Safe Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Todd Haynes' "Safe" exhibits remarkable technical prowess, courtesy of Criterion’s meticulous efforts. Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the film is encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and boasts a 1080p transfer. The digital transfer was carefully created in 4K resolution from the original 35mm camera negative, and instances of dirt, debris, and scratches were manually removed using advanced digital tools like MTI's DRS and Pixel Farm's PFClean. The color grading was executed with precision by Joe Gawler at Harbor Post, New York, while 4K scanning was conducted by Colorworks in Los Angeles under the supervision of Lee Kline. The restoration shines with enhanced image depth, clarity, and stability, retaining the film's natural grain without undesirable degraining or sharpening artifacts.

The detail and clarity enhancements from this new 4K restoration are striking. Textures and fine details such as the stitching on clothing and individual hairs are distinctly visible, granting the film a near-contemporary sharpness as if recently shot. One of the film’s standout elements is its dynamic color palette. Vibrant neons during aerobics scenes contrast effectively with the more muted, earthy tones that appear as Julianne Moore's character, Carol, becomes sicker and transitions away from modern chemical products. This desaturation effectively mirrors her physical and emotional journey. Noteworthy is the exceptional handling of black levels in darker scenes and the consistent light film grain which enhances the viewing experience without distracting artifacts. Overall, this Blu-ray release is a flawless technical feat, offering what will likely remain the definitive presentation of "Safe."

With no banding, aliasing, visible noise, or significant flaws apart from a single minor scratch, the video transfer is an impressive achievement. Criterion's dedication has transformed "Safe" into a visually stunning and highly detailed experience that preserves the film’s original aesthetic while offering substantial improvements.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Safe" features an English LPCM 1.0 mono track, supplemented by optional English SDH subtitles. The audio track presents a clean and stable auditory experience, preserving the original mix with pristine fidelity. Although dynamic intensity remains limited—befitting the film’s minimalistic approach—the remastered soundtrack ultimately surpasses expectations. Ed Tomney’s ambient score stands out, evoking a richly atmospheric mood reminiscent of Angelo Badalamenti's work on David Lynch’s "Mulholland Drive". Dialogue remains exceptionally clear, free from pops, cracks, distracting background hiss, audio dropouts, and digital distortions.

Criterion's meticulous effort in cleaning up and remastering the audio is evident despite not upgrading the original mix. The uncompressed Linear PCM encode enhances the clarity of the aged monaural track, demonstrating how great an original audio mix can sound when wisely restored. No audible defects such as warbles, clicks, pops, or hissing are present. The blending of music, vocals, and effects is calibrated with precision. This attention to detail ensures that key auditory elements are emphasized appropriately. For instance, Carol’s perming scene accentuates the bubbling chemicals over other concurrent noises; similarly, ambient sounds like birds chirping and smog-emitting vehicles in a cafe scene subtly compete with character dialogue, effectively portraying the environment as a crucial narrative component.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Safe" provide an in-depth exploration of the film, its production, and its cultural impact. Todd Haynes' insightful audio commentary with Julianne Moore and Christine Vachon offers engaging anecdotes from the original 2001 recording, blending technical information with personal reflections. The compelling conversations with Haynes and Moore, as well as Vachon's solo interview, deliver valuable perspectives on the casting, thematic depth, and critical reception. Haynes' early short film "The Suicide" brings a fascinating, if unsettling, glimpse into his formative work. Overall, the supplementary materials enhance the viewer's understanding of "Safe" significantly.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original Sony Pictures Classics trailer for "Safe."
• Todd Haynes and Julianne Moore: Exclusive conversation discussing their collaboration and the film's unique aspects.
• Christine Vachon: Producer discusses her longstanding professional collaboration with Haynes.
• The Suicide (1978): Haynes' first short film, shedding light on his early directorial style.
• Commentary: Engaging audio commentary with Haynes, Moore, and Vachon.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by Dennis Lim.

Todd Haynes' Safe (1995) is an elegantly crafted film featuring a standout performance by Julianne Moore. As Carol White, Moore portrays a seemingly perfect housewife whose life unravels due to a mysterious illness that renders her allergic to everyday chemicals. This illness progressively strips away her agency, making her environment an inescapable prison of allergens. The film's genius lies in its ability to evoke a psychological and physical reaction in viewers, akin to the fear induced by Arachnophobia—but amplified through societal paranoia and environmental dread.

The narrative cleverly juxtaposes Carol's initial suburban idyll with the unforgiving reality of her condition. Haynes meticulously directs scenes that capture both the external beauty and internal rot of suburban life. Key technical elements, such as Alex Nepomniaschy's stylish cinematography and Ed Tomney’s atmospheric electronic soundtrack, amplify this contrast, creating a disquieting ambiance. The thematic depth is enriched further by paralleling 1950s societal scrutiny in Douglas Sirk’s All That Heaven Allows with 1990s urban alienation and environmental degradation.

In terms of character development, Carol transitions from a powerless homemaker to a self-determined woman, albeit one isolated by her ailment. The transformation highlights urgent issues such as pollution, consumerism, and psychological wellbeing. Her journey to the chemical-free Wrenwood community underscores modern societal failures in understanding unorthodox illnesses and the rampant skepticism that greets holistic approaches. Despite its modest budget, Safe benefits from Haynes' precise direction and strong performances, making it a visually and emotionally compelling piece that leaves a lasting impact on its audience.

The Blu-ray release of "Safe" is a profound cinematic experience that remains remarkably relevant. This film offers a chilling portrayal of American society on the brink of a significant transformation. Through the poignant story of Carol, an average woman thrust into extraordinary circumstances, "Safe" captures how societal changes influence personal identity and well-being. The movie avoids a preachy tone, skillfully addressing the issues of environmental degradation and human vulnerability without becoming overbearing. Todd Haynes’ direction and Julianne Moore’s stellar performance ensure that the message resonates authentically and powerfully.

Criterion's 4K restoration of "Safe" is impeccable, providing a near-perfect visual experience that enhances the film's subtle yet powerful aesthetic. The remastered video quality is pristine, allowing viewers to fully appreciate Haynes' meticulous attention to detail. Meanwhile, the unique audio mix remains flawless and immersive, free from any dated imperfections. This newly restored version not only preserves the original charm of the film but also brings it to new heights, allowing a modern audience to engage with this classic in a contemporary context.

I suppose the best way to describe this remarkable film is to say that it is a strikingly accurate time capsule. It sees America on the verge of a massive transformation which would eventually change the way people communicate with each other and, more importantly, feel about each other. It is a very scary film as well, because all of its hidden prophetic observations have become part of our reality. Safe has been recently restored in 4K and looks magnificent on Blu-ray. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.