Anna Christie Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive's Blu-ray transfer of "Anna Christie" showcases impressive efforts in preserving this classic, utilizing a recent 4K scan from the best-available preservation elements. This 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer robustly maintains the natural grain structure, producing a film-like experience that effectively rejuvenates a 94-year-old cinematic piece. The clarity, contrast, and shadow delineation are laudable, with rich blacks and stable whites delivering a well-balanced viewing experience. Moreover, the Oscar-nominated cinematography by William Daniels is prominently featured, bringing to life the intricate details and textures lost in previous formats.

Despite the film's age, Warner Archive’s transfer offers sharpness that accentuates both the magnetic allure of Greta Garbo in close-ups and the seasoned appearances of her co-stars. While the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio is faithfully retained, some viewers noted that foreground action can occasionally appear too sharp compared to scenes employing rear screen projections, such as those set in New York harbor. Nevertheless, these instances are minor in the grand scheme of a generally strong presentation.

Attention to detail is apparent as past issues plaguing previous versions, including dirt, debris, scratches, and splices, have been meticulously eradicated, leaving only light damage visible at infrequent moments. Although there are some reports of macro blocking or chunky grain levels, these artifacts do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. Ultimately, this sparkling upgrade serves as a testament to Warner Archive's commitment to restoring classics and is deemed an essential acquisition for devotees of Garbo and classic films alike.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Anna Christie" exhibits several technical challenges inherent to its era. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track attempts to deliver clarity, but the inherent limitations of early talkie production are evident. There is a persistent level of hiss and low-level humming that fluctuates in volume, leading to compromised dialogue comprehension. This is compounded by on-set production noise likely captured by primitive recording equipment. Subtitles, particularly the English SDH option, become indispensable for understanding dialogue due to these sonic inconsistencies.

Environmental effects like the howling wind during storm sequences and the Coney Island rollercoaster are vividly portrayed and exhibit an impressive presence. The music during the opening and closing credits is notably full-bodied with minimal distortion. However, a fair amount of surface noise remains, especially during quieter scenes, despite apparent cleanup efforts—an unavoidable aspect considering the film's vintage. Though certain language accents pose comprehension challenges, and fluctuations in audio balance are noticeable, these issues are typical for films from this transitional technological period.

Comparatively, the audio for the German version of the film displays weaker quality, sounding scratchy throughout and potentially attributable to sound-on-disc limitations of the time. Despite these limitations, the DTS-HD Master Audio track manages a commendable effort given the historical context, rendering it as perhaps one of the best possible presentations available for this early sound film. Viewers are advised not to let these inherent flaws detract from the experience of this cinematic artifact. Overall, while there's room for improvement, particularly in reducing background noises and better dialogue clarity, the existing audio still provides a noteworthy glimpse into early 20th-century filmmaking endeavors.

The Blu-ray release of "Anna Christie" delivers a rich selection of extras, highlighting various interpretations and presentations of this classic film. The standout feature is the German Language Version of Anna Christie, directed by Jacques Feyder with Garbo reprising her role alongside a different supporting cast. The technical imperfections are overshadowed by Garbo's compelling performance, adding depth to the film's storyline, particularly around Anna's profession. Additional features include a nostalgic episode of the MGM Parade, showcasing Garbo's early career milestones, and a captivating 1938 Lux Radio Theater Broadcast featuring Joan Crawford and Spencer Tracy. Meanwhile, The Booze Hangs High, a 1930 Looney Tunes short, provides light-hearted entertainment, vividly restored for modern viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• German Language Version of Anna Christie: An alternate version with enhanced themes and performances.
• MGM Parade: A retrospective on Greta Garbo’s film career.
• Lux Radio Theater Broadcast: Radio adaptation with notable performances by Crawford and Tracy.
• The Booze Hangs High: A vintage cartoon short from the Looney Tunes series.

Anna Christie marks Greta Garbo's notable transition to sound cinema, as MGM crafted a compelling introduction to her vocal talents through the adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. It is historically significant for capturing Garbo's deep, mesmerizing voice, which added a new dimension to her enigmatic persona. As Anna, a former prostitute who reunites with her estranged father and faces societal double standards, Garbo delivers a performance that oscillates between vulnerability and defiant strength. Her ability to carry the dramatic weight of this character earned her an Oscar nomination, further cementing her status as one of Hollywood's iconic figures.

Technically speaking, the film's production reflects the nascent sound era's constraints. Director Clarence Brown's use of static framing is a particular point of critique, revealing the era's limitations by often confining the narrative to fewer dynamic visual expressions. Despite these constraints, Garbo’s commanding presence gives life to Anna, whose struggles against moral and societal judgments are poignantly captured by her nuanced performance, complemented by Charles Bickford as Matt Burke and the scene-stealing Marie Dressler as Marthy. The film's stagey presentation is alleviated somewhat by Garbo's magnetic allure, which remains awe-inspiring.

The Blu-ray release delivers with a high-quality 1080p transfer that breathes new life into the film's visuals. However, the audio quality might leave some viewers wanting, revealing the age and technical limitations of its original recordings. While Anna Christie may not captivate modern audiences like timeless classics such as Casablanca, it remains a pivotal piece in film history. It showcases Garbo’s successful transition into talkies, proving that her enduring allure is undiminished by time, offering both historical insight and an enigmatic performance that resonates with dedicated cinephiles.

Clarence Brown's 1930 adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's "Anna Christie" is primarily notable for marking Greta Garbo's first foray into talkies, delivering a performance that remains mesmerizing despite the film's inherent flaws. The production offers a progressive take on female sexuality, yet is somewhat marred by its stagy performances and a sluggish pace that doesn't optimize its 89-minute runtime. Warner Archive's Blu-ray release impressively shines a modern light on this classic with a sharp 1080p transfer, although the audio quality remains merely adequate. The inclusion of a German-language version elevates the package for cinephiles and Garbo aficionados.

The supplementary materials are a rich collection that extends beyond typical bonus content, featuring a 1938 Lux Radio Theater adaptation of the story with Joan Crawford, a 1956 episode of the M-G-M Parade hosted by Walter Pidgeon focusing on Garbo, and the 1930 Looney Tunes cartoon "The Booze Hangs High," animated by Friz Freleng. These additions underscore the film's cultural impact and provide intriguing historical context. The 4K restoration significantly enhances the film's visuals compared to the earlier 2005 DVD, catering to fans eager for an archival-quality presentation.

Overall, while "Anna Christie" may not rank among Garbo's most commanding films, it remains a critical piece in cinematic history due to her captivating presence. Warner Archive has meticulously packaged this edition, making it highly recommended not just for Garbo enthusiasts or followers of O'Neill's work, but for anyone interested in early sound cinema. Its cultural and historical significance, coupled with the excellent restoration and thoughtful supplemental content, make it a standout example of archive-driven preservation efforts.