A Streetcar Named Desire Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "A Streetcar Named Desire" in 1.37:1 is an impressive high-definition transfer that does justice to this classic film. The 1080p/AVC encoded transfer from Warner Brothers showcases excellent depth and clarity for a film over six decades old. The master prints are in remarkable condition, with no visible wear or damage, ensuring a pristine visual experience. The rich contrast and dynamic range of the blacks against various shades of white and gray enhance Harry Stradling's superb cinematography, capturing the chiaroscuro lighting and providing a lifelike quality to the images. Fine grain is present in even layers, preserving the natural filmic look without any noticeable digital artifacts or compression issues.

Though not as crisply defined as some other vintage Warner catalog titles, this transfer maintains a commendable balance between detail and the gritty, naturalistic style that characterizes the film. Close-ups and mid-level pans reveal a wealth of detail in faces, hair, and fabric textures, contributing to an immersive viewing experience. Background elements are discernible, and the lighting schemes used throughout the movie are effectively showcased. The film's exterior scenes show marked improvements over previous DVD releases, appearing less over-exposed and more balanced in grayscale variance. Blacks are deeper, whites are more vibrant, and contrast is refined enough to highlight additional details without losing intensity.

Despite these achievements, some viewers might notice a slightly muted contrast that lends certain dark scenes a marginally murky appearance. Nonetheless, the overall presentation remains smooth and highly watchable, reflecting a faithful reproduction of the film's original aesthetic. This Blu-ray transfer is a significant upgrade from the DVD version and provides an enriching, cinematic experience that fans of the classic will undoubtedly appreciate.

The Blu-ray release of "A Streetcar Named Desire" presents its monaural soundtrack in DTS-HD Master Audio lossless, delivering a faithful recreation of the original recording. The auditory experience is impressively clean with an absence of clicks, pops, or background hiss, which purists will appreciate. Dialogue is sharp, clear, and precisely presented without being lost among other sounds in the central channel, ensuring intelligibility throughout the film. Alex North's iconic score, rich with bluesy riffs and brass motifs, maintains enriching clarity and resonates wonderfully within the historic context of the film.

However, there are some limitations to this presentation. Viewers may need to increase the volume above usual listening levels to achieve proper dialogue levels. Despite the high fidelity and lack of distortions, the track occasionally feels narrow and not as full-bodied as modern audiences might expect. The balance between dialogue and score can sometimes waver, with atmospheric effects occasionally overshadowing North's music. Additionally, while street noises and bass frequencies come through crisply, some dialogue—especially Brando's lines—can appear slightly muffled, necessitating repeated listens to catch every detail. Nevertheless, given the track's age, it handles the dynamic range well, capturing dissonance and outbursts without distortion.

In conclusion, while the DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track might fall slightly short of contemporary expectations, it faithfully captures the essence of this 60-year-old classic. The soundtrack remains well-modulated and clean, providing a satisfactory and authentic auditory experience that complements the film's visual storytelling.

The Blu-ray extras for "A Streetcar Named Desire" provide an extensive, meticulously curated collection that enhances the understanding and appreciation of this cinematic classic. Central to the offering is the detailed audio commentary by Karl Malden, Rudy Behlmer, and Jeff Young, delivering a comprehensive, multi-faceted exploration from stage to screen. The standout documentary "Elia Kazan: A Director’s Journey" offers a chronological study of Kazan's influential career, while the featurettes "A Streetcar on Broadway" and "A Streetcar in Hollywood" delve deeply into the play's adaptation processes. Critical insights on censorship battles are showcased in "Censorship and Desire," and nuanced tributes to Alex North and Marlon Brando provide added depth. Additional materials including screen tests, outtakes, and audio outtakes complement a robust supplemental package, beneficial to both scholars and aficionados.

