Bringing Up Baby Blu-ray Review

Criterion Collection has accomplished an ambitious and largely successful restoration of "Bringing Up Baby" with a 1080p Blu-ray presentation, utilizing a meticulous process to overcome significant source challenges. Presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, the release draws from a 4K digital reconstruction combining a 35mm nitrate duplicate negative from the British Film Institute and a 35mm safety fine-grain positive. The nitrate element, affected by mold, was remediated through wet-gate film scanners, then digitized in 16-bit 4K resolution to produce the final transfer.

Despite inherent limitations, the end result stands commendably strong. Image stability is notably excellent, and age-related imperfections have been minimized effectively. While some density fluctuations persist, affecting delineation and depth, they are not overly distracting. The transfer boasts a pleasing organic texture with convincing grading, showcasing particularly impressive outdoor sequences and well-balanced darker scenes. Certain indoor scenes appear soft or overexposed, with washed-out whites and heavier grain lending an authentic film-like feel. Nevertheless, the high level of detail, especially in close-ups and shadow delineation, ensures a largely satisfying visual experience.

The dedicated efforts of Criterion’s restoration team and colorist Lee Kline have culminated in a faithful preservation that highlights the film's enduring charm. This Blu-ray release, despite some unavoidable imperfections, offers fans of this classic comedy a vivid and nostalgic viewing experience. For Region-A collectors, this remains an essential addition to their collection.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of Bringing Up Baby offers a singular track in English LPCM 1.0, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. The original monaural soundtrack has been remastered effectively from 35 mm optical tracks, ensuring a clean and articulate audio experience. Prominent sound effects, such as barking dogs, moaning leopards, car scrapes, and collapsing brontosaurus bones, come through with impressive clarity. Overall, the dialogue remains easily discernible, maintaining the integrity of this classic screwball comedy.

While there is no overt soundtrack, the incidental music is handled with a commendable dynamic range, adeptly managing various audio highs and lows without distortion. Despite an absence of rich nuances often found in modern soundtracks, the audio quality is consistently clear and free from age-related imperfections like hiss, pops, or crackling. Some aspects of the audio may show slight signs of aging when the volume is increased, particularly with a somewhat thinner upper register typical of 1930s films; however, these are minor and do not detract significantly from the overall experience.

The Blu-ray edition of "Bringing Up Baby" boasts a treasure trove of extras that cater to aficionados of classic cinema. It delivers illuminating insights from film historians, actors, and cinematographers, enhancing appreciation for this timeless screwball comedy. Peter Bogdanovich’s 2005 commentary, although light on production specifics, exudes an unabashed affection for the film’s pacing and performances. Scott Eyman’s video essay meticulously explores Cary Grant’s unique performing style and legacy. Other highlights include John Bailey's examination of Russell Metty’s cinematographic artistry, Craig Barron's feature on visual effects pioneer Linwood Dunn, and an audio interview with Cary Grant that offers delightful anecdotes and career reflections. Archival materials, such as a documentary featuring Howard Hawks and interviews from 1969, provide rich historical context. This robust package is a must-have for any classic film collection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage trailer for Bringing Up Baby.
• Scott Eyman: Video essay on Cary Grant’s performing style and legacy.
• John Bailey: Discussion on Russell Metty’s cinematography and composition.
• Craig Barron: Feature on visual effects pioneer Linwood Dunn’s contributions.
• Selected-Scene Commentary: Shelly Foote on designer Howard Greer’s career and his work in the film.
• Howard Hawks: A Hell of a Good Life: Archival documentary interview with Howard Hawks.
• Cary Grant: Archival interview discussing his career and involvement with the film.
• Howard Hawks and Peter Bogdanovich: Excerpt from a 1972 conversation about the film’s conception.
• Commentary: Audio commentary by Peter Bogdanovich recorded in 2005.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet featuring an essay by Sheila O'Malley and Hagar Wilde's 1937 short story.

In Howard Hawks' "Bringing Up Baby," Cary Grant delivers a standout performance as Dr. David Huxley, a socially inept paleontologist laser-focused on securing a crucial $1 million donation the day before his wedding to his austere fiancée, Alice Swallow (Virginia Walker). The film's screwball essence is evident when Huxley's meticulous plans unravel after he encounters the daffy socialite Susan Vance (Katharine Hepburn) along with her pet leopard, Baby. Their interaction creates a whirlwind of comedic chaos that epitomizes Hawks' signature farcical style.

Hawks masterfully uses the original material from Hagar Wilde's short story as a canvas for comedic brilliance, allowing Grant and Hepburn's on-screen chemistry to shine through. Hepburn's unrestrained performance complements Grant's bewildered portrayal, injecting life into the film's preposterous scenarios. Their dynamic is crucial, as the humor hinges on accepting their relationship as either entirely abstract or implausible in the real world. Despite its initial lukewarm reception in 1938, the film's reputation has solidified over time, lauded as one of the most hilarious screwball comedies.

"Bringing Up Baby" stands out for its enduring ability to amuse with its absurdity and simplicity. Hawks' direction steers clear of underlying messages, instead reveling in pure comic delight. This approach, coupled with stellar supporting performances from May Robson and Barry Fitzgerald, and the use of then-state-of-the-art special effects to seamlessly integrate Baby the leopard, ensures that the movie remains a timeless comedic gem that continues to entertain audiences even decades after its release.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Bringing Up Baby serves as a splendid homage to one of the all-time classic screwball comedies. The film, directed by Howard Hawks, features side-splitting slapstick antics and rapid-fire dialogue delivered masterfully by Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, whose on-screen chemistry remains largely engaging despite some occasional inconsistencies. The heart of this comedy lies in its breathless array of gags and its portrayal of an energetic couple playing off each other’s polar-opposite personalities with unmatched cinematic flair. The chaos orchestrated by Hawks is a testament to his directorial prowess.

The technical aspects of this Blu-ray release are commendable but not without their flaws. Criterion has sourced the film from a solid exclusive new 4K restoration, a complex reconstruction project that ensures the highest possible visual appeal given the less-than-optimal film elements they had to work with. The audio quality is solid, preserving the rapid-fire dialogue that is so crucial to the movie's charm. An array of quality supplements accompany this release, making it an attractive package for cinephiles. However, it's worth noting that Criterion's restoration doesn't quite meet some of the lofty expectations set by previous releases of classic films.

In conclusion, Bringing Up Baby on Blu-ray is a worthwhile acquisition for any classic movie enthusiast, especially those with a penchant for 1930s and 1940s screwball comedies. Virtually all of the footage with the domesticated leopard is quite incredible, adding a layer of genuine danger and excitement that accentuates the film's slapstick nature. While Hepburn may overplay her character at times and the chemistry between her and Grant isn’t always perfect, the overall entertainment value remains high. This release, bolstered by Criterion’s efforts in restoration and supplementary content, is solid and RECOMMENDED.