Flesh and Fantasy Blu-ray Review

Vinegar Syndrome's Blu-ray release of "Flesh and Fantasy," a film originally shot on 35mm black-and-white film with spherical lenses, has undergone a meticulous 2K scan restoration. The presentation boasts an AVC encoded image within a 1.37:1 aspect ratio derived from a 35mm dupe negative. The restoration aims to breathe new life into this 80-year-old film, addressing the limitations of previous DVD releases from 2014. The picture quality is impressive; fibrous costumes and detailed facial textures are rendered with striking clarity, while sets offer rich dimensionality both indoors and out. Grain structure is resolved satisfyingly, though the source material does bear some light wear and chemical imperfections.

The visual contrast is commendable, underpinning the atmospheric black-and-white cinematography by Stanley Cortez and Paul Ivano. The film's nuanced lighting plays a pivotal role, enhancing integral sequences such as the tracking shots of Mardi Gras dancers or the foreboding ship-at-sea scenes. Particularly notable is how low-angle lighting and makeup artfully affect character appearances, exemplified when Betty Field’s presence is altered to look plain yet unnervingly emotive through shadow play. The sequence involving Edward G. Robinson employs reflective imagery to convey psychological depth, while the circus segment creatively juxtaposes close-ups with wider shots to accentuate tension and danger, offering an immersive viewing experience.

In essence, this Blu-ray release showcases robust detail in costumes and facial expressions, expertly encapsulating the cinematic craft of its era. The restoration maintains an engrossing fidelity to original composition whilst overcoming historical constraints, permitting a fresh appraisal for contemporary audiences.

The audio presentation of the "Flesh and Fantasy" Blu-ray is delivered via a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix, notable for its clarity and precision. Dialogue is distinct and articulate across all episodes, capturing the subtleties and nuances of each performance, including those with accents, such as Boyer’s slight French inflection. The soundtrack maintains integrity despite the film’s age, ensuring an uninterrupted listening experience that allows audiences to remain engrossed in the narrative.

The orchestral score composed by Alexandre Tansman is effectively presented, striking a balance between dramatic crescendos and subtle undertones. The music accentuates key scenes with powerful sweeps that elevate the tension and emotion present on screen. Notable moments include a dramatic drum roll that heightens suspense as Gaspar prepares for a pivotal stunt, demonstrating the audio mix's capability to enhance storytelling through well-timed musical expression. English SDH subtitles are also available to support accessibility.

Overall, the 2.0 DTS-HD MA audio track successfully preserves the film's original soundscape while providing a refined listening experience that complements the visual elements of the Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray extras for "Flesh and Fantasy" delve into the film's unique position between horror and anthology genres, reflecting on its connections to works like "The Canterbury Tales." Commentary by Barry Forshaw and Kim Newman highlights Julien Duvivier's impact as a director who transitioned to the U.S. during WWII, noting the film's evolution from a four-segment anthology to its current form, with the excised segment evolving into the film "Destiny." The disc includes insights on the career trajectories of stars Charles Boyer and Barbara Stanwyck, emphasizing Duvivier's significant yet underappreciated legacy. Originating as a prestige project for Universal, the disc underscores its narrative style that resonated with radio adaptations and acknowledges the critical acclaim of Edward G. Robinson’s segment while critiquing the Boyer/Stanwyck episode. The extras provide comprehensive historical context and appreciate the film’s storytelling nuances.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Features film historians Barry Forshaw and Kim Newman.
• Fate News or The Dark World of Julien Duvivier: Appreciation piece from director Christophe Gans.
• Image Gallery: Collects film stills and publicity shots.
• Trailers: For Flesh and Fantasy and Destiny.

Flesh and Fantasy," a 1943 anthology film directed by Julien Duvivier, offers a rich exploration of human obsessions and premonitions through its three distinct yet thematically linked stories. Duvivier’s work on "Flesh and Fantasy" is marked by a clear effort to deliver suspense and style, creating enchanting atmospheres conducive to the film’s fantastical narratives. The film presents an interesting study of characters ensnared by the supernatural and the future's unpredictable nature, invigorated by stellar performances from a commendable cast including Charles Boyer, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson, and Robert Cummings.

The first story, most distinctive for its fantasy elements, revolves around the character of Henrietta, portrayed by Betty Field. She experiences societal rejection due to her perceived ugliness, which is cinematically accentuated through strategic lighting and shadows to transform her appearance significantly. Her struggle gains a fantastical edge when she acquires a mask during Mardi Gras, allowing her a temporary escape into anonymity. This tale toys with themes of beauty, acceptance, and fleeting connections, as Henrietta encounters Michael, providing a suspenseful ride tinged with both passion and unease.

In Story 2, the narrative shifts to darker tones with Edward G. Robinson as Marshall confronting his supposed fate to commit murder, as foretold by palm reader Podgers, played by Thomas Mitchell. This segment excels in exploring moral dilemmas and existential predicaments, presenting a deep psychological dive into Marshall’s internal conflict. The reflective storytelling achieves a sharp darkness that adds significant weight to the film’s overall atmosphere. Closing the anthology, the third narrative fuses melodrama with mystery as Gaspar, a tightrope walker played by Charles Boyer, strives to capture the affection of his dream woman Joan, portrayed by Barbara Stanwyck. While this segment may lack the intriguing strangeness of its predecessors, it subtly addresses passionate obsessions and infatuations prevalent throughout "Flesh and Fantasy.

"Flesh and Fantasy" offers an intricate blend of the bizarre and the supernatural, capitalizing on director Julien Duvivier's masterful use of atmosphere to engage the audience. Originally intended as a four-segment piece, this anthology sees Universal cutting an initial sequence, ultimately affecting its narrative cohesion. Nevertheless, the resulting three segments explore distinct themes of dark magic and specialized horrors with a stylistic flair that is both captivating and entertaining. While the film occasionally struggles with dramatic balance, Duvivier ensures each story retains a distinct tone, maintaining viewer interest through intense and reliable performances.

Duvivier successfully crafts an engaging visual experience, enticing audiences into scenarios where outcomes are persistently unexpected—sometimes pleasant, often grim. The anthology structure serves as an effective vehicle for showcasing diverse characters facing mysterious forces. However, the alteration of the original quartet format results in a sometimes inconsistent narrative flow. Notably, if all episodes reached the compelling standard set by the Robinson segment, "Flesh and Fantasy" might have achieved a more uniformly classic status.

In its current form, "Flesh and Fantasy" remains a visually rich and at times captivating film that intrigues with its unpredictable storytelling. While it may not reach its full potential due to the excision of its original multiple narrative threads, it still offers substantial entertainment value through its unique blend of unpredictability and style. With memorable performances enhancing the intrigue of its strange encounters, it’s an engaging watch for those drawn to tales of fate and the supernatural.