Being There Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Criterion's Blu-ray release of Hal Ashby's Being There is a significant upgrade thanks to a meticulous 4K transfer. Overseen by cinematographer Caleb Deschanel, the restoration was executed on a Lasergraphics Director film scanner using the 35mm original camera negative. The transfer process involved extensive color grading and manual removal of dirt, debris, and imperfections with MTI Film's DRS and Digital Vision's Phoenix for jitter and noise management. Lee Kline supervised the transfer, while Sheri Eisenberg undertook the color grading.

Direct comparisons with the initial 2009 Warner Bros. release reveal substantial enhancements across all visual aspects. The 4K restoration eradicates the previous flatness, delivering superior detail, shadow definition, and nuanced highlights. The film's color palette is more vibrant and balanced, featuring lush primaries and well-resolved grain without the negative effects of digital sharpening. The visual richness seen here provides an immersive depth and dimensionality, making physical textures such as fabric and skin highly distinguishable. Black levels remain solid with occasional minor softness, particularly in specific scenes, and artifacts are virtually non-existent.

Overall image stability is excellent, and the addition of a mild but consistent grain preserves the filmic quality. Despite a few instances of digital noise, the integrity of the original cinematography remains intact, reflecting the subtly muted 1970s color scheme that suits the film's tone. As expected from Criterion, this restoration delivers an exceptional viewing experience, bringing out the best visual elements of Being There in ways unmatched by previous releases.

The audio presentation of the "Being There" Blu-ray features an English LPCM 1.0 track, with optional English SDH subtitles. The mono track, remastered from an original 35mm magnetic track, impressively eliminates age-related flaws such as hissing, clicks, and thumps. Johnny Mandel's score significantly enhances the film’s atmosphere, effortlessly transitioning through scenes with outstanding balance and fluidity. Notable technical aspects include the clear and distortion-free dialogue reproduction, despite a minor flaw involving blown-out dialogue from a TV producer.

The dynamics of the track are particularly commendable for a mono release. The layering of effects brings environments to life without congestion, and the thematic '70s orchestration fits perfectly beneath the dialogue and effects. Although the LFE channel remains inactive given the mono format's constraints, the overall audio presentation is handled well. Ambient noises blend seamlessly, maintaining auditory coherence throughout.

In summary, while "Being There" provides a standard mono audio track, it is executed with finesse. The technical integrity of the mix—free from digital errors—demonstrates meticulous attention to detail. As a result, the audio presentation not only meets but exceeds expectations for a feature of this era.

The Blu-ray extras for "Being There" are comprehensive and insightful, providing a deep dive into the film’s production and its enduring legacy. The standout feature is a newly produced documentary, "The Making of Being There," which offers extensive interviews with key production members and explores director Hal Ashby’s unique methods. Archival content is abundant, featuring detailed audio excerpts from Hal Ashby’s 1980 AFI seminar and a fascinating episode of "The Dick Cavett Show" with author Jerzy Kosinski. Additionally, fans will appreciate the inclusion of deleted scenes, outtakes, an alternate ending, and various promotional materials. The collection also includes rare interview footage with Peter Sellers, offering a glimpse into his thoughts on the film and his career. Overall, this offerings paint a nuanced picture of the film's creation and cultural impact.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Being There: New documentary examining the film’s genesis and Ashby’s methods.
• Deleted Scenes and Outtakes: Collection of deleted scenes, outtakes, and an alternate ending.
• Hal Ashby at the AFI: Audio excerpt from Ashby's 1980 seminar at the American Film Institute.
• Jerzy Kosinski and Dick Cavett: Archival episode discussing the adaptation of Kosinski’s novel.
• Peter Sellers - Today: Sellers' interview from NBC's Today show (1980).
• Peter Sellers - The Don Lane Show: Sellers' interview on Australian TV (1980).
• Trailer and TV Spots: Original U.S. theatrical trailer and TV spots.
• Promo Reel: Archival promo piece featuring Ashby and Sellers.
• Leaflet: Featuring Mark Harris’ essay "American Cipher".

Hal Ashby’s "Being There" (1979) brings a wealth of sociopolitical satire to the forefront, made profoundly engaging through Peter Sellers’s exceptional portrayal of the childlike, sheltered gardener, Chance. Based on Jerzy Kosinski’s novel, whose screenplay was ultimately rewritten by Jones, the narrative dives into a rich blend of irony and happenstance. Chance's evolution from an illiterate gardener confined to a wealthy estate into a beloved political and economic advisor capitalizes on his simplistic observations being construed as profound wisdom by the elite. The stark contrast between Sellers’ nuanced, deadpan performance and the bewildering world around him breeds an atmosphere that demands both laughter and introspection.

Chance’s journey evolves through a fortuitous injury that lands him in the care of Eve Rand (Shirley MacLaine) and subsequently under the wing of her husband Ben (Melvyn Douglas), a powerful, terminally ill business mogul. Their interactions turn Chance’s naïve remarks into perceived allegories, elevating him amidst Washington's high-ranking intellectuals, including the President (Jack Warden). Throughout, Ashby’s direction paired with Caleb Deschanel’s cinematography perfectly juxtaposes the opulence of the Rand estate against the gritty realism of 70s Washington. The editing enhances this dichotomy, emphasizing Chance's unwitting ascendancy framed by a media-obsessed society.

While "Being There" features enthralling performances and thought-provoking themes regarding societal values and media influence, it walks a delicate line with its satirical elements that may seem offensive to some. Sellers embodies Chance with a captivating simplicity without patronizing the character’s mental deficiencies, though some may find the film’s underpinning joke at the expense of Chance's intellect uncomfortable. Regardless, the film concludes with an enigmatic final scene, inviting audiences to reassess their interpretations and appreciate the layers of nuance. Ultimately, "Being There" stands out for its incisive critique and timeless relevance, bolstered by Seller's meticulously crafted performance and Ashby’s keen directorial vision.

Criterion's release of Being There has elicited a spectrum of reactions, yet there is a consensus on the exceptional quality of this 4K Blu-ray presentation. Hal Ashby's film stands as an enduring socio-political commentary, blending surreal and eerily prescient elements to reflect contemporary American realities. The 4K restoration offers a pristine visual experience, with enhanced detail and color accuracy that modern audiences will appreciate, making it the definitive version of this almost 40-year-old film. The audio quality also matches the high visual standards, ensuring that the film's subtle sound design and dialogue are crystal clear.

The film itself generates polarizing views; Peter Sellers' portrayal of the simple-minded yet inadvertently influential Chance has delighted some while deeply offending others. Some criticize the movie for its perceived exploitation of a disabled character to underscore its political satire, finding it mean-spirited and insensitive. Nevertheless, many appreciate Sellers' nuanced performance and the film's broader thematic depth, which elevates it above typical comedies from its era.

In conclusion, Being There is a fascinating artifact of American cinema that continues to resonate with its incisive social observations. Criterion’s stunning 4K restoration ensures that new viewers and long-time fans can experience the film in its best possible form. Despite varying opinions on the film’s message and humor, this release is highly recommended for its technical excellence and the thought-provoking discussions it continues to inspire.