Grey Gardens Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Grey Gardens" is presented in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, and boasts a beautiful 1080p transfer. Undertaken in partnership with the Academy Film Archive, this 2K digital restoration utilized the original 16mm A/B camera negatives. The meticulous restoration process involved scanning on a Lasergraphics film scanner, and employing MTI's DRS, Pixel Farm's PFClean, and Digital Vision's Phoenix for dirt, debris, grain, noise management, and flicker removal. Details such as debris, scratches, stains, and damage marks have been expertly removed.

The high-definition transfer is striking in its detail and clarity, despite the varied shooting conditions intrinsic to the film. Aspect ratio preservation, substantial color range which includes natural reds, browns, greens, blues, greys, and blacks, and an absence of problematic degraining corrections and sharpening adjustments contribute to a robust and stable image. The grain is present yet not obtrusive, accentuating the film’s unique 16mm aesthetic without overwhelming the viewer. Contrast levels are high and facilitate excellent visibility in low-light scenes. Textures hold up remarkably well, especially in close-ups where the intricate detail stands out; for instance, Little Edie's colorful headscarves appear vivid without any color bleeds.

This Blu-ray edition likely offers the most definitive home video presentation of "Grey Gardens," leveraging its format and the film’s age to enrich rather than compromise its visual impact. Despite the inherent grain and fluctuating light conditions, this release excels in conveying the distinctive visual experience that defines this cult classic, while preserving its historical authenticity and charm.

The Blu-ray release of "Grey Gardens" offers a single, newly restored English LPCM 1.0 monaural audio track. Criterion has also provided optional English SDH subtitles. The restoration work on the audio is commendable, bringing significant improvements in depth and clarity. During sequences featuring heated arguments between Little Edie and her mother, the dialogue can be easily discerned, showcasing the enhanced auditory precision. While the dynamic range remains inherently limited due to the film's original sound design, there are no noticeable audio defects such as cracks, pops, background hiss, dropouts, or distortions.

Restored from a 16-bit transfer of the original tracks, the audio primarily focuses on delivering clear and distinct dialogue. Challenges in hearing Bid Edie stem from her recording mannerisms rather than issues with the audio transfer. The overall mix remains simple, with occasional ambient sounds like cat noises or shuffling papers. Music within scenes is captured well but naturally lacks the immersive depth expected from modern recordings since it was not prioritised for powerful playback.

Notably, this release rectifies issues common in earlier versions of the film, such as cracks, hisses, and audio dropouts. This meticulous restoration delivers a refined auditory experience that is subtle yet effective in retaining the film's original essence. The nuanced restoration allows the subjects' voices to stand out clearly, ensuring that the audio remains an unobtrusive but integral part of the viewing experience, perfectly complementing the film’s historical authenticity.

The Extras of the Blu-Ray release of "Grey Gardens" offer a comprehensive exploration into the world of the Beales, providing both historical context and modern influence insights. Among the highlights are a newly compiled follow-up film "The Beales of Grey Gardens" created from unused footage, a commentary track featuring original filmmakers discussing their creative process, and interviews with fashion designers Todd Oldham and John Bartlett who articulate Little Edie's enduring influence on fashion. Additionally, there is a fascinating audio interview with Little Edie from 1976, which offers deeper personal insights and anecdotes from her life. The package also offers engaging visual content in high definition such as interactive scrapbooks showcasing family photos, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and charming images of cats featured in the original film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer and TV Spot: Original promotional materials.
• The Beales of Grey Gardens: Follow-up film created from unused footage.
• Introduction: Director Albert Maysles introduces the follow-up.
• Little Eddie: Audio excerpts from a 1976 interview.
• Interviews: Designers Todd Oldham and John Bartlett discuss the film's influence.
• Scrapbook: Family album, behind-the-scenes photos, and cat images.
• Commentary: Insights from filmmakers on the creation of the film.

Grey Gardens is a unique and captivating documentary that delves into the eccentric lives of Big Edie and Little Edie Beale, relatives of Jackie Onassis. Directed by Albert and David Maysles, and co-directed by Ellen Hovde and Muffie Meyer, the film presents an intimate portrayal of the Beales living in their dilapidated East Hampton mansion. The camera closely follows 56-year-old Little Edie, showing her enthusiasm as she shares her eclectic outfits and wistfully recounts her past. Meanwhile, Big Edie, a former classical singer, spends most of her time confined to her bed, sporadically breaking into song. The documentary’s strength lies in its respectful observation of their absurd yet authentic existence, offering humor amidst the pathos.

Without the intrusion of a voiceover or heavy-handed commentary, the film's objective stance allows the audience to form their own impressions. The Beales' home, overrun by cats and raccoons, sets a surreal stage for their compelling interactions. The sight of Little Edie nonchalantly feeding raccoons and Big Edie calmly pointing out a cat defecating behind a portrait of herself underscores the unusual dynamic at play. Despite their frequent arguments, there’s a symbiotic relationship between the two women that reveals an underlying bond. This intimacy is further enhanced by the filmmakers’ presence, subtly integrated into the narrative, lending an air of familiarity.

While Grey Gardens offers a disquieting glimpse into isolated lives consumed by eccentricities, it avoids judgment or exploitation. Instead, it humanizes Big and Little Edie, making their ghostly existence both fascinating and melancholic. The documentary's cult status is cemented by its ability to find humor within tragedy and to present its subjects with dignity, transforming what could have been an exploitative endeavor into a respectful exploration of two compelling individuals.

criterion Blu-ray release of Grey Gardens is nothing short of spectacular. Digitally restored in 2K, the film's high-definition presentation significantly enhances the intricacies and nuances of its cinematography. The improvement in image clarity over previous releases is immediately apparent, reflecting the exceptional work done on the restoration. The archival footage, originally shot on 16mm film, retains its authentic, grainy texture while benefiting from enhanced color accuracy and stability. On the audio front, the film has been meticulously treated to restore dialogue clarity and ambient soundscapes without compromising the original integrity of the source material.

In addition to the technical prowess of this release, Criterion has included all supplemental features from their 2001 DVD edition. These features provide a comprehensive context for understanding the cultural and historical significance of Grey Gardens. From commentaries by film historians to behind-the-scenes interviews, the extras enrich the viewing experience by delving deeper into the lives of Big and Little Edie Bouvier Beale. Also noteworthy is the accessibility of the additional content, which has been designed to cater to both longstanding devotees and newcomers to the film.

If Grey Gardens happens to be one of your favorite films, do not hesitate to add Criterion's new Blu-ray release to your collection. Digitally restored in 2K, the film looks simply spectacular in high-definition. All of the supplemental features from Criterion's 2001 DVD release are also included on the Blu-ray. If you have not seen Grey Gardens before, my advice to you is to find a way to rent it first. It’s a good bet that many readers will have come across Grey Gardens at some point in the past, but whether you're a longtime fan or a complete newbie, this one is definitely worth checking out. With its terrific picture and restored sound, along with some entertaining special features, this one comes highly recommended.