Howards End Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Howards End" from Cohen Film Collection utilizes an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a unique aspect ratio of 2.50:1. Unlike the previous Criterion release, this edition showcases a new 4K restoration derived from the original camera negatives and overseen by Director James Ivory and Cinematographer Tony Pierce-Roberts. The visual differences between the highlights of this version and Criterion's are subtle yet noticeable, particularly in brightness and color grading. The Cohen release is notably brighter, resulting in a slightly washed-out appearance in some scenes, though it maintains a natural, authentic look overall. Detail levels are impressively high, providing precise textures on close-up shots of actors' faces and elaborate costumes. The film grain is well-managed, blending seamlessly with the picture and only showing minor upticks in selective scenes.

However, the choice of the 2.50:1 aspect ratio has sparked discussion and some controversy among enthusiasts and critics. While the original theatrical release was in 2.39:1, the Cohen version slightly crops the image on all sides compared to Criterion's 2.35:1 framing, leading to missing details that may impact the viewing experience for purists. Despite these concerns, the black levels are robust, and issues like noise and aliasing have been effectively mitigated, offering a cleaner and more film-like presentation. Each frame maintains a consistent grain structure that appeals to film aficionados.

In conclusion, while the restoration quality is superb, bringing out fine details and textures with enhanced clarity and strong black levels, the unusual aspect ratio may be perceived as a drawback by some collectors. Potential buyers need to weigh these factors when considering this release for their collection.

The Blu-ray release of "Howards End" provides multiple audio options, including a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, an LPCM 2.0 mix, and a Dolby Digital 5.1 track. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track stands out as the superior choice, delivering an auditory experience that supports Richard Robbins' enchanting score while effectively utilizing ambient environmental effects to enhance immersion. Scenes like the one on the bluff are particularly notable for their subtle yet rich sound design, integrating elements such as windswept landscapes seamlessly. Dialogue is consistently clear and devoid of any audio anomalies, partially due to the disc being authored to default correctly to the DTS-HD track despite its placement as the third track option.

Interestingly, while Cohen mentions a remaster for the 5.1 track, comparisons suggest negligible difference from the Criterion release. The DTS-HD track predominantly serves to elevate the atmospheric and musical dimensions of the film rather than offering dynamic surround effects. Ambient sounds such as horse hooves appear selectively and not uniformly, with primary focus on the clear, front-centric dialogue that is pivotal for this dialog-heavy narrative. The provided additional tracks (Dolby Digital 5.1 and LPCM 2.0) exhibit satisfactory performance, but they lack the depth and clarity of the lossless DTS-HD option. English SDH subtitles are also available for accessibility.

The Blu Ray extras for "Howards End" present a rich offering of supplementary material, which both inherited and improved upon past releases. Disc one features an insightful audio commentary by film critics Wade Major and Lael Lowenstein, though it occasionally suffers from redundancy. Disc two includes an array of interviews and featurettes: a 2016 conversation with James Ivory and Laurence Kardish from MOMA, an interview with Ivory and Vanessa Redgrave from the Cannes Film Festival, and an on-stage Q&A at Lincoln Center. Additionally, there's archived content like the 1992 behind-the-scenes featurette and several pieces originally produced for Criterion, including a detailed documentary on the making of the film and reflections from James Ivory on the late Ismail Merchant. This collection is presented in high definition, ensuring fans access to high-quality, engaging content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Wade Major and Lael Lowenstein.
• Returning to Howards End: 2016 conversation between James Ivory and Laurence Kardish.
• Interview with James Ivory and Vanessa Redgrave: Conducted at the Cannes Film Festival.
• On-Stage Q&A with James Ivory: Interview by Michael Koresky.
• 1992 Behind-the-Scenes Featurette: Archival EPK content.
• Building Howards End: Documentary on the film's production history.
• The Design of Howards End: Featurette on production and costume design.
• James Ivory Remembers Ismail Merchant: Ivory discusses his longtime partner.
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• 2016 Re-Release Trailer

Merchant Ivory Productions, renowned for its exquisite period pieces, hits another high mark with Howards End, their third adaptation of an E.M. Forster novel. At its core, the film dissects the social strata of Edwardian England through the interconnected lives of three families: the affluent Wilcoxes; the intellectual Schlegels; and the struggling Basts. The narrative, rich in its portrayal of class dynamics and social change, unfolds with the grace and precision that epitomizes Merchant Ivory’s oeuvre. Emma Thompson delivers a stirring performance as Margaret Schlegel alongside Anthony Hopkins as Henry Wilcox, both masterfully guided by James Ivory’s direction.

This particular Blu-ray release, brought by the Cohen Film Collection, touts a new 4K restoration sourced from the original camera negative, though presented in 1080p. The technical enhancements shine through, with color grading supervised by cinematographer Tony Pierce-Roberts and director James Ivory ensuring the film’s visual integrity and authenticity. Despite some controversy surrounding the aspect ratio (the back of the slipcase incorrectly claims 1.78:1 while diverging from the original theatrical ratio), the picture quality remains impressive with a sharp, detailed presentation that embellishes the film's refined aesthetic.

Additionally, this special edition offers a comprehensive package that enriches the viewing experience. Housed in a sturdy keepcase within a slipcase, it includes a 25-page booklet providing insightful context about the film and other Merchant Ivory works slated for future releases. The inclusion of vintage trailers and advertisements adds a touch of nostalgia, although one might find the pre-loaded promotional materials somewhat intrusive. Nonetheless, Howards End on Blu-ray is a must-have for enthusiasts of meticulously crafted historical cinema and stands as a testament to Merchant Ivory’s enduring legacy in film history.

Cohen’s Blu-ray release of "Howards End" is a remarkable presentation of an enduring classic. The film flawlessly balances its British stoic overtones with moments of genuine pathos and humor, supported by stellar performances and magnificent production design. The source material's inherent literary quality is respected and enhanced through this visually stunning and meticulously crafted package. However, prospective buyers should be cautious of potential concerns regarding the transfer's aspect ratio, which may be cause for some dissatisfaction among discerning viewers.

The technical merits of this release are undeniably top-notch, with exceptional sound and picture quality that showcase the film's visual grandeur and intricate details. The supplementary features included in this edition are of high caliber, providing a deep dive into the making and significance of the film. Yet, a few may find the framing/ratio issues irksome, as it slightly hampers what could have been an impeccable cinematic experience.

In conclusion, Cohen's Blu-ray edition of "Howards End" is highly recommended for its compelling portrayal and high-quality production. It serves both longtime fans of the movie and those new to Merchant Ivory's work, despite the minor aspect ratio hiccup. This release remains an essential addition to any serious film collector’s library, celebrating the film's lasting appeal with due reverence and excellence.