Summer Interlude Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Ingmar Bergman's "Summer Interlude" offers an impressive 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer with its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. Despite the original negative being lost, the high-definition transfer from 35mm duplicate negative sources has yielded remarkable results. Close-ups exhibit substantial depth, with detailed facial textures and pores clearly visible, contributing to an overall highly detailed image that surpasses expectations for a film from 1951. Panoramic shots from the island maintain excellent fluidity, and the stability of the image on larger screens remains solid, free from warping or shimmer.

The restoration effort is evident in the near-absence of dirt and scratches, though a few residual marks persist, largely unobtrusive and tolerable. A well-resolved grain structure has been preserved throughout, enhancing the film's organic look without problematic sharpening, contrast boosting, or digital noise intrusions. Black levels, while occasionally inconsistent due to the inherent characteristics of black-and-white films, generally support good detail visibility even in darker frames. The transfer is devoid of noticeable artifacts and banding, maintaining clarity and authenticity.

Overall, this edition of "Summer Interlude" is a testimony to Criterion's meticulous restoration efforts. While minor inherited softness in some scenes and edge enhancement in a few others are present, they do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. This Blu-ray is a distinguished upgrade for both enthusiasts and new viewers, capturing the essence of Bergman's vision with exceptional fidelity.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Summer Interlude" features a single Swedish LPCM 1.0 track, remastered meticulously from a 35mm optical soundtrack print. Criterion has offered optional English subtitles, enhancing accessibility while preserving the film's original language integrity. Employing high-quality tools such as Pro Tools HD and AudioCube's integrated workstation, background noises like clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum were expertly removed, resulting in a remarkably clean and stable audio experience. The dialog is consistently crisp and clear, free from high-frequency distortions and dropouts, ensuring the narrative remains engaging and intelligible throughout.

While the mono format may inherently limit the potential for an immersive audio experience, the sound design of "Summer Interlude" is competently managed within this constraint. The lossless audio demonstrates impressive balance across music, vocals, and effects, without any element overwhelming the others. However, it's hard to not envision the richness that a 5.1 or stereo mix could have brought to the film's island shore settings and ballet sequences. Waves crashing and orchestral music could have been more enveloping in a multi-channel setup. Despite these limitations, the mono mix stands up admirably. The well-executed remastering work ensures that the audio, although coming from a single channel, supports the film effectively, preserving its dramatic impact.

The Blu-ray release of "Summer Interlude" features a meticulously curated selection of extras that provide substantial insights into the film's creation and thematic depth. These supplementary materials significantly enhance the viewing experience, offering both historical context and critical analysis for enthusiasts and scholars of Ingmar Bergman's work. The included booklet, a 16-page illustrated piece by Peter Cowie, stands out for its profound examination of the director's nuanced portrayal of love and mortality within a Swedish summer setting. Cowie, an illustrious film historian, brings a wealth of knowledge that aids in understanding Bergman's innovative narrative and directorial techniques.

Extras included in this disc:

• Booklet: 16-page illustrated booklet featuring Peter Cowie's essay "Love and Death in the Swedish Summer", offering deep insights into Bergman's themes and filmmaking style.

Ingmar Bergman's "Summer Interlude" (1951) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion and features a highly evocative exploration of nostalgia and loss. The narrative centers on Marie, a ballerina in her late twenties, portrayed compellingly by Maj-Britt Nilsson. Receiving a diary prompts her return to the archipelago near Stockholm, rekindling memories of her past love with Henrik (Birger Malmsten). Through deft transitions between present and past, Bergman meticulously charts Marie's journey from youthful innocence to professional acclaim, yet underscored by emotional disillusionment. This early work, while not as profound as Bergman's later films, is free of sentimentality and succeeds in portraying the lasting impact of lost love.

Technically, the film benefits significantly from Gunnar Fischer’s cinematography, which captures the serene yet melancholic beauty of the island through a masterful use of close-ups, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative. Fischer's collaboration with Bergman in this film foreshadows his contributions to later classics such as "The Seventh Seal" and "Wild Strawberries." Notably, Bergman employs long takes and minimal cuts, reminiscent of theatrical productions, allowing the actors' performances to shine. The performance by Nilsson stands out, bringing complexity to Marie’s character, from her naivety as a young girl to her mature yet disillusioned self.

Overall, "Summer Interlude" masterfully weaves its narrative through interplay between past recollections and present realities, gripping viewers with its emotional and thematic resonance. The film’s nuanced approach to handling Marie’s internal conflict and existential questioning is bolstered by the exceptional technical execution. Decades later, the film remains poignant, reflecting Bergman's early brilliance in examining human fragility and longing through sophisticated filmmaking techniques. Criterion’s Blu-ray release ensures that this classic is preserved and accessible for both devoted Bergman enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Ingmar Bergman's "Summer Interlude" stands as a testament to the director's remarkable talent and vision. The film, often overlooked in favor of Bergman's later, more complex works, is an exemplar of storytelling that balances simplicity and emotional depth. Criterion's meticulous restoration work has breathed new life into the visual presentation, offering a nearly flawless transfer with remarkable detail and clarity for a film from the early 1950s. Each frame is striking, bringing to light the picturesque beauty that Jean-Luc Godard once praised.

The audio, while still in mono, remains robust and effective, capturing every subtle sound with clarity. While some may lament the absence of a stereo or 5.1 upgrade, the technical quality of the existing track does justice to the film’s timeless essence. The Blu-ray, however, lacks additional special features, which could have provided further context and enrichment for viewers. Nonetheless, the pristine condition of the visual and audio elements makes up for this shortfall.

Overall, "Summer Interlude" is a must-have for any serious film collector or Bergman aficionado. It encapsulates the youthful ambition and raw emotional expression of a director at the beginning of his illustrious career. Criterion's release not only preserves this cinematic gem but also enhances its accessibility for modern audiences. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.