3 Women Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of "3 Women" presents the film with a noteworthy 4K restoration, encoded in 1080p and presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, utilizing MPEG-4 AVC. The restoration, sourced by Twentieth Century Fox, is undeniably impressive considering the film's age and budgetary constraints. Viewers will notice a striking divergence from the previous Criterion Blu-ray edition, particularly in its color grading which leans heavily towards yellows. This shift can appear unnatural, especially during nighttime sequences where shadow detail and saturation appear inconsistent.

Despite these color discrepancies, Arrow's restoration offers exceptional detail clarity, particularly in well-lit scenes where the fine grain and edge definition truly shine. The film maintains excellent overall image stability, devoid of visible debris, scratches, or damage. While some may debate the fidelity of the color scheme to Robert Altman's original vision—likely irretrievable—this release delivers a visually compelling experience. The sun-drenched California setting benefits from the warm tones, aligning with the film's dreamy atmosphere. Although the darker scenes present some challenges, Arrow's effort culminates in a high-quality presentation that stands robust without direct comparison to its Criterion counterpart.

The Blu-ray release of "3 Women" features a single Linear PCM 1.0 mono audio track, which, despite its technical limitations, offers an impressively authentic and engaging listening experience. The lossless track excels in maintaining clear and stable dialogue throughout the film, ensuring that every word is easily comprehensible. Ambient sounds from various settings, such as bars, spas, and hospitals, are well-represented, adding to the film's overall atmosphere and immersion. The mix also effectively captures background noise, a hallmark of Altman’s style, without overshadowing the main audio elements.

The fidelity of the audio track is commendable. Notably, the woodwind solos exhibit exceptional separation, and gunshot effects in the desert scenes are rendered with notable clarity and precision. The balance between dialogue, ambient sounds, and the film’s slightly forceful yet intoxicating score is well-maintained, enhancing the overall auditory experience. There are no issues such as pops, background hiss, dropouts, or distortions. Optional English SDH subtitles are available and appear within the image frame when activated, providing additional support without detracting from the visual presentation.

Arrow excels once again with an impressive extras package for "3 Women," providing a comprehensive dive into Robert Altman's cinematic world. The standout is a 38-minute interview with David Thompson, offering in-depth exploration of the film's themes, production, and Altman's legacy. Additionally, a 6-minute featurette with Shelley Duvall gives personal insights into her experiences working with Altman. The extras are rounded out with a trio of image galleries and the original theatrical trailer, complemented by Arrow's signature illustrated booklet and a reversible cover. This assortment ensures a thorough and engaging experience for Altman enthusiasts and film scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

David Thompson on 3 Women: In-depth interview exploring themes, production, and Altman's legacy.

Interview with Shelley Duvall: Actress's insights on her work with Altman.

Galleries: Trio of comprehensive photo galleries.

Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for "3 Women."

Booklet: Illustrated booklet with new writing and excerpts from "Altman on Altman."

Cover: Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork.

Robert Altman's "3 Women" is a mesmerising psychological drama that deftly explores themes of identity and transformation. The film, spearheaded by outstanding performances from Sissy Spacek and Shelley Duvall, is a nuanced character study set against the backdrop of a small California town. Spacek's Pinky, a naive Texas transplant starting a job at a health spa, becomes enamoured with Duvall's Millie, a self-absorbed therapist who believes the world revolves around her. The narrative, reportedly inspired by a dream Altman had, ebbs and flows with a haunting, dreamlike cadence, culminating in drastic character transformations and intense psychological unraveling.

Paced deliberately to allow intricate character development, "3 Women" immerses viewers into its enigmatic atmosphere. Spacek and Duvall deliver career-defining performances that drive the film's slow-burning intensity, complemented by Janice Rule's portrayal of the quiet, enigmatic Willie. The trio's intricate interactions and shifting identities create a fascinating puzzle that stays with the audience long after the credits roll. Altman's direction ensures that the film remains ambiguous yet thought-provoking, mirroring the unpredictable nature of dreams and reality.

The technical aspects of the Blu-ray release by Arrow Video enhance the viewing experience. This edition includes an archival interview with Shelley Duvall, a new video piece featuring editor and producer David Thompson, and an illustrated booklet with critical insights on the film, enriching the overall package. Providing optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature, this Region-B locked disc offers a comprehensive exploration of Altman's creation, making it an essential piece for both film aficionados and newcomers interested in this unique cinematic experience.

Arrow Video's release of Robert Altman's "3 Women" stands out as a commendable effort, derived from a meticulous 4K restoration by Twentieth Century Fox. The restoration ensures strong video and audio qualities, making it a compelling upgrade over previous versions. While some purists may debate the new color scheme introduced by Fox's restoration, this release successfully brings a heightened level of detail and clarity to the film, which has long been absent from home video collections, especially in Region-B territories.

This Blu-ray edition is bolstered by a robust set of UK-exclusive extras that enrich the viewing experience further. The extras provide valuable context and insight into Altman's enigmatic narrative and distinctive directorial style. The video presentation captures the aesthetic intricacies of the original film, with a noticeable improvement in visual fidelity that brings out finer details and textures. Audio enhancements also contribute to an immersive experience, maintaining the film's atmospheric subtleties and dialogue clarity.

In conclusion, almost four decades on, Altman’s "3 Women" remains a piercing exploration of one woman's psyche through its three contrasting characters. Initially underrated, it has since garnered deserving acclaim. Arrow's 4K-based release showcases this cult classic with significant upgrades in video and audio quality and supplements with enriching extras. For those bound by Region-B encoding, this edition is an excellent choice, despite debates around the color scheme. The privilege of having two high-definition Blu-ray packages after nearly three decades of unavailability is certainly worth celebrating. You can buy "3 Women" on Blu-ray here.