The Happy Ending Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray transfer of "The Happy Ending" presents the film in a respectable AVC encoded 1080p resolution, maintaining the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The cinematography by Conrad L. Hall, renowned for his work on films such as "American Beauty" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," is captured with a lush, cinematic feel. Brightly lit scenes, particularly those set in Nassau, shine with vibrant colors and sharp details, though overall, the colors tend to tread a more middling path. Elements are well-preserved with minimal flecks and grain issues, though darker scenes sometimes exhibit a rougher texture due to a coarser grain field.

The transfer does experience occasional resolution challenges, manifesting a mottled grain quality in some instances. This issue, coupled with frequent optical dissolves used throughout the film, adds to the visibility of grain and softness. While the clarity generally remains strong, fluctuation in contrast levels can lead to crush in low-lit scenes. In these instances, blacks are rich and inky, yet whites maintain appropriate brightness and flesh tones stay natural and stable. Close-ups effectively highlight fine details, enhancing the visual allure of the characters. Notably, no banding, noise, or pixelation interferes with the viewing experience, and digital enhancements have been applied discreetly.

Overall, despite some minor issues, this transfer faithfully represents the film’s original aesthetic while offering enough gloss to honor its Hollywood legacy. The organic quality of the presentation aligns well with the film’s intricate exploration of a woman's personal journey.

The audio presentation of "The Happy Ending" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track that, while occasionally thin, effectively supports the film's dialogue-driven nature. The sound quality remains clear and well-modulated, providing a solid dynamic range that adeptly handles the film's emotional peaks and subtle nuances. Legrand's lush score, though more robust on the isolated DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, maintains a fine level of fidelity without any detectable age-related deterioration such as hiss, pops, or crackles.

Subtle atmospheric sounds, like tropical breezes, shore waves, and urban noise, enhance the immersive experience without overshadowing the intimate drama at the film's core. The dialogue is consistently easy to comprehend. Michel Legrand's lilting music score seamlessly fills the room, benefiting from excellent fidelity and tonal depth. While the audio track may be understated, it excels in maintaining immersion and supporting the film’s narrative integrity, displaying no signs of damage. Overall, it delivers an engaging listening experience appropriate for this genre.

The Blu-ray of "The Happy Ending" includes a limited, but noteworthy selection of extras that provide a deeper appreciation of the film. Most prominently, an isolated score track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 highlights Michel Legrand's exceptional and emotive musical compositions, offering an engaging auditory experience for aficionados of film scores. Additionally, the original theatrical trailer effectively captures the essence and thematic depth of the movie. There is also the distribution of MGM’s 90th Anniversary Trailer, a nostalgic touch for film history enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Theatrical Trailer: Briefly conveyed to showcase the film's story and essence.
• MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: A celebratory nod to MGM's storied past.
• Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, featuring Michel Legrand's musical work.

Richard Brooks’ 1969 film, "The Happy Ending," provides a potent commentary on domestic strife and the prevailing disillusionment post-'golden era' Hollywood. With Jean Simmons in a compelling, albeit mercurial performance as Mary Wilson, the film delves into the unraveling of her marriage to tax attorney Fred Wilson, portrayed by John Forsythe. Unlike Brooks' previous works, the narrative here seems diluted with excessive optical dissolves and flashback sequences, which though insightful, sometimes disrupt filmic rhythm. Mary's descent from a starry-eyed bride to a listless, substance-abusing wife is punctuated by her poignant introspection and occasional witty dialogue, often making her character sympathetic, if not always likable. Fred’s role as a controlling yet concerned spouse adds layers of complexity, showcasing the dual perspectives of marital discord.

While Brooks' screenplay articulates societal constraints on women's roles during the late 1960s—a burgeoning pre-feminist movement backdrop—it occasionally falters in depth. However, its strength lies in presenting an unvarnished view of suburban marital life. Shirley Jones shines as Flo Harrigan, offering a liberating contrast to the protagonist’s plight, while secondary characters including Bobby Darin (as Robert), Teresa Wright, and Dick Shawn provide nuanced performances that bolster the main narrative. The plot may meander, but it's Jean Simmons who anchors the film's emotional core, deservedly earning an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal.

The standout element of "The Happy Ending" is Michel Legrand's score. His Oscar-nominated song "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" eloquently underscores Mary's internal conflict and disillusionment. From achingly soulful melodies to jazzy undertones, Legrand crafts an auditory landscape that is as narratively essential as it is beautiful. This music, coupled with Brooks' astute direction and visual storytelling, lends the film a timeless quality amidst its dated stylistic choices. Although the storytelling wavers, "The Happy Ending" remains an evocative study of marital crisis underscored by Legrand’s masterful musical composition.

"The Happy Ending" Blu-ray is a compelling release that brings renewed attention to Richard Brooks' 1969 domestic drama. Filmed with a meticulous eye, the movie focuses on the perceptive examination of a marriage in turmoil and one woman's journey to reclaim her independence and identity. Jean Simmons gives one of her standout performances as Mary Wilson, capturing the essence of a housewife on the verge of a mental breakdown. Key supporting roles by John Forsythe, Shirley Jones, and Lloyd Bridges provide substantial depth to this introspective narrative. With issues around identity and autonomy that still resonate today, Brooks' storytelling remains relevant and emotionally impactful.

The Blu-ray presentation from Twilight Time, while light on supplementary features, boasts commendable video and audio transfers. Although the video quality is occasionally inconsistent, the film's visual integrity has largely been preserved, allowing Michel Legrand’s lush score to shine through with clarity. Some may find the lack of extras disappointing, yet the core offering remains strong enough to merit attention. The movie’s introspection and focused character study gain additional texture through improved audiovisual elements, making this release aesthetically pleasing despite its technical blemishes.

So, here's the deal—if I had been handing out the Oscars on April 7, 1970, Legrand and the Bergmans would have easily been repeat winners for Best Song due to their masterful contributions. While I couldn't influence the Academy Awards, this Blu-ray offers film score enthusiasts a chance to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Even though the entire film doesn’t consistently achieve such height, it remains a worthwhile showcase for Jean Simmons and an eclectic supporting cast. With these considerations in mind, "The Happy Ending" comes recommended for those appreciative of poignant, character-driven cinema.