Umberto D. Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the Blu-ray release of Vittorio De Sica's "Umberto D." delivers a generally impressive 1080p transfer. Criterion has utilized a high-definition digital transfer created on a Spirit Datacine from the original nitrate camera negative. Thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, jitter, and flicker were meticulously removed using MTI's DRS and Pixel Farm's PFClean, with Digital Vision's Phoenix handling small dirt, grain, and noise reduction.

The black-and-white transfer maintains commendable clarity and definition, and most close-ups exhibit significant detail. Though the main title sequence appears slightly rough, the majority of the film boasts a strong level of fine detail, rendering faces, objects, and intricate clothing patterns clearly. A natural grain layer is present throughout, giving the image an authentic filmic quality. While some minimal light noise is noticed occasionally and black levels could be marginally elevated, the overall color balance remains stable and well-blended.

Despite a few technical inconsistencies, such as negligible pulsing in certain shots and minor edge enhancement, these issues do not detract substantially from the viewing experience. The larger panoramic shots exhibit considerable depth and fluidity, and there are no significant transfer-specific anomalies like large cuts or damage marks. The deep blacks and high contrast, characterized by slightly blooming whites, contribute to the visual appeal. In essence, Criterion’s effort represents a solid upgrade from previous DVD editions.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Umberto D." features an Italian LPCM 1.0 track, with optional English subtitles. Notably, Criterion has remastered the original monaural soundtrack at 24-bit from a 35mm optical track print. This meticulous process involved the manual removal of clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum using Pro Tools HD, as well as attenuation of crackle via AudioCube’s integrated workstation.

Although the track is limited by its mono nature and age, the clarity remains commendable. Dialogue is crisp, stable, and easy to follow, despite a slightly thin quality characteristic of tracks from this era. Alessandro Cicognini's score, while demonstrating decent range, occasionally strains at high frequencies. The effects work and modest design are well-rendered within the single channel. Furthermore, there are no significant issues such as dropouts, high-frequency distortions, or hissing detected during playback.

In summary, the mono audio track on "Umberto D." upholds its authenticity and era-appropriate presentation without introducing any major technical flaws. Despite its inherent limitations, the sound quality remains solid and well-preserved, ensuring an immersive and engaging auditory experience consistent with the film's age.

The Blu-ray extras for "Umberto D." offer a concise yet insightful look into the film’s creation and impact, enriched by highly informative materials. The standout feature is the documentary "That's Life: Vittorio De Sica," providing a thorough exploration of De Sica's career with archival interviews and engaging commentary that highlights his transition between filmmaking styles. Furthering the insight, an interview with Maria Pia Casilio sheds light on her discovery and collaboration with De Sica, adding personal anecdotes that enrich the viewer’s understanding of the film's production. The original Italian trailer rounds out this excellent package, each supplement presented in upscaled 1080i or 1080p with Italian Dolby Digital 1.0 audio and optional English subtitles.

Extras included in this disc:

• That's Life: Vittorio De Sica: Documentary exploring De Sica’s career, featuring film clips and archival interviews.
• Maria Pia Casilio: Retrospective interview discussing her role and experiences working with De Sica.
• Trailer: Original Italian trailer with optional English subtitles.
• Booklet: Featuring essays and excerpts related to "Umberto D."

Vittorio De Sica's "Umberto D." is a cornerstone of Italian neorealism and a cinematic examination of the human condition. The film tells the story of Umberto Domenico Ferrari (Carlo Battisti), an aging pensioner grappling with the harsh socio-economic realities of postwar Italy. His meager pension is insufficient to cover his rent, leading to a desperate struggle with his unsympathetic landlady (Lina Gennari) and the looming threat of eviction. Throughout the narrative, Umberto's only solace is his loyal dog, Flike, whose presence underscores the poignant isolation and sense of abandonment he feels.

De Sica's direction creates a sense of intimacy and realism that is both heart-wrenching and profoundly human. The film eschews melodrama, instead offering an unembellished portrayal of Umberto’s descent into despair. Cesare Zavattini's screenplay meticulously avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on the minutiae of daily life to expose the brutal realities faced by the elderly protagonist. The authenticity of the performances, especially Battisti's emotionally layered portrayal, further enhances the film's impact. His silent moments, captured beautifully by De Sica’s camera, convey a depth of pain and resignation that transcends words.

Complementing the narrative, the film's visual and auditory elements possess an understated poetic quality. De Sica employs a straightforward cinematographic approach, occasionally punctuated by striking visual metaphors—such as filming Umberto through a hole in his wall during renovations, symbolizing his eroded sense of place and security. The understated yet evocative score further immerses the viewer in Umberto’s plight, amplifying the emotional resonance without descending into sentimentality.

"Umberto D." remains a seminal work in neorealist cinema, offering a realistic—but deeply moving—exploration of human dignity under siege. Criterion's Blu-ray release preserves this masterpiece with thoughtful presentation and insightful archival materials, providing contemporary audiences with a poignant reminder of De Sica’s enduring impact on film history.

"Umberto D." stands as a pinnacle of Italian neorealist cinema, masterfully brought to life by Vittorio De Sica. The film's deeply evocative narrative of an old man's struggle to maintain dignity in a world that seems to have forgotten him is universal and heart-wrenching. The transition to Blu-ray has been handled with great care, resulting in a pleasing video presentation that captures the emotional depth and raw authenticity of the original film. While minor issues exist with the transfer, they are minimal and do not detract significantly from the viewing experience.

The audio, reflecting the limitations of its time, maintains an authentic charm, resonating with the film's period-appropriate feel. Although the Blu-ray’s supplemental features are not extensive, the inclusion of the original DVD supplements, documentary, and interview offer valuable insights that enrich the viewing experience. The visual quality is commendably strong, ensuring that the poignant details and subtle nuances of De Sica's work remain impactful.

"Umberto D." is a cinematic gem that continues to move audiences with its powerful simplicity and emotional honesty. This Blu-ray release does justice to De Sica's vision, providing an excellent way to experience or re-experience this timeless classic. Highly recommended for both film enthusiasts and newcomers to Italian neorealism.