Charade Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of 'Charade' presents a remarkably refined 1080p, AVC/MPEG-4 transfer that maintains the film's original widescreen 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The opening train shot appears somewhat flat and grainy, but the remainder of the film showcases a superb image quality, boasting vibrant colors such as the striking red coat worn by Audrey Hepburn. Maurice Binder’s title sequence features fully saturated colors that look as brilliant on this transfer as they would in a cinema. The skin tones and detail in both the interior sets and elaborate outfits are exceptional, further enhanced by the lighting techniques of cinematographer Charles Lang. The transfer benefits from a careful digital cleanup while preserving the original thin veil of grain, resulting in a high-quality viewing experience akin to owning a pristine 35mm print.

This release is further enhanced by Criterion's meticulous restoration process, involving a high-definition digital transfer created from the 35mm interpositive. Thousands of instances of dirt, debris, and other imperfections were manually removed using sophisticated tools like MTI's DTS and Pixel Farm's PFClean systems, with additional fine-tuning from Digital Vision's DVNR system. This ensured a significant improvement over previous SDVD releases, providing fine object details and pleasing clarity. The color palette has been greatly enhanced—blues, reds, yellows, and more appear fresh and natural, with notable improvement in nighttime scenes.

However, the transfer is not without minor flaws. Occasional aggressive grain levels can obscure fine details, and intermittent color pulsations and a few mild stability issues may be noticed. Despite these imperfections, the quality of 'Charade' is staggering for its age. While some scenes exhibit superior depth and texture, others can appear flat and lack detail primarily due to makeup used in the film or inherent damage in the source material. Overall, this Blu-ray release represents the best visual presentation of 'Charade' to date.

The audio presentation of "Charade" on this Blu-ray disc features a remastered English LPCM Mono track, derived from the original 35mm full coat magnetic tracks. The remastering process meticulously removed background noise such as hiss, snap, crackle, and pop using Pro Tools HD and AudioCube's integrated audio system. The result is a clean, stable sound profile with crisp and clear dialogue that is easy to follow. While purists might argue against the absence of a stereo mix for Henry Mancini's iconic score, the track remains true to the original release, offering an authentic listening experience.

Despite its authenticity, the LPCM 1.0 track does present some limitations. The dynamic amplitude is limited, and occasional issues such as soft highs and scratchiness beneath certain lines can detract slightly from the overall audio quality. Moreover, gunfire lacks the impact it might have had with a more modern audio format. However, the balance of Mancini's score remains generally well-handled, even if some instruments tend to blend rather than complement each other perfectly.

Overall, the audio presentation is robust and meets expectations for a film of its vintage, maintaining its integrity while ensuring clarity and cleanliness. The absence of any disturbing pops, cracks, hissing, or dropouts makes it a properly functional track for both casual viewers and dedicated fans. Optional English SDH subtitles are also available for those who need them, rounding out what is an effective, if not extraordinary, audio offering for this classic film.

The Blu-ray extras for "Charade" offer a mix of insightful and historical content, albeit with some varying degrees of engagement. The highlight is the audio commentary with Stanley Donen and Peter Stone, which, despite some excessive scene description, provides valuable behind-the-scenes insights and amusing anecdotes about the cast and crew. The included theatrical trailer, presented in HD, retains historical charm but lacks the visual polish of modern trailers. Lastly, the 16-page booklet by Bruce Eder enriches the viewing experience with deep reflections on the film's context and its era.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Directors Stanley Donen and Peter Stone provide an informative and entertaining commentary with behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
• Theatrical Trailer: An original trailer showcasing Cary Grant's narrative style, albeit in a grainy presentation.
• Booklet – Essay by Bruce Eder: A 16-page essay offering deep insights into the film and its historical significance.

Stanley Donen's 1963 classic "Charade," featuring legendary actors Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, arrives on Blu-ray through Criterion Collection, presented in a pristine 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 format with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This edition stands out with its sharp and vibrant visuals, maintaining the integrity of the original film with excellent color and contrast levels. The restoration efforts are commendable, yielding a clean, detailed image befitting the film's artistic craftsmanship. The audio presentation is equally impressive, featuring an LPCM Mono track that has been meticulously cleaned to remove any age-related issues, ensuring clear dialogue and a well-balanced auditory experience.

The narrative of "Charade" unfolds as a captivating romantic comedy-thriller that seamlessly blends elements of suspense, intrigue, and humor. Audrey Hepburn stars as Reggie Lampert, a woman thrust into a series of perilous adventures upon discovering her husband's clandestine activities following his mysterious death. Cary Grant plays Peter Joshua, whose shifting allegiances and enigmatic persona keep viewers guessing about his true intentions. The supporting cast—including James Coburn, Walter Matthau, and George Kennedy—delivers robust performances that bolster the film’s intricate plot.

"Charade" stands out due to its sophisticated blend of old Hollywood glamour and the dynamic energy of 1960s spy thrillers. The chemistry between Grant and Hepburn is electric, injecting the film with an infectious charm that is both genuine and delightful. Supported by Charles Lang's exquisite cinematography, the visual storytelling captures the allure of Paris while maintaining a tension-filled atmosphere. Criterion's Blu-ray release not only preserves these elements but also enhances the viewing experience, making this edition a valuable addition to any film enthusiast's collection.

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of "Charade" admirably breathes new life into Stanley Donen’s classic film, offering a comprehensive upgrade over previous versions. The Blu-ray delivers a marked improvement in image quality, characterized by vibrant and accurate colors, particularly in the reds, complemented by accurate skin tones and impressive detail in both near and distant objects. The modest grain retains a film-like texture, while substantial clean-up minimizes imperfections, though a few speckles and scratches persist. The uncompressed LPCM audio ensures dialogue is clear and Henry Mancini’s iconic score is effectively conveyed, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Moreover, the film itself remains an enduringly entertaining spy thriller, featuring the electrifying pairing of Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. Their chemistry, combined with a fun and mysterious script, keeps "Charade" compelling despite its age. While the Criterion release sets a high standard for the film's presentation, it is slightly marred by the absence of substantial extras, which may not justify the pricing for all buyers, despite the strong audiovisual delivery.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray edition of "Charade" represents a significant step forward in bringing this public domain gem the attention it deserves. It’s an essential acquisition for fans of classic cinema or Audry Hepburn, offered in Region-A. The picture and sound quality enhancements will impress enthusiasts, even if the bonus features leave something to be desired. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.