A Raisin in the Sun Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Collection's "A Raisin in the Sun" is presented on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Derived from a fresh 4K restoration, this new digital transfer was created at Cineric in New York using a proprietary high dynamic range wet gate film scanner. Notably, the original monaural soundtrack has been remastered from the 35mm magnetic master, emphasizing the technical precision applied in this release.

Visually, this transfer is a striking achievement with an exquisitely rendered grain field that enhances its film-like integrity. The contrast is solid and consistent, complemented by gorgeously deep blacks and well-modulated grayscale. Fine detail is excellent across all scenes, with studio-bound sequences notably shining with crisp clarity and texture. When the cinematography employs close-ups, fabrics and textures are rendered with nearly palpable detail. This transfer is emblematic of Criterion's rigorous standards and underscores the pristine, scratch-free quality expected from their releases.

Despite the confined setting of the Younger family apartment, the 1080p image manages to imbue a sense of depth and history into each frame. The meticulous attention to detail makes every scuff mark and patch in clothing contribute significantly to the narrative texture. Even though this release remains in 1080p instead of progressing to 4K UHD, it still manages to look remarkably new, free from age-related issues or speckling. The transfer makes both intimate indoor scenes and more spatial outdoor shots look consistently stunning, offering a seamless cinematic experience of this classic film.

The audio presentation of the "A Raisin in the Sun" Blu Ray features a full-bodied LPCM Mono track that admirably captures the essence of this iconic film. Despite the film's inherent stage-bound limitations, the audio mix stands out with its clear, dialogue-focused track. Laurence Rosenthal's score is lively and distortion-free, adding an extra layer of depth to the viewing experience. Ambient environmental noises effectively fill the background, even in indoor scenes, contributing to a realistic and engaging soundscape.

The remastered monaural soundtrack, sourced from the 35 mm magnetic master, exhibits impressive fidelity and dynamic range. The dialogue is crystal clear, allowing every word to be comprehensible, whether delivered in quiet whispers or fervent shouts. Even with limited channel range, the LPCM mono track provides a commendable sense of imaging and space. Sound effects, while confined, resonate authentically within the film's small apartment setting. Minor instances of hiss are present but are barely noticeable unless during the quietest scenes. Volume levels are consistent and well-calibrated, requiring no manual adjustments during playback.

Overall, this mono track offers a richly detailed and dynamic audio experience, ensuring that the film's dramatic moments and subtle nuances are fully appreciated. The balance between dialogue, ambient sounds, and musical score creates an immersive listening experience that honors the film's original theatrical presentation while enhancing it for modern audiences.

The Blu-ray extras for "A Raisin in the Sun" deliver an insightful and comprehensive look into the classic film, providing both historical context and personal anecdotes from those closely connected to the production. The highlights include an illustrated audio interview with playwright Lorraine Hansberry, which offers invaluable perspective on her intentions and inspirations. Interviews with Hansberry biographer Imani Perry and film scholar Mia Mask deepen our understanding of the real-life influences and behind-the-scenes dynamics. Archival footage, such as the episode of "Theater Talk" and director Daniel Petrie's interview, further enriches this edition with firsthand accounts and reflections. Additionally, the excerpt from "Black Theatre: The Making of a Movement," paired with an introduction by Woodie King Jr., contextualizes the play's impact on black theatre. A well-curated booklet featuring an essay by Sarita Cannon rounds out this robust collection.

Extras included in this disc:

Lorraine Hansberry: Illustrated audio segment from a 1961 interview with Patricia Marx.

A Dream Realized: 2018 interview with Hansberry biographer Imani Perry.

Poitier's Walter Lee: Interview with Poitier expert Mia Mask discussing behind-the-scenes tensions.

Theater Talk: Archival 2002 episode with Ruby Dee, Philip Rose, and Ossie Davis.

Black Theatre: The Making of a Movement: Excerpt focusing on "A Raisin in the Sun", with an introduction by Woodie King Jr.

Daniel Petrie: 2002 interview with the film's director.

Trailer: Featuring David Susskind.

"A Raisin in the Sun," the cinematic adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s groundbreaking play, beautifully encapsulates the struggle of the Younger family in the racially tense atmosphere of 1950s South Side Chicago. Focused on their aspiration to purchase a new home with the insurance proceeds from the deceased patriarch, the film deftly navigates themes of race, class, and gender. Hansberry's deeply personal and vivid script brings authenticity, resonating with the universal quest for dignity and a better life. The character-centric story, while maintaining its stage roots, is invigorated by poignant performances, particularly from Sidney Poitier as Walter Lee and Ruby Dee as Ruth, both delivering searing depictions of frustration and resilience.

Director Daniel Petrie preserves the intimate family dynamics of the source material, making it less about the physical relocation and more about internal growth amidst external prejudice. The cramped apartment setting reflects the tense atmosphere, where each family member's dreams clash and converge, ultimately exposing societal constraints and personal ambitions. The powerful imagery of the Younger family's trials, specifically their attempt to integrate into a white neighborhood, underscores the enduring issues of affordable housing and racial discrimination. With nuanced portrayals by Claudia McNeil as matriarch Lena, Diana Sands as Beneatha, and Louis Gossett Jr. as George Murchison, the film crafts a compelling narrative on what it means to strive for one's slice of the American Dream.

This adaptation maintains the integrity and emotional gravity of Hansberry’s original play while leveraging cinema’s potential for broader reach. The Blu-ray's meticulous restoration ensures that every impactful performance and line of dialogue is delivered with renewed clarity and intensity. This timeless piece remains essential viewing, reflecting both historical struggles and contemporary relevance through its examination of African American life, dreams, and familial bonds against a backdrop of systemic discrimination.

"A Raisin in the Sun," directed by Daniel Petrie and adapted from Lorraine Hansberry's seminal play, stands as a masterful piece of human drama that continues to resonate powerfully today. This 1961 production, featuring the original cast, is both tightly contained and expansively significant in its exploration of family dynamics and racial tensions. Petrie directs with meticulous care, ensuring that each conversation and moment is captured with precision and emotional depth. The film’s ability to extend just slightly beyond its stage origins with select exterior scenes enriches the viewing experience without losing the intimate potency of the source material.

The Criterion Collection’s Blu-ray release of "A Raisin in the Sun" is a technical triumph. The film has never looked or sounded better, thanks to a meticulous restoration that highlights the visual and auditory nuances of this classic work. The high-definition transfer faithfully preserves the film's original beauty while enhancing it for contemporary viewers. The supplements provided with this release are thoughtfully curated, offering additional context and insight that are both enjoyable and intellectually enriching.

In conclusion, you'd have to have an almost incalculably hardened heart if "A Raisin in the Sun" doesn't repeatedly bring a lump to your throat. This is both sweet and bracing (there are some rather provocative tangential issues that are addressed here, ones not even related to the whole race relations angle), and it offers an absolutely stellar cast a chance to bring a loving if troubled family wonderfully to life. Criterion has once again provided a release with excellent technical merits and some very enjoyable supplements. Highly recommended.