The Age of Innocence 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD presentation of "The Age of Innocence" is a cinematic feast, blessed with meticulous restoration efforts that bring unparalleled visual clarity to Martin Scorsese and cinematographer Michael Ballhaus's luxurious period piece. The remastering process, derived from the original 35mm camera negative using a wet-gate scanner at Cineric, has been meticulously calibrated with fresh color grading approved by Scorsese and editor Thelma Schoonmaker at Sony Colorworks. The vibrancy of colors, particularly flowers, costumes, and intricate set designs, stands in bold relief with the enhanced depth provided by Dolby Vision HDR. Skin tones are richly saturated yet natural, contributing to the film's compelling authenticity. Furthermore, the 2160p HEVC encode performs outstandingly, maintaining clarity without digital artifacts such as blocking or banding, ensuring every stitch, freckle, and shadow falls into exquisite focus.

Visually, the film holds a dynamic presence with the lush 2160p transfer accentuating the grandeur of its Oscar-nominated art direction and costuming. Dolby Vision HDR elevates the film’s intricate palette, providing a remarkable contrast between the vivid outdoor scenes and the demanding interior settings marked by deep black and brown tones. Despite the dark interiors, details remain impressively distinct. The grain structure maintains a cinematic quality that's finely resolved without overshadowing the integrity of each frame. The result is an immersive viewing experience where detailed textual elements such as makeup work and period detailing exhibit exceptional sharpness and nuance.

Restoration efforts additionally ensure an archival quality that will appeal to both purists and modern audiences alike. The film benefits profoundly from its 4K scan and HDR color grading revisions, originally instigated in 2014. The presentation allows the sumptuousness of satin costumes and set details to shimmer with newfound radiance, capturing the essence of the era with a three-dimensional depth that honors Scorsese's vision in pristine detail.

The audio presentation of "The Age of Innocence" on 4K UHD Blu Ray is a masterclass in sound engineering, featuring an impressive Dolby Atmos track alongside DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0 surround options. The Dolby Atmos mix shines with its nuanced directionality that adds a new level of realism to each scene. This mix transforms social gatherings, intimate meetings, and bustling city streets into a dynamic soundscape. The placement of sounds within the speakers creates an almost transparent soundfield, allowing dialogue to integrate seamlessly, maintaining clarity even amidst the busiest moments. The low-end output supports the richness of Elmer Bernstein's score, offering a powerful yet graceful audio backdrop. Dynamics are flawless, with effortless transitions that enhance both the subtle and dramatic moments of the film, despite a minor note on the occasional thinness associated with ADR from the 1990s.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix offers an engaging alternative, carrying over from the Criterion 2018 Blu-ray edition. While this mix is more front-heavy, it remains excellent in delivering robust sound quality throughout. Notably, the theatrical release's SDDS 5.1 configuration carries over well, though the Atmos mix surpasses it by opening up the soundstage and utilizing height channels for enhanced immersion, particularly in larger scenes like playhouse acts and bustling streetscapes. The 2.0 surround mix, although less expansive, delivers a pronounced intimacy that may appeal to those favoring a more personal audio experience.

In summary, each audio track on this release is executed meticulously, providing an array of options that cater to varied listener preferences. Whether choosing the enveloping Atmos experience or the more intimate stereo sound, listeners are assured of a high-caliber audio journey befitting Martin Scorsese's evocative storytelling.

Sony's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Age of Innocence" offers a modest yet insightful collection of extras that, though limited compared to Criterion's 2018 edition, provide valuable insights into the film's creation. The content includes approximately an hour's worth of interviews and featurettes. While the absence of certain engaging elements such as additional interviews and an archival documentary from the Criterion release may leave some fans desiring more, the available material remains enlightening for understanding the film's developmental nuances. Presented in high definition, the interviews with director Martin Scorsese and co-screenwriter Jay Cocks are particularly noteworthy, delving into their inspiration, influences, and collaborative processes. Though not as comprehensive as past releases, this set is a commendable effort for those who appreciate the art of filmmaking.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Martin Scorsese: A discussion with Kent Jones on adapting Edith Wharton's novel and influences.
• Interview with Jay Cocks: Insights into screenwriting, thematic exploration, and collaboration with Scorsese.
• Original 1993 EPK: An archival featurette.
• Moments from the Set: B-Roll: Behind-the-scenes footage.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional material for the film.

Martin Scorsese's "The Age of Innocence," featured in Columbia Classics: Volume 5, marks its 4K UHD debut with a masterful adaptation of Edith Wharton’s novel. Set in 1870s New York City, it explores the complex social fabric through Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis), engaged to May Welland (Winona Ryder), and his tumultuous affection for Countess Ellen Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer). The film introduces the viewers to a meticulously crafted period drama—a stark departure from Scorsese's signature crime thrillers—where the understated intensity of reserved dialogue and internal conflict drives the narrative. Michelle Pfeiffer shines as Countess Olenska, with a captivating performance that effortlessly commands each scene she inhabits.

The film achieves an authentic portrayal of the late 19th-century aristocracy, juxtaposing societal expectations with deep personal dilemmas. This subtle exploration of forbidden romance and societal fidelity is underscored by Scorsese's impressive attention to detail. The production design and costumes are exceptional, visually transporting the audience to another era. At its core, "The Age of Innocence" critiques the sacrifices of true love on the altar of societal norms. However, some may find the pervasive narration by Joanne Woodward distracting, as it spells out nuances that might be better left to audience interpretation. Nonetheless, Scorsese's intricate storytelling and the ensemble cast deliver performances of remarkable depth.

Though it did not achieve commercial success upon release, "The Age of Innocence" proves to be a critical gem within Scorsese's filmography. Its inclusion in Columbia Classics’ collection underlines its enduring quality and cinematic value. With standout performances by the lead actors—especially notable being Winona Ryder's nuanced transformation and Day-Lewis’s introspective portrayal—the film continues to gain appreciation over time. This 4K release aptly serves audiences old and new, encapsulating the film’s stunning visuals and rich emotional undertones.

"The Age of Innocence" receives a visually stunning and technically adept presentation with its release on 4K UHD Blu-ray. Directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, this adaptation of Edith Wharton’s novel is brought to life through impeccable performances by Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder. The film's intricate narrative unfolds against the backdrop of lavish production design, capturing the opulence and intricacies of wealthy socialite life with precision. The new Dolby Vision transfer elevates the viewing experience, delivering rich colors and sharp detail, while the Dolby Atmos track provides an immersive auditory atmosphere, even if it may not be entirely necessary for the genre.

Sony’s remastering efforts ensure that "The Age of Innocence" is a must-watch for fans of period pieces and cinematic art. The aspect ratio of 2.39:1 enhances the film's visual storytelling, showcasing Scorsese’s masterful direction in a format that seems tailor-made for its richly detailed scenes. The audio options, ranging from Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Core) to several DTS-HD MA configurations, cater to diverse preferences, although the package does lack significant new extras or a comprehensive collection of previous bonus content.

In conclusion, while "The Age of Innocence" may not reside among the elite echelon of Scorsese’s filmography, its beautiful 4K restoration and audio remastering justify its rewatch. The combination of exquisite technical specifications emanating from Sony’s efforts and the captivating performances make this release a desirable acquisition. Despite some shortcomings in supplemental materials, this disc is Highly Recommended for those who appreciate classic storytelling rendered in modern audiovisual excellence.