My Old Lady Blu-ray Review

"My Old Lady" arrives on Blu-ray with a commendable 1080p transfer that captures the film's nuances with impressive fidelity. The digital source material ensures cleanliness and accuracy, though it occasionally results in a somewhat flat visual presentation, particularly in darker scenes where skin tones can appear pasty. Despite this, the transfer excels in its depiction of Parisian architecture, showcasing fine details with pinpoint precision and tactile accuracy. Brighter scenes particularly stand out, revealing intricate skin and clothing details with ease. Colors maintain a cheery and natural hue, with vibrant greens in the garden scenes. While black levels are generally inky, they occasionally lapse into slight haze, causing minor contrast issues. Light banding is present but minimal, leaving the overall image delightfully crisp.

The transfer's strength lies in its capacity to highlight both indoor and outdoor settings effectively. Indoor colors, though sometimes drab, seem intentionally subdued, emphasizing the film's atmospheric tone. Conversely, outdoor shots are lush and vibrant, displaying natural color saturation and impressive depth. Detail retention is sharp and crystal clear, capturing everything from Kevin Kline’s beard stubble to the fine details of antique furniture and mounted animal heads in the apartment. Shadows are well-managed, though some slight haze can affect black levels intermittently. Despite these minor flaws, Universal delivers a visually engaging experience, solidifying this Blu-ray release as a strong entry in their catalog.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround mix of "My Old Lady" impresses with its well-defined dialogue and prominently positioned soundstage. The audio presentation excels in rendering subtle sound effects and atmospheric cues with superior clarity and depth. Although the film lacks active surround activity and extended dynamics, the use of atmospheric sounds effectively broadens the soundstage, reproducing the depicted venues with fidelity. The open and balanced presence of the mix significantly enhances the film's thematic elements.

Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack delivers commendable effortlessness and accuracy. Music and dialogue are the primary audio components, with the former encompassing a spacious presentation that faithfully reproduces notes across the spectrum. Dialogue is centrally and evenly presented, ensuring clarity even during dramatic moments. Subtle auditory details, such as footfalls, light switches, and waves against a boat, add an extra layer of immersion. Despite its simplicity, this straightforward mix meets expectations with ease.

The English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track remains the sole audio option available, and it does not disappoint. Considering the dialogue-heavy nature of the film, voices hover nicely in the middle ranges without becoming overpowered, even during passionate scenes. While there is minimal surround activity, Mark Orton’s French-inspired score largely occupies the front stereo channels, contributing to the film's European ambiance. Overall, it is a fine mix that adeptly supports the narrative without drawing undue attention to itself.

The Blu-Ray release of "My Old Lady" provides a competent, albeit sparse, selection of extras that will please those looking for deeper insights into the film. The primary supplemental feature is an engaging and detailed 57-minute interview conducted by Annette Insdorf at the 92nd Street Y with star Kevin Kline and writer/director Israel Horovitz. This conversation delves into various aspects of the film's production, supplemented by interesting anecdotes from the set. Despite the informative content, the audio is occasionally marred by an electronic buzz that disrupts the viewing experience. Additionally, the disc includes a Digital HD Copy voucher for UV/iTunes, allowing viewers to enjoy the film across multiple digital platforms.

Extras included in this disc:

• 92nd Street Y with Annette Insdorf: Interview with Kevin Kline & Israel Horovitz
• Digital HD Copy: Voucher for UV/iTunes

"My Old Lady" takes its audience on an emotional journey, blending humor with poignant drama in a beautifully nuanced narrative. The film stars Kevin Kline as Mathias Gold, a down-on-his-luck New Yorker who travels to Paris to liquidate an inherited apartment, only to find it occupied by Mathilde (Maggie Smith) and her daughter Chloé (Kristin Scott Thomas). This setup is not just a temporary glitch; Mathilde’s residency is protected by a viager—a French property agreement that allows her to stay until her death while also requiring Mathias to pay her a monthly annuity. Enveloped within this unusual real estate conundrum is a deep exploration of family secrets and interwoven pasts, leading Mathias from whimsical initial setbacks to increasingly somber and revealing personal discoveries.

The film's strength lies in its balance of levity and gravitas. It gracefully transitions from light-hearted and often comedic interactions between Mathias and Mathilde to more somber, reflective moments as familial connections and past grievances come to light. The chemistry between Kevin Kline and Maggie Smith is especially notable; their performances navigate the script's tonal shifts effortlessly. Kline portrays Mathias’s descent from despair to profound revelation with authenticity, while Smith’s portrayal of Mathilde exudes wisdom and understated humor. Kristin Scott Thomas also excels as Chloé, embodying a complex blend of resistance and emergent understanding.

Directed by Israel Horovitz, based on his stage play, the film retains the intimacy of theater while making good use of Paris as a backdrop. Though it occasionally veers into predictable melodrama, the film’s strengths lie in its richly detailed characterizations and remarkable performances. "My Old Lady" offers an engaging examination of how unforeseen circumstances can compel individuals to confront their pasts and redefine their futures in ways unexpectedly enriching.

My Old Lady offers an engaging yet uneven narrative experience, seamlessly blending comedy and drama. The film opens with a lively and witty exchange between Kevin Kline and Maggie Smith, promising a whimsical journey. However, it soon transitions into darker themes, which, while adding depth to the characters, somewhat disrupt the initial charm and momentum. Despite this, the performances, notably Dominique Pinon's supporting role, remain consistently solid and the skilled direction by Israel Horovitz enhances the overall viewing experience.

Universal's Blu-ray release of My Old Lady impresses with its solid technical presentation. The video transfer is exemplary, capturing the film's visual essence with sharpness and clarity. The audio tracks are stable and clear, ensuring an immersive experience. The Blu-ray's only extra, a lengthy interview, offers valuable insights but may leave viewers wanting more in terms of special features. Despite this limited bonus content, the technical quality makes it a compelling acquisition.

In conclusion, My Old Lady is a film that balances humor and drama through exceptional performances and nuanced direction, albeit with some tonal inconsistencies. The Blu-ray release is technically robust, making it worthwhile for both rental and eventual purchase, especially at a bargain price. Enjoy the movie for its charming moments and appreciate the depth added by its more serious elements.