The Graduate Blu-ray Review

Presented in a stunning 2.37:1 aspect ratio and meticulously encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for 1080p resolution, the Blu-ray release of Mike Nichols' timeless classic, "The Graduate," is a marvel of modern restoration techniques, courtesy of Criterion. This release benefits from a recent 4K remaster, utilizing a Scanity film scanner to work from the 35mm original camera negative. The restoration process involved an exhaustive elimination of physical imperfections such as dirt, debris, and scratches, courtesy of tools like MTI's DRS and Digital Vision's Phoenix for finer cleanup tasks. Color work, under the guidance of Joe Gawler from Harbor Picture Company in New York, was conducted with reference to a high-definition master supervised by Grover Crisp at Sony Pictures and garnered director Mike Nichols' approval. The result is an exceptional visual experience that starkly outperforms previous MGM and StudioCanal versions in terms of image depth, density, clarity, and color stability.

The dedicated effort to preserve and enhance the film's original aesthetic is evident, with thousands of instances of physical degradation meticulously removed. Contrast levels across the board remain stable, providing a consistently pleasurable viewing experience. However, it's worth noting that the restoration introduces a slightly darker overall tone to the film, a choice that affects scenes with limited natural light by sometimes allowing mild crush to appear. Despite these minor tweaks to saturation and brightness, grain distribution remains natural and well-resolved, indicating a respectful approach to filmic texture. An observation from direct comparisons highlights an elimination of background flicker present in older releases and showcases a notably improved fluidity during daylight scenes.

From a technical standpoint, the audio aspect has not been neglected; the original monaural soundtrack has been remastered at 24-bit from the original 35mm magnetic audio tracks, alongside a director-approved 5.1 surround remix created from the same sources plus the original soundtrack recordings. Restoration efforts here mirrored those for video, with meticulous manual removal of audio imperfections using industry-leading tools like Pro Tools HD, AudioCube's integrated workstation, and iZotope RX4. Such dedication ensures that "The Graduate's" auditory experience matches its visual counterpart in quality, presenting viewers with an unparalleled sense of immersion. This Blu-ray edition is not just a mere presentation but a thorough rejuvenation of a film classic, ensuring its legacy continues unblemished for future generations.

This Blu-ray release of "The Graduate" comes equipped with two audio tracks: an English LPCM 1.0 mono track and a richer English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 remix, ensuring a versatile auditory experience complemented by optional English SDH subtitles for accessibility. The preservation of the film's original audio integrity via the LPCM track showcases commendable clarity and fluidity, especially considering the inherent limitations of mono sound, such as a constrained dynamic range. However, these limitations do not detract significantly from the listening experience, thanks to the track's seamless transitions and overall sound quality.

Comparative analysis between the LPCM 1.0 and the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks reveals a depth and dynamic intensity in the latter that the mono track understandably lacks. Notably, this 5.1 remix—approved by the director, Mike Nichols—retains the crisp, clear dialogue of its LPCM counterpart while enhancing the auditory experience during musical sequences, particularly those featuring Simon & Garfunkel's iconic songs. Such improvements are most apparent in the enriched spatial definition and layered soundstage presented in the 5.1 mix.

The technical presentation of both audio tracks is free from any auditory faults such as pops, cracks, audio dropouts, or digital distortions. This meticulous attention to audio quality underscores the release's dedication to delivering an impeccable listening experience. Whether opting for the authentic mono sound or indulging in the expansive 5.1 surround mix, viewers are treated to a sonically rewarding accompaniment to this cinematic classic, combining fidelity with immersive enhancements that respect and elevate the original material.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Graduate" provide a comprehensive and enriching exploration of the film's enduring legacy, production history, and cultural impact. Noteworthy for their depth and variety, these extras include brand new interviews with key cast members such as Dustin Hoffman, who offers introspective reflections on his breakthrough role, and production figures including screenwriter Buck Henry and producer Lawrence Turman, providing a kaleidoscopic view into the film's creation and reception. Two archival commentaries afford distinct perspectives: one from director Mike Nichols and Steven Soderbergh examining the film's aesthetic innovations; another by film scholar Howard Suber analyzing narrative structure and themes. Screen tests, a talk show excerpt with Paul Simon, and dedicated featurettes delve further into the film's music, editing, and societal impact, each adding layers to our understanding of this cinematic landmark. The attention to technical quality across these extras ensures that devotees and new audiences alike gain insightful access into "The Graduate's" making and its place within American cinema and culture.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original U.S. trailer for The Graduate.
• Dustin Hoffman: Video interview on Hoffman's involvement and the film's impact on his life.
• Buck Henry and Lawrence Turman: Filmed conversation about adapting The Graduate.
• Commentary One: Nichols and Soderbergh discuss The Graduate's history and visual style.
• Commentary Two: Howard Suber discusses the film's narrative and visual style.
• Screen Tests: Archival screen tests for Ben Braddock and Elaine Robbinson roles.
• Paul Simon and Dick Cavett: Episode of The Dick Cavett Show with Paul Simon.
• Mike Nichols and Barbara Walters: Nichols discusses his directing methods and career.
• The Graduate at 25: Featurette on the film's impact on its 25th anniversary.
• Students of The Graduate: Documentary on the film's success and Nichols' career.
• Sam and Mike: Featurette on editor Sam O’Steen’s relationship with Nichols.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet with an essay by Frank Rich.

