Blow-Up Blu-ray Review

Michelangelo Antonioni's "Blow-Up" has been presented in a Blu-ray release that strives to respect and enhance the original visual experience of the film, encoded in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 at its theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The meticulous efforts of the Criterion Collection, under the supervision of Lee Kline, have yielded a transfer sourced from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative and a 35mm interpositive. This transfer endeavors to strike a balance between preserving the film’s grain structure and eliminating visual imperfections such as dirt, debris, and scratches through advanced restoration techniques utilizing MTI Film's DRS and Digital Vision's Phoenix for managing small dirt, grain, noise, and other minor inconsistencies.

Despite the transfer's ambition to deliver a pristine viewing experience, some reviewers have observed issues that detract from its overall effectiveness. Notably, there are moments where the image appears softer than expected with noticeable grain and occasional edge halo artifacts. These elements have sparked some debate regarding their origins, whether they are inherent to the film’s original cinematography or introduced during the restoration process. Nonetheless, the transfer does offer significant improvements over prior DVD releases, showcasing enhanced detail, clarity, depth, and fluidity that are particularly evident in mid-size and larger displays. The color reproduction is another area where the Blu-ray shines, offering a vibrant and accurate representation of the film’s precise color scheme, with improved saturation levels and expanded nuances that contribute to a more visually compelling watch.

The technical presentation of "Blow-Up" on Blu-ray captures the nuanced interplay of light and shadow, effectively translating Antonioni’s meticulous attention to visual detail onto home screens. While some density fluctuations and minor artifacts remain, they do not significantly mar the overall quality of the transfer. The deep and rich black levels, detailed flesh tones, and splendid rendering of colors, especially in the lush settings of key scenes, affirm the film’s status as a visual marvel. Although aspects of the transfer have provoked mixed reactions, especially regarding grain and softness, the Blu-ray offers an undoubtedly superior viewing experience compared to previous home video formats. This release represents a noteworthy attempt to honor Antonioni's visionary filmmaking with contemporary restoration technologies.

The audio presentation of "Blow-Up" on Blu-ray boasts an English LPCM 1.0 track, paired with optional English SDH subtitles, ensuring a broad access to audiences while maintaining a purist approach to audio reproduction. This remastered monaural soundtrack shines with an exceptional clarity that belies its age, especially notable in scenes with intricate soundscapes like the park sequence. Here, the subtle sound design elements, such as the wind through the trees, are significantly more pronounced than in previous versions. Herbie Hancock's jazzy score accents the film's atmosphere wonderfully, with the Blu-ray’s uncompressed PCM track lending a crisp and nuanced delivery of both music and dialogue. Despite its singular channel, the dialogue remains distinct and intelligible throughout, encapsulating the era with a finesse that is surprising for a mono track from 1966.

The fidelity of this audio restoration demonstrates a measured respect for the film’s original sound design, which cleverly employs ambient noises and silence to create tension and atmosphere. This dynamic range is beautifully preserved on the Blu-ray edition, allowing for a richer auditory experience that brings out the nuances in each scene. Certain legacy issues like background noise or hiss in patches of dialogue remind us of the recording technology of the time, yet these are minor and do not detract from the overall quality of the remaster.

Moreover, while the soundtrack's dynamics impress, showcasing the depth and detail possible even within a monaural mix, it's clear that there's little in terms of low frequency extension or surround sound presentation — expected, given the original audio format. Nevertheless, this does not diminish the effectiveness of the film's audio; if anything, it emphasizes the power of well-crafted mono sound in conveying story and emotion. The dialogue reproduction is consistently clear, ensuring that every spoken word is easily understood, further enhancing viewer engagement with this cinematic classic.

