Metropolitan Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Whit Stillman's Metropolitan offers a notable visual enhancement over previous releases. Supervised by the director and cinematographer John Thomas, the high-definition digital transfer is derived from a 35mm blow-up interpositive using a Spirit Datacine. Meticulous efforts were made to remove thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, jitter, and flicker using MTI's DRS and Pixel Farm's PFClean, with Image Systems' DVNR applied for minor dirt, grain, and noise reduction. The film maintains its original Super 16mm aspect ratio of 1.67:1 and is encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, ensuring a raw and gratifying visual experience.

The transfer proficiently balances the inherent characteristics of its Super 16mm source. Despite the higher grain levels typical for this format, particularly in low-light scenes, the image fidelity remains commendable. Close-ups deliver sufficient depth, with clothing textures revealing good definition. Color reproduction is compelling, especially daylight scenes which are convincingly rendered. Although some sequences exhibit slightly elevated red tones and skin tones occasionally appear pinkish, these instances do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience. Blacks are deep and rich, bolstering the visual integrity. The image is stable with no discernible edge flicker or stabilization issues.

While the Super 16mm film source imposes certain limitations such as high grain levels in darker scenes and a narrower depth of field affecting object sharpness within a frame, these are handled adeptly in this transfer. For instance, scenes at night may highlight busier grain structures, yet they do not destabilize the image quality. Additionally, sequences with characters at varying distances from the camera occasionally manifest slight focus disparities but remain narratively coherent. Overall, Criterion's meticulous remastering work ensures a clean, artifact-free transfer that honors the film's original aesthetic while enhancing its visual presentation for contemporary audiences.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Metropolitan" is delivered exclusively in English LPCM 1.0. Per the liner notes, the original monaural soundtrack was expertly mastered at 24-bit from a 35mm magnetic audio track. Essential restoration processes included the removal of clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum using Pro Tools HD, while crackle was significantly reduced with AudioCube's integrated workstation. Criterion also offers optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature.

Despite the meticulous attention to detail during restoration, the audio track maintains a rather constrained dynamic amplitude, primarily due to the film's modest sound design and limited means. Tom Judson and Mark Suozzo's jazzy score offers a few vibrant moments, though these instances are rare. Dialog clarity, however, is exceptional—crisp, stable, and easily comprehensible without any pops, cracks, distortions, or dropouts. The lack of significant bass and flat sound effects, illustrated by a notably soft punch effect, reflect the film's minimalistic approach to sound design.

Overall, the lossless audio track provides a faithful representation of the original source material. Although the soundstage may not be expansive or bass-rich, it remains clean and precise, aligning with the film's inherent audio limitations. Buyers should set modest expectations regarding immersive or high-definition soundscapes but can appreciate the pristine quality of dialog and subtle background elements.

The extras on the Blu-Ray release of "Metropolitan" provide a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the film's production and legacy. The commentary by writer-director Whit Stillman, along with actors Christopher Eigeman and Taylor Nichols, as well as editor Christopher Tellefsen, offers an intimate and engaging discussion about various production challenges, specific scene shot details, casting processes, and the overall unique style of the film. The outtakes montage is visually informative despite some quality issues and includes a touching memorial to line producer Brian Greenbaum. The alternate casting gallery showcases intriguing scenes with Will Kempe and Lloyd Kaufman with insightful optional commentary by Stillman. These supplemented materials significantly enhance the understanding and appreciation of Stillman’s classic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for Metropolitan.
• Outtakes: Outtakes montage and memorial to line producer Brian Greenbaum.
• Alternate Casting: Scenes featuring Will Kempe and Lloyd Kaufman with optional commentary.
• Commentary: In-depth audio commentary by Stillman, Eigeman, Nichols, and Tellefsen.
• Insert: Featuring Luc Sante's essay "After the Ball".

Whit Stillman's "Metropolitan" (1990) arrives on Blu-ray via Criterion, offering a revealing glimpse into the lives of upper-class Manhattan college students during Christmas vacation. The storyline begins as Tom Townsend (Edward Clements) is invited to an after-party by a group of debutante ball-goers. Known as the Sally Fowler Rat Pack, this ensemble includes a host of intriguing yet disillusioned characters: cynical leader Nick Smith (Chris Eigeman), attention-seeking Jane Clarke (Allison Parisi), brash thinker Charlie Black (Taylor Nichols), and aloof beauty Cynthia McLean (Isabel Gillies).

The film succeeds in drawing the viewer into its world through razor-sharp dialogue, rich in sardonic and subversive undertones. Conversations among the characters offer a potent blend of intellectual debates and social commentary. These interactions are not just fascinating but are also laced with an honesty that reveals deeper, often unsettling truths about the character's lives. Notably, recurring themes explore the evolving social attitudes of New Yorkers from the '60s and '70s, underscored by Stillman’s meticulous direction.

Most striking is the relationship between Tom and his off-screen father, marked by subtle yet poignant moments that capture their emotional distance and Tom's struggle with his familial ties. This nuanced portrayal is emblematic of the film’s overall tone—a mix of theatrical dialogue and minimal action that mirrors the characters' existential boredom and emotional detachment. While some viewers might find this introspective exploration engrossing, others may grapple with an unease towards the privileged characters' inability to seize opportunities for meaningful change. Nevertheless, "Metropolitan" stands as an evocative study in socio-psychological subtlety, meriting attention for its articulate dialogue and incisive narrative approach.

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Whit Stillman's "Metropolitan" is both a technical and cinematic achievement. The film itself, a witty and raw exploration of young bourgeoisie life, maintains its charm and sharp humor through upgraded high-definition visuals. The careful restoration respects the original 16mm source, delivering a filmic experience that enhances the natural grain and tones of the 1990 release. The transfer presents the film with remarkable clarity, allowing audiences to fully appreciate Stillman's meticulous composition and dialogue-driven plot.

Highly appreciated by its existing fan base, this Blu-ray release is a faithful preservation of the original DVD’s supplemental features. Stillman enthusiasts will likely cherish this edition for its integrity and adherence to the film’s essence, though newcomers might find the lack of new features slightly underwhelming. This could have been an opportune moment for Criterion to delve deeper into the film’s production nuances or include modern retrospectives; nonetheless, the preservation effort is commendable.

While "Metropolitan" may not cater to all cinematic tastes due to its specific humor and distinct narrative style, it stands as a testament to low-budget filmmaking ingenuity. The high-definition restoration underscores the film's intrinsic qualities, ensuring it remains a significant piece of independent cinema. Those unfamiliar with Stillman’s work might consider sampling through a rental before committing to a purchase, gauging personal engagement with its characters and storyline.

Overall, Criterion’s Blu-ray edition of "Metropolitan" is a highly recommended addition to any cinephile’s collection. Its excellent presentation quality and retention of integral supplemental content make it a valuable acquisition for long-time admirers, while newcomers receive a pristine viewing experience that faithfully represents Stillman's vision.