Foolish Wives Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Foolish Wives" is a testament to the meticulous effort undertaken to preserve and restore a cinematic artifact that has endured significant wear and tear over its nine-decade existence. Compiled from multiple print sources, some in fragmentary and battered states, this 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer is presented in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, authentically reflecting its original exhibition format. Viewers should moderate their expectations, as acknowledged by a disclaimer on the Blu-ray case, highlighting the restoration's reliance on materials that vary in condition, resulting in a visual experience that may not align with the pristine standards typically associated with archival Blu-ray releases.

Despite these limitations, the restoration team's commitment to maintaining the film's integrity is evident in the balanced, natural aesthetics achieved without resorting to excessive digital noise reduction or edge enhancement techniques. The transfer is marred by age-related artifacts—flurries of white specks, jagged scratches, miscellaneous debris, dropped frames, and fluctuating brightness levels—yet these imperfections are a small price to pay for the opportunity to experience "Foolish Wives" in the best quality available to date. The black and white presentation fluctuates in balance but does not detract from the overall viewing experience, demonstrating a level of care and respect for the material.

Remarkably, considering the challenges inherent in assembling the film from disparate sources, "Foolish Wives" looks remarkably good on Blu-ray. The lack of sharp detail and pervasive grain underscore the film's age and the conditions of its preservation. However, it is evident that every decision made in this restoration was guided by a desire to honor the original work while acknowledging the practical limitations of its condition. This release does not merely offer a glimpse into cinema's past; it invites appreciation for the painstaking efforts required to bridge the gap between historical artifacts and contemporary audiences, ensuring "Foolish Wives" is available for future generations to assess and enjoy.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray release of "Foolish Wives" features an audio presentation that honors the silent film era with a meticulous approach to its musical score. In this release, viewers are treated to a new rendition of the original score by Austro-Hungarian composer Sigmund Romberg, expertly performed by Rodney Sauer, the founder of the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra and a recognized authority in the realm of photoplay music. The selection of Sauer for this task reinforces the release's commitment to providing an authentic and historically respectful audio experience. The score is encoded in an uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 stereo track, ensuring that the music is delivered with crisp clarity and a robust presence that serves to enhance, rather than distract from, the visual spectacle.

The technical quality of the audio track on this release cannot be understated. With an emphasis on maintaining the integrity and dynamics of Romberg's composition, the Linear PCM 2.0 stereo track excels in delivering the score with precision and depth. Despite the absence of dialogue—a characteristic intrinsic to silent films—the audio presentation ensures that the music occupies a central role in the storytelling, effectively conveying emotion and tension through Sauer's piano performance. The score not only complements the on-screen action but does so with a balance and finesse that allows viewers to fully immerse themselves in the film's narrative.

Given the nature of "Foolish Wives" as a silent film, the audio presentation might seem secondary to the visual experience. However, this release demonstrates that careful attention to the audio component can significantly enhance the overall viewing experience. The commitment to high-quality audio, as evidenced by the use of an uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 stereo track and the skillful rendition of Romberg's score by Rodney Sauer, ensures that the film's atmosphere is captured with all its intended impact. Thus, the audio presentation stands out as a commendable aspect of this 4K UHD Blu Ray release, offering both audiophiles and cinema enthusiasts alike a profoundly satisfying auditory journey through silent film history.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Foolish Wives" presents a commendable array of extras that enrich the viewing experience, skillfully weaving technical details into a narrative that enhances understanding of Erich von Stroheim's directorial vision and his tumultuous life. The centerpiece is undoubtedly "The Man You Loved to Hate," a comprehensive documentary by Patrick Montgomery, which masterfully explores von Stroheim's career with an abundance of film clips, interviews, and insights, making it indispensable for aficionados of silent cinema. Accompanied by Richard Koszarski's insightful audio commentary that highlights von Stroheim's meticulous directorial nuances and includes rare audio interview clips offering personal perspectives from von Stroheim’s circle, this release stands out. The inclusion of censored scenes by the New York Censor Board adds a fascinating historical context, and the curated photo gallery provides a visual feast that complements the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Richard Koszarski's insightful track unravels the complexities of von Stroheim's work.
• The Man You Loved to Hate: A vital documentary by Patrick Montgomery that provides an exhaustive look at von Stroheim's life and career.
• Audio Interview Clips: Exclusive insights from personal and professional relationships of von Stroheim.
• New York Censor Board Cuts: A revealing montage of excised content, offering a look into the era's censorship practices.
• Photo Gallery: A collection of stills and promotional images that visually enrich the narrative of "Foolish Wives".

