Letter from an Unknown Woman Blu-ray Review

Olive Films’ Blu-ray release of Max Ophuls' "Letter from an Unknown Woman" showcases an exemplary 1080p transfer, sourced from a recent 4K restoration by Paramount Pictures. Presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the film's presentation is outstandingly enhanced. Viewers will notice a perfect balance and consistent density, providing an organic appearance true to high-quality restorations. Depth is excellent throughout, supported by a refined grain that adds a pleasing texture without drawing undue attention. Grading has been improved significantly, offering a broader spectrum of grays and superior shadow details, free from any over-sharpening. The transfer also excels in image stability and cleanliness, devoid of any distracting marks, debris, or scratches.

The restoration meticulously rejuvenates Franz Planer's cinematography and Ophüls' artistic direction, distinguished by excellent clarity and contrast. Impressive black levels and well-defined whites highlight the delicate gowns, fur coats, and snowy streetscapes featured in the film. Enhanced depth accentuates background details like faded wallpaper and intricate decorative items. In close-ups, the glamour of Joan Fontaine and Louis Jourdan is exceptionally showcased, revealing minute details such as the fine weave of Fontaine's veil and water droplets on Jourdan’s face. Enhanced reflections on windows and polished wood surfaces further enrich the viewing experience. This superior rendering by Olive Films stands as a remarkable entry in their Signature series, certain to captivate the film’s aficionados.

The Blu-Ray release of "Letter from an Unknown Woman" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, accompanied by optional yellow English SDH subtitles. The audio track is exceptionally stable and clean, providing a pristine listening experience. Given the film's 1940s origins, it understandably lacks dynamic intensity but maintains an excellent balance between dialogue, narration, and music, with no dropouts, pops, or digital distortions to report.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track offers well-modulated sound that beautifully complements the film's delicate action without overshadowing it. Subtle sound effects like rain, horse hooves on cobblestones, and squeaking swings are crisp and clean. Additionally, more prominent sounds such as clanging church bells are delivered with clarity and precision. The track boasts a wide dynamic range with superior fidelity and tonal depth, allowing Daniele Amfitheatrof's romantic score to fill the room seamlessly. Dialogue is consistently clear, even in hushed tones, and the absence of age-related hiss, pops, or crackles ensures the film's numerous quiet moments remain uninterrupted.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Letter from an Unknown Woman" offer a comprehensive and insightful collection of materials that delve deeply into both the film's production and its enduring legacy. Expert commentary and interviews provide a nuanced understanding of the movie's visual style and historical context. Max Ophuls expert Lutz Bacher’s commentary sheds light on the film's production history and lighting choices, while Marcel Ophuls and Dana Polan provide context on early Hollywood and post-war independent films, respectively. Cinematographers Ben Kasulke and Sean Price Williams discuss the impressionistic impact of Ophuls' visual style. The featurette by Tag Gallagher sums up the director's life and work effectively, and Molly Haskell's essay further explores the film's thematic complexities. This package not only enhances appreciation for the film but also offers significant educational value.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Max Ophuls expert Lutz Bacher's detailed analysis of the film.
• A Deal Made in a Turkish Bath: Interview with Marcel Ophuls on his family's journey to America and early Hollywood experiences.
• An Independent Woman: Changing Sensibilities in Post-War Hollywood: Dana Polan discusses the rise of independent films and changes in the studio system.
• Ophulsesque: The Look of Letter From an Unknown Woman: Cinematographers Ben Kasulke and Sean Price Williams on the film's visual style.
• Letter From an Unknown Woman: Passion's Triumph: Tag Gallagher's featurette on Max Ophuls’ life and legacy.
• I've Seen You Somewhere Before: Soulmates in Ophuls's Letter From an Unknown Woman: Molly Haskell’s analytical essay.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet featuring Molly Haskell's essay.

Max Ophuls’ “Letter from an Unknown Woman” (1948) stands as one of the most emotionally stirring romantic dramas of its time. Relayed through a poignant narrative, the film tells the tale of Stefan Brand (Louis Jourdan), a charming pianist, and Lisa (Joan Fontaine), a woman who loves him unconditionally from afar. The plot unveils through a heartfelt letter where Lisa recounts their encounters over the years—how she remained a peripheral figure in Stefan’s life due to his consuming music career. This nuanced narrative creates an intricate interplay of memory and emotion, pulling viewers into the depths of unrequited love.

Ophuls' direction merges artistry with emotional depth, avoiding the melodramatic pitfalls typical of “women’s pictures” from the era. His meticulous focus on atmosphere enhances the film’s lyrical quality, effectively transforming turn-of-the-century Vienna into an almost sentient backdrop to Lisa’s tragic life. The visual symphony orchestrated by cinematographer Franz Planer is unmistakable, characterized by exquisite period decors, elegant costumes, and evocative lighting. The careful manipulation of lighting—sometimes soft and wistful, other times stark and melancholic—imbues scenes with an emotional resonance that dialogues alone could not achieve.

Fontaine exudes brilliance in her role, gracefully transitioning from an innocent, lovestruck teenager to a resilient woman burdened by unfulfilled dreams. Her portrayal remains subtle, refraining from overplaying even in moments of profound sorrow. On the other hand, Jourdan imbues Stefan with a paradoxical charm—his character is undeniably flawed, yet compulsively captivating. Their final meeting at the opera-house encapsulates the film's haunting beauty. Ophuls masterfully constructs this melancholic symphony into three acts, each layered with flashbacks that provide a richer understanding of Lisa’s sacrifices and longing. The film's subtle complexities and psychological depth make it more accessible to contemporary audiences, offering renewed relevance amidst changing social dynamics.

Max Ophüls' "Letter from an Unknown Woman" emerges as a distinguished film, capturing the lyrical, romantic, and heart-wrenching essence of classic cinema. This Signature Edition, released by Olive Films, has remarkably preserved the film's timeless elegance through a meticulous 4K restoration. The visual presentation is simply exceptional, arguably setting a new standard for Max Ophüls films and providing viewers with an unmatched viewing experience. Every frame benefits from the restoration, revealing details that amplify the film’s dramatic and emotive storytelling. The audio quality complements the visual enhancements, immersing viewers further into the tragic tale through pristine sound clarity.

Additionally, Olive Films has curated an impressive selection of new and archival bonus features that cater to both longtime fans and new audiences. These supplements delve deeper into the artistry of Ophüls, offering insightful perspectives and appreciating the subtleties of the narration and character developments. The handsomely packaged release not only highlights the technical prowess of the restoration but also pays homage to the timeless elegance of Ophüls' direction.

Letter From an Unknown Woman is one of my all-time favorite films and I am thrilled to have this new Signature Edition in my library. The film has been recently restored in 4K and I think that this might be the best presentation of a Max Ophuls film that I have seen to date. As usual, the folks at Olive Films have also included a nice selection of exclusive new and archival bonus features. Fantastic. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.