The Women Blu-ray Review

Warner's 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray of "The Women" epitomizes the ability of modern formats to breathe new life into classic films. The source material, likely extensively restored, presents immaculate black levels, contrast, and gray shades, providing viewers with a crisp, film-like experience. The elaborate costume details, as well as the hair and makeup for each actress, are rendered with impressive clarity. The Technicolor fashion sequence is particularly striking, featuring vivid but balanced colors with no signs of bleeding or loss of sharpness. The film’s grain structure is neatly preserved without any noticeable digital interference, and the average bitrate of 22.95 Mbps ensures that the image remains free from artifacts.

This 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer marks a significant improvement over previous DVD releases, offering richer and more vibrant visuals. The natural grain pattern contributes to a textured, authentic film appearance. Enhanced black levels and sharper whites provide a depth that was missing in earlier versions. Background details, set decorations, and the intricate designs of the actresses' gowns are reproduced firmly, with facial features appearing well-defined despite the period's characteristic softness. The Technicolor fashion show likewise benefits from striking saturation and contrast, making it visually appealing despite its superfluous role in the plot. No edge enhancement or digital noise reduction methods were detected, further attesting to Warner's careful restoration efforts.

In sum, while not entirely flawless, Warner's Blu-ray transfer of "The Women" stands out as an exceptional presentation. The clarity and depth of the visuals make it a must-have for fans of this timeless classic. From immaculate black-and-white sequences to the beautifully saturated Technicolor moments, this release demonstrates substantial technical proficiency and dedication to preserving cinematic heritage.

The audio presentation of "The Women" on Blu-ray is provided in lossless DTS-HD MA 1.0, capturing the original mono release. This track delivers a sound that is typical of its period, exhibiting an acceptable but limited dynamic range. Dialogue is primarily clear and intelligible, though Rosalind Russell's rapid delivery poses occasional challenges. The subtle and effective score by David Snell and Edward Ward complements the film without overpowering the scenes.

Sound balance is another strong point of the DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track, handling both the string-laden music score and rapid dialogue with finesse. Even for those familiar with "The Women," the improved clarity reveals previously missed lines. The film’s fast-paced dialogue often rivals that of "His Girl Friday," making this level of clarity essential. Throughout various scenes, including the notably boisterous catfight, distortion is kept at bay, thanks to a broad dynamic scale. While some minor surface noise remains, primarily audible in the quietest moments, age-related imperfections like pops, crackles, and hiss have been largely removed.

Ultimately, for a film over 75 years old, this Blu-ray presentation delivers a superior audio experience, far outclassing any previously available lossy tracks.

The Blu-ray release of "The Women" includes a commendable selection of vintage extras from its previous DVD editions, collectively offering a nostalgic dive into the film's era. Despite the lack of new retrospective featurettes or audio commentaries, the extras are extensive and varied, showcasing both promotional content and rare behind-the-scenes footage. The materials provide an engaging look into MGM’s production processes, fashion influence, and soundtrack details. Notable inclusions are two promotional shorts from MGM’s “Another Romance of Celluloid” series, depicting the studio’s international material acquisition and its impact on American fashion. Additionally, a charming 1939 Technicolor cartoon "One Mother's Family," an alternate black-and-white fashion show sequence, and comprehensive scoring stage session audio cues further enrich this classic comedy’s extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Another Romance of Celluloid: Brief promotional short exploring MGM's global material sourcing.
• From the Ends of the Earth: 1939 short showcasing MGM’s film production materials.
• Hollywood: Style Center of the World: 1940 short on Hollywood's influence on fashion.
• One Mother's Family: 1939 animated story about a protective mother hen.
• Alternate Fashion Show Sequence: Black-and-white sequence with cast interaction.
• Scoring Stage Sessions: Collection of 22 music cues from the film.
• Trailers: Previews for "The Women" and its 1956 musical remake "The Opposite Sex".

George Cukor's adaptation of Clare Boothe Luce's play "The Women" is a fascinating exploration of 1930s high society, vividly brought to life by an all-female cast. The narrative revolves around Mary Haines (Norma Shearer), a well-to-do socialite who discovers her husband’s infidelity through her gossipy friend Sylvia Fowler (Rosalind Russell). The film portrays a wide array of female archetypes: the naive romantic, the malicious gossip, and the unscrupulous intruder, embodied by Joan Crawford's Crystal Allen. Despite its age, the biting dialogue and sharp character interactions maintain a timeless quality that keeps audiences engaged.

The screenplay, crafted by Anita Loos and Jane Murfin, enriches the source material by expanding the supporting cast, adding depth to the high society's service personnel. This choice underscores the central theme: women, given the opportunity, can be just as manipulative and dangerous as men, particularly towards each other. Cukor masterfully balances the individual performances, with Russell’s rapid-fire delivery contrasting Shearer’s subdued innocence and Crawford’s chillingly composed demeanor. A notable yet contentious element is the mid-film Technicolor fashion show, which, while visually striking, disrupts the film's flow and feels disconnected from the plot.

Cukor’s directorial finesse is evident throughout, from the dynamic opening sequence at Sydney's Salon to the climactic confrontations in Reno. The Blu-ray release enhances this cinematic experience with its 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video codec and DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 soundtrack, delivering pristine imagery and crisp sound. "The Women" not only revitalizes Joan Crawford's career but also offers a sharp critique of its characters’ vacuous lifestyles while highlighting their resilience and cunning. This classic film remains as relevant and entertaining today as it was upon its 1939 release, thanks to its witty script, memorable performances, and Cukor’s deft direction.

George Cukor's 1939 version of "The Women" stands as an unqualified classic. Critically acclaimed for its incisive humor and timeless truths, this film masterfully blends comedy, drama, and social commentary. Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, and Rosalind Russell headline an all-female cast of 134, delivering stellar performances that encapsulate the era's intricate dynamics of romance and rivalry. The Blu-ray release significantly elevates the viewing experience with beautifully rendered video and audio transfers, making it a valuable upgrade from the 2002 DVD. Warner's presentation revitalizes this vintage gem, essential for any serious film collection.

Technically, the Blu-ray transfer excels. Enhanced picture quality reveals details previously obscured, while the audio clarity immerses viewers in the film's rich dialogue and sharp wit. This meticulous restoration ensures that modern audiences can appreciate the film's original charm and director George Cukor’s nuanced craftsmanship. Additionally, the supplemental features offer valuable insights into the production and reception of this enduring classic, further enriching the context for contemporary viewers.

"The Women" borrows elements from screwball comedy, featuring secondary characters strictly for laughs. However, at its core, it's a serious film. For evidence, look no further than Little Mary, who struggles to comprehend her parents' issues—a poignant reminder of the lasting damage caused by adults' emotional battles. Pay close attention to the revealing scene between Little Mary and Crystal in the latter half of the film. Despite repeated provocations, Little Mary behaves impeccably, showing she has already learned to observe and strategize—unlike her mother. Highly recommended.