Erich von Stroheim's "Foolish Wives," a pivotal work from the silent film era, serves as a paramount exhibition of the director's ambition and the tumultuous journey of his artistic vision through the Hollywood studio system. Stroheim, donning multiple hats as director, writer, and actor, crafts a narrative set in the lavish backdrop of post-World War I Monte Carlo, albeit constructed on Hollywood sets, encapsulating a tale of deception and moral ambiguity. The film introduces us to Count Vladislaw Sergius Karamzi (Stroheim) and his accomplices, portraying aristocrats engaging in swindling high society with counterfeit bills. This meticulous representation of European decadence versus American naivety, seen through the experiences of an American diplomat and his wife, showcases Stroheim's critique of superficial sophistication and his fascination with complex character dynamics. Renowned for his exhaustive filming approach, Stroheim's aspiration for a narrative sprawling over ten hours was drastically condensed by studio intervention, leaving "Foolish Wives" at a more palatable but significantly altered 143-minute runtime for contemporary audiences.

The partially reconstructed version, pieced together under the diligent efforts of film historians, provides the most complete glimpse into Stroheim's original vision, hinting at the epic scope that had been intended. "Foolish Wives," advertised as Hollywood's first million-dollar production, not only underscores Stroheim's grandiose aspirations but also his impending clash with budget constraints and studio politics that would eventually curtail his directing career. Despite these challenges, the film remains a testament to Stroheim's ingenuity, showcasing his ability to blend scathing social commentary with melodramatic allure. Through its portrayal of counterfeit nobility embroiled in deceitful escapades against a backdrop of opulent settings—including an impressively constructed Monte Carlo—the film navigates the dichotomy of appearance versus authenticity, a theme that resonates with Stroheim's own contentious relationship with Hollywood's hierarchical structures.

In essence, "Foolish Wives" serves as a rich exploration of themes such as deceit, ambition, and cultural clashes, encapsulated within a narrative that remains as engaging today as it presumably was at its inception. The film not only solidifies von Stroheim's legacy as a master storyteller and a visionary ahead of his time but also acts as a poignant reminder of the fragile interplay between artistic integrity and commercial viability within the film industry—a dichotomy that von Stroheim navigated with unparalleled audacity and which ultimately defined his tumultuous career in cinema. Through this release, modern audiences are offered a lens into the ambitious scope of early cinema that von Stroheim epitomized, marked by a combination of intricate storytelling and elaborate production values.

Erich von Stroheim's "Foolish Wives," often heralded as Hollywood's first foray into the realm of the million-dollar budget films, is a work that not only showcases the opulence and ambitious storytelling of the early 1920s but also represents a significant piece in the history of silent cinema. The Blu-ray release by Kino, benefiting from the American Film Institute's 1972 restoration efforts, brings us what is likely the most complete version of this cinematic landmark that modern audiences can expect. Despite its age, this release highlights the film's grandeur and its role in paving the way for future high-budget cinematic endeavors. It's noteworthy that this presentation shines a light on the film's intricate examination of post-Great War European society, while addressing and somewhat dispelling the accusations of anti-American sentiment that have dogged Stroheim's work.

The technical quality of the Blu-ray, although not perfect, provides viewers with the best visual experience of "Foolish Wives" to date. The restoration works wonders in offering a glimpse into the lavish production and detailed storytelling that Stroheim aimed for, despite the limitations inherent to the film's original elements and age. The additional content included is a treasure trove for cinema enthusiasts, enriching the viewing experience and offering deep dives into the film's historical context, production challenges, and its controversial reception. It reassures cinephiles of the release’s value beyond mere picture quality, catering to those who seek comprehensive insights into early 20th-century cinema.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "Foolish Wives" is an essential addition to the collection of anyone who appreciates silent films and cinema history. While it may fall short of modern high-definition standards, it compensates with a rich array of extras and signifies a commendable effort in preserving and presenting Erich von Stroheim's ambitious vision. Despite its imperfections, this edition stands as a testament to the film's significance and Kino's dedication to cinematic preservation, making it highly recommended for those who cherish the artistry and historical value of early filmmaking.