The Easy Life Blu-ray Review

Criterion's presentation of Dino Risi's Il Sorpasso on Blu-ray is a visual triumph. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the 1080p transfer is derived from a meticulous 2K restoration. This new digital transfer was created using an ARRISCAN film scanner from the original 35mm camera negative, with additional footage sourced from a 35mm composite fine-grain. Significant efforts were undertaken to manually remove thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps. Employing MTI's DRS for major blemishes and Digital Vision's Phoenix for fine adjustments, the final product is devoid of visual distractions that could mar the viewing experience.

The result is nothing short of spectacular. Close-up shots exhibit remarkable depth and clarity, making fine details such as textures in costumes and individual strands of hair exceptionally vivid. Wider and panoramic shots maintain impressive fluidity without any loss in detail, even in lower-lit scenes. Color stability and saturation are exemplary; whites and blacks are balanced beautifully with a wide array of nuanced grays adding to the overall richness of the imagery. The film grain is consistently distributed, preserving the filmic essence without any problematic degraining corrections or sharpening compromises.

Moreover, overall image stability is outstanding, with no noticeable compressions issues or residual dirt, affirming the transfer's high quality. This restoration showcases a healthy layer of grain that reinforces the film's original texture and authenticity. In summary, this 2K digital restoration sets a new benchmark for classic film presentations on Blu-ray, making Il Sorpasso an indispensable acquisition for both cinephiles and collectors alike.

The Blu-ray audio presentation for "The Easy Life," provided by Criterion, showcases a meticulously restored Italian LPCM 1.0 track. This original monaural soundtrack, remastered from the 35mm negative, is paired with optional English subtitles, ensuring accessibility. Criterion's expertise in audio restoration shines through, as all hissing, pops, and cracks have been eradicated. The dialogue is consistently clear and stable, making it exceptionally easy to follow throughout the entire film.

One of the highlights of this presentation is Riz Ortolani's score, which enriches the narrative's texture and seamlessly transitions between scenes. The lossless audio track does justice to Ortolani's music, maintaining its integrity without any dynamic fluctuations. Additionally, sound effects such as car engines, horns, and tires are rendered with remarkable sharpness and clarity, enhancing the realism during racing sequences. While a 5.1 surround option could have provided an immersive dimension, the LPCM 1.0 mix remains impressively balanced and full-bodied.

Criterion has successfully eliminated any audio imperfections, ensuring that viewers experience a pristine listening experience. There are no audible distortions, background hiss, or dropouts, affirming the release's technical precision and dedication to high-quality restoration. Overall, the audio presentation for "The Easy Life" on Blu-ray remains a robust and faithful reproduction of its original soundscape.

The Extras on the Blu Ray of "The Easy Life" offer a comprehensive and multifaceted exploration of the film's impact and legacy. Highlights include insightful interviews with key figures such as director Dino Risi, actor Jean-Louis Trintignant, and film scholar Remi Fournier Lanzoni, which provide depth on the cultural and social backdrop of "Il Sorpasso" and its significance within Italian cinema. The supplementary material, such as the documentary footage on the locations and people behind the scenes, add a rich contextual layer, making this collection an essential companion to understanding this cinematic gem.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original Italian trailer for “Il Sorpasso”.
• Introduction by Alexander Payne: Filmmaker discusses what makes “Il Sorpasso” unique.
• Dino Risi: Archival interview with director Risi, discussing film's creation and impact.
• Jean-Louis Trintignant: Actor discusses his role and the film’s balance of comedy and drama.
• Ettore Scola: Director talks commedia all'italiana and themes in “Il Sorpasso”.
• Remi Fournier Lanzoni: In-depth analysis of Risi’s style and film’s social foundation.
• Back to Castiglioncello: Documentary revisiting the filming location with cast and crew comments.
• A Beautiful Vacation: Documentary on Risi’s life and legacy with extensive interviews.
• Speaking with Gassman: Documentary excerpts on the collaboration between Risi and actor Vittorio Gassman.
• Criterion Booklet: Illustrated booklet with essays and writings by critics and Risi.

Dino Risi's 1962 classic, Il Sorpasso (The Easy Life), newly arrived on Blu-ray via Criterion, offers an invigorating blend of character-driven narrative and incisive social commentary. The film pairs a very young Jean-Louis Trintignant as Roberto, an ambitious but timid law student, with Vittorio Gassman’s Bruno, an exuberant and outspoken bachelor. Their impromptu road trip across the idyllic Italian countryside catalyzes a series of adventures that balances lighthearted comedy with poignant moments of self-discovery. The sharp dialogue, co-written by Risi, Ruggero Maccari, and Ettore Scola, enhances the authenticity of the characters' interactions, making their minor triumphs and failures resonate deeply with viewers.

What distinguishes Il Sorpasso within the commedia all'italiana genre is its rejection of harsh satire in favor of a more empathetic and genuine depiction of its lead characters. Unlike the works of contemporaries like Alberto Lattuada, Risi avoids reducing his characters to mere caricatures for the sake of social critique. Instead, he offers a sincere observation of the euphoria and contrasts inherent in the 'easy life' ethos sweeping through Italy during the early '60s. This nuanced approach allows the humor to emerge organically from the situations Bruno and Roberto find themselves in, rather than from overt mockery.

The film’s technical merits further bolster its status as a masterpiece. Cinematographer Alfio Contini’s dynamic visuals and Riz Ortolani’s energetic soundtrack perfectly complement Risi’s direction, creating an immersive cinematic experience. Packaged by Criterion with a wealth of supplemental features—including interviews with filmmakers and scholars, a documentary, and an illustrated booklet with critical essays—this Blu-ray release not only reintroduces Il Sorpasso to new audiences but enriches their understanding of its cultural and historical significance.

Criterion’s newly remastered Blu-ray release of "Il Sorpasso" underscores the undeniable craftsmanship of director Dino Risi, a titan of Italian cinema. This film, a seminal work in the realm of Italian road comedies, now benefits from a meticulous restoration that brings Risi’s vision to life with remarkable clarity and depth. The audiovisual presentations are stellar, presenting an authentic experience that contemporary audiences can fully appreciate. The high-definition transfer preserves the film's original textures while enhancing its visual and auditory qualities, making for an immersive viewing experience.

The extras included in this release are exceptional and add considerable value. Criterion has furnished a rich selection of supplemental material, providing context and deeper insights into the film's creation and its consequential impact on global cinema. These extras serve as a robust companion to the main feature, enriching the overall package for enthusiasts and scholars alike.

In conclusion, the immaculate restoration and thoughtful curation make "Il Sorpasso" an essential addition to any serious film collection. Criterion’s effort ensures that this iconic film will not only reach new audiences but also receive the recognition it deserves. Highly recommended, and likely to be featured on numerous prestigious Top 10 lists.