Pretty Baby Blu-ray Review

"Pretty Baby" is presented on Blu-ray in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, utilizing a 1080p transfer sourced from a new 4K master by Paramount Pictures. The transfer, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, delivers an overall impressive visual experience, capturing the essence of Sven Nykvist’s 35mm cinematography. Colors are well-balanced and saturation levels are excellently managed, providing a visually pleasing palette. The color grading reinforces Nykvist’s warm-hued style effectively, despite some issues with noise reduction leading to occasional smearing or clumping artifacts.

The restoration from the 4K scan provides a noticeable upgrade over previous DVD editions and other releases, though minor inconsistencies remain. The film's natural grain structure has been altered slightly, with some scenes exhibiting noise reduction that affects clarity and texture. Particularly, some viewers noted that degraining adjustments introduced unwanted flattening of detail, detracting from the film's original aesthetic on larger screens. Despite these issues, stable and immaculate presentation allows for enjoyable viewing, with only minor scratches and dirt occasionally noticeable.

Details in darker scenes are slightly lacking, likely inherent to the original negative rather than the transfer process itself. While not flawless, this Blu-ray release is a commendable effort that significantly elevates the quality compared to earlier home video releases. For audiences appreciating Nykvist’s distinct visual style, this edition stands as an attractive offering that honors the film's cinematic artistry, marking it as the best available version to date for home viewing.

The audio presentation of "Pretty Baby" on Blu-ray is delivered exclusively through an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. It provides a robust auditory experience with optional English SDH subtitles, catering to viewers requiring text support. The restored audio track has been praised for its clarity and stability, maintaining the integrity of the original sound while updating it for modern presentations. Notably, the dynamic intensity remains faithful to the film's historical context, avoiding overemphasis on sound effects due to the absence of action sequences.

The DTS-HD Master Audio track efficiently captures the film's dialogue and sound mix along with Jerry Wexler’s critically acclaimed adaptation of period-appropriate music. Compositions by notable ragtime composer Ferdinand “Jelly Roll” Morton resonate with precision, although inevitable minor imperfections such as distortion and hissing may occasionally be perceived. Despite these minor artifacts, this release achieves a significant sonic improvement over previous releases, including the Paramount DVD and Imprint Blu-ray, making it likely the best rendition of the movie in a home video format.

Overall, the audio quality precisely reflects the film’s original soundtrack while offering enhanced sound clarity and detail that will please audiophiles and listeners alike. This meticulous restoration effort ensures the film’s iconic music and dialogue deliver an engaging auditory experience consistent with the intentions of its era.

The extras of the "Pretty Baby" Blu-ray disc offer a comprehensive and insightful exploration into both the film and its context. Critic Kat Ellinger's commentary takes a forthright stance, challenging controversies by dissecting the film with a genuine understanding of its historical and thematic layers, while also defending the agency of Brooke Shields in her role. Leonard Maltin in "Filmmaker Focus" provides a retrospective analyses, retracting his prior criticisms. Brooke Shields reflects on her pivotal role in "The Experience of Innocence," giving fans a personal touch to the film's historical reception and impact. Daniel Kremer's engaging visual essay, "La Vie en Gris," draws parallels between Louis Malle's American works and his exploration of life's nuances. The included vintage trailer supplements these extras with nostalgic charm.

Extras included in this disc:

• Filmmaker Focus: Leonard Maltin discusses Louis Malle's legacy.
• The Experience of Innocence: Brooke Shields shares insights on her casting and experiences.
• La Vie en Gris: Daniel Kremer examines Louis Malle's anglophone films.
• Commentary: Kat Ellinger dissects and defends the film.
• Trailer: Original U.S. trailer for "Pretty Baby."

Louis Malle's "Pretty Baby" (1978) is a provocative exploration set in the waning days of Storyville, the notorious red-light district of New Orleans. Released on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, it continues to dazzle with its lush period details, a testament to the collaboration between Malle and the acclaimed cinematographer Sven Nykvist. The film traces the experiences of Violet (Brooke Shields), a 12-year-old girl whose coming of age unfolds amidst the complex dynamics of a brothel where her mother Hattie (Susan Sarandon) works. Keith Carradine’s portrayal of photographer E.J. Bellocq, who captures Violet's transition with an unsettling intimacy, adds another layer to this narrative. The film's technical prowess and the poignant performances of its cast are key highlights, aligning it with Shields' claim of its status as a visually compelling art film.

Critics have long debated "Pretty Baby," not for its technical execution, but for its controversial subject matter. The film's unflinching depiction of child exploitation and frank portrayal of an adolescent's life in a brothel were contentious then and remain so today, illustrating Malle's bold choice to remain detached rather than editorial. Shields brings both vulnerability and resilience to her role, navigating through a narrative that challenges the viewers’ comfort zones without pandering to sensationalism. Malle’s decision to let Shields explore her role naturally infuses scenes with genuine spontaneity, though this sometimes results in noted awkwardness when juxtaposed against the more scripted adult performances.

"Pretty Baby" walks a tightrope between beauty and discomfort, capturing the dichotomy of its themes through masterful artistry and careful restraint in narrative tone. Malle's film is less a sentimental portrayal and more a reflection on an era and subjects often avoided in cinema, maintaining its legacy as an artistically significant yet polarizing piece of cinematic history.

Review of "Pretty Baby" Blu-ray Release by Kino Lorber

The release of "Pretty Baby" on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber offers viewers the most comprehensive and definitive home video experience to date. The Blu-ray utilizes a recent 4K master that provides a high-definition transfer of exceptional quality, ensuring that Louis Malle's bold and contentious film is presented with remarkable clarity and detail. This release is noteworthy not only for its superior video quality but also for its expansive set of special features, which were expertly carried over from the Australian label Imprint Films’ previous edition.

Kino Lorber's release also carries significant merit due to its thoughtful inclusion of supplementary materials, providing insights into the film's production and the sociocultural impact it continues to have over four decades since its original release. Brooke Shields’ commentary on the film and her experiences offers audiences a rare perspective, enrichening the contextual understanding of this controversial narrative. While "Pretty Baby" tackles challenging themes, the lack of authenticity in performances by the adult actors juxtaposed with Brooke Shields' portrayal can lead to moments of dissonance and artificiality that somewhat mar the film's storytelling integrity.

In conclusion, while "Pretty Baby" may not reach the heights of artistic mastery some supporters claim, nor is it the outrage some critics suggest, it remains a pivotal work deserving attention. Kino Lorber and Via Vision deserve commendation for making this complex film accessible with such a quality package. This release is an essential acquisition for fans and collectors, especially given the out-of-print status of previous versions. Overall, this Blu-ray is a recommended upgrade from past DVD releases, ensuring that this controversial work continues to spark discussion among new audiences.