The Razor's Edge Blu-ray Review

The Razor's Edge is presented on Blu-ray by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.34:1 aspect ratio. This high-definition transfer displays remarkable clarity and sharpness, capturing every detail with pleasing precision. While overall presentation quality remains commendable, it is evident that the source material utilized introduces some minor imperfections such as dust, dirt, scratches, and occasional density fluctuations. These imperfections are mostly negligible and rarely distract from the viewing experience. The grain structure has been preserved well, offering a natural and authentic replication of the original celluloid feel. Additionally, contrast and black levels deliver excellent performance with rich blacks and crisp whites, avoiding any notable compression issues due to ample room on the BD-50 disc.

However, despite these positive attributes, some aspects of the transfer reflect a certain dullness that belies the film's grand production value. The transfer seems to be an upscaled version of the previous DVD release from the Fox Studio Classics Series, lacking the vibrancy one might expect from scenes set in picturesque locales like the Riviera and Himalayas. The carefully crafted cinematography by Oscar-winner Arthur Miller still manages to shine through, particularly in close-ups that capture iconic glamor and detailed character portrayals. From the inky black evening wear to weathered visages, the imagery maintains a certain elegance amidst intermittent imperfections. Overall, while this Blu-ray transfer might fall short of fans' high expectations, its inherent visual beauty and authenticity are effectively preserved, making it a valuable addition for film enthusiasts.

The audio presentation of "The Razor's Edge" on Blu-ray showcases a robust DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track. This presentation maintains high clarity and captures the delicate nuances of the dialogue, surfacing without distortion or age-related defects like hiss or pops. The soundtrack’s fidelity and tonal richness lend an impressive depth to Alfred Newman's lush, romantic score, enabling it to fill the room with ease. Ambient effects, including rain and crashing waves, are reproduced with precision, complementing the moments and immersing viewers effectively in the atmospheric scenes.

Despite its strengths, the track does reveal its age through a somewhat shallow and dry texture, especially noticeable in orchestral cues. Nevertheless, these minor limitations do not impair the overall listening experience. The audio remains devoid of damage, ensuring dialogue and sound effects are comprehensible and engaging. The track's overall balance and lack of distortion help it sound far younger than its years, contributing to an immersive and pleasurable audio experience.

The Blu Ray of "The Razor's Edge" offers a limited but compelling set of extras that appeal to both casual viewers and film historians. The commentary by historians Anthony Slide and Robert S. Birchard is notably detailed, covering a variety of topics from the 100-day shooting schedule to personal anecdotes and the controversial private lives of the production team. However, the commentary's impact is somewhat lessened by occasional inaccuracies and gaps. Additionally, the vintage newsreel clips present a nostalgic look at the film’s historical context, including W. Somerset Maugham’s Library of Congress presentation and highlights from the New York premiere, featuring appearances by prominent figures of the time.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Anthony Slide and Robert Birchard: Detailed discussion on film production and personal lives of key figures
• Vintage Newsreel Clips: Historical footage including Maugham’s Library of Congress presentation and New York premiere highlights

"The Razor's Edge" is a thought-provoking film adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham's novel, tapping into the era's post-war existential dilemmas. Edmund Goulding directs with a meticulous hand, providing a visual feast that features stunning performances by Tyrone Power and Gene Tierney. However, the screenplay by Lamar Trotti tends to dilute Maugham's deeper philosophical inquiries into the meaning of life, leaving audiences to wade through superficial elements to grasp the story's profound messages.

Larry Darrell, played by Power, embarks on a spiritual quest after World War I, rejecting materialism and societal expectations. This anti-materialistic stance starkly contrasts with characters like Isabel Bradley, played by Tierney, who embodies the post-war consumerist ethos. Power's portrayal of Larry's serene and almost Christ-like journey offers a compelling, albeit somewhat flat performance. Tierney, on the other hand, navigates her character's transformation from socialite to embittered spouse adeptly.

Anne Baxter shines as Sophie MacDonald, delivering an Oscar-winning performance as a tragic figure battling alcoholism and grief. Supporting roles by Clifton Webb and Herbert Marshall add layers of complexity but struggle under Goulding’s leisurely pacing and the script’s verbosity. While "The Razor’s Edge" boasts impeccable production values and technical grace, it often falls short of emotional resonance and impact, rendering it a beautifully crafted yet somewhat hollow exploration of spiritual enlightenment and human struggles in the pursuit of inner peace.

"The Razor's Edge" Blu-ray release presents an ambitious adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham's celebrated novel, characterized by its emphasis on spiritual enlightenment over material accumulation. The film exhibits remarkable production values and an attempted depth that is partially captured through superb cinematography and a strong audio track. However, the video quality sometimes falls short, lacking the sharpness and clarity that may be expected from a high-definition remaster. Supplementary features are notably sparse, offering limited additional content to enhance the viewer's experience.

Tyrone Power and Gene Tierney lead the cast, embodying Hollywood glamour with their striking screen presence. Nonetheless, Power’s somewhat wooden performance and Tierney’s icy characterization contribute to an overall stiffness that occasionally undermines the film's emotional resonance. While the plot occasionally suffers from indulgent pacing, "The Razor's Edge" does feature poignant moments and compelling interactions that explore profound themes of human connection and self-discovery. Despite these inconsistencies, the film's intelligent dialogue and premium attributes provide a rich backdrop for this classic tale.

It would probably be a bit facile to say they don’t make 'em like this one anymore, except that they of course did try to make 'em like this, at least with regard to the underwhelming Bill Murray version, as well as any number of other films (especially some in the 1960s and 1970s) which tried to emulate Maugham’s path of spiritual enlightenment whilst living (to quote a certain Madonna) in a material world. What's fascinating about "The Razor's Edge" is how prescient it is with regard to the lure of Eastern mysticism, as well as the then perhaps radical notion that amassing a pile of things might not be the ultimate meaning of life. Unusually literate and filled with great performances, "The Razor's Edge" is a very unique and distinctive film, and its debut on Blu-ray should be welcomed by pilgrims and high definition enthusiasts alike. Highly recommended.