Harold and Maude Blu-ray Review

Paramount's Blu-ray release of "Harold and Maude" under the Paramount Presents line represents a commendable commitment to quality, channeling both nostalgia and technical excellence. The studio revisited the original negative with a meticulous 4K scan, paired with color correction and careful restoration efforts. The end result pays homage to the film's vintage aesthetic while infusing it with contemporary clarity and crispness. The grain structure is beautifully preserved, capturing the authentic 1971 film stock experience while offering a strikingly natural appearance free of digital artifacts such as frozen grain or clumping. This effort enhances details that range from Maude’s expressive features to the intricate patterns of costumes, all rendered with precision.

This Blu-ray excels in balancing the warmth of 70s pastels with a natural palette, effectively portraying a wide spectrum of colors. Deep browns, vibrant greens, and subtle reds contrast against Harold's intentional pallor, transitioning smoothly into more natural tones as his character evolves. Paramount's restoration carefully handles blacks and shadows, achieving commendable depth without any of the pitfalls like creamy levels or banding, making even dimly lit scenes clear yet atmospherically moody. The high-bitrate AVC encode adeptly manages shadows and grain fields, ensuring robust texture without sacrificing clarity.

The restoration highly respects John A. Alonzo's original cinematographic vision, maintaining the film’s gritty authenticity and enhancing it with modern technology's precision. While streaming options offer 4K with Dolby Vision, this remaster showcases that an expanded HDR palette might not significantly elevate cinematography styled as this is; its essence thrives within the natural spectrum portrayed in this impressive Blu-ray release. While Criterion’s previous edition was a staple for fans, the newly remastered presentation subtly elevates the visual storytelling, providing a fresh yet familiar experience for both dedicated supporters and new viewers alike.

Paramount's Blu Ray release of "Harold and Maude" features a meticulously remixed and remastered Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack, derived from recently unearthed tracks to enhance clarity and depth. The result is a clean and vibrant audio experience that belies the film's original 1971 production date. While some purists may lament the absence of the Mono original mix, the current presentation avoids hisses, crackles, or pops, offering a sophisticated soundscape. The surrounds are skillfully employed to capture ambient city noise and Cat Stevens’ iconic score, rendering it soft, smooth, and atmospherically enveloping without being overbearing or artificial.

While predominantly front-oriented, the 5.1 mix maintains impeccable vocal clarity and room penetration, delivering a consistent and immersive dialogue experience. The soundtrack excels in presenting Cat Stevens' music with newfound clarity and separation, enhancing acoustic space and imaging with precision. Though the additional surround channels aren’t maximally utilized, especially in scenes that could benefit from dynamic spatial expansion, the track remains true to the film’s original audio parameters. This nuanced approach ensures listeners enjoy robust dialog imaging at the center channel with well-balanced musical selections spread pleasingly across the soundstage.

Overall, despite the exclusive focus on front-end presentation, the revamped audio offers pristine fidelity with stout dynamics. Paramount's choice to center the Cat Stevens score within this 5.1 framework successfully highlights critical thematic moments without detracting from the film’s narrative or comedy essence. While it may not be groundbreaking in terms of surround channel excitement, it delivers an audibly satisfying experience that honors both the film’s era and its artistic intent. Optional subtitles are available in English, English SDH, German, and French, with corresponding mono dubs in Dolby Digital 2.0 for French and German audiences.

The Blu-ray release of "Harold and Maude" offers a compelling selection of extras that enrich the viewing experience, providing both historical context and additional entertainment value. Among the highlights is a distinctive commentary by Larry Karaszewski and Cameron Crowe, who, while not directly involved in the film's production, bring a passionate and engaging perspective. Their discussion covers nostalgic elements and technical insights, adding nuance to the film's enduring appeal. Also included is a featurette with Yusuf/Cat Stevens, where he reflects on his musical contributions to the film, underscoring how his music compliments its whimsical narrative. These additions, combined with the original trailers and collectible packaging, enhance this release from the Paramount Presents line. While it may not match the comprehensive nature of previous editions, the new extras present fresh angles for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Audio Commentary with Larry Karaszewski and Cameron Crowe: A lively and non-technical discussion about their admiration for the film.
• NEW Yusuf/Cat Stevens on Harold and Maude: Insights from Stevens on his music's impact and his relationship with the film.
• Theatrical Trailer #1: Original promotional material.
• Theatrical Trailer #2: Additional original promotional content.
• Digital Code: For HDX redemption on iTunes or VUDU.

"Harold and Maude," a cult classic directed by Hal Ashby, remains a provocative blend of dark comedy and poignant drama. This 1971 film, now part of the Paramount Presents line with a 4K master, offers a sharp juxtaposition of themes with its unique narrative and distinctive characters. The story unfolds with Harold, played by Bud Cort, a wealthy teenager obsessed with death, who stages unsettling faux-suicides to capture his emotionally distant mother's attention. His morbid fascination is contrasted by Maude, portrayed by Oscar winner Ruth Gordon, a vivacious 79-year-old who embraces life with an eccentric fervor. Their unexpected meeting at a funeral evolves into an unconventional yet profoundly touching relationship that defies societal norms. Harold's love for Maude's zest for life and Maude’s affection for Harold’s misunderstood vulnerability forms a narrative deeply rooted in 1970s counterculture, providing both comedic relief and a tragic examination of life and death.

The film transcends traditional romantic conventions through its emphasis on a genuine emotional connection rather than physical attraction. This subversion offers a fresh perspective on love and relationships, further enriched by the humorous critique of contemporary 1970s institutions such as the military and religious establishments. The soundtrack, composed by Cat Stevens specifically for the movie, perfectly complements this thematic exploration, encapsulating the film's melancholic yet hopeful essence. The compositions add an integral auditory layer to the experience of "Harold and Maude," enhancing the narrative's impact.

Overall, "Harold and Maude" stands as a testament to the era's cultural shifts, embodying a profound message about living fully against the backdrop of an often indifferent world. Its legacy endures through its deeply human exploration of unlikely companionship, supported by an engaging visual and auditory experience that continues to resonate across generations.

"Harold and Maude" on Blu-ray presents a captivating experience by preserving the original charm of this unconventional film, which blends slapstick comedy with tragic drama seamlessly. The storyline thrives on a life-affirming perspective—with Cort and Gordon delivering notable performances—and continues to engage audiences even five decades later. Paramount's release delivers a commendable 1080p transfer, which effectively retains the film's intended aesthetic and offers a memorable viewing experience, despite a front-focused 5.1 Dolby TrueHD audio mix that remains true to the original.

Technically, the film is presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, with subtitles available in English, French, and German, catering to a broad audience. It includes an insightful new commentary track that adds value to the otherwise modest selection of extras. While some of the film’s topical humor may not resonate as it once did, the romantic pairing and the dark humor maintain its cultural significance and appeal.

In conclusion, "Harold and Maude" is a bizarre yet intriguing classic that stands out with its unique narrative and engaging performances. As both a reflection of its time and a keeper of its cult status, it is undoubtedly recommended for enthusiasts of classic cinema and fans looking for a film that challenges conventional storytelling with eccentricity and heart.