The Graduate Blu-ray Review

MGM's release of "The Graduate" on Blu-ray showcases the film with a visual quality that, while not flawless, is a significant improvement over previous home video formats. Shot with anamorphic lenses, the movie's 1080p/Technicolor presentation benefits from the meticulous cinematography of Robert Surtees. His innovative techniques, such as distinctive masking, reflective uses, and slow fades, are more appreciable than ever in high definition. The colors are vibrant and rich, expressing a resolution that far surpasses the 40th Anniversary DVD edition from 2007. This Blu-ray version reveals a depth and clarity to the picture that fans will find remarkably superior, despite some digital shortcomings like occasional noise and the inherent softness of the original film elements.

The transfer to MPEG-2 is commendable for its clean and vibrant output, displaying a grain structure that's present but not distracting. Scenes vary in sharpness, with close-ups providing a gratifying level of detail, allowing viewers to appreciate nuances such as the texture of perspiration on Hoffman's face or the elegance of Bancroft's varied appearances. While some scenes might exhibit softness and background elements can appear somewhat diffuse, this is more a characteristic of the film's age and original shooting techniques rather than a flaw in the transfer itself. Colors remain balanced and pleasing throughout, with specific hues like Benjamin's red sports car and Elaine's pink dress adding visual pop without overwhelming the film's aesthetic.

In comparison with its DVD releases, especially the included 40th Anniversary edition, the Blu-ray demonstrates a marked enhancement in picture quality. Although it may not meet the lofty standards set by some Criterion releases, it's evident that MGM has invested considerable effort into making "The Graduate" look its best on Blu-ray. The preservation of grain alongside improved contrast and color fidelity makes this edition an essential upgrade for aficionados of this classic film. Despite minor instances of digital noise and occasional softness, this release underscores the technological advancement in home video presentation, offering an impressive viewing experience that underscores both the film's historic significance and its enduring appeal.

The audio presentation of "The Graduate" on Blu-ray, delivered via MGM's 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, provides a listening experience that is both surprising and somewhat conflicted. On one hand, the clarity and crispness of the audio are commendable, bringing out details in the film's iconic score by Simon and Garfunkel and Dave Grusin's instrumentals with remarkable precision. Songs like "The Sounds of Silence" and "Scarborough Fair" are imbued with a presence and warmth that arguably surpass their original recordings, showcasing the meticulous effort put into remastering the film's audio. However, the effort to adapt the original four-track Westrex stereo recording to a contemporary 5.1 surround sound format introduces certain limitations, with treble roll-off, recessed bass, and a lack of depth across channels due to the digital remastering process.

The audio track excels in fidelity, offering crisp and clear tones that make dialogue easy to understand—albeit, at times, pushing the limits of the high end during louder scenes, such as Elaine's scream or Benjamin's mother's laugh, causing some degree of distortion. Despite these strengths, the surround capacity of the track does not fully meet expectations. Limited rear speaker involvement and a tendency for sounds to remain tethered to their respective front channels means that the immersive potential of 5.1 surround sound remains largely untapped. This results in audio that, while superior in terms of clarity and detail, often feels restrained and lacks the enveloping experience one might hope for from a Blu-ray release.

Overall, MGM's audio engineering effort on "The Graduate's" 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track demonstrates a nuanced balance between restoring the film's original auditory nuances and adapting it to a modern home theater environment. While the track shines in showcasing the film's musical elements with newfound detail, it simultaneously reveals the constraints of converting vintage audio recordings into multi-channel formats. For aficionados of the film keen on audio quality, this presentation offers a unique, though not flawless, listening experience that respects the source material while navigating the inherent challenges of audio remastering.

