Harold and Maude Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of Hal Ashby's "Harold and Maude" comes delivered in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, complete with a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. The high-definition transfer was meticulously crafted from a 2K resolution scan of a 35mm interpositive, due to the original negative being too damaged for direct scanning. The restoration process involved a wet-gate scan and extensive digital cleaning, removing thousands of dirt and debris instances, while preserving the film's authentic visual quality.

Visually, the transfer stands out as an impressive overhaul, providing significantly enhanced detail and clarity. The contrast levels are consistently stable, supporting a depth that enhances both close-ups and panoramic scenes. The color grading prioritizes the film’s soft and earthy palette, resulting in a noticeably more vibrant and healthier color rendition compared to previous R1 DVD releases. Notably, there are no traces of excessive post-production sharpening or problematic degraining; instead, a light and well-resolved grain layer is retained, ensuring the film maintains its organic texture.

Black levels are deep and true, although shadow detailing occasionally obscures minor background elements during some interior scenes—an issue that's not overly distracting but perceptible in certain instances. On the whole, color accuracy remains excellent, particularly within the primaries, which appear brighter and fuller. Fine lines and textures are pronounced, adding substantial detail to faces, clothing, and settings like Maude's railway car home. Overall, despite a few sequences showing minor age-related resolution dips, Criterion's edition proves to be a substantial upgrade in visual fidelity, marking the best presentation of this classic to date.

Criterion has meticulously included two audio tracks on the "Harold and Maude" Blu-ray: English LPCM 1.0 (Mono) and English LPCM 2.0 (Stereo). The original monaural track provides a nostalgic, period-authentic feel that many purists will appreciate. Alternatively, the stereo track showcases a more extensive soundstage, particularly enhancing Cat Stevens' evocative songs like "If You Want To Sing Out," making the sound feel fuller and more immersive. Both tracks deliver stable, clean, and easily intelligible dialogue with no reported distortions or audio dropouts.

While both tracks are excellent choices, the stereo track holds a slight edge due to its enriched dynamic range and broader imaging which draws the listener deeper into the film's moments. The stereo presentation broadens the sound field with minor discrete effects clearly audible, thus adding crucial presence and immersion. Additionally, the low-end bass is notably effective, giving the music more palpable weight and resonance. Criterion’s inclusion of these uncompressed PCM soundtracks ensures that audio quality is maintained at a high level throughout the viewing experience.

The Blu-ray edition of "Harold and Maude" offers a robust and engaging suite of supplementary materials that enrich the viewing experience. Featuring insightful audio excerpts from director Hal Ashby and writer Colin Higgins, these extras provide a comprehensive look into the film’s creation and legacies, discussing their respective careers and the unique challenges faced during production. The inclusion of an exclusive interview with Yusuf/Cat Stevens adds depth to the film’s iconic soundtrack discussion, while the detailed audio commentary from Nick Dawson and Charles B. Mulvehill enriches understanding of the film’s cult status and production nuances. The illustrated booklet offers an additional layer of historical context with essays and interviews.

Extras included in this disc:

• Hal Ashby: Director Hal Ashby discusses his career, the film's fascinating relationship dynamics, and associated controversies.
• Colin Higgins: Writer Colin Higgins talks about the creation and specific scenes of the film.
• Yusuf/Cat Stevens: Singer-songwriter Yusuf/Cat Stevens offers insights into his musical contribution and its impact.
• Commentary: An engaging commentary by Nick Dawson and Charles B. Mulvehill, detailing production challenges and casting insights.
• Booklet: An illustrated booklet featuring essays and interviews providing historical and critical context.

Hal Ashby's Harold and Maude (1971) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion, bringing this cult classic back into the spotlight. The story follows Harold (Bud Cort), a 20-year-old wealthy young man with a propensity for staging dramatic mock suicides, and Maude (Ruth Gordon), a 79-year-old woman brimming with life. They meet at a funeral, bonding over their shared fascination with death, and a unique relationship blossoms. Harold's pretentious mother, who is determined to find her son a more conventional partner, is comically foiled by Harold's strong-willed rejection of her efforts. This profoundly unconventional love story is imbued with both humor and melancholy, navigating the delicate balance between life's vividness and its ephemerality.

The film's emotional gravity is enriched by Cat Stevens' evocative soundtrack and John A. Alonzo’s cinematography, which previously graced works like Chinatown and Scarface. Stevens' music infuses the narrative with an introspective quality, complementing the film’s delicate interplay of comedic and tragic elements. The performances are stellar; Cort's Harold is hauntingly pale and disconnected, embodying his flirtation with Death, while Gordon's Maude radiates enthusiasm and vigor, emphasizing life’s fleeting beauty. These dynamic portrayals explore themes of existentialism against the backdrop of a society tainted by the pessimism of the Vietnam era.

In essence, Harold and Maude transcends the traditional boundaries of romantic comedy, offering instead a spiritual connection that bridges generational divides. This cinematic fable is simultaneously a critique of societal norms and an affirmation of individual purpose. The Criterion Blu-ray includes valuable supplements such as a seminar with Hal Ashby, interviews with Yusuf/Cat Stevens and writer Nick Dawson, and a poignant essay by film critic Matt Zoller Seitz. This collection not only enhances the viewing experience but also deepens the understanding of why this distinctive love story maintains its revered status in film history.

Hal Ashby's "Harold and Maude" remains a timeless piece of cinema, resonating with audiences through its unique narrative and compelling performances. The film's message about finding joy in life's unpredictability holds relevance even today. This Criterion Collection Blu-ray edition significantly enhances the audiovisual experience, ensuring that viewers are immersed in the quirky yet poignant world created by Ashby and screenwriter Colin Higgins. The performances by Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon continue to captivate, providing depth to the film's unconventional love story set against the backdrop of Vietnam-era cynicism.

The supplemental material included with this Criterion release, while concise, adds noteworthy value. The audio commentary featuring Hal Ashby biographer Nick Dawson and producer Charles B. Mulvehill offers insightful reflections on the film’s creation. Illustrated audio excerpts with Ashby and writer-producer Colin Higgins, alongside an interview with Cat Stevens, enrich the viewing experience by providing context and behind-the-scenes perspectives. The included 36-page booklet, featuring an essay by film critic Matt Zoller Seitz and a profile of Ruth Gordon, further enhances appreciation for this cult classic. Interviews from 1997 and 2001 with Bud Cort, cinematographer John Alonzo, and executive producer Mildred Lewis offer additional layers of understanding regarding the film's enduring legacy.

In conclusion, "Harold and Maude" on Blu-ray by Criterion is a must-have for both new viewers and long-time fans. The restoration work elevates the film’s visual and auditory qualities while retaining its original charm. Despite some brevity in the supplemental content, the included materials are rich and informative. This release not only preserves but celebrates a film that continues to provoke thought and delight audiences, confirming its status as a beloved piece of cinema history. Highly recommended.