insights from the director, actress, and producer.
• Ira Levin and Leonard Lopate: Radio interview discussing the sequel novel and original film.
• Komeda, Komeda: Documentary on composer Krzysztof Komeda’s life and works.
• Booklet: Illustrated essay by critic Ed Park and Ira Levin's afterword from the 2003 novel edition.

Roman Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby" (1968) represents a pinnacle of psychological horror, with a slow-burn narrative that immerses the viewer into a realm of paranoia and dread. Polanski's American debut is a masterclass in suspense, leveraging his European artistry known from 'Repulsion' and 'Knife in the Water'. The film adapts Ira Levin's novel meticulously, showing Mia Farrow as Rosemary and John Cassavetes as Guy, her ambitious actor-husband. Polanski’s adept manipulation of the frame creates a distorted world, further amplifying the anxious atmosphere. His use of out-of-frame techniques, where characters move just beyond the visual field, compels viewers to lean in, heightening their sense of unease.

The film's cast delivers exceptional performances, with Farrow embodying Rosemary's transition from innocence to horrific awareness flawlessly. Ruth Gordon's portrayal of Minnie Castevet earned her an Academy Award, thanks to her disquieting balance of nosiness and neighborly charm. The nuanced performances contribute to the film’s ambiguity. Polanski toys with expectations, crafting a narrative where clues about witchcraft and black magic are so subtly interwoven that they can be dismissed until the horrifying climax.

Polanski’s direction aligns perfectly with the cinematography and production design, encapsulating the viewer in an off-kilter New York apartment setting. His simplistic yet inventive camerawork captures the eerie normalcy and festering dread beneath the surface of everyday interactions. This visual language complements Levin’s story, emphasizing how external observation contrasts with internal realities. As Rosemary’s pregnancy progresses under sinister circumstances orchestrated by her husband and their satanic neighbors, viewers share in her plight—both psychologically and viscerally manipulated by Polanski's compelling narrative and stylistic execution. This Blu-ray edition by Criterion ensures that contemporary audiences can experience "Rosemary’s Baby" with pristine clarity, preserving its formidable impact on the horror genre.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Rosemary's Baby" is an exceptional package that significantly enhances this seminal horror masterpiece. The Blu-ray audio and video presentation is nothing short of excellent, restoring the film's visual and aural elements to a quality that surpasses previous versions. Fans of Roman Polanski's work and horror aficionados will undoubtedly appreciate the pristine picture and clear sound that bring new life to this classic tale of the supernatural and black magic.

Although the release omits the two bonus features from Paramount’s earlier DVD version, it compensates with superior new extras. The Blu-ray includes fresh interviews with director Roman Polanski, producer Robert Evans, and actress Mia Farrow, providing invaluable insights and anecdotes. Additionally, a 1997 audio interview with Ira Levin, the author behind the original novel, offers further depth, as does the comprehensive documentary on Polish jazz musician and composer Krzysztof Komeda. Criterion has also included a booklet featuring an essay by Ed Park, Levin’s 2003 afterword to the novel’s reissue, and excerpts from Levin’s notebooks, enriching the viewer's understanding of the film's context and creation.

Conclusively, "Rosemary's Baby" on Blu-ray is a definitive release for both new viewers and long-time fans. The extraordinary effort put into this edition's restoration and the impressive array of new supplementary material make it a must-own. Criterion continues to uphold its reputation for quality with this release, ensuring that this iconic film remains both relevant and revered in contemporary cinema. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.