Mildred Pierce 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Mildred Pierce" showcases an impressive upgrade from its original cinematic release and subsequent home video formats, to a pristine 2160p/HEVC H.265 transfer enriched with HDR. Criterion's meticulous restoration, leveraging the 35 mm original nitrate camera negative along with supplementary materials for certain sequences, breathes life into this nearly 80-year-old film. The region-free 4K disc, paired with a 1080p version derived from the same master, presents a visual feast that retains the movie's filmic essence while introducing a significant enhancement in image quality. Details such as skin textures, clothing fabrics, and scenic elements are more pronounced, with blacks exhibiting dynamic range and contrasts further accentuating the noir atmosphere envisioned by cinematographer Ernest Haller.

The HDR grading on this release admirably amplifies the variance in blacks and grays, enriching the visual depth and integrity of low-light scenes. Notably, the HDR contributes to a more balanced representation of lighting, enhancing both interior and exterior shots' realism without compromising the source's inherent softness. The comprehensive restoration process ensures that while some print issues persist—like fluctuating grain and occasional brightness levels—the overall stability and clarity of the image are vastly improved. Traditional elements like shadows and contrast are more striking, immersing the viewer deeper into the film's stylistic realm.

Comparative analysis reveals that the 4K upgrade, while maintaining the original's film-like feel, offers subtleties in detail and texture that are sufficiently significant to justify the transition for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Enhanced details in close-ups and a more authentic rendering of cinematographic techniques underscore the transformation achieved in this version. Despite minor artifacts inherent to the original material, this UHD rendition of "Mildred Pierce" stands out for its visual fidelity to Haller's Oscar-nominated work, presenting a compelling case for both collectors and aficionados seeking the definitive home viewing experience of this classic film noir.

The audio presentation of "Mildred Pierce" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is anchored by a DTS-HD Master Audio and English LPCM 1.0 sound track that beautifully encapsulates the essence of this dialogue-driven film. The monaural track, which has been remastered from a 35mm soundtrack print created in 2002 from the original variable-area soundtrack negative, showcases an array of sounds and a music score that significantly benefits from the high resolution and lossless audio quality. While the track maintains its one-dimensional character, indicative of its era, it has been refined to support a dynamic listening experience. This audio presentation, consistent across releases, highlights superior fidelity and a pleasing dynamic range that does justice to Max Steiner's melodramatic score and the film's rich dialogue.

Attention to detail in the audio remastering process has ensured that ambient effects, such as the background noise of a bustling restaurant, the sound of rain, and the gentle Pacific waves, contribute effectively to the film's atmosphere. Sonic details, including gunfire, facial slaps, footsteps, ticking clocks, and the rustling of newspaper pages, are rendered with crisp clarity. The technical prowess of the audio track means that age-related imperfections like hiss, pops, and crackles are notably absent, and distortions do not mar the listening experience. The optional English SDH subtitles serve as an added layer of inclusivity for the main feature, complementing an audio track that remains unchanged but continues to receive acclaim for its excellence.

In synthesizing reviews across its past releases, it's evident that "Mildred Pierce" benefits enormously from an audio standpoint, thanks to meticulous remastering efforts. Although inherently one-dimensional due to its original recording style, the lossless sound ensures that every element—from dialogue to score to subtle background noises—is effectively showcased. Whether experiencing the film for the first time or revisiting it, audiences can expect a sonically rich and dynamic auditory experience that enhances the viewing of this classic cinematic masterpiece.

The extra presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Mildred Pierce" provides a rich, multifaceted exploration into the creation, impact, and legacy of this classic film. Highlights include an in-depth conversation with critics Molly Haskell and Robert Polito, delving into the film's novel-inspired narrative, noir elements, and Joan Crawford's transformative role. The re-release enriches this offering with a rare Joan Crawford interview from "The David Frost Show," revealing her personal insights into her performance and relationship with director Michael Curtiz. "Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star" documentary offers an extensive look at Crawford’s career and personal battles, providing a comprehensive narrative that complements the film’s context. A Q&A with Ann Blyth adds personal anecdotes from the production, enriching the disc's historical value. Additionally, a segment featuring James M. Cain on the "Today" show and the original trailer give perspective on the film’s literary origin and public reception. Accompanied by a leaflet with an insightful essay by Imogen Sara Smith, this collection is indispensable for aficionados of classic cinema, Crawford's fans, and film history scholars alike, bundling a substantial amount of supplementary content that enhances the appreciation of "Mildred Pierce."

