Husbands Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, Husbands arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion with an impressive 1080p transfer, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. This restoration was meticulously undertaken by Sony Pictures Entertainment and involved creating a new digital transfer at Cineric in New York using their proprietary 4K high-dynamic-range wet-gate film scanner from the 35mm original camera negative and the best available alternate elements. Restoration services were provided by L'Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna, Italy, with Grover Crisp overseeing the transfer, Bob Simmons supervising audio restoration, and Sheri Eisenberg handling color correction.

The result is a visually robust and film-like presentation that largely surpasses expectations. The newly sourced 4K master delivers crisp details, especially in the close-up scenes shot in an up-close documentary style. While some wide establishing shots occasionally exhibit minor inconsistencies such as slight speckling or thicker grain, these instances are brief and do not detract from the overall viewing experience. Color temperature and balance are commendably calibrated, with solid primaries and a pleasant range of nuanced tones. Minor artifacts, such as blocky patterns during one brief toilet sequence and small density fluctuations due to fluid photography under/overexposure, appear but are acceptable within the film's stylistic context.

Deep black levels generally offer excellent image depth, although they sometimes verge on crushing or lightening inconsistently. Nevertheless, these are isolated moments that do not significantly impact the film's overall visual integrity. Criterion's effort to blend alternate elements with the original negative is seamless; any discrepancies are negligible and do not detract from the compelling viewing experience. Overall, the restoration has rendered Husbands a visually captivating and technically sound release worthy of its classic status.

The Blu-ray release of "Husbands" features a sole audio track: English LPCM Mono at 48kHz and 24-bit, supplemented by optional English SDH subtitles. This format offers a clear, faithful reproduction of the film’s original audio. The LPCM Mono track maintains a consistent delivery, free from hissing or deterioration that may have plagued previous releases. As the film eschews a traditional musical score, relying instead on diegetic sounds and vocal performances, this clean and stable audio representation is essential for maintaining the film's intended atmosphere.

Dynamic contrasts are thoughtfully preserved, contributing to an immersive, organic environment reflective of the characters' situations. Noteworthy scenes, such as a signing competition, exemplify how the simple mono mix can effectively handle crowd ambience and multi-voice dialog without losing clarity. Dialogue remains predominantly clean and evenly leveled, although occasional slight unevenness can be detected. Importantly, there are no transfer-specific anomalies detracting from the experience, ensuring an enjoyable auditory presentation that stays true to the film's original sound design intentions.

The "Husbands" Blu-ray extras offer a comprehensive and engaging dive into John Cassavetes' filmmaking process, highlighting his unique approach to portraying middle-class America. The 2009 commentary by Marshall Fine stands out, providing in-depth insights into Cassavetes' directorial style and his collaborative process with actors. Notably, the interviews with producer Al Ruban and actress Jenny Runacre add further depth, shedding light on their personal experiences and interactions with Cassavetes. Daniel Raim's video essay, featuring audio recordings of Cassavetes, is particularly enlightening for those interested in his philosophies on directing and acting. The inclusion of The Dick Cavett Show episode, featuring Cassavetes along with Peter Falk and Ben Gazzara, adds a humorous yet informative angle to the extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage trailer for Husbands.
• Al Ruban: Interview discussing involvement and portrayal of middle-class America.
• Jenny Runacre: Interview on casting and Cassavetes' working methods.
• John Cassavetes on Acting: Video essay with audio recordings of Cassavetes.
• The Story of Husbands: A Tribute with actor Ben Gazzara, cinematographer Victor J. Kemper, and producer Al Ruban.
• The Dick Cavett Show: Archival episode discussing the theatrical release.
• Commentary: Archival audio commentary by Marshall Fine.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet with essay by Andrew Bujalski.

John Cassavetes' "Husbands" (1970) on Blu-ray is a fascinating close-up look at the intersection of male grief, mid-life crisis, and desperate escapism, encapsulated in the raw, unforgettable performances by Cassavetes, Peter Falk, and Ben Gazzara. The film chronicles the chaotic and often uncomfortable journey of three friends grappling with the sudden death of their close companion. In true Cassavetes' style, the narrative is an unfiltered dive into human emotion, captured through intensely intimate photography and lengthy, unvarnished shots that either draw viewers in or push them away, depending on their tolerance for discomfort and chaos.

The film’s most notorious sequences include a prolonged drunken celebration and an equally messy London escapade, both of which bear Cassavetes’ hallmark of blurred lines between acting and lived reality. The scenes are raw and often induce visceral reactions, embodying the characters’ shattered illusions and fumbling attempts to reclaim lost youth. The close-ups reveal every sweaty pore and bleary-eyed stare, adding another layer of realism to performances that are already exceptional in their authenticity. These vignettes defy traditional narrative arcs, opting instead to thrust viewers into the chaotic emotionality of these protagonists' lives, evoking everything from dark humor to profound sadness.

"Husbands" eschews conventional storytelling in favor of a more episodic structure focusing on unfiltered human interaction. This approach means scenes frequently linger past the threshold of comfort, inviting viewers into moments that feel uncomfortably genuine. Particularly memorable is the beer-fueled singing competition, showcasing the trio’s dynamic as they oscillate between humor and cruelty. Such scenes underscore the film’s central theme: the folly of attempting to recapture lost time. The narrative's resistance to tidy resolutions makes it thought-provoking and uniquely challenging. While not universally accessible, for those willing to engage with its eccentricities, "Husbands" offers a potent exploration of masculinity, friendship, and the inevitability of change.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of John Cassavetes' "Husbands" presents a meticulously restored 4K master that breathes new life into this quintessential yet challenging film. The story delves into the intimate and tumultuous journey of three middle-aged friends grappling with existential crises in the wake of their friend's untimely death. Through Cassavetes' poignant direction, coupled with powerful performances by Ben Gazzara, Peter Falk, and Cassavetes himself, the film encapsulates a raw representation of flawed masculinity and the alienation of aging.

The audiovisual presentation on this disc is exceptional, offering a pristine transfer that highlights the film’s gritty cinematography with improved clarity and fidelity. The Criterion Collection has also included a diverse mix of exclusive bonus features, both new and archival, providing an insightful contextual background to appreciate this distinctive work better. These extras augment the viewing experience, making this release not only visually and sonically superior but also richer in content.

I would be the first to agree that there are some things in "Husbands" that could have been managed better, and I would also immediately agree that if they were it would have been a very different film. A better-polished version of it would have lacked the unbridled energy that ultimately makes it thought-provoking, which is where the Cassavetes-esque edge comes from as well. So, it is true, because it is 'imperfect' the film could be rather difficult to embrace and enjoy, but I personally think that as it was conceived and shot it is quite effective. Criterion's upcoming release is sourced from an excellent new 4K master, and features a great mix of exclusive new and vintage bonus features. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.