Queen Christina Blu-ray Review

The new Blu-ray release of "Queen Christina" presents a significant enhancement over previous editions, utilizing a 1080p transfer sourced from a recently discovered nitrate duplicate negative. Scanned in 4K, this transfer underwent meticulous manual restoration to achieve remarkable improvements in image quality, contrasted with earlier home video releases which relied on fourth-generation materials. The result is a revelation for enthusiasts of the film, offering significantly heightened fine detail, delicate contrast levels, and refined film grain handling. The medium and close-up shots benefit immensely, showcasing the film’s exquisite lighting and set design. Whites, grays, and blacks are presented with outstanding balance without issues such as blooming or crush, while the flawless encoding eliminates macro blocking or compression artifacts, notably in complex scenes with snow or fog.

Framed at its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1, the Blu-ray uses the AVC codec to deliver a pristine visual presentation. Although the blacks might not reach the deepest presence possible, the grayscale and overall image clarity remain commendable. The sharpness, while not optimal compared to what an original camera negative might offer, is impressive given the source material. This is particularly notable in capturing Greta Garbo's enigmatic allure. The luxurious set and costume design shine through this transfer, benefiting from MGM’s historical diligence in preserving their cinematic legacy. Furthermore, the use of process photography effectively conveys settings like Sweden’s snowy landscapes, complementing the opulent production values typical of MGM’s style during that era.

The audio presentation of the "Queen Christina" Blu-ray release, featuring an English 2.0 mono DTS-HD Master Audio mix, demonstrates impressive clarity and fidelity for a vintage film. The restoration from a preservation safety optical track positive has been executed with precision, exhibiting minimal age-related artifacts such as hissing or pops. The balance and smoothness of the sound contribute to a listening experience that reflects a thorough and successful effort in audio restoration by Warner Archive, rivaling recent releases like "King Solomon's Mines." This ensures die-hard fans of classic cinema are rewarded with a top-tier presentation that acknowledges the film's historical context while maintaining modern audio quality standards.

Dialogue clarity is commendable, with Greta Garbo's nuanced Swedish accent enhancing the authenticity of her role and adding to the film’s ambiance. Key sound effects, such as the triumphant musical score accompanying significant scenes like Christina's regal entrances and the humor-laden scenes featuring child Christina, enrich the auditory landscape. The sound design deftly incorporates effects such as sword clashes and the subtle glide of a sled across snow, contributing to the film's dramatic tone.

While there are minor indications of the soundtrack's antiquity, including faint traces of attenuated hiss in quieter moments, these are unobtrusive and do not detract from the overall experience. Optional English SDH subtitles are available for the main feature, aiding accessibility but are notably absent from the extras. This release is a testament to Warner Archive’s commitment to preserving and enhancing classic film audio, ensuring both fidelity and historical integrity.

The Blu Ray release of "Queen Christina" provides a focused collection of extras that admirably highlight Greta Garbo's remarkable career, enriching the viewing experience beyond the main feature. Although minimal in number, these extras are significant for fans and film historians alike, providing a context that complements Garbo's illustrious filmography. The disc features a theatrical trailer that effectively encapsulates the film's essence, and a standout item from the MGM Parade series episode, which delivers an insightful retrospective on Garbo's career. Walter Pidgeon's narration in this TV special lends depth to the portrayal of Garbo’s iconic roles in movies like "Anna Karenina" and "Camille," while also including an engaging interview with director George Cukor. Despite its vintage, the episode reveals fascinating behind-the-scenes perspectives from Hollywood’s golden era.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: A promotional preview providing a glimpse into the film.
• MGM Parade: Episode 31: A detailed retrospective on Greta Garbo’s later career, featuring narration by Walter Pidgeon and an interview with George Cukor.

Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of "Queen Christina" showcases a film that remains a compelling example of classic Hollywood storytelling, starring the legendary Greta Garbo. Directed by Rouben Mamoulian, this 1933 pre-Code historical drama takes creative liberties with historical facts but compensates by delivering a captivating narrative enriched by Garbo's deeply nuanced performance. Although not strictly accurate, the film captivates by intertwining romance and political intrigue, resulting in a satisfying albeit melancholic conclusion. Mamoulian’s direction stands out with unique staging techniques, such as the iconic opening sequence featuring Christina and Antonio's meet-cute in a snowdrift, reinforcing his standing among Hollywood's creative pioneers.

The plot revolves around Garbo's portrayal of the 17th-century Swedish queen renowned for her intellectual prowess and complex personal life. Her character's escape in disguise leads to a serendipitous encounter with John Gilbert's Antonio, whose chemistry with Garbo is undeniably electric. Yet, the film wrestles with Garbo’s limited disguise as a male, which may stretch believability for some viewers. Despite this, the film benefits from Mamoulian's deft execution and William Daniels' masterful cinematography, brought to life in this restored edition.

"Queen Christina" celebrates Garbo's emotive range, cleverly navigating through comedy and drama, while hinting at themes of sexual ambiguity characteristic of pre-Code cinema. The narrative invents interactions for dramatic effect, ultimately painting a portrait of Christina’s abdication influenced by religio-political challenges rather than personal struggles. With robust support from Ian Keith as Count Magnus and Lewis Stone as Oxenstierna, alongside MGM's hallmark opulent set and costume design, Garbo's performance triumphs as both passionate and introspective, cementing her place as an icon in film history. The Blu-ray restoration highlights these elements with remarkable clarity, allowing the film to sparkle anew for audiences today.

Rouben Mamoulian’s "Queen Christina" transcends its initial star-driven premise, offering a rich cinematic experience that is far more than just a tribute to its iconic lead, Greta Garbo. Her mesmerizing presence carries the film, yet it's elevated by strong supporting performances, particularly John Gilbert, whose chemistry with Garbo enhances the narrative depth. The film’s second half is notably exceptional, bolstered by striking cinematography that solidifies its classic stature. While there’s a minor narrative flaw, it is easily overshadowed by the film's numerous strengths both technically and artistically.

The Warner Archive Blu-ray release delivers a remarkable restoration marked by impeccable audio-visual quality, elevating the film's timeless appeal. This edition ensures the film can be enjoyed with the magic intended by the original creators. The accompanying bonus features serve as an apt complement, offering insights that will satisfy both long-time fans and newcomers, making this release a definitive version.

In conclusion, "Queen Christina" not only showcases Garbo's enduring magnetism but also reflects a filmmaking era that thrived on star power and visual elegance. Warner Archive's high-standard Blu-ray release is an essential addition to any classic film collection and receives an enthusiastic recommendation for its superior presentation and historical significance.