Carrie Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Carrie," encoded in MPEG-4 AVC with a 1080p transfer and presented in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, offers a somewhat mixed visual experience. Sourced from an older master provided by Paramount Pictures, the transfer occasionally mirrors the look of a DVD upconvert. While there are moments of enhanced clarity and contrast that provide a vibrant picture, overall delineation, clarity, and depth can be inconsistent. Some panoramic shots exhibit good quality, though they often expose the limitations of the aging master. Grayscale is not optimally managed, resulting in less impressive highlights and dark nuances, with whites prone to blooming.

Film grain is naturally preserved, adding an authentic texture that reflects the original filmic intent. However, varying sharpness across scenes—where some boast impressive detail and others appear faded—highlights the need for a more modern remastering. Black levels are generally rich and grays varied, benefiting shadow delineation especially in night scenes. Close-up shots of the actors deliver striking detail, yet persistent print damage, including speckles, nicks, and vertical lines near pivotal moments, disrupts the viewing experience.

Overall, while some aspects of this Blu-ray release offer decent presentation, the persistent technical deficiencies suggest that "Carrie" would greatly benefit from a comprehensive remastering and restoration with either a 4K or 2K master. This would enhance grain exposure and remove various visual blemishes to deliver a more stable and polished viewing experience. For now, the transfer is satisfactory for casual viewing but lacks the meticulous polish that fully honors this cinematic classic's visual legacy.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Carrie" is anchored by an English LPCM 2.0 mono track, offering a clear and well-modulated listening experience. Designed to support spoken dialogue seamlessly, it ensures all exchanges are effortlessly comprehensible, providing a straightforward auditory experience free from distortion. Optional English SDH subtitles accompany the main feature, further improving accessibility.

Dynamic contrasts within the track are modest but effective, especially in scenes where David Raksin's romantic score enhances the drama. The track impressively handles a wide dynamic range, capturing both highs and lows without distortion, thus allowing it to fill the room with excellent fidelity and tonal depth. Besides music, the sonic accents such as the clack of a train and clinking champagne corks are distinct, contributing to the immersive experience.

While notable for its clarity, the track does have minor imperfections. Surface noise during quieter scenes is present, although this mirrors characteristics found on its lossy DVD counterpart. Nevertheless, it aptly handles strong audio moments inherent in the film's dramatic sequences. Overall, unless a full restoration and remastering occur, the primary attributes of this lossless audio track are likely to stay consistent with its current presentation.

The Blu-ray extras for "Carrie" deliver an in-depth exploration of the film's historical significance and production intricacies through expertly crafted features. Critic Jason A. Ney offers a comprehensive audio commentary that meticulously traces the transformative journey of "Carrie" from novel to screen, detailing the production's challenges, censorship battles, and Hollywood dynamics. Ney's engaging narration intertwines literary insights with cinematic analysis, making this commentary indispensable for enthusiasts of both literature and classic cinema. Complementing this, film scholar Neil Sinyard provides an incisive examination of the movie's development, spotlighting director Wyler's unique methods and Olivier's acclaimed performance. This segment is enriched with insightful discussions that dissect adaptation choices and creative relationships. Additionally, a vintage trailer offers a nostalgic glimpse into the era's promotional strategies despite minor sound imperfections.

Extras included in this disc:

• Neil Sinyard on Carrie: In-depth analysis of Carrie's conception and production.
• Audio Commentary: Comprehensive commentary on the film's journey by Jason A. Ney.
• Trailer: Vintage U.S. trailer showcasing the film's theatrical promotion.

"Carrie" (1952), directed by William Wyler, is a standout romantic drama that presents Laurence Olivier in one of his most compelling and transformative performances. Often overshadowed by Olivier’s iconic roles in films like "Hamlet" and "Wuthering Heights," his portrayal of George Hurstwood here is haunting and layered, offering a raw emotional depth as his character descends from a prosperous manager to ruin, driven by an obsessive love. Olivier’s evocative transformation is supported by Jennifer Jones’s portrayal of the titular Carrie Meeber, whose journey from innocence to complex maturity fuels the film's poignant examination of social mobility and romantic aspirations.

The storyline unfolds in late 19th-century America, where young and ambitious Carrie leaves her small-town life aiming for prosperity in Chicago. Her encounters with characters like the charming but unscrupulous Charles Drouet and the enamored George Hurstwood reveal her struggle to balance moral integrity with the pursuit of happiness. The film stands out for its nuanced exploration of American social strata, reflecting themes of class divide and personal ambition with subtlety, adapting Theodore Dreiser's novel "Sister Carrie" into an unsettling, yet captivating narrative.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation of "Carrie" is commendable, offering a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video presentation paired with an LPCM 2.0 mono audio track. The film’s atmospheric cinematography by Victor Milner enhances William Wyler's steady directorial touch, ensuring the story’s fluidity and emotional resonance. This edition includes restored scenes that enrich the narrative depth and character development, particularly in Hurstwood's dramatic arc. The package also benefits from insightful supplemental features like commentaries that provide valuable context to Wyler's directorial choices and Olivier's performance, making "Carrie" an enduring gem of old Hollywood cinema worthy of rediscovery.

The Blu-ray release of "Carrie," although not remastered, proves to be a compelling and essential addition for enthusiasts of classic cinema, particularly those drawn to the genius of Laurence Olivier and Jennifer Jones. Both actors deliver extraordinary performances, bringing depth to Theodore Dreiser's complex characters and infusing the narrative with emotional intensity. Despite the film's initial underappreciation, it stands as a testament to old Hollywood's ability to craft unforgettable romantic dramas. The HD picture offers an appreciable clarity, complemented by lossless audio, allowing audiences to experience this cinematic gem with renewed appreciation.

Via Vision Entertainment's release, while derived from a master that remains mostly decent, does not reach the visual brilliance that a proper restoration would provide. As captivating as the current presentation is, there is certainly room for enhancement that could elevate its aesthetic fidelity. The added extras enrich this package further, positioning the Blu-ray as a valuable acquisition for collectors and dedicated fans. The film's enduring charm and narrative strength, in conjunction with the crafted performances, make this release noteworthy despite its technical limitations.

In conclusion, "Carrie" presents a powerful exploration of romantic drama, amplified by Olivier's and Jones's career-defining performances. The Blu-ray release, although relying on an older master, captures the essence of the film well enough to make it a recommended purchase. It would indeed be a cinematic injustice if "Carrie" is not subjected to a comprehensive restoration in the future, but for now, it remains a must-have for those who appreciate the magic of classic Hollywood storytelling. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.