Genevieve Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Genevieve" boasts a commendable 1080p VC-1 encoded transfer in the 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The film's Technicolor imagery, shot by Chris Challis, is vibrant and lively, with colors that truly pop. Notable scenes such as the autumnal red of the ivy at the radiator stop are visually striking. Generally, the image is sharp and details are crisp, allowing for the clear visibility of fine textures like John Gregson’s jumper stitches, Kenny More’s jacket patterns, and Kay Kendall’s tweedy outfit. Surprisingly, film grain is minimal, likely reduced through DNR processing, which maintains a clean appearance without significant loss of detail.

However, some inconsistencies in the image quality are evident. The opening scenes resemble colorized black-and-white films, with white skies and grayscale backgrounds, creating an artificial color appearance. Yet, other segments like Alan and Wendy's house exhibit solid color fidelity, though instances such as overly pronounced lipstick can appear unnaturally three-dimensional. During the race scenes, while high-definition clarity is more apparent and certain colors such as blues remain robust, skies often persist in a peculiar white-gray tone. These discrepancies could partly stem from various lenses used during original filming or might be due to aggressive DNR treatment and noticeable edge enhancement. Close-ups display adequate fine detail, but midrange and distant shots are softer with less color saturation.

Overall, this release of "Genevieve" on Blu-ray delivers a generally pleasing visual experience with sporadic issues rooted in the original material and possible post-processing choices.

The audio presentation of "Genevieve" on Blu-ray offers a noteworthy fidelity in its soundtracks, appealing to both purists and casual viewers. The disc features an LPCM 2.0 mix duplicating the cleaned-up original mono track across left and right channels. Additionally, there is a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround mix available. However, many may find the LPCM track superior due to its clarity and crispness. Larry Adler's harmonica score shines through jovially, and dialogue remains intelligible without distortion throughout the film.

One should take note of the discrepancy between disc menus and actual audio options: the menu misleadingly suggests lossy Dolby Digital, while the disc provides a lossless LPCM 2.0 mono mix and a repurposed LPCM 5.1 surround mix. The original mono track impressively maintains good fidelity with minimal damage or hiss, resisting age-related deterioration. The 5.1 mix adds intermittent channelization effects and an expanded rendition of Adler’s score, albeit with some artificial reverb added to the stems. Overall, both tracks offer well-balanced mixes, ensuring a pleasant audio experience consistent with the original sound integrity of this classic British film.

The Blu-ray edition of "Genevieve" offers a well-assembled array of extras that provide valuable insights into the film's production, complemented by visual supplements. Key among the bonus features is "A Profile of Genevieve," a comprehensive and engaging 24-minute documentary that delves into the making of the film. This segment includes interviews with key figures such as star Dinah Sheridan, editor Clive Donner, cinematographer Chris Challis, and composer Larry Adler. Their narratives provide not only an in-depth look at the creative challenges encountered but also offer intriguing anecdotes about director Henry Cornelius and the unpredictable British weather during filming. The included Photo Gallery showcases a curated collection of movie posters, studio and location shots, and hand-colored stills, enriching the viewer's appreciation of the film's visual heritage.

Extras included in this disc:

A Profile of Genevieve: A 24-minute documentary featuring interviews with cast and crew, discussing the film's production and impact.

Photo Gallery: A collection of movie posters, studio and location shots, and hand-colored stills from the film.

The 1953 British comedy Genevieve lands on American Region-free Blu-ray, showcasing a meticulously restored 1080p VC-1 transfer. Framed in the classic 1.37:1 aspect ratio, Chris Challis’ three-strip Technicolor cinematography exudes warmth with rosy skin tones and lush visuals of the English countryside, emphasizing the film's period charm. Larry Adler’s harmonica music, presented on an LPCM 2.0 track, shines as the auditory star of this release, delivering clear and engaging sound that enhances the humorous dialogue and whimsical score. An optional Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is also available but lacks the punch of the original mono. The extras include an insightful ‘Making of’ documentary and a photo gallery, complementing the film nicely.

Genevieve centers on two longtime friends, Alan (John Gregson) and Ambrose (Kenneth More), along with their respective partners, Wendy (Dinah Sheridan) and Rosalind (Kay Kendall), as they embark on an annual road trip from London to Brighton and back. The narrative thrives on the spirited yet friendly rivalry between the two couples, magnified by their devotion to their vintage cars—Alan’s titular Darracq and Ambrose's sportier Spyker. The journey is filled with historically rich moments and a gentle charm, reminiscent of Ealing Studios' classic comedies, though delivered with a quieter, more reflective touch.

While Genevieve may not cater to those seeking boisterous or slapstick humor, its endearing simplicity and relatable character dynamics offer a delightful escape from modern frenzy. The authentic performances, particularly from Joyce Grenfell in her memorable cameo, and the harmonious balance between subtle comedy and scenic storytelling create a timeless appeal. Viewers looking to rediscover a gentler era in British cinema will find Genevieve a comforting and attractive option, deserving of admiration for its restraint and enduring charm.

The Blu-ray release of "Genevieve" captures the charm and wit of this classic British comedy with a few technical nuances. The film, known for its dry British humor and endearing characters, is presented with an image quality that, while unusually textured, manages to deliver strong color representation intermittently. The high-definition transfer reveals some inconsistencies, but these are minor distractions from what is otherwise a satisfactory visual experience. The rendition of Larry Adler's delightful score in lossless audio is a significant highlight, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the film.

The supplemental features included in this release provide valuable insight into the making of this classic film, enhancing the viewing experience. Particularly noteworthy is the documentary, which adds depth and context to "Genevieve". The restoration process has clearly aimed at preserving the original charm of the movie, and while the result is not flawless, it remains true to the spirit of the original.

If you're not in the mood for a sweet unassuming film like Genevieve, keep on driving. If you could use a little calm energy in your lives, though, with gentle humor and very human characters, this might just be the film for you. Manifestly different from the Ealing feel, but with that same general dry British wit that informs so many Ealing comedies, Genevieve may be slight, but it's no less enjoyable due to that slightness. This Blu-ray has an extremely odd looking image that nonetheless boasts good to excellent color at least some of the time, and the lossless audio presentation of Adler's wonderful score is a definite plus. The supplemental documentary is also a nice bonus, so overall this release comes Recommended.