Wild Strawberries Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.33:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Ingmar Bergman's "Wild Strawberries" arrives on Blu-ray through Criterion. The video quality results from a meticulous 2K digital transfer from the original 35mm camera negative at Chimney Pot in Stockholm, remarkably enhancing its visual presentation. Thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, jitter, and flicker were manually removed using Image Systems' Phoenix and the Foundry's NUKE, ensuring a pristine viewing experience. This level of restoration has produced an impressively clean and healthy look.

Detail and clarity in this high-definition transfer stand out significantly. Close-ups showcase pronounced depth and lifelike clarity, revealing delicate details such as the smallest stitching in clothing and the tiniest wrinkles on Victor Sjöström’s face. Panoramic shots display a fluid and stable image free of stability issues, save for a few quick frame overlaps during transitions. The grain distribution is consistent and finely resolved throughout the film, maintaining the cinematic texture of the original material. Contrast levels prove stable and robust, while black levels exhibit remarkable gradation and strong delineation within the darkest segments of the film.

Excluding brand-specific home theater setups, the transfer process overseen by Mats Forsberg, Peter Bengtsson, and colorist Mats Holmgren has ensured an organic presentation that retains the film’s original essence. The high-def transfer presented via 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 perfectly captures the fine lines around trees, leaves, and other subtle details, producing a picture quality that is near-reference. Overall, this is a very convincing and strong presentation guaranteed to impress fans of "Wild Strawberries." Note: This release is Region-A locked for Blu-ray players compliant with the same or Region-Free capabilities.

The Blu-ray release of "Wild Strawberries" features a single standard audio track: Swedish LPCM 1.0, complemented by optional English subtitles. Remastered at 24-bit from a 35mm print, the uncompressed PCM mono soundtrack is impressively clear with no audible imperfections such as dropouts, high-frequency distortions, background hiss, or random clicks and pops. Criterion’s work ensures that the dialogue is stable, easy to follow, and rich with emotional inflections, paramount for a film driven by character and conversation.

Despite utilizing only one channel, the soundstage feels surprisingly broad. Acoustics and fidelity are superb, offering a warm and present lossless mix. The dynamic range, while not deeply expansive, delivers excellent clarity and detail through its imaging. The ambient sounds – from the gentle crashing of waves to the subtle rustling of actors against vinyl car seats – punctuate the background effectively, breaking much of the silence and augmenting the film’s emotional atmosphere. Overall, this high-resolution audio track is an exemplary companion to the emotionally resonant visuals of "Wild Strawberries."

The Blu-ray edition of "Wild Strawberries" offers a comprehensive and insightful collection of extras, providing both historical context and a deep dive into Ingmar Bergman's creative process. The special features are highlighted by an in-depth audio commentary by film scholar Peter Cowie from Criterion's 2002 DVD release, offering profound analyses on the film and Bergman's personal influences. Bergman’s own introduction to the film further enriches the viewing experience, discussing the protagonist Dr. Isak Borg with interviewer Marie Nyrerod. A silent behind-the-scenes footage, narrated by Jan Wengström, presents a fascinating look at the production nuances, particularly focusing on Bergman's interactions with actress Ingrid Thulin. Additionally, a 1998 documentary delves into Bergman’s career and philosophy through an extensive conversation with Jorn Donner. A 16-page booklet with an essay by Mark Le Fanu provides thoughtful academic perspectives on the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: In-depth analysis by film scholar Peter Cowie.
• Introduction: Ingmar Bergman introduces and discusses the protagonist.
• Behind the Scenes of Wild Strawberries: Silent footage with commentary by Jan Wengström.
• Ingmar Bergman on Life and Work: Documentary featuring conversation with Jorn Donner.
• Booklet: Essay by Mark Le Fanu.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Ingmar Bergman's "Wild Strawberries" (1957) stands out for its exhaustive supplemental features, which include an insightful introduction by Bergman, a detailed audio commentary by film scholar Peter Cowie, and silent footage from the set complemented by curator Jan Wengstrom’s remarks. Also included is an in-depth 1998 documentary featuring a rich conversation between Bergman and Jorn Donner. The 16-page illustrated booklet with Mark Le Fanu’s essay further enriches the viewing experience. Available in Swedish with optional English subtitles, this Region-A locked disc promises a deeply immersive journey into Bergman’s cinematic world.

"Wild Strawberries" is a contemplative narrative following Dr. Isak Borg (Victor Sjöström), an elderly professor en route to receive an honorary degree, accompanied by his daughter-in-law Marianne (Ingrid Thulin). Their journey is interspersed with Borg’s introspections and dream sequences that vividly explore themes of regret, loneliness, and confrontations with mortality. The poignantly symbolic imagery, such as the strawberry patches representing moments of rebirth and the missing watch hands emblematic of lost time, imbues the film with a hauntingly beautiful aesthetic. Gunnar Fischer’s masterful cinematography captures scenes with sharp contrasts and intricate deep focus, effectively mirroring the protagonist’s fragmented memories.

Bergman’s narrative is replete with striking symbolism and raw dialogue that insistently probes human existence. For instance, an opening nightmare featuring a desolate cityscape and a crashing funeral carriage starkly sets the melancholic tone. The on-screen interplay between Borg and Marianne uncovers layers of inter-generational conflict and self-revelation, mirrored in the troubled marriage of Borg’s son Evald and the bitter interactions with encountered strangers. Serving both personal retrospection and broader existential musings, "Wild Strawberries" remains a seminal work in Bergman’s oeuvre, employing delicate artistic subtleties to deliver its poignant message about coming to terms with one’s past.

Ingmar Bergman's "Wild Strawberries" stands as one of his most introspective and personal productions, second only perhaps to "Fanny & Alexander." The film, starring the eminent filmmaker Victor Sjöström, delves deeply into themes of self-reflection and life's existential milieu, beautifully captured through striking cinematography. The story revolves around an elderly man's poignant journey into his past, woven with a complex tapestry of introspection and contemplation. This Blu-ray edition from The Criterion Collection showcases a superb near-reference video presentation that does justice to the visual poetry inherent in Bergman's vision. The lossless audio mix complements the visual narrative impeccably, enriching the viewing experience.

In addition to the pristine video and audio quality, this Blu-ray release is bolstered by an array of substantial bonus material. These extras not only enhance understanding and appreciation of the film but also offer invaluable insights into Bergman's creative process and personal philosophies. Such content makes this edition an indispensable resource for both avid Bergman aficionados and general cinephiles. The supplementary content includes interviews, documentaries, and critical analyses that broaden the context and import of "Wild Strawberries."

There is nothing that I could say about Ingmar Bergman's "Wild Strawberries" that has not already been said by someone else. So I am just going to encourage you to do whatever it takes to add this beautiful release to your collections - "Wild Strawberries" is an essential film to see and own from one of cinema's greatest directors. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.