The Blu-ray release of "The Graduate" proves to be a baffling affair, missing a significant opportunity to enrich the film experience with substantial extras. Instead, MGM opts to include the extras on the 40th Anniversary DVD edition rather than the Blu-ray disc itself. This DVD houses a treasure trove for fans, offering four featurettes released in 2007—"Students of The Graduate," "The Seduction," and two enriching audio commentary tracks featuring discussions with actors Dustin Hoffman, Katherine Ross, directors Mike Nichols, and Steven Soderbergh among others. The highlights include Nichols’ in-depth conversations with Soderbergh, providing invaluable insights into the filmmaking process, and the inclusion of influential directors discussing Nichols' impact on their work. However, this decision underwhelms by relegating all additional content to a lesser format, coupled with a Blu-ray presentation devoid of any extras save for unrelated trailers, undermining the potential for a comprehensive collector’s edition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Students of The Graduate: Insights from influential directors on Nichols' impact.
• The Seduction: Featurette focusing on the film's iconic elements.
• Audio Commentary with Dustin Hoffman and Katherine Ross: Actors share their experiences and perspectives.
• Audio Commentary with Mike Nichols and Steven Soderbergh: A deep dive into the filmmaking process.
• The Graduate at 25: A documentary reflecting on the film's legacy.
• One on One with Dustin Hoffman: Hoffman discusses his role and the film's production.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer in standard definition.

In the high-definition era, "The Graduate," starring Dustin Hoffman as Benjamin Braddock, emerges with an unprecedented visual and auditory clarity that breathes new life into this seminal coming-of-age narrative. Under Mike Nichols' expert direction, the film's sharp social satire cuts deeper, propelled by Anne Bancroft's unforgettable Mrs. Robinson and complemented by the iconic tunes of Simon and Garfunkel. This transition to Blu-ray epitomizes the clash and confluence of sixties' societal norms with today's digital perfectionism, encapsulating a time of innocence, rebellion, and existential search for meaning that resonates as much today as it did upon its original release.

The restoration work on MGM's release highlights the Technicolor brilliance of the original, bolstering the film’s aesthetic appeal and ensuring that every nuanced expression of Hoffman's performance and the intricate directorial choices Nichols made that earned him an Academy Award shine through. The multi-channel sound mix further immerses viewers in the film's world, from the distinct soundscapes of suburban Los Angeles to the intimate whispers between characters. These technical enhancements serve not just as a testament to the film's enduring appeal but also cement its status as a must-see in its best version yet.

The intricate dynamics between characters, chiefly between Benjamin and Mrs. Robinson, are elevated through this presentation. Bancroft's portrayal reveals layers of complexity to her character’s machinations, while Hoffman’s portrayal of Benjamin’s voyage from naivety to a poignant awareness reflects a generational passage to adulthood marked by confusion, disillusionment, and defiance. The Blu-ray presentation captures every detail of these performances and the subtleties of their interactions, ensuring that "The Graduate" remains a pivotal exploration of youth, seduction, and the pursuit of happiness within the constraints of societal expectations. Through its technical excellence and narrative potency, the film stands not only as a cultural artifact but as a continued commentary on the universal journey toward finding one's place in the world.

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Graduate" enhances the timeless appeal of this classic film, brilliantly casting Dustin Hoffman and giving Anne Bancroft a memorable role, under the Oscar-winning direction of Mike Nichols. While the movie captures and satirizes the essence of late-'60s suburban life, its transfer to Blu-ray is noteworthy. The high resolution significantly uplifts the film's unique atmospheric sequences, such as the iconic SCUBA gear scene. The carefully curated sound design and the visual framing, especially evident through the enhanced clarity of Blu-ray, accentuate director Nichols' intention to convey more profound themes of isolation and societal ridicule through audio-visual storytelling. Despite being perceived as slow by contemporary standards, the meticulous pacing and unconventional sequences found within the Blu-ray version add a layer of depth, making it a compelling watch.

However, the Blu-ray release is not without its limitations, notably in its special features—or the lack thereof. Admirers of "The Graduate" might find themselves slightly disappointed with the absence of bonus content that could have provided richer insights into the making and legacy of this cinematic gem. Nonetheless, the technical qualities of the transfer do justice to the film's visual and auditory details, with strong enough visuals and decent audio to recommend an upgrade for aficionados and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, while "The Graduate" on Blu-ray presents an improved visual and auditory experience that highlight's Nichols' directorial finesse and the film's subtle complexities, the omission of additional extras falls short of offering a holistic cinematic package. However, for those looking to experience or rediscover this seminal work in its most enhanced form available, this Blu-ray edition remains a worthwhile acquisition. Its superior visual quality alone serves as a compelling reason to add it to one's collection, even if it leaves something to be desired in terms of supplementary content.