Safety Last! Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Fred C. Newmeyer and Sam Taylor's "Safety Last!" exhibits a remarkable restoration effort, preserving the film's historical integrity while enhancing its visual appeal. Presented in 1.37:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, this 1080i transfer utilizes a variable frame rate of approximately 22 frames per second, adhering to Kevin Brownlow's restoration standards and synchronizing with the Carl Davis score. Transferred from a 35mm nitrate print belonging to Harold Lloyd's personal collection, the image leverages 2K resolution on a DTF Scanity film scanner, ensuring meticulous detail. Extensive digital restoration using MTI's DRS and Pixel Farm's PFClean effectively diminishes defects like dirt, debris, and scratches, while Image Systems' Phoenix stabilizes small dirt, jitter, flicker, and grain.

The visual quality of "Safety Last!" is striking, with image depth that rivals more recent films. Panoramic shots are particularly impressive, displaying robust contrast and stable clarity throughout. The organic texture of the film is preserved without resorting to artificial sharpening or degraining techniques. Blacks, grays, and whites are well-balanced, maintaining color saturation without collapse. Minor defects such as occasional vertical lines and light flickers due to historical wear remain but do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. This transfer truly exemplifies the capacity of modern restoration to breathe life into a nearly century-old classic, appealing greatly to both new audiences and Harold Lloyd aficionados.

Conversely, three accompanying shorts—"Take a Chance," "Young Mr. Jazz," and "His Royal Slyness"—present with 1080p transfers that, while restored, reveal their archival limitations through minor contrast fluctuations and signs of age, including fading and frame skips. Despite these issues, considerable restoration efforts have optimized their presentation, resulting in largely delightful viewing experiences. Notably, certain portions of "Take a Chance" and "His Royal Slyness" deliver remarkable visuals despite inherent material challenges. Such dedication ensures these historical treasures remain accessible to audiences today.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Safety Last!" offers a compelling auditory experience with two distinct musical scores. The primary score, crafted by Carl Davis in 1989 and available in LPCM 2.0, is meticulously synchronized and showcases excellent dynamic range, depth, and clarity. Its orchestral richness is conveyed through crisp sound quality that is both engaging and full-bodied. In contrast, Gaylord Carter’s 1969 improvised score, presented in LPCM 1.0, provides an alternative auditory experience. While it lacks the orchestral oomph and dynamic depth of Davis's rendition, it embodies a more intimate interpretation, highlighting the organ's unique tonal characteristics within the context of its historical recording conditions.

Additionally, the release includes three short films accompanied by Dolby Digital 2.0 tracks, which deliver surprising depth and clarity. These tracks maintain a robust dynamic intensity, enhancing the auditory engagement of the additional content. Overall, the diversity in audio options allows listeners to explore contrasting acoustic experiences—an orchestrated and polished composition alongside a more spontaneous and vintage organ improvisation. The attention to detail in restoration and the provision of standard intertitles further enhance the immersive cinematic atmosphere of this classic release.

The Blu-ray of "Safety Last!" offers an impressive array of extras that provide significant context and appreciation for the legendary Harold Lloyd's work. The Introduction by Suzanne Lloyd delivers personal insights into her grandfather's legacy. The Commentary featuring Leonard Maltin and Richard Correll is exceptional, offering in-depth analysis of Lloyd's work ethic and filmmaking techniques. Two distinct musical scores enrich the film-viewing experience – Carl Davis' orchestral score and Gaylord Carter's improvised organ score. The inclusion of Three Short Films highlights Lloyd’s early works, albeit with mixed reception. Additionally, the two-part documentary, Harold Lloyd: The Third Genius, provides a comprehensive biographical exploration. The Locations and Effects documentary expertly delves into Lloyd's daring stunts and innovative filming techniques. Finally, Carl Davis: Scoring for Harold interviews unfold the musical artistry behind the film’s score. Collectively, these features contribute a valuable depth of knowledge for both casual viewers and film connoisseurs.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction: Suzanne Lloyd discusses Harold Lloyd's legacy.
• Commentary: Leonard Maltin and Richard Correll provide detailed insights.
• Three Short Films: Early works showcasing Lloyd's evolving style.
• Harold Lloyd: The Third Genius: In-depth biographical documentary.
• Locations and Effects: Exploration of filming techniques and stunts.
• Carl Davis: Scoring for Harold: Composer details the film’s musical scores.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "Safety Last!" highlights the timeless genius of Harold Lloyd, placing him alongside comedic titans like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. The film's narrative follows Lloyd, an earnest young man entangled in the bustling city life as he seeks to reunite with and marry his sweetheart. Initially, Lloyd struggles within the confines of economic hardship and pretentious social appearances, comically juggling his motivations with mishaps in a grand department store setting. The film sustains its energy through tightly choreographed gags, skillful camerawork, and Lloyd's unique brand of casual elegance that sets him apart from his peers.

A standout feature of "Safety Last!" is its iconic building-climbing scene, where Lloyd grapples with heights and viewer vertigo alike, delivering a suspenseful and humorous finale that captivates even a modern audience. The sequence is an extraordinary example of early film stunts performed with minimal safety measures, augmented by precise cinematography that convincingly immerses viewers in the escalating tension. While the storyline itself is simplistic, Lloyd's performance during this perilous climb transforms "Safety Last!" into an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Supplementary materials enhance the Blu-ray's value with an introduction by Suzanne Lloyd, insightful commentary from Leonard Maltin and Richard Correll, restored short films, and Carl Davis' engaging interview on the film’s composition. Through these additions, audiences are given depth into Harold Lloyd's filmmaking legacy and the technical mastery behind his daring stunts. "Safety Last!" offers more than mere entertainment; it serves as a vibrant historical piece capturing urban life in 1920s Los Angeles. This release solidifies Harold Lloyd's place in film history and reinstates his influence on subsequent generations of filmmakers.

The Blu-ray release of Harold Lloyd's "Safety Last!" is a seminal addition to any film enthusiast's collection. This masterfully restored silent film, brought to modern audiences by Criterion, showcases Lloyd’s genius through stunts and visual effects that continue to captivate and astonish viewers nearly a century after its original release. The care given to this restoration ensures that the sequences—some of which are iconic in cinema history—are presented with unparalleled clarity and detail, further elevating their impact.

Criterion's release does not only excel in the visual presentation but also offers a comprehensive suite of special features invaluable to both seasoned fans and newcomers. These carefully curated materials provide deeper insights into Lloyd's unmatched prowess during the silent era and enrich the viewing experience. The thorough restoration and informative extras collectively encapsulate the unique charm and enduring appeal of Lloyd’s work, maintaining high historical and entertainment value.

In conclusion, "Safety Last!" on Blu-ray is not just a film; it is an exemplar of cinematic history, reintroduced flawlessly for contemporary audiences. The dedication to preserving the brilliance of Harold Lloyd’s artistry is evident, making this release a high-quality investment worthy of any collection. With the profound discomfort yet thrill inspired by its daring stunts, this release comes very highly recommended. Let us anticipate more such offerings from Harold Lloyd in the future.