Two for the Road Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Two for the Road" showcases a meticulously crafted 1080p transfer in the original Panavision 2.35:1 aspect ratio, achieved through the AVC codec. Drawing from the rich 20th Century Fox archive, this transfer highlights the film's vivid and warm cinematography by Christopher Challis. The palette is stunningly recreated with notable attention to fine details, from Audrey Hepburn's varied designer wardrobe to the textured hair and facial features. Colors are solid and consistent, delivering appealing skin tones and evocative scenic compositions. Observers will find the slightly trendy use of zoom lenses contributing to minor softness in some shots, but overall, the animation is precise and faithful to the source material.

This Blu-ray offers an almost flawless visual experience, with excellent grain resolution that appears natural and unblemished. The transfer is largely clean and free from artifacts, save for a minor instance of moiré across Albert Finney’s arm in one close-up scene. Despite these minute imperfections, the presentation stands out due to its retention of fine detail and vibrant color spectrum. The film has been adeptly divided into 24 chapters for seamless navigation, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging viewing experience. This transfer will undoubtedly please both aficionados of classic cinema and fans of high-quality home video presentations.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Two for the Road" features both DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo and mono tracks. While the stereo track provides a slightly more expansive soundstage, allowing Henry Mancini’s acclaimed score and some ambient environmental effects additional space to flourish, it is relatively subtle and undemonstrative. Conversely, the mono track offers a more robust and coherent listening experience, ensuring that the expertly recorded dialogue, Mancini's memorable music, and atmospheric effects are well-balanced.

Both audio tracks deliver clean and clear dialogue, integral to the film’s narrative. Mancini's score, a highlight of the film, benefits significantly from this clarity. Notably, there are no age-related artifacts in either track, indicating meticulous remastering efforts to preserve the integrity of the original audio elements. The distinction between the tracks might be marginal for some listeners, but those seeking an immersive musical experience might prefer the stereo option, whereas purists may find the mono track’s sturdiness more appealing for its faithful reproduction of the original theatrical sound.

The extras on the Blu-ray disc of "Two for the Road" offer a rich and varied collection, sure to appeal to cinephiles and fans of classic cinema alike. The audio commentaries are particularly noteworthy, contrasting Stanley Donen’s reflective but intermittent insights with the more dynamic and analytical perspectives of film historians Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman. The isolated score track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono provides an exquisite listening experience of Henry Mancini's work, while the inclusion of the Fox Movietone Newsreel adds a historical touch with its silent footage from the 1967 Academy Awards. These thoughtfully curated extras enhance the understanding and appreciation of this beloved film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Fox Movietone Newsreel: Silent footage from the 1967 Academy Awards.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Classic promotional material in standard definition.
• Audio Commentaries: Insights by Stanley Donen; engaging analysis by Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman.
• Isolated Score Track: Henry Mancini's music in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.

"Two for the Road," directed by Stanley Donen, is a compelling exploration of the complexities of marriage, deftly handled with stylistic sophistication. Starring Albert Finney and Audrey Hepburn as Mark and Joanna Wallace, the film chronicles their tumultuous relationship through a non-linear narrative structure. This technique requires viewers to discern specific time periods within the relationship via subtle visual cues like hairstyles, fashion trends, and the evolving state of their automobiles. The narrative’s fragmented style enhances the poignancy of their marital journey, creating a metaphysical 'Eternal Now' where past, present, and future intermingle seamlessly.

Frederic Raphael's screenplay shines with wit and poignancy, enriched by sharp, insightful dialogue that captures both the highs and lows of marital life. The film intertwines various periods in Mark and Joanna's relationship, blending them artfully to present a cohesive whole. Scenes shift effortlessly, often introduced by clever visual transitions—such as a van running through chickens or a bed dive cutting to a pool plunge. These elements are accentuated by Henry Mancini’s enchanting score and Christopher Challis’s lush cinematography, which add layers of romanticism and allure to the film’s ambiance.

The performances are nothing short of stellar. Audrey Hepburn portrays a more jaded, nuanced character than her usual roles, yet retains her inherent charm and resilience, making her struggle relatable and poignant. Albert Finney's portrayal of Mark Wallace balances roguish charm with vulnerability, ensuring his character remains endearing despite his flaws. The supporting cast, including William Daniels and Eleanor Bron, deliver memorable performances that complement the central duo's dynamic. Overall, "Two for the Road" stands as a timeless cinematic piece that thoughtfully examines the vicissitudes of marriage and the endurance required to navigate its challenges.

The Blu-ray release of "Two for the Road" is a commendable effort that brings renewed appreciation to a film deeply intertwined with the French New Wave's stylistic sensibilities yet crafted through an American lens. The restoration process ensures that the movie retains its original vibrancy, with crisp visuals and an enhanced audio experience that immerse the viewer into its unique narrative structure. The film's non-linear storytelling, coupled with nuanced performances by Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney, delivers a sophisticated examination of marriage over time—a theme meticulously captured and presented in this high-quality release.

Technically speaking, the Blu-ray transfer stands out for its meticulous attention to detail. The color palette remains faithful to the director’s vision, and the film grain adds a layer of authenticity that long-time fans will appreciate. Audio fidelity is another strong suit, with dialogue and Henry Mancini’s scoring resonating with clarity. Special features include insightful commentary and documentary footage that delve deeper into the production nuances and the cultural context during which "Two for the Road" was conceived.

Years ago, my wife and I (who are coming up on 25 years together) were out with another couple, and the guy was trying to remember how long he and his wife had been married (sound familiar?). His wife reminded him, “Ten years of wedded bliss,” to which he responded without missing a beat, “Oh, it seems like a lot more bliss than that.” That same somewhat skeptical reaction to the supposed blandishments of marriage informs large swaths of Frederic Raphael's script. However, the surprising thing about "Two for the Road" is ultimately how unabashedly romantic and maybe even optimistic it is. For some reason, "Two for the Road" never quite got the appreciation it deserved back in the day, and it still tends to be oddly underappreciated even within the context of Donen's filmography. Nevertheless, it is a uniquely charming take on relationships. Technical merits are strong, and "Two for the Road" comes highly recommended.