Smile Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Smile" on Blu-ray features a solid AVC encoded image with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, originating from a new 2K restoration of its 35mm interpositive. The result is a visually engaging rendition of the film, highlighting bright and vivid colors throughout. Pageant scenes exhibit a vibrant spectrum of reds, yellows, and blues, while location shots offer distinct hues in greenery and architectural details. The period-specific fashion from the 1970s is authentically represented, featuring a range of beige and gray tones. Makeup details and costumes showcase excellent vibrancy, with fine detail capturing fibrous textures and skin particulars effectively. Interiors and exteriors provide a compelling depth, with satisfactory delineation and a film-like grain structure. The source material is in excellent condition, exhibiting minimal wear.

Cinematographed by Conrad Hall in 35 mm using Panavision cameras and lenses, the restoration maintains a high level of fidelity to the original filmic experience. The Fun City Editions' Blu-ray release demonstrates good management of the grain structure and fine detail clarity, particularly noticeable in the textures of fabrics and facial features. Colors appear natural, with strong contrast levels, although some black crush is present in the darkest scenes. This is evidenced in moments where detailed objects like suits can become obscured in dark areas. Despite minor scratches, speckling, and occasional instability, these imperfections are not overly intrusive and are generally inconspicuous on standard viewing setups at typical viewing distances.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix for "Smile" provides an exceptional auditory experience, maintaining a clear and intelligible understanding of dialogue exchanges amidst often chaotic performances. The soundtrack cues are notably defined, featuring crisp instrumentation and pronounced vocal doubling, particularly effective on the contestants. This mix skillfully manages group activities, retaining intended depth and nuance in overlapping dialogue, ensuring a dynamic yet coherent listening experience.

The audio faithfully reproduces the theatrical mix in English 2.0 Mono DTS-HD Master Audio. It captures clean, intelligible dialogue and robust music, showcasing meticulous mastering at a high level. Unlike many contemporary audio tracks, "Smile"’s mix stands out for its high-quality execution that may prompt listeners to turn the volume down rather than up. This reflects superior clarity and balance, making it an exemplary presentation in the realm of home entertainment audio.

The Blu-ray extras for "Smile" curate an engaging and informative experience with a blend of insightful commentary, interviews, and visual supplements. The commentary track featuring actor Pat Healy and film curator Jim Healy offers a well-rounded overview of the movie's production and release, although it occasionally diverges into tangents. Bruce Dern's interview, "Dernsie's Credo," stands out for its lively recounting of his career and anecdotes from the film's set, demonstrating his enduring passion and knowledge. The inclusion of a 10-page essay by Mike McPadden adds depth, while the image gallery and theatrical trailer provide a nostalgic visual touch. This collection of extras might leave you wanting more interviews with surviving cast members but remains a solid addition to any film buff's library.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Pat Healy and Jim Healy: Offers insights into the actors, filmmakers, production, and release.
• Dernsie's Credo: Bruce Dern passionately discusses his role, career, and memories of the film.
• Image Gallery: Features poster art, film stills, publicity shots, and behind-the-scenes images.
• Theatrical Trailer: Provides a glimpse into the movie’s original promotional material.

Michael Ritchie’s 1975 feature, "Smile," presents an incisive and darkly humorous exploration of Americana through the prism of a California teen beauty pageant. Despite an indifferent theatrical release by United Artists that undermined its initial impact, "Smile" has achieved cult status over the past four decades, cementing its place as a noteworthy satire of the 1970s. The film is a testament to Ritchie’s ability to harness controlled chaos and his skill at working with actors, immersing audiences in the high-strung energy and underlying tensions of the pageant.

Set in the small town of Santa Rosa, the film captures the frenetic preparations for the Young American Miss beauty pageant. Each character contributes to the multilayered narrative: Geoffrey Lewis as the overburdened pageant director Wilson, Barbara Feldon as the pragmatic contestant wrangler Brenda, and Bruce Dern as the earnest head judge Big Bob. Key among the contestants is Robin (Joan Prather), who serves as the audience's guide into this competitive world, navigating relationships with fellow hopefuls like Karen (Melanie Griffith) and Doria (Annette O'Toole). The film’s pace is brisk in the first half, delving into the routines and absurdities that define the pageant week.

Ritchie and co-writer Jerry Belson deftly inject satirical elements that underscore tensions between appearance and authenticity. The hypocrisy and immature antics of town leaders juxtapose sharply with the poise expected of contestants, a contrast highlighted through various humorous yet pointed scenes. Although "Smile" occasionally loses momentum when it diverts attention to lesser characters like Big Bob and Andy, it generally maintains an Altman-esque vitality, particularly during ensemble sequences. The movie effectively critiques societal norms without descending into outright mockery, achieving a balance that underscores the inherent absurdities of its subject matter.

The Blu-ray release of "Smile" showcases a hidden gem from director Michael Ritchie, offering an intriguing glimpse into the unpredictable world of a beauty pageant. Comparatively understated compared to "The Bad News Bears," "Smile" exudes a wily tone, combining humor with a keen observation of human behaviors and societal pressures. Ritchie's direction, alongside Jerry Belson’s sharp script, captures the chaotic energy of the competition, richly detailing the interactions between its often insecure and chatty young contestants and the occasionally dubious authority figures guiding them.

Technical features of the Blu-ray are commendable, particularly the commentary track with Pat Healy and Jim Healy. Though occasionally sidetracked, their discussions are filled with enthusiasm and valuable insights, offering a deeper appreciation of the film's cast, crew, and production history. "Dernsie's Credo," a new interview with Bruce Dern, stands out as a highlight, featuring the actor's lively anecdotes and reflections on his improvisational style, which was aptly termed “Dernsies” by Jack Nicholson. The image gallery and 10-page booklet add further context, featuring promotional materials, posters, lobby cards, and an essay by the late Mike McPadden. The reversible artwork insert is a nice touch for collectors.

In conclusion, while the disc provides a substantial volume of supplementary material, the package doesn't entirely quell the desire for more insights from the surviving cast members. Nevertheless, "Smile" on Blu-ray remains an essential addition to any classic film enthusiast's collection, celebrated for its exceptional capturing of quirky humanity within a comedic framework. Despite the absence of contributions from some principal figures, the extensive material provided enriches the viewing experience and preserves the legacy of this uniquely engaging film.