The Apartment Blu-ray Review

MGM's Blu-ray presentation of "The Apartment" offers viewers an exceptional visual experience, validating the film's classic status through a top-notch 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Shot by Joseph LaShelle, the renowned DP behind noir masterpieces like "Laura" and "Fallen Angel," the cinematography features a stunning black and white widescreen image characterized by rich and shadowy visuals. The print is remarkably clean with only occasional, negligible white specks, ensuring a pristine viewing experience. The grain structure is well-preserved, providing a natural filmic quality absent from heavy-handed digital noise reduction or edge enhancement. This transfer underscores LaShelle's meticulous monochromatic tonal balance where blacks are deep without losing detail, and whites are bright yet controlled within the spectrum of grays.

Clarity and detail stand out in this high-definition upgrade, delivering refined textures that highlight clothing details, facial expressions, and the chic 1960s interior designs. Despite the age of the film, MGM has preserved Wilder's use of the widescreen frame and his artful compositions effectively, capturing the noir-influenced lighting with impressive depth and texture. While some wide shots exhibit mild softness and occasional minor edge enhancement, these do not detract from the overall quality of the presentation. Contrast levels are notably high, with bright whites and inky blacks enhancing the film's visual impact. This faithful and consistent transfer retains the cinematic essence of "The Apartment," making it a treasure for fans and a testament to the enduring legacy of classic cinematography.

The audio presentation of "The Apartment" on Blu-ray features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, complemented by Spanish and French mono tracks, with optional subtitles in English SDH, French, and Spanish. MGM has skillfully transformed the original single-channel audio into a surround sound experience while maintaining its integrity. The mix primarily anchors itself at the front, with minimal rear-speaker engagement. This subtlety ensures fidelity to the film's original mono roots, with only Adolph Deutsch's evocative score receiving a slight enhancement to provide a full and clear auditory experience, free from tinniness or distortion.

Dialogue is pristinely delivered, consistently clear and devoid of any hisses, pops, or splice crackles that one might expect from a film of this vintage. The soundstage is expertly managed, ensuring speech and ambient effects remain well-balanced and naturally positioned. While directional effects and ambient sounds gently populate the rear channels, they do so without overwhelming the auditory scene. The low-end activity is minimal and appropriate for the film’s genre, thus preserving the overall sound integrity.

This 5.1 remix is commendable for its respect to the movie's original audio elements, subtly enhancing the soundscape without introducing unnecessary embellishments. The track remains remarkably clean, demonstrating a thoughtful balance between dialogue, score, and occasional atmospheric effects. For those who prefer mono tracks to remain untouched, this delicate and unobtrusive remix offers a satisfying compromise that enhances the listening experience while preserving the nostalgic essence of this turn-of-the-1960s romantic comedy.

The Blu-ray release of "The Apartment" offers a concise but compelling selection of extras that are valuable to both fans and film historians. The collection is primarily in standard definition, which might be disappointing for some, but the quality of content makes up for it. The highlight is the Commentary with Film Historian Bruce Block, which provides a robust discussion on production details, cast anecdotes, and script insights, although Block occasionally lapses into on-screen narration. There's also a richly informative featurette, Inside The Apartment, that contextualizes the film within Billy Wilder’s career and Hollywood history, incorporating interviews from notable critics, historians, and cast members. Magic Time - The Art of Jack Lemmon focuses on Jack Lemmon's legacy through the eyes of his son Chris Lemmon. Lastly, the Theatrical Trailer is presented in high definition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Film Historian Bruce Block: Insightful track providing production trivia and script excerpts.
• Inside The Apartment: A retrospective with interviews from cast members and film historians.
• Magic Time - The Art of Jack Lemmon: A featurette on Jack Lemmon's life and career.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original movie trailer in 1080p.

Billy Wilder's "The Apartment" is often hailed as a cinematic masterpiece, and the Blu-ray release does it justice, showcasing this darkly comedic drama in all its glory. Set against a melancholic Christmas backdrop, the film stars Jack Lemmon as C.C. Baxter, a low-ranking number cruncher at an insurance company, who lends his apartment to superiors for extramarital affairs in hopes of a promotion. The narrative deftly weaves comedy with gravitas—touching upon themes of adultery, workplace chauvinism, and personal redemption. Shirley MacLaine delivers a heartbreaking performance as Fran Kubelik, the elevator girl entangled in a sordid affair with the company’s head, Mr. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray). The chemistry between Lemmon and MacLaine is palpable, grounding the film’s emotional core amidst the biting satire on corporate backstabbing.

Visually, Wilder employs a striking 2.35:1 aspect ratio, reminiscent of noir’s stark lighting and expressive shadows, enhancing the film’s tonal complexity. The production design stands out, particularly in its depiction of the dehumanizing corporate environment—a sea of desks stretching endlessly, achieved through inventive forced perspective set construction. Complementing this oppressive office landscape is Baxter’s apartment, depicted as a cozy haven that juxtaposes the cold corporate world. The film’s visual style not only reinforces the narrative but also highlights Wilder’s economy of shots, utilizing wide takes that let scenes breathe.

"The Apartment" balances its comedic elements with dramatic weight masterfully, a synergy evident in scenes like the office Christmas party where Baxter’s playful giddiness contrasts with Fran’s visible despair. Wilder’s careful direction ensures these shifts are seamless, blending humor and pathos without diminishing either. The film’s candid look at the moral ambiguities within corporate hierarchies was groundbreaking, making it both ahead of its time and timeless in its critique. This is solidified by its critical acclaim at the Academy Awards, notably winning Best Picture—a testament to Wilder’s directorial prowess and the film’s lasting impact on Hollywood storytelling.

Billy Wilder's "The Apartment" receives a well-deserved high-definition debut on Blu-ray, joining the ranks of must-have classic films. This 1960 dramedy, a perfect blend of humor and drama, offers a beautifully insightful critique of human relationships and corporate life. Shirley MacLaine’s performance is deeply moving, delivering a level of emotional maturity that few films of its time achieved. The seamless amalgamation of somber pathos, biting satire, and lighthearted charm make "The Apartment" a unique cinema experience that was both ahead of its time and timelessly relevant.

The Blu-ray release boasts a strong video transfer that remains faithful to Billy Wilder's vision. The 5.1 audio mix, although not necessary for a film of this period, adds depth to the overall experience without overshadowing the original audio design. The disc's special features, including commentary and featurettes, provide valuable insights, though they might not be groundbreaking. Nevertheless, they enrich the viewing experience and are a welcomed addition for enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

In conclusion, "The Apartment" is a genuine masterpiece, meriting its five Oscar wins, including Best Picture. Its mature themes and stellar performances make it essential for any film collection. This Blu-ray release, with its excellent audio-visual quality and solid special features, is an easy recommendation. Highly recommended!