Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" boasts a meticulous 1080p transfer, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Criterion's release is built on a recent 2K restoration performed by Deluxe Madrid. Pedro Almodóvar himself supervised the transfer process, ensuring the film's original artistic vision is preserved. The restoration eliminates any debris, scratches, or damage marks, providing an immaculate viewing experience devoid of distracting age-related imperfections. The overall image stability is exceptional, contributing to a solid and attractive filmic quality.

Enhanced by the 2K digital transfer on an ARRISCAN film scanner, the video quality exhibits substantial improvements in detail and clarity compared to previous releases. With Pedro Almodóvar's signature precise color schemes, the saturation and balance are flawless throughout. The contrast range appears natural, capturing the film's expressive and sometimes garish colors with remarkable accuracy. Shadow definition issues like black crush, prevalent in older versions such as the Sony Pictures’ Viva Pedro box set, are now a thing of the past. This release rejuvenates the visual splendor of Almodóvar's work, offering an organic and fluid viewing experience.

In summary, Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" demonstrates significant advancements in video presentation quality. The 2K restoration combined with 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encoding brings out an impressive amount of detail and texture. The mildly present grain adds to the film's natural and authentic feel without becoming excessive. This Region-A locked Blu-ray is a must-have for enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled visual treat that stands head and shoulders above previous DVD releases.

The Blu-ray release of "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" comes equipped with two audio tracks: Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit) and Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Optional English subtitles are provided for the main feature. From a technical standpoint, both tracks deliver remastered audio with remarkable fluidity, depth, and balance. The absence of digital anomalies is noteworthy, pointing to diligent restoration efforts. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track is particularly preferred by some viewers for its compact sound that aligns seamlessly with the film's 80s character.

Criterion's focus seems to be on the 2.0 track, evident from the liner notes referring to its specific remastering and digital restoration. The 5.1 surround track—likely a legacy carryover—has a flatter sound quality by comparison, and some quirks, such as music imbalance during the opening credits. The 2.0 mix presents a rich and full sound profile, though it exhibits a slightly harsh character in the music, it remains more engaging than the muted 5.1 version. Surround activity and bass presence are minimal in both tracks, maintaining authenticity to the original Ultra Stereo mixed soundtrack used during the film's theater run in 1988.

Ultimately, both audio tracks maintain the film’s original Spanish dialogue without providing dubbed options, which may appeal to purists. Listeners may find the Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track preferable for its integrity and resonance with the film’s era and style, despite some brightness in the music. In contrast, the more subdued DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track seems less prioritized but remains a viable option for viewers desiring a surround experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" by Criterion includes a rich selection of extras that offer invaluable insights into the film's creation, thematic depth, and stylistic choices. Highlights include exclusive 2016 interviews with Pedro Almodóvar, where he elaborates on his unique comedic approach and directorial influences, and with Carmen Maura, who provides a candid look into her acting career and relationship with Almodóvar. Agustín Almodóvar discusses his production role and contributions to the film's stylization, while Richard Peña offers a critical analysis of the movie’s themes and visual style. The original trailer and an insightful essay by critic Elvira Lindo round out this comprehensive package, making it an essential addition for any cinephile.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original Orion Pictures trailer in English and Spanish with subtitles.
• Pedro Almodóvar: Director discusses the film's comedic approach and influences.
• Carmen Maura: Actress recalls her acting journey and work on the film.
• Agustín Almodóvar: Producer outlines his relationship with Pedro and production nuances.
• Richard Peña: Film professor dissects key themes and visual style.
• Leaflet: Illustrated essay by critic Elvira Lindo.

Pedro Almodóvar’s "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" (1988), now available on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion, is the cinematic landmark that solidified Almodóvar's reputation as a major force in international cinema. Originally nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, the film stars Carmen Maura as Pepa, a television actress whose life spirals out of control after her lover, Iván (Fernando Guillén), leaves her. The narrative complexity escalates with the arrival of her friend Candela (María Barranco), Iván’s son Carlos (Antonio Banderas), and other colorful characters, leading to a chaotic, yet brilliantly comedic denouement.

The film showcases Almodóvar's skillful deconstruction of the female psyche, transforming vulnerabilities into poignant, real-life narratives. His direction, reminiscent of classic Hollywood screwball comedies interwoven with Douglas Sirk’s vibrant 1950s aesthetics and Fellini-like surrealism, creates a uniquely energetic tapestry. Maura's performance as Pepa is compelling; her emotional unraveling is handled with an intense yet entertaining flair. Alongside Almodóvar’s regular cinematographer, Josè Luis Alcaine, the film achieves a striking visual style characterized by vivid colors and intricate light play, which encapsulates the post-Franco Spain’s vibrant milieu.

From casting non-conventional faces to meticulous attention to wardrobe and production design, Almodóvar's approach exudes authenticity and charm. Rossy de Palma’s distinctive features become a canvas for his artistic vision, reflecting an inclusive beauty narrative. Criterion’s Blu-ray edition further enriches the experience with exclusive interviews, trailers, and insightful essays that delve deeper into the film’s iconic status. This release not only preserves but also celebrates the chaotic brilliance and cultural impact of "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown."

The Blu-ray release of Pedro Almodóvar's "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" presents a meticulously restored version of this seminal film, providing a visual and auditory experience that stands as a testament to Almodóvar's craftsmanship. Benefiting from high-definition remastering under Almodóvar's personal supervision, the film radiates with sharpened details, vibrant colors, and improved contrast that are especially noticeable in his vivid aesthetic and signature flamboyant style. The sound quality, enhanced to modern standards, enriches the comedic and emotional tones intrinsic to the movie.

The Blu-ray also offers a suite of special features including insightful interviews that dive into the creative process behind the film. These extras provide valuable context and enrich the viewing experience, making it not just a film but a comprehensive dive into Almodóvar’s artistic world. For enthusiasts of his work, the inclusion of behind-the-scenes content helps contextualize the film's thematic elements and character complexities. The comedic elements, although sometimes perceived as light-hearted, are executed with an intelligent flair that makes this work an engaging showcase of the director's early career.

It took a while for Pedro Almodovar's classic films to start appearing on Blu-ray, but now that they have been fully remastered and restored under his supervision I have to say that the delay was well worth it. I have seen seven that have transitioned to Blu-ray in other regions and they look absolutely stunning in high-definition. I think that after Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (and Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!) it is only a matter of time before they enter the Criterion Collection. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.