The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex" delivers an impeccable visual presentation that preserves the rich legacy of its original Technicolor format. This meticulously crafted transfer features a high-definition master derived from a 4K scan of the original Technicolor negatives, ensuring breathtaking picture quality. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encoding supports vibrant hues with razor-sharp detail, offering a vivid cinematic experience that far exceeds prior home media releases. The film's 1.37:1 aspect ratio is maintained, ensuring authenticity to its theatrical presentation.

The expertly managed color reproduction is a standout feature; bold reds, royal purples, and a spectrum of blues and greens dominate the screen with depth and radiance. Exceptional clarity is complemented by true-to-life flesh tones and shadow details that preserve the natural film grain. The integrity of Sol Polito's Oscar-nominated cinematography remains intact, capturing each intricate costume pattern, delicate lace design, and fabric texture sharply. Close-ups maintain a near three-dimensional quality, showcasing fine details like the age makeup on Bette Davis and Olivia De Havilland's fresh complexion.

The transfer’s clarity and depth underscore the film’s rich visual storytelling, making painted backdrops more noticeable yet forgiving such minor drawbacks given the stunning overall presentation. Additional technical aspects such as deep black levels and crisp whites are resolved without posterization or compression artifacts. Every frame exudes a level of pristine restoration that enhances both the immersive impact and historical fidelity of this 82-year-old film. This Blu-ray defines what a perfect transfer should look like and serves as one of Warner Archive's most commendable restorations in recent memory.

The audio presentation of "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex" on Blu-ray offers a commendable restoration of the original sound elements. Encoded with DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono, the track maintains the integrity of Nathan Levinson’s renowned work, delivering a robust and clear auditory experience. The dialogue is expertly recorded, consistently well-prioritized, and places vocal clarity at the forefront of the mix, ensuring comprehensibility throughout. Although slight distortions occur in a few brief instances, these are generally attributed to the age and condition of the source material and are somewhat mitigated by the available English (SDH) subtitles.

Musically, Erich Wolfgang Korngold's Oscar-nominated score is dynamically rendered, showcasing an impressive range that captures both soaring crescendos and subtle nuances without significant distortion. The orchestration blends seamlessly with dialogue and sound effects, contributing to a balanced soundscape that enriches the film's cinematic depth. Occasional pops and faint surface noise are minimal distractions given the era's technological constraints, ultimately enhancing the authenticity of this audio reconstruction.

Warner Archive’s efforts preserve a first-rate fidelity typical for its time while adding modern touches that elevate the listening experience. Despite not offering surround sound capabilities, the mono track remains immersive, giving viewers a sensation akin to witnessing a live stage production. The restoration achieves an impressive synthesis of musicality and dialogue delivery, making this audio presentation a notable component of the Blu-ray package. While it fascinatingly mirrors historical sound production standards, it also subtly highlights opportunities where further enhancements could be prioritized in future releases, such as extending subtitle support to additional features for inclusivity.

The Blu-ray release of "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex" offers a captivating collection of vintage extras that transport viewers back to the golden age of cinema. These supplements, transferred from the 2005 DVD edition with some restoration, provide a rich historical context that enhances the viewing experience. Leonard Maltin's introduction sets the tone with insights into the film's place in cinematic history. The "Warner Night at the Movies 1939" package stands out as a nostalgic prelude, featuring shorts and newsreels that encapsulate the era's cultural and entertainment landscape. The "Elizabeth & Essex: Battle Royale" featurette provides a unique glimpse into the tumultuous behind-the-scenes dynamics between Bette Davis and Errol Flynn, enriched by expert commentary. The extras are rounded off with a couple of trailers that echo the film's legacy with high-definition restoration.

Extras included in this disc:

• Warner Night at the Movies 1939: Collection of pre-show entertainment including a comedy short, newsreel, and cartoon.
• Introduction by Leonard Maltin: Overview of the film's impact and historical context.
• Dark Victory Theatrical Trailer: Promotional piece for a 1939 film starring Bette Davis.
• Newsreel: Movietone clip illustrating American culture in 1938.
• WB Cartoon: Old Glory: Rotoscoped animation featuring historical events.
• WB Short: The Royal Rodeo: Technicolor short about a bored king.
• Featurette: Elizabeth & Essex: Battle Royale: Behind-the-scenes insights into the film’s production.
• Theatrical Trailer: Restored promotional trailer in black and white.

Michael Curtiz's "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex" bursts onto Blu-ray as a testament to its enduring appeal. With this 1939 production, Warner Bros. presents a vibrant historical drama wrapped in the distinctive allure of early three-strip Technicolor. The film, based on Maxwell Anderson's stage play "Elizabeth the Queen," navigates the tempestuous dynamic between Queen Elizabeth I, portrayed with fervor by Bette Davis, and Errol Flynn's rakish Earl of Essex. Amidst a backdrop of intense political intrigue, the narrative weaves a tale of love and ambition. Davis dominates the screen with a portrayal rich in emotional depth, capturing Elizabeth's vulnerability beneath her regal demeanor. Her dedication to embodying the queen's likeness physically – shaving parts of her hairline and donning ornate costumes – only underscores the performance's authenticity.

Supporting Davis and Flynn is an impressive ensemble cast, including the young Vincent Price in a notable breakout role as Sir Walter Raleigh, and Olivia de Havilland in a more subdued role as Lady Penelope Gray. Curtiz channels his characteristic directorial flair, seamlessly guiding Sol Polito's Technicolor visuals over expansive, opulent sets. Despite some indoor battle scenes that lack grandiosity, the film thrives on evocative dialogue and the palpable tension among characters driven by power and pride. Composer Erich Wolfgang Korngold's sweeping score bolsters the film’s emotional heft.

The Blu-ray release expertly preserves this visual and auditory experience with a 4K-sourced restoration and lossless audio, engaging audiences with a newfound vibrancy that eclipses previous editions. While Errol Flynn initially seemed an unconventional pick for Essex, his chemistry with Davis—marked by contrasts of solemn intensity and devil-may-care charm—solidifies their compelling on-screen duel. Thus, Warner Archive's presentation of "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex" not only revives a tour-de-force period drama but also honors a cinematic gem from Hollywood's golden year, 1939.

Michael Curtiz's "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex" is a remarkable cinematic piece that remains relevant and engaging even after more than 80 years. This Warner Archive Blu-ray edition is noteworthy for its stunning 4K restoration, sourced from original Technicolor negatives, which enhances the film's already opulent sets, costumes, and rich color palette. The excellent picture quality captures the intricate details of the production, rendering vivid scenes that hold historical intrigue and theatrical allure. The restoration is complemented by a robust lossless audio track that highlights Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s memorable score, further immersing viewers in this grand historical spectacle.

The film features stellar performances from an ensemble cast led by Bette Davis, Errol Flynn, and Olivia de Havilland. Their portrayals contribute to the film's powerful narrative, offering a complex and dimensional portrayal of England's Queen Elizabeth I. Despite historical liberties, the compelling script and dynamic character interactions provide a captivating drama filled with court intrigue and romantic tension. The release also offers a comprehensive set of bonus features, including all extras from previous releases, enhancing the overall package.

Conclusively, The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex is a critical and commercial success, seamlessly blending historical romance with vibrant cinematography and sound. This Blu-ray edition stands as one of Warner Archive's finest restorations to date, delivering a must-have addition for collectors and new viewers alike. The film is more than just an entertaining journey; it’s a testament to enduring cinematic craftsmanship and is highly recommended for anyone seeking a blend of historical grandeur and classic Hollywood storytelling.