A New Leaf Blu-ray Review

Elaine May's "A New Leaf" has been given an impressive visual upgrade in this Blu-ray release by Olive Films. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the film benefits from a 1080p transfer sourced from a recent 4K remaster by Paramount Pictures. Compared to previous editions, the improvements in density, depth, and clarity are immediately noticeable. Close-ups and wide outdoor panoramic shots exhibit significantly improved delineation, with dramatic enhancements in clarity. The grain is well-resolved, though some native density fluctuations persist. Notably, there’s an absence of problematic sharpening adjustments, ensuring the preservation of the film's visual integrity.

The color reproduction is stable and healthy, with a natural, vintage palette that maintains a worn, muted selection of colors. Skin tones appear natural and consistent throughout the film, with facial details such as makeup, lip texture, tear stains, and freckles coming through clearly. However, a few indoor or darker scenes exhibit minor balance issues where black crush nearly becomes evident. Nonetheless, overall image stability is very good with no large distracting cuts, debris, damage marks, or stains—just a few tiny flecks that can be spotted intermittently. Depth perception is enhanced with excellent shadow and background details, particularly in outdoor scenes.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release represents a marked upgrade in visual quality over previous editions. The high level of clarity, coupled with consistent and natural color reproduction, makes for an engaging viewing experience. This Region-A locked Blu-ray requires a compatible player but is indeed a worthy addition for any collection.

The Blu-ray release of "A New Leaf" features a single audio track: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (dual Mono), with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. This lossless track delivers a noticeable improvement in clarity over previous releases, particularly when compared to the Region-B version. While the audio appears to have undergone some remastering, it lacks comprehensive restoration, leaving some room for further touch-ups and rebalancing. Despite these minor shortcomings, the overall stability, depth, and clarity of the audio are commendable and substantially enhanced from earlier versions.

In terms of dynamics, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track proves significantly cleaner, though balancing could benefit from additional refinement. Dialogue reproduction is exceptionally clear and clean, ensuring that every line of speech is understood without issue. Notably, since this is a dual mono track, there is no surround sound presentation or low-frequency extension to assess. Nonetheless, the improved clarity and quality of the dialogue remain the standout features, underscoring a respectful treatment of the original audio elements.

The Blu-ray edition of "A New Leaf" offers an impressive array of extras that enrich the viewing experience with substantial insights into the film's production and its cultural impact. Angel Corrao’s "The Cutting Room Floor: Editing A New Leaf" interview sheds light on the film’s complex editing process, providing technical and historical perspectives, while Amy Heckerling’s "Women in Hollywood: A Tragedy of Comic Proportions" offers a candid discussion about gender dynamics in the film industry. Additionally, Maya Montanez Smukler's audio commentary provides an in-depth analysis that balances the comedic and dramatic elements of the film, enhancing appreciation for Elaine May’s directorial prowess. Complementing these features are Alexandra Heller-Nicholas's critical essay and the source material "The Green Heart" by Jack Ritchie, offering further context and depth to this cinematic gem.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for "A New Leaf."
• The Cutting Room Floor: Editing A New Leaf: Interview with assistant editor Angelo Corrao.
• Women in Hollywood: A Tragedy of Comic Proportions: Interview with director Amy Heckerling.
• Ode on a Grecian Nightgown: Essay by critic, editor & film programmer Alexandra Heller-Nicholas.
• Commentary: Audio commentary by film scholar Maya Montanez Smukler.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet featuring essays and source material from "The Green Heart" by Jack Ritchie.

Elaine May’s "A New Leaf" (1971), presented on Blu-ray by Olive Films, offers a dark, witty commentary on societal norms with a distinctly 1970s edge. Walter Matthau stars as Henry Graham, an arrogantly misguided bachelor who epitomizes entitlement. After squandering his inheritance, Henry devises a nefarious plan to restore his wealth by marrying and subsequently murdering a wealthy woman. His target, Henrietta (played by May), is an awkward but affluent botanist who unwittingly becomes the focal point of Henry’s scheme.

May’s directorial approach balances this dark premise with a satirical edge, highlighting the absurdities of social hierarchies and economic desperation. The comedic dynamic is enriched by compelling performances from the cast. Matthau’s portrayal of Henry exudes arrogance meticulously interspersed with moments of reluctant vulnerability, while May’s depiction of Henrietta’s untamed clumsiness brings an unusually endearing charm to the film.

"A New Leaf" also excels in its nuanced filmmaking style. The blend of slapstick and sentimental moments stands out, particularly in scenes such as Henry’s deliberate effort to prevent Henrietta from spilling at a party, showcasing both empathy and elitist disdain. The honeymoon nightgown scene adds a layer of comedic unpredictability, reminiscent of May’s early sketch comedy work with Mike Nichols. Overall, the film comments on the timeless pursuit of wealth and its inherent folly, a theme that resonates strongly in today’s economic climate.

Despite some narrative decisions that may feel overly sentimental towards the film’s conclusion, reducing the satirical bitterness, "A New Leaf" remains a significant work for its innovative fusion of romance and dark comedy. The Olive Films Blu-ray release, enhanced with engaging supplementary features, ensures that Elaine May’s unconventional vision continues to captivate new audiences.

Elaine May’s directorial debut, A New Leaf, is a masterful blend of wit and charm set within the landscape of early 1970s cinema. The stark honesty cloaked in its sarcastic humor makes it a distinctive comedy that defies conventional narratives of its era. Walter Matthau inhabits the role of the obnoxious bachelor with effortless cockiness, while May herself imbues her awkward botanist character with a captivatingly goofy charm. George Rose’s performance as the loyal butler adds an additional layer of delight to the film's intriguing character dynamics.

Olive Films' Signature Edition of A New Leaf boasts a top-tier 4K remaster sourced from Paramount Pictures, preserving the film's original aesthetic quality with notable clarity. The carefully curated selection of bonus features enriches the viewing experience, headlined by an insightful new audio commentary by film scholar Maya Montanez Smukler. This supplementary content provides valuable context and deepens appreciation for the film’s unique perspectives and comedic stylings.

With its clever script, outstanding performances, and high-quality restoration, this edition of A New Leaf is a must-own for cinephiles. The technical excellence in the remastering process ensures viewers can fully enjoy this quirky, sarcastic comedy as it was intended.

Conclusion:
An obnoxious bachelor runs out of money and, to solve his financial problems, decides to marry a very awkward but surprisingly rich botanist in Elaine May's deliciously witty directorial debut, A New Leaf. Olive Films' upcoming Signature Edition is sourced from a recent very nice 4K remaster of the film that was prepared by Paramount Pictures. The release also offers a good selection of exclusive bonus features, including a terrific new audio commentary by film scholar Maya Montanez Smukler. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.