Summertime Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of "Summertime" emerges from a 4K restoration, aggressively focused on retaining the film's oozing Technicolor charm, yet marred by continued controversy over its aspect ratio. Despite numerous assertions about the movie’s intended theatrical ratio, Criterion presents this cinematic piece in an open-matte 1.37:1 format, rather than the assumed widescreen 1.85:1. This choice enhances headroom, arguably enriching scenes with Venice's striking vistas, but also prompts discourse among purists desiring a format correction, as witnessed in other releases such as "On the Waterfront." Nevertheless, the deviation seems forgivable once enveloped in the narrative's romantic backdrop.

The film's image quality validates Criterion's meticulous restoration efforts. Sourced largely from the original camera negative, with notable exceptions patched from 35mm separation masters, the majority of the viewing experience is immersive and rich in detail. Technicolor hues are displayed with striking vibrancy—red stands out particularly, alongside calm blues and fresh greens which blend harmoniously to present Venice's iconic landscape at its most breathtaking. Shadow detail is rendered remarkably well in low-light scenes, preserving mood and texture without succumbing to overwhelming graininess or macro blocking.

Despite speckles and brief lapses in sharpness owing to duplicate negative inserts, "Summertime" rewards viewers with visual fidelity that surpasses its now antiquated DVD versions. The chiaroscuro lighting in interior romantic scenes sets a striking contrast and complements the overall production design impeccably. Such attention to detail creates a rich tapestry—where even costume textures are emphasized—that makes overlooking the persistent aspect ratio debate a tad easier. Until there is a 4K UHD release with advanced features like Dolby Vision, this iteration represents "Summertime" at near-optimal visual opulence, urging collectors to consider an upgrade from older formats.

The Criterion Blu-ray of "Summertime" delivers an audio presentation that authentically preserves the film's original monaural soundscape. The LPCM 1.0 audio, remastered from the original 35mm optical soundtrack negative, achieves commendable fidelity despite inherent limitations in dynamic range. This clean mix is free from age-related artifacts such as hiss, pops, or crackle. Acoustic textures, including ambient sounds like footsteps and the distinctive elements of Venice—such as birds chirping and church bells tolling—remain wonderfully distinct, enhancing the film's atmospheric depth.

Alessandro Cicognini's romantic score resonates with Italian flavor, handled expertly to avoid distortion or overshadowing dialogue. However, a slightly tinny quality can be noted, a testament to the recording techniques of the era rather than any deficiency in the restoration effort. Dialogue remains mostly crisp and clear across the spectrum of languages presented, though occasional sibilance issues may pose a minor distraction. The audio track manages to maintain a delicate balance between conversations, background effects, and music throughout, affirming its position as an indispensable element of the viewing experience.

Overall, the sound mix asserts itself as a crucial narrative device, drawing viewers into the vibrant locale portrayed in "Summertime." While acknowledging its source material's limitations, this restoration provides an immersive audio experience that complements the film's visual grandeur. Subtitles are available for the deaf and hard of hearing, preserving the integrity of Italian dialogue in its original form.

The extras for the Blu-ray release of "Summertime" by Criterion, while somewhat sparse by their standards, provide insightful perspectives on David Lean's work and his cinematic style. The standout feature is the 1963 Canadian TV interview with Lean, where he discusses his upbringing, career, and notable films like "Lawrence of Arabia," with accompanying footage enriching the narrative. Melanie Williams' contemporary featurette offers a critical analysis of Lean's work and his relationship with actor Katharine Hepburn. Jack Hildyard's audio interview adds a historical dimension, detailing his early career and collaboration with Lean, although it briefly touches on "Summertime." Despite rough audio in some segments, the interviews are essential for those interested in film history, comprehensively contextualizing Lean's artistic choices.

Extras included in this disc:

• David Lean Interview: 1963 Canadian TV broadcast on Lean's career, features footage from major films.
• Melanie Williams Featurette: Insightful analysis by Lean’s biographer, recorded in 2022.
• Jack Hildyard Audio Interview: 1988 interview excerpts with the cinematographer.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview of the film.

David Lean’s "Summertime" is a masterful encapsulation of romance, loneliness, and the allure of Venice, brought to life through Katharine Hepburn's nuanced portrayal of Jane Hudson. Jane, a spinsterish secretary from Ohio, embarks on a long-desired trip to Venice, seeking the romance and excitement missing from her life. Her journey is as much about personal discovery as it is about discovering the city's staggering beauty. Hepburn’s performance is a compelling mix of vulnerability and resolve. She skillfully personifies Jane's insecurities and longing, earning a well-deserved Oscar nomination. Rossano Brazzi delivers an equally impressive performance as Renato de Rossi, whose gentle persistence eventually thaws Jane’s shy defenses.

The film’s narrative may be thin and the romantic chemistry between Jane and Renato subdued compared to classic whirlwind romances, yet the true charisma of "Summertime" lies in its visual storytelling. The city of Venice becomes a vital character, imbuing every frame with its stunning canals, piazzas, and iconic landmarks captured through Jack Hildyard's adept Technicolor cinematography. This setting enhances the emotional depth of the characters’ experiences, adding authenticity and vibrancy to their interactions.

Despite some underdeveloped subplots and character inconsistencies, Lean's direction transforms what could be a mere escapist love affair into a reflective homage to intimacy and yearning. The film subtly juxtaposes Jane's solitary moments with sweeping panoramic views of Venice, echoing her inner journey. Each meticulously crafted scene conveys both a travelogue charm and narrative purpose, vividly illustrating the ethereal qualities of Venice while exploring the ephemeral nature of love and connection. "Summertime" remains a visual delight and emotional exploration, underscored by its graceful romantic resonance within one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

David Lean's "Summertime" captures Venice with an enchanting cinematic lens, highlighting Lean's personal affection for the city. While the romantic storyline may not fully engage all viewers due to its lack of depth and believability, the visual splendor compensates, making it a captivating experience for those drawn to its picturesque portrayal. The Criterion Blu-ray edition enhances the visual feast with a newly restored 4K remaster, which resolves some issues from previous releases, despite ongoing debates about the aspect ratio.

This edition includes valuable extras such as an insightful interview with film historian Melanie Williams, providing context to Lean's craft and thematic preoccupations. Her discussion of Lean as a "cold craftsman" and his story-telling evolution offers a richer appreciation for this smaller-scale yet significant work in his oeuvre. The technical fidelity of this release accentuates Lean’s precision and Hepburn’s nuanced performance, delivering a version that is more immersive than its predecessors.

In conclusion, Criterion's updated Blu-ray release is essential for both newcomers and long-standing admirers of "Summertime." The visual enhancements ensure that Venice’s charm is more alluring than ever, while additional featurettes enrich the viewing experience with historical and artistic insights. Despite minor criticisms, this release stands as a testament to Lean's directorial prowess and is indisputably a worthwhile acquisition for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Highly recommended.