The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" is a significant improvement over its DVD predecessor, providing a more refined viewing experience. Employing an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, sourced from the 20th Century Fox catalog, this edition carefully preserves director Ronald Neame's intentional muted aesthetic. The film's palette is intentionally toned down, contributing to a hushed, burnished look that contrasts sharply with occasional vibrant outdoor scenes and Miss Brodie's colorful costumes. The image remains stable and maintains a very natural, organic grain structure with no signs of artificial sharpening. However, minimal fade is evident, with slight brownish leanings in flesh tones.

In terms of enhancements, Twilight Time's efforts shine through by eliminating the faint speckling seen in previous versions while retaining fine grain structure and stellar contrast. Despite some areas appearing slightly too bright, the overall vivacity of the color palette has been noticeably improved. The lush greens of the Scottish landscape and the vibrant hues of Miss Brodie's outfits pop against the austere school settings. Skin tones are consistently natural, though Maggie Smith’s hair occasionally verges on an overly vibrant orange. Detail levels in close-ups, particularly of Celia Johnson’s character, are exceptional. Shadow detail and black levels are well-maintained, and heavy patterns show no signs of shimmering. The transfer is free from banding, noise, or other digital issues, making it a definitive upgrade from the previous DVD release.

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie on Blu-ray showcases a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track that delivers an impressive auditory experience. The track capably underscores the film's extensive dialogue, a critical aspect given the movie’s talk-heavy nature and the occasionally thick Scottish accents of its characters. The clarity of these exchanges is maintained consistently, ensuring comprehensible dialogue throughout. Additionally, Rod McKuen's wistful score, including the standout song "Jean," is rendered with fine fidelity, lending an emotional layer to the narrative.

The transition from a previous lossy stereo track on DVD to this well-modulated DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track brings noticeable improvements in both fullness and depth of tone. The dynamic scale of McKuen's score, while occasionally overpowering, is managed adeptly to keep distortion at bay. The audio presentation is free from age-related artifacts such as hiss, pops, and crackles, resulting in a clean and vibrant listening experience. This well-maintained track authentically complements the intimate ambiance of the film, enhancing the viewer's immersion without any noted technical issues.

The Blu-ray extras of "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" offer a treasure trove of engaging and insightful content. The Audio Commentary features the late director Ronald Neame and actress Pamela Franklin, delivered separately but edited together to create a compelling dialogue. Neame's candor and remarkable recollections span his impressive six-decade career, providing fresh, anecdotal perspectives on figures like Hitchcock and David Lean, while Franklin shares fascinating on-set experiences. The Isolated Score and Effects Track, presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, allows Rod McKuen's evocative score to shine. Both the Theatrical Trailer and Teaser Trailer are included in standard definition, offering nostalgic glimpses of the film's original promotions. The inclusion of these extras from the Fox Studio Classics DVD enhances the Blu-ray's value, though the still gallery is notably absent.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Ronald Neame and Actress Pamela Franklin: Insightful commentary with contrasting viewpoints and behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
• Isolated Score and Effects Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview trailer.
• Teaser Trailer: Brief promotional piece focused on Maggie Smith's performance.

"The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," directed by Ronald Neame, showcases Dame Maggie Smith in her Oscar-winning role as the imperious yet charismatic teacher at an all-girls' school in 1930s Edinburgh. Smith's confident and nuanced performance brilliantly captures Jean Brodie's complex character, a mix of glamour, eccentricity, and deeply flawed judgement. The film provides a stark contrast to the more sympathetic and nurturing figures often portrayed in similar narratives like "Goodbye, Mr. Chips." Instead, it delves into Brodie's controversial influence over her impressionable students, resulting in unforeseen and often tragic consequences.

Neame's understated directorial style allows the talented cast to shine, particularly in scenes that highlight Brodie's contentious relationships with both her students and fellow faculty. Pamela Franklin's portrayal of Sandy, whose dynamic with Jean shifts dramatically over the years, adds another layer to the multifaceted storytelling. Smith’s portrayal of Brodie is both magnetic and unsettling, deftly balancing the character’s inspirational qualities with her more destructive influences, including inappropriate romantic entanglements and misguided political beliefs.

While "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" may occasionally falter in maintaining a consistent tone, shifting between drama and lighter moments, it nevertheless achieves a compelling study of a problematic yet fascinating teacher. The film's meticulous production and strong performances anchor its narrative, despite some lapses in emotional resonance that prevent it from achieving the same depth as other classics in the genre. For viewers who can appreciate a complex character study driven by an outstanding central performance, this film remains a significant piece of British cinema.

"The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" is a nuanced examination of mentorship that challenges the typical idealization seen in modern media. Maggie Smith delivers an Oscar-winning performance as the titular character, commanding attention in every scene while capturing the complexity of an influential yet flawed educator. Pamela Franklin and the rest of the supporting cast add depth with their fierce and colorful performances, enhancing the film's dramatic impact.

Technically, the Blu-ray release by Twilight Time is solid. The video transfer is lush, capturing the film's intricate details and period setting with impressive clarity. The audio track is equally robust, offering clear and immersive sound. However, the supplements are minimal, with the exception of a high-quality audio commentary that stands out as a must-listen for fans and film scholars alike.

Conclusively, while "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" may show its age in certain aspects, it remains compelling due to strong character portrayals and an insightful narrative. The Blu-ray presentation’s visual and auditory fidelity, combined with Smith's unforgettable performance, make this release highly recommended for both new viewers and long-time fans.