To Be or Not to Be Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of Ernst Lubitsch's "To Be or Not to Be" offers an impressive visual presentation that showcases meticulous technical craftsmanship. The film is presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, delivering a 1080p transfer. The underlying restoration is particularly noteworthy; conducted in 2K resolution from the original 35mm nitrate camera negative and a 35mm nitrate composite fine grain, the effort undertaken by the Criterion Collection and Prasad Group is apparent in the end result. The mastering process has admirably removed nearly all nicks, scratches, and debris, resulting in a clean, stable image.

The black-and-white photography benefits from a luscious and organic feel, achieved without excessive degraining or problematic sharpening corrections. The transfer maintains stable contrast levels, with black levels appearing rich and inky while avoiding crush issues, even in darker scenes. Whites are strikingly bright and solid, enhancing visual elements such as Lombard's satin gown. The film exhibits a fine grain structure that adds necessary texture without overpowering the image. Moreover, details are well-defined across the gray scale, providing both foreground and background elements with significant presence. Some slight softness in close-ups does appear occasionally but aligns with the period's stylistic choices, resulting in an overall vibrant and visually appealing presentation.

In conclusion, Criterion's transfer ensures "To Be or Not to Be" radiates with visual clarity and historical authenticity. It balances depth, clarity, and texture commendably, with no digital anomalies disrupting the film's integrity. This presentation not only does justice to the original material but also allows modern audiences to appreciate Carole Lombard's enduring screen presence in stunning detail.

The Blu-ray release of "To Be or Not to Be" features a single audio track: English LPCM 1.0. Criterion has also included optional English SDH subtitles for accessibility. The uncompressed monaural track is remastered at 24-bit from a 35mm optical soundtrack print, delivering an impressive audio quality that maintains the integrity of the original soundscape. Werner R. Heymann's musical score, in particular, shines with fuller, well-rounded tones that surpass the quality of previous DVD releases.

The dialog across the film is stable, clean, and clear, thus ensuring an engaging experience for the audience. Hiss is minimal and betrays only slightly its vintage nature, but there are no significant pops, cracks, or other distortions to detract from the listening experience. The dynamic range is commendable, adeptly managing both highs and lows without notable distortion during louder scenes. The clarity of accents from gunfire, footsteps, and other sound effects underlines the track's pleasant fidelity, and bass shadings contribute effectively to the larger scale scenes. While it may not serve as high-powered demo material, this meticulously remastered audio track does an exceptional job of complementing the on-screen action and bringing new life to this classic 1942 film.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "To Be or Not to Be" includes a stellar array of extras that provide deep insight into Ernst Lubitsch's work and the film's historical context. David Kalat's engaging audio commentary offers a thorough exploration of the film’s production, its initial critical reception, and comparisons to other works such as "Inglorious Basterds." The documentary "Lubitsch le patron" is a scholarly dive into Lubitsch's career with contributions from renowned film historians. Another highlight is the inclusion of the silent film "Schuhpalast Pinkus", showcasing Lubitsch's early comedic talent. Additionally, two episodes from The Screen Guild Theater provide nostalgic audio content, featuring prominent actors of the era.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth analysis by David Kalat on the film's production and historical context.
• Lubitsch le Patron: French documentary covering Lubitsch's life and legacy.
• Schuhpalast Pinkus: 1916 German silent comedy directed by and starring Lubitsch.
• The Screen Guild Theater: Two vintage radio programs, featuring adaptations and performances tied to Lubitsch's work.
• Booklet: Illustrated with an essay by critic Geoffrey O'Brien.

Ernst Lubitsch's "To Be or Not to Be" (1942) stands as a pivotal achievement in wartime satire, deftly melding humor with audacious commentary. Initially controversial for its satirical treatment of Adolf Hitler and Nazi-occupied Poland, the film has since solidified its stature as a comedy classic. This bold narrative technique combines slapstick and sharp wit to lampoon Nazi elites, all unfolding within the backdrop of World War II. Anchored by stellar performances from Jack Benny and Carole Lombard, the film navigates the delicate task of turning tragedy into farce without losing its dramatic edge. Lombard, in her final screen role, illuminates the film with her iconic blend of charm and sophistication, providing a striking counterbalance to Benny's comedic prowess.

Lubitsch's direction is masterful, with meticulously crafted sequences that, while not always realistic, serve to enhance the film's satirical nature. Particularly noteworthy are the moments where Polish actors disguise themselves as high-ranking Nazi officials—scenarios that revel more in absurdity than plausibility but underscore the director’s satirical intent. Furthermore, tensions between characters, notably the jealous husband Joseph Tura and his wife Maria, contribute significantly to the film's tension and humor. The EDWIN Justus Mayer screenplay is laden with clever double entendres and memorable lines, such as "What he did to Shakespeare, we are now doing to Poland," exemplifying Lubitsch's balancing act of comedy and critique.

The Blu-ray release by Criterion is a treasure trove for cinephiles, featuring exceptional picture clarity and crisp monaural audio, alongside an array of supplementary content. This includes an exclusive audio commentary by film historian David Kalat, radio plays from The Screen Guild Theater, and an early Lubitsch film. The accompanying illustrated booklet offers further insights with essays and critical reflections, expanding on the film’s intricate interplay of humor and horror. Criterion’s thorough package ensures that both new viewers and longtime fans leave with a deeper appreciation for this expertly crafted “tragical farce.”

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Ernst Lubitsch's masterful dark comedy "To Be or Not to Be" is an exemplary choice for cinephiles, particularly those in North America. The high-definition transfer vividly captures the film’s unique blend of satirical comedy and wartime suspense, a characteristic aspect of Lubitsch’s directorial prowess. The release not only surpasses the European StudioCanal version in visual quality but also includes valuable supplemental features, such as an insightful French documentary by film scholar N.T. Binh and directed by Jean-Jacques Bernard, which add significant depth to one’s understanding and appreciation of the film.

Upon its initial release, "To Be or Not to Be" was misunderstood and divided critics due to its audacious approach and dark humor during a serious time. Nevertheless, the film has since been rightfully reevaluated as a classic example of screwball comedy, owing in no small part to the brilliant performances of Carole Lombard and Jack Benny. Criterion's Blu-ray honors this reevaluation by delivering beautifully restored video and robust audio quality, which are complemented by rare and insightful supplemental content. Such features ensure not just a viewing experience but an educational one, enhancing knowledge of Lubitsch’s thematic daringness in targeting the Third Reich with comedic precision.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray release of "To Be or Not to Be" is indispensable for both first-time viewers and seasoned fans. It expertly blends superior technical restoration with a curated collection of engaging extras that pay homage to Lubitsch’s fearless satirical masterpiece. This edition is highly recommended for all who appreciate classic cinema's ability to mix laughter with thought-provoking commentary.