The Private Affairs of Bel Ami Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "The Private Affairs of Bel Ami" receives a commendable 1080p transfer on Blu-ray, courtesy of Olive Films. The restoration, conducted by UCLA Film & Television Archive and Paramount Pictures with support from The Film Foundation, exhibits a vibrant freshness that reflects the care taken in this project. While some minor density fluctuations and weaker nuances persist, these seem unavoidable given the original elements used in the restoration. However, these issues do not significantly detract from the overall visual consistency, which is fluid and pleasing.

The transfer maintains a fine grain structure that enhances detail levels, bringing the film’s production design and costumes into sharp relief. Although the fine grain is well exposed, it could potentially benefit from slightly better resolution. Black levels are deep and inky, providing a robust grey scale that affords ample shadow detail and a notable sense of depth across scenes. There are no traces of distracting sharpening adjustments, and image stability is top-notch. Large debris and damage marks have been meticulously removed, leaving only a few minor blemishes which are barely noticeable.

The film's single foray into color—much like 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'—is executed with rich, bold colors that visually leap off the screen, underscoring thematic significance. Despite some fine scratches originating from the emulsion of the print used, they are minor and do not significantly detract from the overall high-quality presentation. This transfer is a strong representation of a back catalogue release, demonstrating impressive detail and visual fidelity for a film of this vintage. Note, this release is Region-A locked, necessitating a native Region-A or Region-Free player for viewing.

The Blu-ray release of "The Private Affairs of Bel Ami" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. The audio mix delivers a commendable performance, particularly excelling in its focus on dialogue. Voices are clear and prominently placed at the forefront, resulting in an engaging auditory experience that necessitates no volume adjustments once the film commences. While some small unevenness in specific segments is detectable, it does not compromise the overall stability or clarity of the audio. These minor inconsistencies likely stem from the original recording equipment used during the film's production era.

Despite being an older film, the high register remains free of distortions and other unpleasant anomalies, contributing to a clean and pleasant listening experience. There is a minor instance of mismatch between dialogue and lip movements in a specific scene; however, this appears to be a post-production choice rather than a defect of the audio track. This minor issue does not significantly detract from the overall quality. There are no detectable pops or dropouts, and only minimal hiss can be found, indicating the track is very well-preserved. In conclusion, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix on this Blu-ray offers a solid and reliable audio presentation that respects the integrity of the original film while ensuring a satisfying experience for contemporary viewers.

The Blu-ray edition of "The Private Affairs of Bel Ami" lacks any supplemental features, leaving viewers without additional content to enhance their understanding or enjoyment of the film. This omission results in a rather minimalist package, disappointing for enthusiasts who appreciate insights behind the filmmaking process or historical context. The absence of any making-of documentaries, commentaries, or interviews, which are standard inclusions in many Blu-ray releases, is notably felt. While the film itself may still stand on its own merits, the complete lack of extras might leave some collectors wanting more.

Extras included in this disc:

None

Albert Lewin's 1947 film "The Private Affairs of Bel Ami," adapted from Guy de Maupassant's novel, presents an intricate character study of Georges Duroy, brilliantly portrayed by George Sanders. Duroy is a ruthlessly ambitious journalist navigating the treacheries of 1880s Parisian society, exploiting and discarding people tactically to rise socially and professionally. The film's supporting cast, including Angela Lansbury as Clotilde de Marelle and Ann Dvorak as Madeleine Forestier, enhances the complex interplay of ambition and vulnerability. Lansbury’s Clotilde, a woman who loves Georges unconditionally, offers a poignant contrast to Dvorak’s Madeleine, who mirrors his ruthless ambition. Critics have noted that the tension between Georges and Madeleine is particularly compelling, as she often reflects his own manipulative ways.

Lewin's direction meticulously balances narrative cynicism with visual elegance, most prominently captured by Russell Metty's monochrome cinematography, punctuated by a single Technicolor shot of Max Ernst's painting "The Temptation of St. Anthony." This deliberate use of color has been praised for its striking impact, successfully jarring the audience's visual experience. Despite the film's overall brilliance, some critiques suggest that the character development of Duroy could have delved deeper into his internal conflicts, as viewers spend much time disliking him without fully understanding his motives. Still, Sanders' portrayal is undeniably gripping, as he methodically climbs the social ladder, leaving a trail of broken hearts and ruined lives.

The Blu-ray release by Olive Films, though lacking in bonus features, maintains the film's original visual and audio elements as much as possible. English SDH subtitles are available, and the disc is Region-A locked. Notably, a sync issue in Chapter 8 is acknowledged as inherent to the source material. Despite this minor technical flaw, "The Private Affairs of Bel Ami" remains an important film that expertly portrays the dark nuances of social ambition and personal betrayal.

"The Private Affairs of Bel Ami" exemplifies a masterclass in character study, exploring the ambition-driven life of its protagonist portrayed by the remarkable George Sanders. The film, directed by Albert Lewin, features a stellar cast including Angela Lansbury, and delves into themes of ambition and moral ambiguity. Olive Films presents the Blu-ray with a commendable audio-visual presentation, sourced from a recent restoration undertaken by the UCLA Film & Television Archive and Paramount Pictures, with support from The Film Foundation. This meticulous restoration work has breathed new life into the film, preserving its striking period atmosphere and sophisticated narrative.

The film's appeal is further underscored by its thematic connections to other classics such as "Pandora and the Flying Dutchman" and "The Picture of Dorian Gray," making it a stimulating watch for fans of those works. The picture and sound quality hold up well, even though there are no additional features or behind-the-scenes content included on the disc. Despite this, the quality of the film itself suffices, as it remains a compelling piece that has endured the test of time with its incisive commentary on human nature and societal norms.

There are a couple of different programs in which Marty Scorsese has revealed his admiration for The Private Affairs of Bel Ami and having just viewed it for the first time I understand exactly why he has done it. It is a brilliantly cynical film with a wonderful period atmosphere and spectacular cast. However, I have to admit that I was more than a bit surprised by George Sanders' ruthless chameleon and how effectively he got under my skin. What a creep! This release is sourced from a recent restoration of the film that was completed by the UCLA Film & Television Archive and Paramount Pictures, with additional support by The Film Foundation. The restoration is very nice and I don't think it is a stretch to say that it materialized because of Scorsese. If you don't have this release in your collection, please pick up a copy. You'll like the film, I guarantee it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.