Identification of a Woman Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.84:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Criterion’s Blu-ray release of "Identification of a Woman" delivers a remarkable 1080p transfer. The high-definition digital transfer was meticulously created using a Spirit 2K from the original 35mm camera negative, with significant manual cleanup using MTI's DRS system and Pixel Farm's PFClean system, and minor enhancements from Digital Vision's DVNR system. Spearheaded by Telecine supervisors Lee Kline and Antonio Salvatori/Technicolor, Rome, and colorist Guerrino Di Benedetto/Technicolor, Rome, the result is a substantial upgrade over previous standard definition presentations, notably the R2 UK DVD release.

Criterion's Blu-ray is a visual feast, boasting exceptional detail and depth, particularly evident in its handling of close-ups and nighttime sequences. The colors are one of the disc's highlights; the famous fog sequence is now immersive and vivid, asserting Michelangelo Antonioni's cinematic vision. The opulent upper-class party scene showcases fantastic clarity, depth, and color contrast, where the deep blue dress set against warmer hues creates a striking visual motif. While light noise and grain add to the film’s authentic, cinematic texture, edge-enhancement issues are virtually nonexistent. Despite minor imperfections like occasional specks, dirt, and a distracting yellow stain in one shot, the overall presentation maintains a filmic quality that respects the original material.

The transfer successfully captures Antonioni's creative use of color and atmosphere. The Blu-ray stabilizes potentially problematic scenes like the hazy fog sequence while ensuring black levels are solid and contrast remains balanced without blooming. Criterion’s Blu-ray presentation of "Identification of a Woman" stands out as a definitive version that preserves the film’s intended artistic impact and visual flair for current audiences.

The Blu-ray of "Identification of a Woman" offers a singular audio presentation in uncompressed Italian LPCM 1.0, accompanied by optional English subtitles. The soundtrack boasts a remastering process executed at 24-bit from the original soundtrack negative, ensuring clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum are meticulously removed using Pro Tools HD, while crackle is mitigated via AudioCube's integrated workstation. This rigorous attention to detail results in stable dialogues that, although occasionally accompanied by a consistent background hiss, are largely devoid of problematic distortions or notable audio dropouts.

John Foxx's atmospheric score fares significantly better compared to previous releases, notably more prominent and effective than on the R2 DVD from Mr. Bongo Films. However, the mono track is inherently limiting, lacking substantial dynamics and fidelity. While dialogues maintain clarity, there are minor instances of crackle, and the overall soundstage is relatively flat with negligible low-frequency activity. Although certain scenes, such as those involving eerie fog, utilize silence and atmospheric effects effectively, these moments are sporadic.

Overall, the audio gets the job done, providing a functional yet unremarkable experience. The most notable improvements lie in the careful removal of auditory imperfections and the enhanced presence of the score. Nevertheless, the inherent limitations of a mono track mean that despite the remastering efforts, it ultimately lacks the depth and richness contemporary viewers might expect.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Identification of a Woman" exhibit a thoughtful curation aimed at enriching the viewer's understanding of Michelangelo Antonioni's work. The standout feature is a 28-page illustrated booklet containing insightful analyses and interviews, which presents a strong scholarly lens for film enthusiasts. The included trailers provide a glimpse into the film's promotion strategy, all preserved in appropriate high definition with multilingual subtitle options. The materials blend historical context and cinematic critique, making this Blu-ray's supplementary content an indispensable resource for fans and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Presented in Italian with optional French subtitles.
• Theatrical Trailer: HD format with Italian Dolby Digital 1.0 sound and optional English subtitles.
• Booklet: A 28-page illustrated booklet featuring John Powers' essay and an interview with Michelangelo Antonioni by Gideon Bachmann.

"Identification of a Woman" (1982), directed by Michelangelo Antonioni and nominated for the Palme d'Or, offers a complex narrative exploring the depths of relationships, sexuality, and personal obsession. The film follows Niccolo (Tomas Milian), a successful but recently divorced filmmaker who becomes entangled in the lives of two women – Mavi (Daniela Silverio) and Ida (Christine Boisson). Mavi’s abrupt disappearance, followed by a mysterious warning to stay away from her, plunges Niccolo into a fervent quest marked by paranoia and existential search. This journey underscores the character's struggle to understand the divide between his desires and the realities of the women he encounters, evoking comparisons to Federico Fellini's "8½" in its thematic complexity and intertwining of fantasy and reality.

Antonioni's use of elegant compositions, long takes, and vivid color palettes enriches the film's visual narrative, imbuing it with both realism and an almost surreal quality. The midpoint fog scene on a highway stands out as a prime example of his masterful control over tone and atmosphere. Here, Niccolo's reckless evasion of a tailing vehicle culminates in a confrontation with Mavi amidst a thick fog, blending stark realism with a haunting sense of otherworldliness. This scene, emblematic of Antonioni’s ability to infuse mundane moments with profound tension and ambiguity, represents the film’s zenith. However, despite its visual brilliance, the film's plot often feels disjointed. Abrupt scene transitions and an occasionally clunky script hamper narrative coherence, causing certain sequences to seem rushed and incomplete.

While not reaching the heights of Antonioni’s earlier masterpieces like "L'Avventura" or "La Notte," "Identification of a Woman" still showcases his distinctive directorial prowess. The film's exploration of the evolving dynamics between genders, laden with themes of passion, insecurity, and obsession, remains compelling despite its structural flaws. Criterion's Blu-ray release enhances this experience with pristine visuals and additional scholarly content, offering a thoughtful presentation of this notable yet challenging work in Antonioni’s oeuvre.

Michelangelo Antonioni's "Identification of a Woman" is a reflective and atmospheric film that delves into the complexities of gender dynamics and creative inspiration. As with much of Antonioni's oeuvre, this film requires a viewer who appreciates ambiguity and thematic depth over straightforward narrative resolution. The Criterion Collection's high-definition transfer of this film is commendable, capturing its intricate visual style with clarity and fidelity, though some minor print imperfections persist.

While the film itself is an intriguing exploration of its themes, it is not without flaws. The plot can feel meandering and occasionally disjointed, impacting the overall pacing. Nonetheless, certain sequences stand out for their mysterious and sensual ambiance, hallmark attributes of Antonioni's distinctive filmmaking approach. The audio presentation is functional, providing clear dialogue and atmospheric soundscapes, albeit with a straightforward, no-frills design.

In terms of supplementary content, this release is minimalistic. Besides a theatrical trailer and an informative booklet, there are no substantive disc-based extras. This lack of features is atypical for Criterion and may disappoint collectors and fans seeking deeper insights into the film's production and themes. However, the presentation quality and the film's introspective qualities make it a recommended watch for admirers of Antonioni's unique cinematic style.

Michelangelo Antonioni's "Identification of a Woman" is a beautiful and very atmospheric film about a film director looking for inspiration and the ever-evolving relationship between the two sexes. As is the case with practically all of the Italian director's films, Identification of a Woman will appeal primarily to those who do not demand concrete answers at the end of each film they see. Criterion's high-definition presentation of the film is very good, but the only extra on the Blu-ray is a theatrical trailer. RECOMMENDED.