Habfürdö Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Habfürdö" showcases a meticulously restored visual experience, expertly crafted by the National Film Institute of Hungary. The AVC encoded image retains a 1.37:1 aspect ratio and is elegantly authored by David Mackenzie of Fidelity in Motion. The animation is vivid and captivating, beautifully preserving the unique textures and surreal qualities of the film. The transfer is impeccable, highlighting the detailed artistry involved, akin to viewing a moving painting. No digital artifacts disrupt this purity; instead, a light film grain enhances the genuine cinematic feel, maintaining the authenticity of the original material.

Colors are robust, depicting clear primaries and a diverse spectrum of period-appropriate hues. The clarity in color reproduction offers a rich visual palette that is both lively and pleasing to the eye. Delineation remains satisfactory throughout, with elements of technique and style unambiguously intact, including live-action additions woven seamlessly into the animation.

The source material's condition is noteworthy, with no visible signs of deterioration such as dirt or scratches, maintaining a consistent and steady image free from weaving distractions. This steady presentation confirms the quality craftsmanship of the restoration process, inviting viewers to immerse themselves fully into the vibrant world onscreen. For an enhanced appreciation, it's recommended to view the film undisturbed by subtitles, allowing full focus on its stunning visual quality.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Habfürdö" showcases a well-executed 2.0 LPCM stereo track. This release offers clear and defined dialogue, ensuring intelligibility throughout the film. The restoration appears to address age-related audio issues adequately, with musical elements receiving extensive enhancement. János Másik’s music benefits significantly from the transition to full stereo, providing a rich auditory landscape that greatly enhances the viewing experience. Instruments are conveyed with precision, each note from the bass guitars is distinctly audible, appealing to audiophiles.

Despite the presence of a DTS logo on the cover, the audio is delivered in uncompressed 2-channel PCM. The mix maintains a mostly center-focused design with dialogue predominantly centralized. Minor sound effects accompany the film, with the music and some background vocals extending into stereo channels, creating a fuller, immersive experience. While there may be curiosity regarding whether this stereo presentation was originally part of the 1979 release or crafted explicitly for this Blu-ray, no explicit details confirm either scenario in the materials provided.

Overall, the audio quality of "Habfürdö" is commendably clean, free from noticeable distortion or degradation by age. Even with some faint background hiss, the soundtrack remains engaging and robust. This Blu-ray release adequately preserves the auditory clarity and artistic intent of the original film, providing an enriching experience for viewers and listeners, whether they appreciate technical sound details or enjoy the music's aural dynamics.

The Blu-ray extras for "Habfürdö" provide a comprehensive exploration of György Kovásznai's unique animation style and the film's socio-cultural context. Samm Deighan's commentary is a standout, offering critical insights into Hungarian animation's evolution and the film's thematic contrasts with conventional domesticity, making it essential for understanding Kovásznai’s vision. The included interview with composer János Másik reveals intriguing details about the film's score, supported by original sheet music. "Restoring Bubble Bath" highlights the meticulous efforts to preserve the film for contemporary audiences. The collection also honors Kovásznai’s legacy with five of his shorts, showcasing his diverse artistic influences and narrative techniques. This assortment of extras not only enhances appreciation for "Habfürdö" but also enriches knowledge of animated filmmaking.

Extras included in this disc:

• Booklet: An essay by Jennifer Lynde Barker.
• Commentary: Film historian Samm Deighan provides context on animation and thematic explorations.
• Interview: Composer János Másik discusses scoring process and collaboration.
• Restoring 'Bubble Bath': Overview of restoration process and film revival.
• Shorts: Includes "Monologue," "Metamorphosis," "Wavelengths," "Nights in the Boulevard," and "A Memory of Summer 1974."

"Bubble Bath" (aka "Habfürdö"), directed by György Kovásznai, stands as a singular animated work from Hungary, bearing the distinct mark of its creator’s restless artistry. Released in 1979 amidst skepticism, it diverged from typical animated fare with its abstract multimedia approach, blending cutouts, live-action elements, and painted frames. This stylistic choice served as a mirror to Kovásznai's tumultuous experience of Cold War Hungary, drawing parallels between personal expression and societal constraints. Though initially unappreciated by audiences expecting a child-centric narrative, modern viewers have discovered its unique appeal.

The narrative unfolds around Anna, a nursing student on the verge of a medical career, who becomes entwined in the romantic dilemmas of Zsolt, an interior designer second-guessing his impending marriage. A medley of musical styles—from opera to pop—propels the film's unconventional animation, with each song offering visual inventiveness. Characters metamorphose; Zsolt’s features distort comedically during his disillusionment aria, and backgrounds pulsate with psychedelic hues. Kovásznai’s visual elasticity crafts a dynamic cinematic playground where reality and creativity meld.

"Bubble Bath" challenges conventional storytelling norms through its blend of animated artistry and thematic exploration of personal versus societal expectations. Although the narrative can be elusive for non-Hungarian speakers, the Blu-Ray presentation assists with optional English subtitles, enriching understanding without compromising the visual splendor. Even stripped of plot familiarity, the film's captivating style and innovative character design captivate viewers. The attention to visual detail, such as the tactile implementation of real-world elements, emphasizes its distinctive artistry. As an artifact of animated experimentation, "Bubble Bath" offers a compelling experience that rewards both narrative engagement and purely aesthetic appreciation.

"Bubble Bath," known as "Habfürdö," presents a compelling yet whimsical exploration of human relationships set against a 1970s Hungarian backdrop. The narrative revolves around the central figures, Anna, Klarika, and Zsolt, predominantly focusing on commitment and potential parenthood. While the storyline occasionally struggles to maintain a gripping momentum due to its emphasis on musical elements, the film shines with its innovative use of animation and song. György Kovásznai's distinct approach delivers a vibrant cinematic experience, offering an eloquent portrayal of human behavior through an animated medium that transcends conventional storytelling.

The Blu-ray release by Deaf Crocodile stands out with its impressive presentation, further enriching the audience's experience. The distribution of Eastern Bloc fantasy and animation has been meticulously executed, with "Bubble Bath" being a prized addition to their illustrious catalogue. This release not only allows accessibility to a Hungarian-language film for Western audiences but does so with superior audiovisual quality and outstanding translation. The supplementary features package enhances the offering, providing significant value for animation enthusiasts and collectors alike.

In conclusion, "Bubble Bath" is a noteworthy release that invites viewers into a less explored cinematic landscape. The blend of whimsical animation, rich cultural context, and an impressive Blu-ray presentation makes it a compelling addition to any film aficionado's collection. While it may not captivate all with its narrative depth, its artistic merit and the elevated viewing experience it provides firmly position it as an essential piece for those delving into adventurous and culturally rich animated cinema. Highly recommended.