I Married a Witch Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "I Married a Witch" boasts a meticulously prepared 1080p transfer, set in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, derived from a new 2K digital scan of the original 35mm nitrate negative and fine-grain master. Utilized tools like MTI's DRS and Digital Vision's Phoenix ensure a largely pristine image, free from significant dirt, debris, or scratches, with manual cleaning further enhancing the fidelity of the film.

Notable here is the transfer's capacity to preserve the original filmic quality, offering a screen depth and detail that feels authentic and engaging. Black levels run deep and stable, whites are controlled without overexposure, and grays maintain their integrity. This produces a balanced and nuanced visual range that does justice to the film's historical context. There are no signs of artificial sharpening or heavy degraining, contributing to what can be described as a pleasingly organic texture.

Minor imperfections, such as brief vertical lines and occasional tiny flecks, do appear but are non-intrusive given the film's age. The overall image stability is commendable, with only slight strobing detected during early scenes, which does not detract significantly from the viewing experience. The restoration effort by Criterion significantly enhances the visual clarity while maintaining the nostalgic feel fans value. Adherence to authentic coloration, contrast stability, and suppression of compression artifacts guarantees a viewing experience that is both visually delightful and true to its original form.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "I Married a Witch" is straightforward, consisting of a single English LPCM 1.0 mono track. Criterion also provides optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. The clarity and depth of the audio are commendable, although listeners may notice occasional background hiss. While this hiss is not overly distracting, it is more prominent at times and may be noticeable to sensitive ears. The dynamic range is understandably limited, reflective of the film’s 1942 production era. Importantly, there are no reported pops, audio dropouts, or distortions, ensuring a clean playback experience.

The dialogue in the English LPCM 1.0 mono mix is predominantly clear and comprehensible. Despite the constraints of a mono track, the audio remains faithful to the original source material. The minor hissing present does not detract significantly from the overall experience, and the absence of pops or cracks speaks to a well-maintained source. Although there is no directionality or expansive dynamic range, the sound effects and score integrate well within the audio landscape, respecting the historical authenticity of the film’s original release.

The extras on the Blu-ray for "I Married a Witch" provide an engaging deep dive into the film’s background and production nuances. Significant highlights include an archival audio interview with esteemed director Rene Clair, conducted by film historian Gideon Bachmann, which offers insights into Clair’s experiences in Hollywood and his creative process. This compelling feature offers substantial value to cinephiles and students of film history. The disc also includes the original theatrical trailer, giving a nostalgic view of the film’s promotional approach. An illustrated 28-page booklet rounds out the offerings, featuring an essay by Canadian filmmaker Guy Maddin and an insightful interview with Rene Clair.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for "I Married a Witch".
• Rene Clair Audio Interview: Archival audio interview with director Rene Clair by Gideon Bachmann.
• Booklet: 28-page illustrated booklet with essays and interviews related to the film.

Rene Clair's "I Married a Witch" (1942), newly released on Blu-ray by Criterion, remains a delightfully charming example of early romantic comedy imbued with a touch of fantasy. The narrative, based on Thorne Smith's novel "The Passionate Witch," follows the witch Jennifer (Veronica Lake) and her father Daniel (Cecil Kellaway) as they seek revenge on the descendants of their Puritan persecutor, Jonathan Wooley (Fredric March). Through a blend of wit and whimsy, the plot navigates the release of these spirits into the 1940s, where Jennifer inadvertently falls in love with Wallace Wooley, a modern-day politician and descendant of their nemesis.

The film's strengths lie in its engaging performances and clever direction. Veronica Lake's portrayal of Jennifer is particularly captivating; her chemistry with Fredric March lends authenticity to the fantastical premise of witchcraft influencing human affairs. Kellaway’s performance adds layers of delightful complications as the overprotective father. Despite moments of predictability, the filmmakers manage to maintain control over the story, avoiding excessive reliance on magical gimmicks. Notable highlights include Ted Tetzlaff's skillful cinematography that adeptly uses light and shadow to emphasize the film’s supernatural elements.

Additionally, the practical effects, especially sequences showcasing the spirits’ movements and an iconic flying taxi scene, are both simple and effective, retaining their charm even after decades. Roy Webb’s playful orchestral score expertly enhances the film’s atmosphere, making the narrative flow seamlessly. This blend of technical proficiency and charismatic performances makes "I Married a Witch" an enduring classic that continues to captivate audiences more than seventy years after its creation.

Rene Clair's classic romantic comedy "I Married a Witch" makes an impressive debut on Blu-ray, with its high-definition video quality perfectly highlighting Veronica Lake's captivating beauty. Fans of Lake will find this release particularly appealing, despite the film's predictable narrative. While the plot may not surprise seasoned viewers, the delightful performances and picturesque cinematography stand out in this restoration. The on-screen chemistry and humor maintain the film's charm, ensuring it remains a pleasurable viewing experience.

In terms of technical details, the video and audio presentations are commendable. The visual clarity and sound fidelity bring the 1940s classic to life, offering a viewing experience that surpasses previous formats. However, one drawback is the limited array of supplemental features offered. The disc includes an audio interview with director René Clair, the original trailer, and a 28-page booklet featuring an essay by Guy Maddin and a 1970 interview with Clair. While these inclusions provide some valuable insights, they fall short of delivering comprehensive behind-the-scenes content or in-depth exploration of the film's production nuances.

In conclusion, "I Married a Witch" on Blu-ray is a delightful treat for fans of classic cinema, despite its few shortcomings. The high-definition upgrade showcases Veronica Lake in stunning form, and although the supplemental material is sparse, the quality of the main feature makes up for it. This release comes highly recommended, particularly for those who appreciate the charm and elegance of old Hollywood. Criterion has delivered a solid package that stands as a testament to Rene Clair's enduringly enchanting film.