Design for Living Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of “Design for Living” presents the film in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1, encoded in MPEG-4 AVC and delivering a 1080p transfer. The high-definition digital transfer, sourced from a 35mm fine-grain master positive, underwent extensive restoration. MTI's DRS and Pixel Farm's PFClean were employed to remove thousands of dirt instances, debris, scratches, splices, warps, jitter, and flicker. Image Systems' DVNR added further grain and noise reduction, while Image Mill's Steady tackled film weave issues.

While the presentation is certainly commendable given the film’s age, it is not without its limitations. The clarity is mostly adequate with stable contrast levels, although some softness and texture problems are evident in several scenes. Close-up shots can appear quite pleasing, but other scenes may look a bit hazy and flat due to the original shooting methods rather than any processing flaws. The light grain is mostly consistent, but occasional instances of light noise can be observed. Importantly, there is no evidence of excessive post-production sharpening. Despite the presence of minor damage marks and tiny horizontal lines, their removal would likely compromise the image’s integrity.

Overall, considering Criterion’s reputation for quality, this restoration likely represents the best possible presentation for "Design for Living" at this time. It retains a pleasing, albeit sometimes weak, organic look that honors the film's original aesthetic. The black-and-white transfer maintains consistent black levels and a nice contrast in whites without any overpowering elements, making it a well-executed restoration for an almost eighty-year-old film. While not the most impressive classic film transfer available, it remains a solid effort for a piece of cinematic history.

The Blu-ray release of "Design for Living" from Criterion presents an English LPCM 1.0 audio track, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. Overall, the dialogue-driven mix offers a satisfactory audio experience that aligns well with the film's vintage quality. Most prominent sequences, such as the piano solo scene, are delivered convincingly. The dialogue remains clear, stable, and easy to follow, even though it occasionally exhibits a slightly hollow quality typical of recordings from its era.

While the LPCM mono track does include some light background noise and faint hiss in multiple scenes, these elements are not overly intrusive and do not significantly detract from the viewing experience. The dynamic range is relatively flat, with limited bass activity, which is consistent with the expectations for a 1933 soundtrack. Furthermore, there are no sync issues or audio dropouts noted, ensuring that the film’s memorable exchanges are delivered with clarity and minimal distortion. Shakespeare's nuanced soundscape effectively supports the narrative while maintaining its historical authenticity.

Criterion's Blu-ray edition of "Design for Living" offers a robust selection of extras that enrich the viewing experience with high-definition content and insightful commentary. Key highlights include a selected-scene commentary from film professor William Paul, who delves into the visual styles and production history of Lubitsch's works, and an insightful interview with film scholar Joseph McBride discussing structural elements and comparisons to Noel Coward's play. Additionally, viewers can enjoy a rare segment from the 1932 omnibus film "If I Had a Million," featuring Charles Laughton, and a 1964 British television production introduced by Noel Coward himself. All features are presented in high definition with Dolby Digital mono audio.

Extras included in this disc:

The Clerk: A brief, humorous excerpt from the 1932 omnibus film "If I Had a Million," directed by Ernst Lubitsch and starring Charles Laughton.

Selected-Scene Commentary: Film professor William Paul analyzes the visual styles and production history of "Design for Living."

Joseph McBride: The Screenplay: Scholar Joseph McBride discusses the film's screenplay, its adaptation from Noel Coward's play, and Ben Hecht's contributions.

Play of the Week: A Choice of Coward: A 1964 British television production of Noel Coward's original play, introduced by the playwright.

Booklet: An illustrated booklet featuring an essay by film critic Kim Morgan.

Ernst Lubitsch's "Design for Living" (1933) is a compelling pre-Code comedy that has landed on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion. The film is helmed by Lubitsch's hallmark sophisticated touch, often described as "the Lubitsch Touch," which masterfully blends subversive humor and playful wit. Adapted from Noel Coward's play by the renowned screenwriter Ben Hecht, the movie retains only the essence of the original plot, characters, and situations, while introducing its own fresh dialogue full of biting wit and innuendo. The film tells the story of Gilda (Miriam Hopkins), a designer who becomes romantically involved with two friends, a playwright named Tom (Fredric March) and a painter named George (Gary Cooper). Their unconventional living arrangement and ensuing romantic entanglements provide a vehicle for an exploration of sexual mores and societal conventions.

The performances in "Design for Living" are captivating, particularly from the headlining trio. Hopkins shines as the free-spirited Gilda, bringing energetic charm to a role that stands in stark contrast to the more demure female portrayals typical of the era. Cooper and March excel as the lovelorn artists, their chemistry with Hopkins providing much of the film's humor through their exhilarating feud and friendship. Edward Everett Horton also delivers an entertaining performance as Gilda's ambitious boss, Max. These strong character dynamics are further enriched by Hecht's script, replete with witty banter and cleverly veiled references to risqué subject matter – particularly daring given the context of pre-Code Hollywood.

Visually, Lubitsch's direction is both elegant and efficient. The use of visual metaphors and physical comedy, combined with sparse yet effective musical cues, underscores the narrative's rhythm and enhances its playful tone. The film's capacity to convey meaning through body language and facial expressions – notably in scenes where initial dialogue is in unsubtitled French – demonstrates Lubitsch’s keen ability to communicate complex emotions and storyline without relying solely on dialogue. This technique helps keep the story briskly paced and continuously engaging, making "Design for Living" a timeless piece that remains fresh and relevant, even after nearly nine decades.

Ernst Lubitsch's "Design for Living" is a masterful blend of wit, charm, and subversive comedy that remains as relevant and entertaining today as it was almost eighty years ago. The film's commentary on relationships and societal norms, paired with its sharp dialogue, ensures that it continues to resonate with modern viewers. The Blu-ray release interprets this classic with a commendable transfer that, despite showing the inevitable signs of age, delivers a satisfying visual and auditory experience. The film's inherent vibrancy and energetic pace are well-preserved, making it a delightful watch.

The visual and audio quality of the Blu-ray acknowledge the film's antiquity but manage to uphold a solid standard, creating an enjoyable viewer experience. The supplements bundled with this release, while not as extensive as some other Criterion editions, offer valuable insights and enhance the understanding of Lubitsch’s work. These extras contribute significantly to the overall value of the disc, sealing its status as a noteworthy addition to any classic film enthusiast's collection.

In conclusion, "Design for Living" on Blu-ray serves as a testament to Ernst Lubitsch’s unparalleled filmmaking prowess. Despite the passage of time, the film's themes remain fresh, and its humor sharp. This Blu-ray edition does justice to the legacy of Lubitsch's comedy with reliable technical merits and worthwhile supplementary content. It remains highly recommended for both aficionados of classic cinema and new viewers alike.