Smithereens Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s presentation of "Smithereens" on Blu-ray, featuring a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC in an aspect ratio of 1.67:1, is meticulously crafted. Derived from a 2K restoration conducted on a Lasergraphics Director film scanner from the original 16mm A/B camera negative, the transfer is remarkable for retaining the strong organic qualities of the original film. With thousands of instances of dirt, debris, and scratches manually removed using MTI Film's DRS and Digital Vision's Phoenix for jitter, flicker, dirt, grain, and noise management, the image is clean and stable. The restoration team's efforts ensure that the visuals not only look healthy and vibrant but also authentically capture the raw and gritty aesthetic of the original 1982 release.

One of the standout aspects of this video presentation is the color quality—primary colors appear rich and balanced, with excellent saturation that maintains stability throughout the feature. The film grain is preserved, imbuing the image with a textural depth consistent with its 16mm roots. Despite the film’s guerilla-style shooting and inherent low-budget production values, there is no evidence of sharpening adjustments, and age-related imperfections are entirely absent. Density fluctuations occur naturally and add to the film’s authentic visual narrative. However, it’s worth noting minor inconsistencies in black levels during nighttime scenes, though these do little to detract from the overall viewing experience due to the film’s gritty look.

In terms of bringing out the visual impact of “Smithereens” for modern audiences, this restoration allows viewers to fully appreciate Susan Seidelman’s directorial debut in a way that probably surpasses any previous home media release. Whether new fans or those revisiting this punk-era classic will find Criterion’s restoration work commendable as it revives the film’s striking visual style with renewed clarity and vibrancy.

The Blu-ray release of "Smithereens" features a standard audio track presented in English LPCM 1.0, with optional English SDH subtitles provided. The soundtrack is faithful to the original recording elements, incorporating vibrant sounds and noises that effectively enhance the viewing experience. Despite the inherent limitations of mono audio, critical listening attributes such as clarity, depth, balance, and stability are well-executed with no detectable dropouts or digital distortions.

Music from iconic indie bands such as the Feelies, The Nitecaps, and Richard Hell pulsates through the LPCM 1.0 track with remarkable clarity and drive. While the dialogue is recorded at somewhat lower levels, it remains clear and free from any hiss or buzz. The mix, although occasionally flat, provides sufficient openness to avoid congestion. The natural elements that emerge within the background audio significantly enrich the sense of location. Overall, the audio presentation, though mono, perfectly captures the dynamic essence of "Smithereens."

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "Smithereens" boasts an impressive suite of bonus features that will captivate both cinephiles and casual viewers alike. The standout is the archival audio commentary by director Susan Seidelman, guided by David Gregory, which provides an in-depth exploration of the film’s conception, shoot locations, and casting choices, as well as insights into the 16mm to 35mm transition and its Cannes debut. The new video program featuring Seidelman and lead actress Susan Berman is a fantastic addition, offering personal reflections on their inspirations and the cultural milieu in 1980s New York. Furthermore, Seidelman's early short films from her NYU days enrich the collection by showcasing her developmental years as a filmmaker. An illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by critic Rebecca Bengal rounds out this substantial package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Archival track by Susan Seidelman moderated by David Gregory.
• Susan Seidelman and Susan Berman: Discussion of influences and NYC creative scene (produced by Criterion in 2018).
• And You Act Like One Too: Seidelman’s 1976 NYU short film about an unfaithful wife.
• Yours Truly, Andrea G. Stern: Seidelman’s 1979 NYU short film exploring familial relationships.
• Film Booklet: Illustrated insert with an essay by Rebecca Bengal.

"Smithereens," Susan Seidelman's gritty 1982 debut, arrives on Blu-ray via Criterion, offering a pressing portrayal of New York City’s punk scene teetering on the brink of extinction. The film captures the life of Wren (Susan Berman), an aspiring punk star amidst a crumbling subculture. Her restless journey through visually raw and authentically depicted urban environments showcases a vibrant yet despairing era, where self-delusion and the pursuit of fame overshadow meaningful human connections. Seidelman’s unfiltered direction accentuates the anarchic energy and existential crises faced by the punk idealists of her time.

The narrative orbits around Wren’s encounters with Paul (Brad Rijn) and Eric (Richard Hell). Paul, an endearing, hopeful artist from Montana, becomes a temporary refuge in her chaotic existence, while Eric, a narcissistic rocker, symbolizes unfulfilled dreams and the seductive allure of fame. Wren vacillates between these contrasting characters, reflecting on themes of alienation and self-preservation. Her interactions exhibit an authentic sense of human disconnection and a perpetual chase for validation within a socio-economic grinder that does little to fulfill its promises. The film is an honest examination of self-destructive ambition, punctuated by humorous moments that lend it a palpable human touch.

The performances vary; Berman is compelling as Wren, grounding the film in her earnest yet misguided determination. Conversely, Rijn and Hell sometimes overplay their parts, though they fit well with the movie's raw texture. The included soundtrack, featuring tracks by The Feelies, underscores the narrative’s dissonant rhythm. "Smithereens" stands as a raw reflection of the American indie scene's formative years, dramatizing the punk era's decline with unflinching honesty and a touch of dark humor. Criterion’s release does justice to Seidelman’s vision, preserving its visceral impact and thematic depth for discerning audiences.

Susan Seidelman's "Smithereens" serves as an evocative time capsule of early 80's New York City, capturing the raw essence of an era just before the punk movement's decline and the onset of the AIDS epidemic. The film paints a vivid portrait of Wren, a punk idealist navigating through a gritty East Village with a mix of ambition and delusion, encapsulating themes of self-interest and alienation. The guerilla-style filming bolsters the authenticity of Wren's tumultuous journey, offering a unique narrative on survival in an unforgiving world.

Criterion's Blu-ray release showcases a superb 2K restoration, meticulously supervised by Susan Seidelman herself. This restoration does justice to the film’s original aesthetics, presenting it with visually engaging clarity while preserving its inherently rough-around-the-edges charm. Accompanying this visual upgrade is a robust Mono sound mix that ensures the film's dialogue and atmospherics are both clear and immersive. In addition, the Blu-ray includes a collection of bonus features that provide deeper insights into the film’s production and cultural context, enhancing the viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, "Smithereens" is a poignant and honest exploration of a bygone era in New York City, brought to life through the resilient character of Wren and Seidelman's uncompromising direction. The Criterion Collection’s Blu-ray release, with its excellent restoration and comprehensive supplementary materials, offers an invaluable opportunity to revisit or discover this unique cinematic gem. Highly recommended.