Grace Quigley Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Grace Quigley" presents Anthony Harvey's 1985 Director’s Cut in its original 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio, encoded on an MPEG-4 AVC BD-25 disc. The visual quality largely impresses, with skin tones on the actors' faces appearing naturally precise and undisturbed in post-production. Katherine Hepburn's ruddy complexion and Nick Nolte's dark, warm tone are accurately showcased without any color bleeding. The occasional drabness and softness in the image do not detract significantly from the overall experience, and artifacts are minimal, ensuring a clean view.

The transfer's detail retention is commendable, preserving the film's cinematic look with adequate clarity. While the video score of 4.25 reflects a few minor imperfections, this Blu-ray still represents a substantial visual upgrade over previously available formats such as MGM/UA's 1985 videocassette or the Australian DVD edition. Overall, the visual presentation is robust, if somewhat modest in fidelity, standing out particularly in its faithful rendering of skin tones and general artifact-free quality.

The audio presentation for the Blu Ray of "Grace Quigley" is supplied in DTS-HD Master Audio Dual Mono (1558 kbps, 16-bit). This lossless format effectively preserves the film's original monaural track. The dialogue, crucial to this narrative-driven film, is rendered clearly, providing an authentic representation of the actors' performances. A highlight is the distinct and natural delivery of lines by a seasoned cast, including Hepburn, whose characteristic vocal nuances contribute to her portrayal of an elderly character. The optional English SDH subtitles are accurate and further enhance accessibility.

John Addison’s score, though modest compared to his previous works like "Torn Curtain" and "A Bridge Too Far," employs a low-key piano backdrop that subtly supports the film's tone without overpowering the dialogue. This balanced mix ensures that the music complements rather than competes with the spoken word. Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track achieves a faithful reproduction of the film’s original soundscape, free from any noticeable technical issues, suggesting an authentic auditory experience reminiscent of its 1985 release.

The extras on the Blu Ray of "Grace Quigley" provide valuable insights and additional content that enhance the viewing experience. The audio commentary by historian and filmmaker Daniel Kremer, despite his low, nasally voice, is insightful and deeply appreciative of director Anthony Harvey's body of work, placing "Grace Quigley" within the broader context of Harvey's career while addressing the film's initial reception. The inclusion of the official theatrical trailer for "Grace Quigley" showcases improved picture quality over previous releases. Additionally, a selection of bonus trailers from related films starring Katharine Hepburn or Nick Nolte, or directed by Harvey, add context and depth to the primary feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Film Historian and Filmmaker Daniel Kremer: Detailed discussion on Anthony Harvey's oeuvre and the thematic connections in "Grace Quigley."
• Theatrical Trailer: Official trailer with improved picture quality.
• Bonus Trailers: Trailers for related titles such as "A Delicate Balance," "The Lion in Winter," "They Might Be Giants," "Jefferson in Paris," and "Mulholland Falls."

"Grace Quigley," directed by Anthony Harvey and featuring the legendary Katharine Hepburn alongside Nick Nolte, offers a unique narrative filled with potential but ultimately falls short of its promise. Originating from a screenplay outline by A. Martin Zweiback, the film explores the unconventional partnership between Grace Quigley, an elderly widow facing eviction, and Seymour Flint, a professional hitman. Hepburn's portrayal of Grace, living in a rundown Manhattan apartment with her parakeet, Oscar, is compelling, while Nolte brings an intriguing complexity to the role of Flint. Their reluctant alliance to establish a euthanasia business for despondent seniors provides an unusual yet thought-provoking premise akin to a darkly comedic version of "Harold and Maude."

Despite the star power of its leads and the commendable supporting cast, including William Duell and Elizabeth Wilson, "Grace Quigley" struggles with tonal consistency and narrative depth. The film, which initially premiered at the 1984 Cannes Film Festival with a runtime of 102 minutes before being trimmed to 87 minutes for general release, lacks sufficient comedic engagement and sight gags necessary for sustained interest. The chemistry between Hepburn and Nolte is convincingly developed; however, the screenplay does not fully utilize the potential of its innovative concept. The result is a film that meanders through its dark comedy without ever fully capturing the audience's attention or emotional investment.

Harvey's subsequent cuts and attempts at reshaping the film, including a happier ending shot 18 months post initial filming, did little to salvage its lukewarm reception. Critics like Rex Reed deemed it a significant misstep in Hepburn's illustrious career, while others, such as Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times, offered more measured praise, specifically highlighting the strong performances despite the flawed execution. In summary, "Grace Quigley" presents an engaging idea marred by uneven storytelling and insufficient humor, leading to an overall underwhelming cinematic experience.

"Grace Quigley" on Blu Ray exemplifies both the strengths and limitations of director Anthony Harvey's unique filmmaking style. Despite a compelling and novel concept, the film may not be the most approachable entry point for newcomers to Harvey’s oeuvre. Daniel Kremer’s commentary suggests that “Grace Quigley” is best appreciated after familiarizing oneself with Harvey’s earlier works, particularly "Eagle's Wing" (1979). This recommendation is crucial, as the film might otherwise fall short in capturing the viewer's interest in comparison to more accessible dark comedies such as Hitchcock’s "The Trouble with Harry" (1955) or Kotcheff’s "Weekend at Bernie’s" (1989).

The Blu Ray release, courtesy of Kino, delivers an unexpectedly high-quality transfer complemented by an adequate uncompressed mono audio track. The added trailers provide an insightful look into other significant works by Katharine Hepburn and Anthony Harvey, such as “The Lion in Winter” and “A Delicate Balance,” further contextualizing “Grace Quigley” within their careers. However, these additional features may not sufficiently elevate the disc into a must-own category for all but the most ardent Hepburn aficionados.

In conclusion, while “Grace Quigley” may not be Anthony Harvey’s most impactful film, the Blu Ray release offers decent value for those interested in Hepburn's lesser-known works or Harvey’s directorial nuances. For those unfamiliar with his work, renting or streaming before purchasing is advisable.