Harvey Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Harvey" by Universal Films presents the classic film in a captivating 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer with an aspect ratio of 1.35:1. The film has undergone a comprehensive restoration, resulting in an overall excellent visual presentation. However, some may note Universal's use of grain averaging, especially evident in scenes with abundant white, such as the credits sequence, giving the grain a slightly unnatural appearance. Despite this, the restoration work shines through with a sharp and clear image, maintaining solid contrast, expressive blacks, and well-modulated grayscale. Some minor issues with shadow detail in dimly lit interior scenes are noted as likely being inherent to the original elements.

The video quality is largely authentic and exceptionally detailed, showcasing the film print in nearly pristine condition with only minor imperfections such as negligible specks and a fleeting vertical line near the climax. A moderate to heavy layer of finely textured grain persists throughout the presentation, imparting a lovely filmic sheen and an often lifelike level of dimension and depth with impressive pop. The cleverly staged cinematography is rendered beautifully, with high contrast that avoids blooming and consistently inky blacks. A notable feature is the image’s sharp clarity that reveals fine details in clothing and faces, while the soft quality of several shots is more an artifact of the original filmic intent than a failing of the transfer.

Overall, this release stands as a commendable example of a classic film transfer executed with fidelity and care, maintaining an authentic, film-like appearance free from unnecessary digital processing. It offers fans an opportunity to experience "Harvey" in high definition with an impressive level of visual quality that honors the film’s original aesthetics.

The audio presentation of "Harvey" on Blu Ray is handled through a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix, reflecting the film's original sonic characteristics faithfully. Frank Skinner's playful score and nonstop dialogue are the primary components of this track, which exhibits a slight boxiness, especially in the midrange. Despite this, the lossless audio track captures the vintage charm that the audience would have experienced during its theatrical release. While the mix is modest, it maintains good fidelity with no significant damage to report.

However, listeners may notice some age-related issues persisting in the track. Crackles, pops, and background hissing are evident but generally brief and not overly distracting. Speech clarity is decently maintained, though it does possess a somewhat thin and tinny quality. The mix, while overall acceptable for what it is, does show signs of strain, particularly in its effects and score. Despite these minor flaws, long stretches of the film are free from any major audio problems, making it a mostly serviceable listening experience overall. Optional subtitles in English SDH, Spanish, and French add to the accessibility of this classic film.

The Blu-ray edition of "Harvey" offers a modest yet valuable selection of extras that enhance the viewing experience. The highlight is an exclusive introduction by the film's star, James Stewart, who provides heartfelt insights and personal anecdotes about his role and the film's significance. Alongside this, Universal includes two 100th Anniversary featurettes that, while not directly related to "Harvey," offer intriguing historical context about the studio's past. Though the supplementary materials may feel sparse and somewhat tangential, they add a layer of appreciation for both the film and Universal's legacy. All extras are presented with Dolby Digital 2.0 audio and consistent subtitle options.

Extras included in this disc:

• Special Introduction by Film Star James Stewart with Photographic Montage: Stewart reminisces about the film and shares personal anecdotes.
• 100 Years of Universal: The Carl Laemmle Era: A historical look at Universal's founding and major contributions.
• 100 Years of Universal: The Lew Wasserman Era: Insights into Wasserman's influence on the studio and film industry.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.

Harvey presents a delightful confluence of old-fashioned charm and prescient social commentary that remains remarkably relevant. The film, based on Mary Chase's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, revolves around Elwood P. Dowd (James Stewart), an affable man whose best friend is a 6’3.5” rabbit named Harvey—visible only to him. This whimsical premise sets the stage for a comedic exploration of acceptance versus societal norms, augmented by Josephine Hull's Academy Award-winning portrayal of Veta, Elwood's exasperated sister. Director Henry Koster skillfully employs visual storytelling techniques and blocking to engage the audience without relying solely on dialogue, creating a brisk pace while retaining the film’s theatrical roots.

At its heart, Harvey is a masterclass in subtlety and characterization. Stewart delivers one of his finest performances, embodying Elwood with an earnest congeniality that makes his peculiar circumstances both endearing and thought-provoking. The film's humor ranges from broad slapstick to nuanced, almost subliminal gags, such as the understated reaction of a taxi driver slowly realizing that something is amiss with Elwood. Meanwhile, Koster’s direction ensures that visual activity complements our narrative understanding; scenes are populated with dynamic compositions that keep viewers’ eyes busy and engaged.

Although certain subplots, such as the romance between Charles Drake’s Dr. Sanderson and Peggy Dow’s Miss Kelly, may not have aged well, they serve their purpose in advancing the primary narrative while also allowing for poignant moments that reveal depths to Elwood’s character. Harvey’s comedic exterior belies its insightful critique of conformity and cynicism, wrapped within an immersive cinematic experience. The compelling script and ensemble cast offer timeless reflections on happiness and societal pressures, making Harvey a memorable, poignant classic.

The Blu-ray release of "Harvey" presents the film in an outstanding manner that honors its timeless charm. James Stewart’s portrayal of Elwood P. Dowd represents one of his most endearing roles, adeptly balancing whimsy and subtle depth without ever descending into caricature. The narrative, penned by Mary Chase, offers a clever examination of societal norms, and the performances, including Josephine Hull's delightful turn, are exceptional across the board. Though the humor is gentle and far removed from the overt comedies of today, it retains a lingering quality that invites deeper reflection.

Technically, the video transfer is noteworthy, delivering nearly pristine visuals that enhance the viewing experience of this classic. The clarity and definition are impressive, showcasing meticulous attention to detail in the restoration process. On the audio front, while the mix sustains some minor age-related hisses and pops, it performs solidly within the expected limitations for a film of this vintage. The primary drawback lies in the special features, which are quite sparse. Apart from an insightful introduction by James Stewart, the Blu-ray lacks substantial supplemental content, which is rather disappointing for aficionados of film history.

In conclusion, "Harvey" remains a sweet and gentle film that might seem old-fashioned to newer audiences but offers invaluable insights through its unique lens on conformity and creativity. James Stewart shines as Elwood P. Dowd, supported by a strong cast and writing that gently pokes at entrenched societal attitudes. This Blu-ray edition, despite its limited extras, is defined by excellent video quality and acceptable audio fidelity. It serves as a worthy tribute to a film that can still enchant audiences with its quiet magic. Highly recommended for both long-time fans and newcomers willing to look beyond modern cinematic norms.