The extensive Blu-ray extras of "Blow-Up" offer a comprehensive and multifaceted exploration of the film, its making, and its enduring legacy. From original promotional materials like the trailer and teaser, to in-depth interviews with key cast members Vanessa Redgrave and David Hemmings discussing their experiences and Michelangelo Antonioni's directorial approach, viewers are given a rare insight into the creative process behind this cinematic masterpiece. The conversations extend to the broader context of 1960s London, touching upon themes such as modernism, the impact of fashion, and the role of photography, enriched by perspectives from historians and those directly involved in the film's production. Adding to the cultural tapestry, "Antonioni's Hypnotic Vision" featurettes, produced by Criterion, delve into the film’s aesthetic innovations and Antonioni's meticulous attention to visual style and symbolism. A highlight is the documentary "Blow Up of Blow Up," which revisits key film locations and includes comments from figures pivotal to the era. Complementing the visual content is a detailed book that not only offers critical essays but also provides historical context through director questionnaires and the original short story that inspired Antonioni. This collection, while lacking any exclusive Blu-ray features or a filmmaker's commentary, remains an essential repository for film scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, preserving the film's cultural significance and influence.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for Blow-Up.
• Teaser: Original teaser for Blow-Up.
• Vanessa Redgrave: A conversation with Vanessa Redgrave discussing Michelangelo Antonioni's working methods.
• David Hemmings: Archival interviews with actor David Hemmings discussing his role and experiences.
• Jane Birkin: An archival interview with Jane Birkin regarding her casting and experiences on set.
• Antonioni’s Hypnotic Vision: Two featurettes delving into the visual style and thematic depth of Blow-Up.
• Blow Up of Blow Up: A documentary exploring the making of Blow-Up and its impact.
• Michelangelo Antonioni: An excerpt from a documentary on Antonioni post-Cannes Film Festival win.
• Book: An illustrated book featuring an essay by film scholar David Forgacs among other contents.

Michelangelo Antonioni's seminal work, "Blow-Up," arrives on Blu-ray with an enriching presentation that elevates the film's voyeuristic intrigue and the ethereal quality of 1960s London. Released in 1966 and crowned with the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, the film delves into the life of Thomas (David Hemmings), a fashion photographer who uncovers a potential murder through the lens of his camera. This Criterion release not only brings to light the film's magnificent visual and auditory elements but also enriches the viewing experience with a slew of extras including conversations with Vanessa Redgrave and Jane Birkin, documentaries, and archival interviews that deepen our understanding of this cinematic marvel.

Set amid the vibrant and dynamically changing socio-cultural landscape of London in the 'Swinging Sixties,' "Blow-Up" is a narrative that oscillates between a psychological exploration and a crime thriller. Antonioni meticulously crafts a vivid portrayal of a man absorbed by his environment, using Thomas' character as both a participant and an observer within this milieu. The movie's soundtrack, featuring tracks by Herbie Hancock and The Yardbirds, further immerses the viewer into the era, enhancing the film's atmospheric quality. Despite its crime thriller facade, Antonioni's film transcends this framework, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of reality, perception, and the ephemeral nature of existence.

Antonioni's thoughtful direction and the compelling performance by David Hemmings make "Blow-Up" a mesmerizing study of alienation and obsession. The film's innovative use of imagery, sound, and narrative structure challenges audiences to question the nature of truth and the reliability of perception. Through Criterion's meticulous restoration and supplementary materials, viewers can appreciate the intricate layers of this cinematic masterpiece, reaffirming "Blow-Up" not just as a pivotal film of the 1960s but as a timeless exploration of human consciousness and the art of seeing.

Michelangelo Antonioni's "Blow-Up," a quintessential reflection of the Swinging Sixties in London, receives an admirable Blu-ray treatment from Criterion, notwithstanding a few noted shortcomings. The film, revered for its meticulous construction and precision in storytelling, serves as an ongoing subject of study for art and film connoisseurs. This release features an outstanding new 4K master that promises an enhanced visual experience, although some may find the picture quality less than satisfactory, questioning whether this is indeed the apex of its potential restoration. The accompanying supplemental materials are a treasure trove for enthusiasts, including exclusive documentaries, interviews spanning decades with key figures like David Hemmings and Vanessa Redgrave, and insightful essays within a comprehensive 68-page insert booklet. Noteworthily, the package sadly omits previous features such as the Peter Brunette audio commentary and the Herbie Hancock music-only tracks.

Despite these omissions, the wealth of archival and new bonus content deepens the appreciation of Antonioni's masterpiece and its historical context. From "Michelangelo Antonioni: The Eye That Changed Cinema" to the exploratory pieces "Antonioni’s Hypnotic Vision," and a novel documentary about the film itself, these additions offer a deeper understanding of "Blow-Up"'s production, thematic essence, and legacy. The collection's candid interviews, spanning from on-set conversations in the late '60s to reflections decades later, alongside academic essays and original short stories, provide a multifaceted look into the film's creative process and its impact over fifty years post-release.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray edition of "Blow-Up" is a compelling acquisition for cinephiles who cherish both film history and the evolution of cinema aesthetics. Despite drawbacks in picture quality that may not meet all expectations, the release is elevated by its robust selection of supplementary materials and the superior new 4K master. This edition is thus a valuable yet slightly flawed homage to Antonioni's groundbreaking work, meriting inclusion in the collections of those devoted to significant cinematic artifacts.