Extras included in this disc:

• Elia Kazan: A Director's Journey: Comprehensive documentary on Kazan’s career.
• A Streetcar on Broadway: Insightful featurette on the original play.
• A Streetcar in Hollywood: Examination of the adaptation for film.
• Censorship and Desire: Analysis of censorship challenges.
• North & the Music of the South: Profile of composer Alex North.
• An Actor Named Brando: Tribute to Marlon Brando’s iconic performance.
• Marlon Brando Screen Test: Early test footage.
• Outtakes: Unused film footage.
• Audio Outtakes: Excised dialogue segments.
• Trailers: Original and reissue promotional trailers.

Elia Kazan's "A Streetcar Named Desire" captures Tennessee Williams' acclaimed play with remarkable fidelity and depth. This restored version returns the film to its uncensored roots, including three minutes of previously unseen footage, intensifying the sexual tension and character dynamics. Notably, it reinstates moments that underscore Blanche DuBois’ (Vivien Leigh) troubled past and Stanley Kowalski’s (Marlon Brando) brute force. The film’s plot may seem minimal, serving primarily as a framework for exploring the complex interplay between the characters. The narrative revolves around Blanche’s stay with her sister Stella (Kim Hunter) and her tempestuous husband Stanley in their New Orleans apartment—an environment that complements the film’s dark, oppressive atmosphere.

Marlon Brando’s portrayal of Stanley Kowalski remains a highlight, embodying a primal force unrivaled in cinema at that time. His performance melds visceral intensity with vulnerability, transforming Stanley into a multifaceted character. Vivien Leigh’s Blanche DuBois presents a compelling contrast; her elegant facade crumbles under the strain of suppressed emotions and past traumas, mirrored by Leigh’s nuanced performance. The chemistry between Leigh and Brando is electric, their interactions driving much of the film’s dramatic tension. Kim Hunter’s Stella strikes a balance as a woman caught between her sister and husband, while Karl Malden’s Mitch brings a touch of tenderness to the otherwise harsh landscape.

Elia Kazan’s direction skillfully accentuates the raw emotion and psychological depth of Williams' text. His subtle camerawork, coupled with Harry Stradling's moody cinematography, crafts an atmospherically rich tableau. Through deliberate pacing and intense character study, Kazan ensures that "A Streetcar Named Desire" remains as provocative and emotionally resonant as ever. Though certain themes like nymphomania and homosexuality were softened due to censorship, they remain perceptible beneath the surface, maintaining the story’s provocative edge. This restoration allows modern audiences to experience the film in an enhanced form, closer to Williams' original vision, preserving its status as an enduring masterpiece of American cinema.

"A Streetcar Named Desire," in its Blu-ray release, maintains the enduring power and intensity that made the film a landmark upon its initial release 60 years ago. Elia Kazan's masterful adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ iconic play continues to mesmerize audiences with its passionate characters, lyrical dialogue, and potent themes that elicit a visceral emotional response. The performances of Vivien Leigh, Karl Malden, and Kim Hunter—each of whom earned an Academy Award—remain as compelling as ever, while Marlon Brando's intense portrayal of Stanley Kowalski solidifies his legacy as a cinematic icon.

The anniversary Blu-ray edition of "A Streetcar Named Desire" is a remarkable tribute to this classic film. The video transfer, though not flawless, effectively enhances the visual impact of the film’s original cinematography, capturing its stark and haunting atmosphere. The audio quality complements the on-screen drama, enveloping viewers in the ambient sounds and musical cues that underscore the narrative's tension and emotion. Furthermore, the wealth of supplementary material provides enriching context and insights, making this release all the more valuable for both new viewers and long-time fans.

In conclusion, Warner's Blu-ray edition of "A Streetcar Named Desire" is a superb offering that honors the film's monumental influence in American cinema. The combination of respectful restoration, high-quality audio-visual presentation, and extensive bonus features ensures that this Blu-ray is an essential addition to any film aficionado’s collection. This classic film captivates with its timeless storytelling and unforgettable performances, reaffirming its place in cinematic history. Highly recommended.