Mike Nichols' seminal work, The Graduate (1967), is eloquently brought to the high-definition era by Criterion's Blu-ray presentation. Notably enhanced by a trove of supplemental features, including illuminating interviews with Dustin Hoffman and screenwriter Buck Henry, dual commentary tracks by Nichols himself alongside Steven Soderbergh, and film scholar Howard Suber, this release is a comprehensive homage to the film's enduring legacy. The disc is also accompanied by an array of archival material, including screen tests and interviews, providing a holistic view of the film's creation and impact. With impeccable English SDH subtitles for the main feature and region-A encoding, Criterion ensures that the technical delivery of this classic meets the modern standards expected by contemporary audiences.

The narrative of The Graduate centers on the distressing yet enlightening journey of Ben Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), a recent college graduate who finds himself entangled in an affair with the older Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft), before falling in love with her daughter, Elaine (Katharine Ross). This complex web of relationships exposes the shallow happiness and compromised morals of their society, making The Graduate far more than its surface-level comedy suggests. Its storytelling weaves together themes of disillusionment and the quest for identity amidst the backdrop of the turbulent 1960s, capturing the essence of a generation at a crossroads.

Nichols’ choice of Hoffman for Ben brings an authenticity that's pivotal to the film’s success; Hoffman’s portrayal of naivety and disenchantment perfectly complements Bancroft's powerful, yet ultimately tragic Mrs. Robinson. Elaine Robinson (Ross) serves as the crucial link between Ben's idealistic love and the stark reality of societal expectations. The Graduate stands as a touchstone of American cinema—its innovative narrative structure and philosophical depth mirrored against an era of significant social upheaval. The Criterion Blu-ray honors this masterpiece with a quality that befits its status, ensuring that its exploration of outdated values, personal disillusionment, and the search for meaning resonates with audiences both old and new.

The Blu-ray release of Mike Nichols' "The Graduate," a hallmark American film from the 1960s renowned for its unique charm, character, and wit, manages to capture the essence of what makes this movie a foundational piece of cinematic history. This Criterion edition benefits immensely from a newly sourced 4K restoration, which ensures that every frame of this groundbreaking film is presented with the utmost clarity and fidelity. The visual preservation here is nothing short of remarkable, making it apparent why "The Graduate" has continued to influence generations long after its original release. The addition of contemporary supplements enhances the value of this release, offering aficionados and new viewers alike a deeper understanding of its cultural and historical significance.

Noteworthy in this release are the insightful and enriching supplemental features that accompany the pristine visual presentation. A brand new interview with Dustin Hoffman provides a compelling glimpse into the actor's experience and thoughts on the film, adding a layer of intimacy and relevance to the viewing experience. Additionally, the filmed conversation between screenwriter Buck Henry and producer Lawrence Turman delves into the creative process behind the movie, offering a fascinating look at the collaboration that helped shape "The Graduate" into the iconic film it is today. Such extras do not merely serve as bonuses but as integral components that enrich one's appreciation for the film and its impact.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "The Graduate" offers an exemplary blend of high-quality visual restoration and enriching supplementary content, making it an essential addition to any cinephile’s collection. The meticulous 4K restoration honors the film’s original aesthetic while providing a contemporary viewing experience. The thoughtful curation of extras, including interviews and conversations with key figures from the film's production, offers invaluable insights into its creation and legacy. This release is not just highly recommended; it's a must-have for appreciators of significant American cinema, embodying the changing tides of an era with unmatched charm and wit.