Becky Sharp Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber Studio Classics presents "Becky Sharp" in its Blu-ray debut with an MPEG-4 AVC-encoded BD-25, delivering a transfer sourced from a comprehensive 4K restoration. Utilizing the 35mm nitrate negatives and positives, the restoration work was spearheaded by the UCLA Film & Television Archive in collaboration with Technicolor Creative Services and other experts. The meticulous process included the use of advanced digital tools to align separation elements, eliminating most damage marks and artifacts, though occasional scratches and a thin vertical tramline may still be noticed. The presentation retains the film’s original 1.37:1 aspect ratio in a 1080p transfer, encoded at an average video bitrate of 29033 kbps, rendering the illustrious Technicolor spectrum with commendable fidelity.

The color palette of "Becky Sharp" is a highlight of this Blu-ray release. Reviewers and historical critics alike praise the hues for their vibrancy and lifelike quality. The yellows, blues, greens, and reds are particularly noteworthy, showcasing the skin tones with a sunkissed, windblown appearance. However, there are moments where the colors can appear somewhat hazy in long shots, while close-ups may darken facial features excessively due to intense lighting and heavy makeup, affecting clarity. Nevertheless, approximately 70% of the film maintains impressive color solidity and richness. Despite intermittent inconsistencies—especially during the challenging final reel—the overall restoration work provides an engaging and visually appealing viewing experience, paying homage to the pioneering 3-color Technicolor process that "Becky Sharp" initially celebrated.

Kino has painstakingly remastered "Becky Sharp" with a DTS-HD Master Audio Dual Mono mix at 1557 kbps and 16-bit depth, adhering closely to the film's original audio elements. The detailed restoration process managed to mitigate the historically documented sound issues that plagued the initial release. Notably, the RCA Photophone process, initially employed for recording, faced severe criticism due to its overly linear nature, which unintentionally amplified loudness variations, leading to unintelligible dialogue. A subsequent re-recording attempt with Western Electric's variable density system aimed to limit these audio peaks. Despite these efforts, the final soundtrack still exhibited significant distortions, especially in Miriam Hopkins' voice. The present audio mix reflects extensive remedial work, ensuring a clear dialogue track without the historical 'pumping' sound.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix now showcases the original sound design with remarkable clarity. Kino's expertise in audio restoration is evident—dialogue, music, and sound effects blend cohesively without age-related artifacts such as hiss, pops, hum, or crackle. Supplementary features include optional English SDH subtitles, enhancing accessibility. This meticulous remastering underscores Kino's commitment to preserving historical cinema while overcoming significant technical challenges from the film's original production.

The extras in the Blu-ray release of "Becky Sharp" are meticulously crafted to enrich the viewing experience, with a standout being the new audio commentary by film historian Jack Theakston. Theakston delivers a thorough historical account of Technicolor and dives into the details of "Becky Sharp's" production challenges, shedding light on the filmographies of the cast and crew. His insightful commentary extends up to ten minutes before the film’s conclusion. Complementing this is a selection of Kino Studio Classics trailers for films such as "Nothing Sacred" and "The Young in Heart." However, it's worth noting there is no trailer included for "Becky Sharp."

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Film Historian Jack Theakston: Comprehensive history of Technicolor and the production of "Becky Sharp."
• Bonus Previews: Trailers for other Kino Studio Classics titles like "Nothing Sacred," "The Young in Heart," and more.

The 1935 adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray’s "Vanity Fair," titled "Becky Sharp," directed by Rouben Mamoulian, stands as a significant milestone in early Technicolor cinema. Initially overseen by Lowell Sherman, the directorial reins were handed to Mamoulian after the former’s illness, resulting in a fresh vision that diverged from the original script and incorporated new actors and vibrant color backdrops. This historical melodrama vividly captures the colorful essence of its period, evident in the Duchess of Richmond's Ball at Brussels—a scene applauded for its visual riot of flaming scarlets, yellows, blues, and deep blacks. This Blu-ray transfer from a 4K restoration restores Mamoulian’s innovative use of the then-novel three-strip Technicolor process, showcasing accurate and balanced hues that were initially overshadowed by audiences' divided reactions.

Miriam Hopkins' portrayal of Becky Sharp was met with widespread acclaim, and her performance is noteworthy despite critics’ reservations about her age and Southern background. Frances Dee as the innocent Amelia Sedley offers a tender counterbalance to Becky’s scheming nature, although her role is less prominent in this film adaptation. Supporting performances from Nigel Bruce, Alan Mowbray, and Cedric Hardwicke add depth to the portrayal of 19th-century London’s upper echelon. Ultimately, the screenplay by Francis Edward Faragoh simplifies Thackeray’s intricate social satire, providing an abridged yet engaging representation of the novel's core. Mamoulian’s mastery over light, shadow, and movement in Technicolor prefigures his later successes and underscores "Becky Sharp" not only as a cinematic milestone but also an enduring visual spectacle.

The Blu Ray release of "Becky Sharp" by Kino Studio Classics comes highly anticipated, especially as it marks a significant achievement in film restoration, boasting the honor of being the first full Technicolor feature. With a foundation rooted in a meticulous 4K restoration, this version truly stands apart, presenting the film in its best possible visual quality to date. While the narrative may not captivate as much as modern standards, the film’s vibrant and lush design remains its strongest allure. Rouben Mamoulian's direction shines through, although it might not reach the heights previously touted by historical critics.

Technical aspects of the Blu Ray are handled with finesse. The disc includes an informative audio commentary by Jack Theakston, which provides valuable insights into the film's production and historical context. However, some areas show potential for improvement. A restoration demonstration could have offered viewers a deeper appreciation of the technological efforts behind this release, while a more refined audio experience, such as 24-bit uncompressed mono, would have elevated the package further.

In conclusion, I've waited a long time for Becky Sharp to receive a respectable release on digital and Kino Studio Classics has delivered a very fine one that's based on a 4K restoration. The movie is worth watching more for its beautiful design than it is for its prosaic script and hohum narrative, though. Rouben Mamoulian's direction of actors is solid but I wouldn't go as far as The Hollywood Reporter did in 1935 when it said, [Becky Sharp] is by far the best thing in direction that Mamoulian has done. The disc's audio commentary by Jack Theakston is a pretty informative track. I would have liked to see a restoration demonstration and 24-bit audio on the uncompressed mono. Still, the package comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

What a gift to have cinema’s first full Technicolor feature, Becky Sharp, restored to its best possible quality! While the film likely won’t please purists of the original novel, Becky Sharp is still a lively and entertaining eighty-four minutes.