The Heiress Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Blu-ray release of William Wyler's "The Heiress" offers an impressive video presentation in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in 1080p resolution. The 4K restoration was performed using a Lasergraphics Director film scanner from a 35mm duplicate negative, ensuring remarkable accuracy and attention to detail. Thousands of instances of dirt, debris, and scratches were meticulously removed using MTI's DRS, while Digital Vision's Phoenix software handled jitter, flicker, and grain management. The result is a notably clean and stable image with outstanding depth and clarity, making this version a substantial upgrade from previous DVD releases.

This high-definition transfer maintains the authenticity of the film’s original cinematography, preserving Leo Tover’s Oscar-nominated work with deep blacks, properly balanced grays and whites, and well-maintained film grain. The clarity and sharpness especially shine in close-ups, revealing fine facial features and ensuring shadow delineation is satisfactory. While the grain may seem heavy at times, it complements the period feel of the movie without introducing any problematic digital corrections. Fine details are faithfully rendered, with age-related issues like print damage and dust minimized to a negligible level.

In summary, while the transfer does retain its period-specific grain that might diffuse some clarity, the overall quality is striking. The depth of blacks, as well as the nuanced range of grays and whites, make this presentation the best "The Heiress" has ever looked on home video. Fans should appreciate the meticulous restoration work done by Criterion, ensuring the film remains true to its original visual integrity while experiencing significant enhancements in modern high-definition format. Users should note that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release.

The audio presentation on "The Heiress" Blu-ray is a commendable example of how a mono track can be effectively revitalized. Featuring an English LPCM 1.0 track, the restoration work done in 2006, utilizing a “35 mm up/down variable-density optical soundtrack positive,” delivers impressive results. Dialogue is exceptionally clear and well-prioritized, ensuring every spoken word is easy to follow. Aaron Copland's Oscar-winning score, noted for its romantic period style, is given ample space to breathe with a wide dynamic range that covers both high and low ends, although there is a slight thinness in the mid/upper register typical of older films.

Notably, the track maintains excellent balance and integrates seamlessly into the film's overall presentation. The sound design and score are properly handled, delivering strong fidelity without succumbing to age-related imperfections such as hiss, pops, or crackle. This makes "The Heiress" audio track perhaps the best it has ever sounded on home video. In summary, the meticulous attention to detail in the audio restoration process enables the film to retain its intimate and atmospheric charm, ensuring an engaging listening experience.

"The Heiress" Blu-ray offers a comprehensive and engaging collection of extras that thoroughly enhance any aficionado's appreciation of the film. The array includes archival interviews, analytical featurettes, and promotional shorts, with a meticulous presentation that caters to both the casual viewer and the ardent film historian. Notable highlights include an in-depth discussion on the film's conception by Jay Cocks and Farran Smith Nehme, vintage interviews with Olivia de Havilland and Ralph Richardson, and tributes to the legendary director William Wyler. Costume enthusiasts will find particular delight in segments dedicated to Edith Head's work, presented through historical shorts and insights by costume collector Larry McQueen. Although an audio commentary is absent, the extensive supplementary material largely compensates for this omission, providing a substantive and nuanced perspective on the film's production and legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage trailer for The Heiress.
• Jay Cocks and Farran Smith Nehme: Discussion on the film’s conception and performances.
• The Merv Griffin Show: Excerpts from a 1973 tribute to William Wyler.
• AFI Tribute: Wyler's 1976 AFI Lifetime Achievement Award speech.
• Olivia de Havilland: Extensive 1986 interview with the actress.
• Ralph Richardson: Archival interview discussing his work on The Heiress.
• The Costume Designer: 1950 short about Edith Head's design work.
• Larry McQueen: Featurette on Edith Head’s legacy.
• Leaflet/Poster: Illustrated leaflet featuring a critical essay by Pamela Hutchinson.

William Wyler’s "The Heiress" (1949) is an exemplary adaptation of Henry James’ "Washington Square" and the corresponding 1947 stage play by Ruth and Augustus Goetz, reflecting Wyler’s mastery in exploring intricate human emotions. Olivia de Havilland delivers an Oscar-winning performance as Catherine Sloper, masterfully transitioning from a shy, insecure girl to a cold-hearted and cynical young woman, embodying vulnerability and strength with striking transformations that feel like different actors were involved. Ralph Richardson as Dr. Austin Sloper complements de Havilland brilliantly with his stern, manipulative demeanor, presenting a layered portrayal that equally evolves under scrutiny. Montgomery Clift’s Morris Townsend exudes charm while maintaining ambiguity, which becomes a catalyst for the film’s essential thematic shifts and intrigue.

Wyler’s direction emphasizes interpersonal conflict over spectacle, opting for subtlety and psychological depth in reflecting the 1850 New York City society's oppressive norms. The film thrives on unspoken tension and understated performances; from the lavish social gatherings to the intimate confrontations between Catherine and her dominating father. Each interaction is meticulously crafted to reveal the multifaceted nature of love, manipulation, and betrayal. The impeccable period atmosphere, achieved not by overt details but through actors’ mannerisms and expressions, grounds the narrative authentically, further enhanced by Edith Head’s Oscar-winning costume design and the evocative art direction.

Under Wyler's less-is-more philosophy, "The Heiress" achieves a timeless quality; its oppressive undertones and latent sadism resonate powerfully when viewed through modern lenses. The complex motivations and evolving character arcs ensure repeated viewings remain compelling. The ambiguity surrounding Morris' intentions and Catherine’s choice underscores the narrative's depth, making it an enduring classic that showcases Wyler’s prowess and the brilliance of its leading cast, notably de Havilland and Richardson.

"The Heiress" on Blu-ray, presented by Criterion, showcases the timeless allure and complexity of William Wyler's masterful adaptation of Henry James' "Washington Square." Olivia de Havilland delivers a critically acclaimed performance as the shy yet resolute heiress, a role which earned her a second Best Actress Oscar. Her portrayal is complemented by the stellar performances of Montgomery Clift, Ralph Richardson, and Miriam Hopkins, whose collective brilliance imbues the narrative with depth and authenticity. The film's examination of intricate family dynamics and suspicious romantic entanglements is brought vividly to life through its exceptional cast and Wyler's meticulous direction.

Criterion's new edition features a meticulously restored 4K transfer that reveals the film's beautifully crafted visuals in stunning detail. The high-definition presentation enhances the delicate interplay of light and shadow, crucial to the film's noir aesthetic, while preserving its period-specific ambiance. Moreover, the lossless audio track ensures a pristine auditory experience, providing clear dialogue and a full range of sound that enriches the viewing experience. Accompanying the audiovisual presentation is an impressive array of archival content and exclusive special features that delve into the film's production and thematic nuances, offering a comprehensive understanding for both new viewers and longtime fans.

In conclusion, deconstructing "The Heiress" feels like peeling a giant onion—the deeper you go, the more layers of cruelty emerge from it. On top of this, many of them come with their own dark texture. There is nothing new or original that can be said about its stars and their performances. Simply put, they are really, really good together, and any of the male leads just as easily could have won an Academy Award. (Strangely, Montgomery Clift apparently wasn't too happy with his performance). Criterion's release is sourced from a solid new 4K restoration and has a great selection of features with archival content. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.