Rebecca Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Rebecca" boasts an AVC encoded 1080p transfer presented in the 1.37:1 aspect ratio. Among the trio of Hitchcock films recently released by Fox-MGM, "Rebecca" stands out with its exceptional overall transfer quality—likely attributed to the film's revered status and meticulous preservation over the decades. The source elements are in commendable condition, albeit with occasional visible scratches and damage, including a notable scratch early in the film. Nonetheless, the transfer ensures superb sharpness, clarity, and captures the cinematic essence of Hitchcock's mist-laden shots of Manderley with aplomb. The contrast is robust, providing deep, lustrous blacks and impressive grayscale variegation. Natural film grain enhances the authentic, filmic texture of the image, though optical sequences show expected added grain and dirt.

The high-definition presentation reveals strong detail and an authentic, filmic look that suits the film's black-and-white aesthetic. While minor specks, vertical lines, and moderate contrast pulsing appear intermittently, these issues minimally impact the viewing experience. Whites are pristine and blacks are deep, contributing to the high contrast shadows. Detailed fine textures highlight the opulent sets and artful compositions throughout the film. Notably, the second half of "Rebecca" appears slightly soften in comparison to the first half. A subtle edge enhancement is present but negligible.

Overall, this 1080p transfer exhibits remarkable sharpness and clarity, though minor age-related wear is evident. Comparatively, "Rebecca" has received more attention in restoration efforts than its counterparts, resulting in a superior visual experience. Despite certain hazy shots and occasional scratches, the transfer maintains a great sense of detail and depth, reflecting a classic film done right. This release is an exemplary testament to high-quality preservation and a noticeable improvement over previous home releases.

Rebecca's original mono soundtrack is delivered via a lossless DTS-HD Master 2.0 track, providing remarkable clarity and crispness despite its age. Dialogue and Franz Waxman's evocative score are both rendered with excellent fidelity, avoiding the typical thinness that can plague classic titles. Sound effects, such as the surging sea water in the opening scene and the crackling flames in the finale, come through with impressive detail, offering an immersive auditory experience. Although some lower frequencies are slightly clipped, the track generally shows minimal signs of deterioration, with significantly reduced hiss compared to other releases like Spellbound.

The audio mix features strong, well-balanced effects without overshadowing other elements. Notable auditory motifs, such as crashing waves, contribute marginal low-end activity, adding depth to the soundscape. The modest yet robust quality of the track enhances the film’s dramatic score while maintaining clarity in dialogue throughout. This technically proficient and artistically faithful DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono presentation ensures that 'Rebecca' sounds precisely as it should, given its vintage. The absence of crackles, pops, or background hissing further solidifies this release as one of the best-sounding Blu-rays among Hitchcock's catalog.

The Blu-ray release of "Rebecca" impresses with a robust selection of extras that offer deep insights into the production, themes, and historical context of the film. Richard Schickel's commentary provides an informative, albeit occasionally uneventful, exploration of the movie’s layers and the creative friction between Hitchcock and Selznick. The isolated music and effects track highlight the score and sound design effectively. Featurettes, including “The Making of Rebecca” and “The Gothic World of Daphne DuMaurier,” provide detailed and engaging profiles on both the film’s creation and its source material's author. Additional archival content like screen tests, radio plays, and Hitchcock audio interviews expand on casting choices and directorial approaches. Presented in standard definition and Dolby Digital 2.0 audio, these extras offer substantial value without subtitle options.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Richard Schickel: Informative insights into the movie's creation and notable critiques.
• Isolated Music and Effects Track: Emphasizes the film's score and sound design.
• The Making of Rebecca: Explores production challenges and Hitchcock’s Hollywood transition.
• The Gothic World of Daphne DuMaurier: Profile of the author’s recurring themes and gothic style.
• Screen Tests: Casting choices with Margaret Sullavan and Vivien Leigh.
• Radio Plays: Three adaptations featuring notable actors like Orson Welles.
• Hitchcock Audio Interviews: Insights from Peter Bogdanovich and François Truffaut.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material.

Alfred Hitchcock's first Hollywood production, "Rebecca," remains one of the more debated films in his eclectic oeuvre. Produced under the aegis of David O. Selznick, this adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier’s novel sees Hitchcock diverging from his later, more stylistically dominant works. The film features a Gothic atmosphere and meticulous mood-building, but it also carries the clear imprint of Selznick’s influence, which some argue dilutes Hitchcock's auteur vision. The story follows an unnamed protagonist (Joan Fontaine) who marries wealthy widower Maxim de Winter (Laurence Olivier) and moves into his imposing estate, Manderley, where she contends with the lingering legacy of Maxim’s first wife, Rebecca.

"Rebecca" begins with a somewhat lighter tone, depicting the innocent courtship between Fontaine's character and Olivier's Maxim. However, this romantic veneer gives way to darker themes as they arrive at Manderley. Hitchcock masterfully utilizes the vertical limitations of the 1.33:1 picture ratio to portray Manderley’s menacing grandeur, creating a claustrophobic and oppressive atmosphere that envelopes the film's nameless heroine. Despite slow pacing, particularly in its third act, the film's suspenseful build-up intricately peels back the layers of mystery surrounding Rebecca’s death and de Winter’s cryptic behavior.

The performances in "Rebecca" are noteworthy. Joan Fontaine delivers a compelling portrayal of a vulnerable yet increasingly assertive young woman overshadowed by her predecessor’s memory. Laurence Olivier presents a multifaceted Maxim—both imperious and emotionally complex. Judith Anderson’s performance as Mrs. Danvers is particularly chilling, her sinister presence adding significant tension as she undermines the new Mrs. de Winter at every turn. While the film lacks some of Hitchcock’s iconic set pieces, its gothic setting and strong character work ensure that "Rebecca" remains a moody and atmospheric piece that highlights both the strengths and constraints imposed by its famous producer-director collaboration.

The Blu-ray release of Alfred Hitchcock's "Rebecca" offers audiences a meticulously restored presentation of the director's Hollywood debut. The film, notable for its rich atmosphere and exemplary performances, is admittedly one of Hitchcock's slower-paced works, closely adhering to the novelistic elements of its source material. The meticulous transfer preserves the film's inherent moodiness, providing a video experience that's both clear and respectful of its original quality. The audio is equally impressive, maintaining an authentic mix that enhances the overall viewing experience without overpowering it.

Despite its slower pace and tonal inconsistencies, "Rebecca" remains an essential piece of cinematic history. This film marks a significant point in Hitchcock's career, highlighting the complex dynamic between Hitchcock and producer David O. Selznick. The supplemental materials included with this Blu-ray are particularly insightful, offering a comprehensive look at the production challenges and the creative clashes that arose between these two titans of cinema. The additional content enriches the viewer's understanding of the film’s historical and artistic context.

For fans of classic cinema or Hitchcock enthusiasts, this Blu-ray of "Rebecca" is a must-have. While it may not exhibit the high-paced suspense associated with Hitchcock's later works, it stands out for its unique atmosphere and its place in the director's oeuvre. Its excellent audio-visual quality and informative supplements underscore its importance. Highly recommended for those looking to explore the crossroads of Hitchcock's career and enjoy an exemplary piece of early Hollywood artistry.

Those expecting a bristling, thrilling experience in "Rebecca" may find themselves perplexed at first viewing. It is one of Hitchcock's slowest films, novelistic in style yet seemingly tonally inconsistent. While not the epitome of a Hitchcock masterpiece, "Rebecca" demands attention for its significant performances and immersive mood. Despite its flaws, this Blu-ray looks and sounds excellent and comes highly recommended.