Extras included in this disc:

• Conversation with critics Molly Haskell and Robert Polito: A discussion on the film's adaptation from book to screen, its noir aspects, and Crawford's performance.
• Excerpt from The David Frost Show featuring Joan Crawford: Crawford discusses her role in "Mildred Pierce" and her work with director Michael Curtiz.
• Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star: A feature-length documentary exploring Joan Crawford's life and career.
• Q&A with actor Ann Blyth: Filmed in 2006, Ann Blyth recalls her experiences working on "Mildred Pierce."
• Segment from the Today show featuring James M. Cain: An interview discussing Cain's perspectives on violence in American culture.
• Trailer: The original film trailer.
• Leaflet: Features critic Imogen Sara Smith's essay "A Woman's Work" alongside technical credits.

Mildred Pierce," a classic tale of familial dysfunction, ambition, and tragedy, has been meticulously restored and brought to the 4K UHD Blu-ray format by Criterion, ensuring that Michael Curtiz's cinematic masterpiece shines like never before. Set against the backdrop of mid-20th century Southern California, the film is a riveting exploration of the dark side of the American Dream, melding elements of noir with a profound critique of societal values and the class system. At its heart, "Mildred Pierce" is driven by Joan Crawford’s Oscar-winning performance as a mother determined to provide for her daughter at any cost, navigating through the complexities of love, sacrifice, and ambition turned sour.

The technical presentation of this release does justice to the film's storied legacy. The 4K transfer, sourced from original film elements, reveals stunning detail and depth in every frame, from the glamorous Southern California settings to the intricate costume designs that define each character's social standing. The HDR enhancement brings out the nuances of Ernest Haller’s iconic cinematography, emphasizing the contrast between the shadowy underbelly of Mildred’s world and the bright facade she maintains. Additionally, Max Steiner's evocative score is presented in LPCM mono, preserving its original dynamism and emotional resonance.

The narrative structure of "Mildred Pierce," characterized by its use of flashbacks and a suspenseful murder investigation, is adeptly handled, allowing for a rich examination of its central characters. Curtiz masterfully balances the film’s complex themes and plot twists with earnest examinations of class struggle, maternal sacrifices, and the pernicious effects of unchecked ambition. The supporting cast, including performances by Ann Blyth, Jack Carson, and Zachary Scott, complement Crawford’s career-defining role, bringing depth and nuance to this multifaceted story. "Mildred Pierce" not only showcases Hollywood's early attempts to address the challenges faced by women in society but also remains a timeless critique of the illusions and pitfalls of the American Dream.

The Criterion Collection’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of the classic film "Mildred Pierce" brings an essential upgrade to enthusiasts of this iconic American movie, which stars Joan Crawford in her Academy-Award-winning role. As it makes its debut in the ultra-high-definition format, the movie presents a subtle yet noticeable improvement in video quality over its previous Blu-ray iteration, offering fans a more gratifying visual and auditory experience. The film's native 4K enhancement does not dramatically alter the viewing experience but provides an overall more attractive appearance on compatible systems. It preserves clear sound quality and includes legacy supplements, making it a worthwhile consideration for those deeply attached to the film's narrative and technical accomplishments.

For aficionados who already possess the Criterion Blu-ray version, the leap to 4K may hinge on their degree of attachment to "Mildred Pierce" and their interest in having the best technical presentation available. The enhancements, while modest, offer a richer viewing experience that faithfully elevates Michael Curtiz's mesmerizing direction and Joan Crawford’s compelling performance, along with notable supporting roles. The package also retains all the extra materials from the Blu-ray release, ensuring that none of the film’s historical or contextual substance is lost in the transition.

In conclusion, while the advancements offered by the 4K UHD HDR version of "Mildred Pierce" are nuanced, they are nonetheless significant for devotees and collectors who seek the highest quality rendition of this endearing tale of ambition, motherhood, and resilience. The Criterion Collection's commitment to presenting films in their best possible light is evident in this release, making it a must-own for both longtime fans and newcomers interested in experiencing one of the 1940s' most unforgettable cinematic achievements in its finest form available to date.