The Times of Harvey Milk Blu-ray Review

The Times of Harvey Milk Blu-ray, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in a 1.34:1 aspect ratio, offers a commendable video transfer considering its historical source material. Supervised by director Rob Epstein, the transfer utilizes a 4K Spirit Datacine at 2K resolution from UCLA's meticulously restored 35 mm negative, and involved extensive manual cleaning to remove dirt, debris, scratches, and other imperfections. The detail and depth provided by this 1080p transfer are surprisingly robust, with consistent brightness and contrast levels throughout the presentation, allowing viewers to appreciate the film with impressive visual clarity relative to its age.

Despite inherent limitations of the original 16 mm film and substantial use of archival footage, the transfer manages to shine in several areas. Interview segments featuring close associates of Harvey Milk are notably crisp, though there are occasional color fluctuations reflecting the varied quality of source materials rather than transfer issues. While some dark scenes, particularly protest marches, display shadow crushing and a lack of definition, overall cleanliness and minimal noise demonstrate Criterion's dedication to presenting the best possible image. The diverse quality of stock footage is evident; some scenes, such as Dan White being escorted out of the capitol, appear remarkably clear, juxtaposed with less defined parade and march footage.

In conclusion, considering the various elements and age of the original materials, The Times of Harvey Milk Blu-ray stands out as an exceptional restoration effort by Criterion. The result is a compelling visual document that offers both historical fidelity and technical competence.

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Times of Harvey Milk" offers a single audio track: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. This concise yet effective audio offering does an admirable job of delivering the documentary's content with clarity and precision. Optional English SDH subtitles are available for the feature, further enhancing accessibility.

Criterion has meticulously remastered the Dolby 2.0 soundtrack at 24-bit from UCLA's restored magnetic track, derived from the original 35mm 6-track master sound mix and the original PCM-F1 stereo music master by Mark Isham. Using advanced technologies like Sonic Solutions and Pro Tools HD, they have meticulously removed clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum, with crackle attenuated using Audio Cube’s integrated audio workstation.

Notably, Mark Isham's music score benefits significantly from the lossless treatment, yielding an impressive range of dynamics and enhanced stability. Dialogue is crisp, clean, stable, and exceptionally easy to follow, free from disruptive pops, cracks, or audio dropouts. While the 2.0 mix might not offer an immersive auditory experience that modern surround sound can provide, it delivers interviews clearly and maintains the integrity of historical stock footage and live music scenes effectively. In summary, Criterion has crafted a clean, intelligible audio mix that underscores the story of Harvey Milk with commendable accuracy.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Times of Harvey Milk" provide an extensive and engaging array of content that deeply enriches the viewing experience. Highlights include insightful discussions by key figures such as director Rob Epstein, and comprehensive features like "Two Films, One Legacy," which delves into the impact and legacy of Harvey Milk. The addition of historical recordings and the compelling "Director's Research Tapes" offers invaluable perspectives on Milk's life and work. Elements like the "Candlelight Memorial" capture the emotional resonance of Milk's legacy, while the in-depth exploration of the Dan White case provides critical context. Overall, this collection ensures a well-rounded understanding and appreciation of both the film and its subject.

Extras included in this disc:

• Postscript: Comments left out of the film's final cut.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Jon Else: Analysis of the film by Jon Else.
• Two Films, One Legacy: Featurette on Harvey Milk's legacy.
• Harvey Milk Recordings: Audio/video from pivotal moments in Milk's career.
• Director's Research Tapes: Draft interviews during preproduction.
• From the Castro to the Oscars: Footage from the film premiere and Oscars.
• The Dan White Case: Clips about Supervisor Dan White.
• Harry Britt, Milk's Successor: Speech by Harry Britt.
• Candlelight Memorial: Address during a memorial service.
• Audio Commentary: Insights from director Rob Epstein and team.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Rob Epstein's 1984 documentary, "The Times of Harvey Milk," provides a profound and emotionally charged account of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to public office in California, and the events leading to his tragic death. The documentary employs extensive interviews and genuine street footage, offering an unfiltered look at both Milk's rise in local politics and the vibrant atmosphere of 1970s San Francisco. This raw and unpretentious approach creates an immersive experience that highlights the socio-political dynamics of the era. The film’s portrayal of Dan White, particularly his early enthusiasm and eventual disillusionment, offers crucial context to the infamous assassination of Milk and Mayor George Moscone.

"The Times of Harvey Milk" succinctly addresses major themes such as human rights progress and societal treatment of marginalized communities. Narrated by Harvey Fierstein and running for 88 minutes, the film is focused and impactful, presenting a timeline of historical events with precision. The narrative is well-balanced, offering insights from various interviewees into Milk's popularity, the controversial trial of Dan White, and the effects of Proposition 6. By juxtaposing Milk’s charismatic political efforts against White’s stern idealism, the documentary effectively builds a historical suspense that remains relevant to contemporary issues of equality and civic duty.

The Criterion Blu-ray edition enriches this already potent documentary with supplemental features like interviews with director Rob Epstein and coeditor Deborah Hoffmann, draft interview excerpts, and clips about Dan White. An illustrated booklet adds scholarly depth, featuring essays that contextualize Milk’s enduring legacy and the film’s restoration process. Capturing the pulse of a transformative period in San Francisco’s history, this release not only preserves a pivotal story but also invites viewers to reflect on ongoing social justice struggles.

The Times of Harvey Milk is a seminal documentary that addresses significant socio-political issues that remain relevant decades after its initial release. The film masterfully outlines the enduring struggles and triumphs of the gay rights movement, spearheaded by Harvey Milk, an iconic figure advocating for acceptance, love, and tolerance. Criterion's Blu-Ray release showcases an impressive restoration effort, considering the original source material's quality. Enhancing both the visual and auditory experience, Criterion has ensured that the film's impactful message resonates with contemporary audiences.

Despite the challenges associated with restoring older footage, Criterion's presentation is nothing short of commendable. The transfer maintains the film's integrity, delivering a vivid, engaging viewing experience. Informative supplemental features further enrich the narrative, providing deeper context and historical background. These extras add substantial value, making this Blu-Ray edition particularly beneficial for those with an academic interest in social justice history or those simply looking to deepen their understanding of Harvey Milk's legacy.

The Times of Harvey Milk is an important film with many important messages. Unfortunately, I believe that quite a few of them are still relevant today. Criterion's presentation of the film is impressive. The distributors have also provided a number of very informative supplemental features. RECOMMENDED.