Jane Eyre Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of the 1943 classic "Jane Eyre," employs an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, sourced from duplicate elements due to the unavailability of original materials. As a result, the presentation demonstrates some inherent limitations. The video quality shows occasional gate weave, minor warping, and stabilization issues, most notably in the earlier segments of the film. While these factors contribute to a certain softness and graininess, they do not severely detract from the overall viewing experience. Fox's restoration efforts are evident; despite some persistent damage, the film retains its cinematic authenticity without excessive digital alteration.

Twilight Time's handling of "Jane Eyre" offers a generally clean and watchable image, with strong and well-balanced contrast, brilliant whites, and rich, full-bodied black levels. The high-definition presentation does justice to the gothic stage design and period-accurate costumes, particularly when finer details in clothing and furniture are presented with clarity. Here and there, faint scratches, white specks, and vertical lines are intermittently visible, but they are subtle and infrequent enough to be easily overlooked by most viewers.

In summary, while this Blu-ray presentation might not offer a pristine visual experience due to the quality of the available source materials, it constitutes a notable improvement over previous DVD releases. Fans of "Jane Eyre" will likely appreciate the careful restoration efforts that preserve the film's original look and feel.

The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track for Jane Eyre manages to present a robust and full-bodied experience despite the inherent limitations of the original source material. Bernard Herrmann's stirring score, with its passionate string cues, benefits significantly from the clarity and space afforded by this mix, although an occasional brittleness in the strings can be noted. The dialogue and sound effects are well-prioritized and seamlessly integrated, without any noticeable damage or degradation throughout the presentation.

There is an admirable sense of presence and acoustic detail within the soundstage, providing a gratifyingly wide and immersive auditory experience. While there is some minimal distortion and noise, these are confined to a few moments and do not detract significantly from the overall audio quality. The dynamic range is commendable for a vintage track, and bass elements add a welcome depth and weight to both the musical score and the isolated action sequences. Vocal clarity is generally strong and intelligible, though there are instances where they may sound somewhat hollow or disconnected.

In summary, the lossless DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mix is executed with proficiency, delivering an engaging and technically sound audio presentation that enhances the Jane Eyre Blu-ray viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Jane Eyre" includes a robust selection of extras, meticulously curated to enhance the viewing experience for fans and cinephiles alike. The disc features two audio commentaries: the first is an engaging, pieced-together commentary by biographer Joseph McBride and actress Margaret O'Brien, offering historical production insights and personal recollections. The second commentary, led by Julie Kirgo, Nick Redman, and Bernard Herrmann expert Steven C. Smith, provides deep, analytic discussions of the film's score and production. Additional content includes insightful wartime propaganda directed by Robert Stevenson and a documentary exploring the collaborative genius of Stevenson and Orson Welles. These extras significantly enrich the understanding and appreciation of this cinematic classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Biographer Joseph McBride and Actress Margaret O'Brien: A patchwork of historical anecdotes and personal memories.
• Audio Commentary with Julie Kirgo, Nick Redman and Steven C. Smith: In-depth discussions on film history and score.
• Locked in the Tower: The Men Behind Jane Eyre: Documentary on Welles' and Stevenson's contributions.
• Know Your Ally Britain: Fascinating wartime propaganda piece by Stevenson.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: The film’s original promotional trailer.
• Isolated Score: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.

Robert Stevenson's 1943 adaptation of "Jane Eyre" stands as a visually stunning and emotionally resonant production, continuously praised for its compelling take on Charlotte Brontë's novel. While the directorial credits unequivocally attribute the film to Stevenson, Orson Welles' profound influence on the film's Gothic sensibilities is unmistakable, mirroring the visual style characteristic of his own works. The cinematography by George Barnes, lauded for his Oscar-winning work on Hitchcock's "Rebecca," amplifies the brooding atmosphere of Thornfield Hall with impeccable chiaroscuro lighting and densely layered shadows, adding an almost tactile sense of gloom and isolation.

The screenplay, co-written by Stevenson along with literary stalwarts Aldous Huxley and John Houseman, delves into Brontë’s nuanced exploration of social stratification and gender dynamics. Peggy Ann Garner’s portrayal of young Jane brings a poignant authenticity to her suffering and resilience, which seamlessly transitions to Joan Fontaine's dignified but spirited adult Jane. Orson Welles' Edward Rochester emerges as a complex character; his brooding demeanor and concealed anguish add depth to the narrative, bringing forth themes of emotional imprisonment and societal alienation. The interplay between Jane and Rochester, particularly their fraught yet tender dialogues, are testament to the powerhouse performances that drive the film.

The cinematographic brilliance is not just limited to the interiors of Thornfield Hall but extends to the surrounding moors, framing Jane’s journey through life with hauntingly beautiful imagery. Robert Stevenson’s deft use of fluid camera movements, subtle focal blurs, and occasional deep focus shots illuminate Jane's internal struggles and her distance from the upper class. Bernard Herrmann's evocative score further punctuates the film's emotional landscape, harmonizing perfectly with its visual and narrative elements. Ultimately, Stevenson's "Jane Eyre" endures as a gothic masterpiece, a testament to his directorial prowess and the formidable talents of its cast and crew.

Robert Stevenson's 1943 adaptation of "Jane Eyre" is a visually breathtaking and emotionally resonant film that showcases the superior craftsmanship of its era. Celebrating its 70th Anniversary, this classic film captures the essence of Charlotte Brontë's 1847 novel with lush, moody cinematography by George Barnes. The Blu-ray release delivers a significant improvement over its DVD predecessor, providing a more detailed and satisfying visual experience even if it doesn't quite meet current high-definition standards. Barnes' cinematography shines through, painting the emotional landscapes of the characters with eloquent and expressive visuals.

The audio quality on this Blu-ray release is equally commendable, providing a clear and immersive listening experience. The supplementary package accompanying the disc includes valuable features ported over from previous editions, enriching the contextual understanding of the film for both new viewers and longtime fans. These extras, combined with the refined video and audio quality, make this edition a worthy addition to any film enthusiast's collection. There is an undeniably Wellesian influence running throughout "Jane Eyre," merging collaborative cinematic artistry to produce a captivating spectacle.

In conclusion, while the image quality may not be optimal by modern Blu-ray standards, it remains a worthwhile upgrade from past DVD releases. The 2011 "Jane Eyre" adaptation may have followed the source novel more faithfully in some aspects, but in terms of tone and style, the 1943 version stands out as an unattainable pinnacle. This Blu-ray edition, complete with stellar audio and insightful supplementary content, offers an inviting gateway into this masterpiece. Highly recommended.