Bitter Rice Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Giuseppe De Santis' "Bitter Rice" delivers a commendable 1080p HD transfer in the original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, thanks to a meticulous restoration process. The high-definition transfer was sourced from the original 35mm camera negative, employing a Spirit DataCine film scanner. The rigorous restoration included the manual removal of thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and flicker using MTI's DRS and small dirt, grain, and jitter adjustments through Digital Vision's Phoenix. The color grading was expertly handled by Roberto Cesario at Cinecitta Digital Factory, Rome, supervised by Lee Kline.

The result is a strikingly clear image that retains the film's organic grain while managing to enhance detail, depth, and clarity substantially over previous releases. The nuanced grayscale offers impressive balance, accentuating facial lines in close-ups and capturing the varied Italian landscapes in wider shots with remarkable precision. Occasional density fluctuations are present, particularly during transitions, yet these do not detract significantly from the overall visual experience. There are also no signs of artificial sharpening adjustments, which maintains the film’s authentic look.

A minor issue of dropped frames was noted around the 01:17:59 mark due to missing frames in the original camera negative used for this release. Criterion has confirmed this defect is inherent to the source material and not a widespread mastering error. Therefore, while this Blu-ray remains region-A locked, it stands as an impressive technical achievement that honors the film's historical and aesthetic significance.

The Blu-ray release of "Bitter Rice" features a single standard audio track: an Italian LPCM 1.0 mix with optional English subtitles. This original monaural soundtrack has been remastered at 24-bit from the optical track print, with manual removal of pops, cracks, hiss, and clicks, resulting in a cleaner auditory experience. Owing to its 1940s origins and inherent mono limitations, the audio track offers a fairly narrow range of dynamics. Nonetheless, this limited range does not detract from the overall organic sound design typical of neorealist films.

The remastered audio presents a significant improvement in balance and fluidity. High frequencies are notably more stable, ensuring a consistent sound field. Although it lacks the immersive qualities of modern surround sound systems like DTS or Dolby Atmos, the audio remains well-balanced with natural-sounding effects and ambient noises. Dialogue clarity is particularly commendable; it is crisp and free from any tinny distortions, making it easy to follow along with the provided English subtitles. Overall, this Criterion release delivers a faithful and improved auditory representation of the original monaural soundtrack, devoid of any digital distortions or dropouts.

The Blu-ray release of "Bitter Rice" offers a compelling collection of extras that provide invaluable insight into the film’s production and its legacy. The highlight is the comprehensive 2008 documentary, "Giuseppe De Santis," produced by Carlo Lizzanni, which delves deep into the director’s life and work, featuring numerous archival interviews. Complementing this is a 2002 interview with Lizzani himself, who shares his experiences related to the film’s casting and shooting process. Additionally, the original Italian trailer presents a nostalgic glimpse into the film's promotion. A beautifully illustrated leaflet with an essay by critic Pasquale Iannone adds further context to Giuseppe De Santis' work, making this a well-rounded package for cinephiles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original Italian trailer for Bitter Rice. In Italian, with optional English subtitles.
• Giuseppe De Santis: 2008 documentary produced by Carlo Lizzanni on the director's life and career with archival interviews.
• Carlo Lizzani: Archival video interview discussing Bitter Rice's casting and filming.
• Leaflet: Illustrated booklet with Pasquale Iannone's essay and additional information.

Giuseppe De Santis' "Bitter Rice" (Riso Amaro), recognized with an Oscar nomination for Best Writing, offers a raw, unfiltered look at post-war Italy. Captured with the masterful cinematography of Otello Martelli, noted for his work on Italian classics like "La Dolce Vita," the film immerses viewers in the laborious life of rice field workers in the Po Valley. Silvana Mangano's stellar performance as Silvana sets this film apart from other Italian neorealist works, imbuing her character with electrifying allure. The storyline follows two women: Silvana, who has secured labor rights, and Francesca, who arrives at the fields under the pretense of work while accompanying her fugitive lover, Walter. The narrative delves deep into themes of worker solidarity, women's rights, and the socio-economic struggles of rural Italy, punctuated by a heist subplot driven by Walter's return.

"Bitter Rice" distinguishes itself from Hollywood productions with its simplicity and rawness. The film explores challenging topics such as illegal workers' rights and the profound impact of American capitalism on post-war Italian society. Giuseppe De Santis does not shy away from tragic subjects, presenting a gritty yet compelling tale that underscores how workers navigate oppressive environments for survival. Silvana Mangano’s magnetic performance and the picturesque shots of the Italian countryside provide a stark contrast to the harsh realities faced by characters, making the film resonate even decades later. The engaging narrative is further enhanced by strong supporting characters and a plot thick with tension and moral dilemmas, ensuring "Bitter Rice" remains relevant and impactful in contemporary discussions on social justice and labor rights.

Criterion's release of "Bitter Rice" is an exceptional high-definition presentation of Giuseppe De Santis' classic film, capturing the raw intensity and emotional depth of this post-World War II Italian masterpiece. The Blu-ray transfer showcases the striking black-and-white cinematography with remarkable clarity, highlighting the gritty beauty of the Po Valley rice fields. It is accompanied by a rich soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmospheric tension and drama.

The film itself is a poignant narrative centered on two women: one, a naive country girl drawn into a life of crime by a charismatic thief, and the other, a hardworking laborer who finds dignity and purpose in her honest work. These contrasting paths explore themes of temptation, redemption, and equality. Silvana Mangano delivers a mesmerizing performance, embodying both vulnerability and strength as she navigates moral complexities against a backdrop of socio-economic struggle.

The Blu-ray includes an insightful documentary by Carlo Lizzanni, who collaborated on the film’s script, offering viewers deeper context and behind-the-scenes perspectives. Criterion has once again provided a stellar collection of extras that significantly enhance the appreciation of this historical cinematic gem.

The beautiful Silvana Mangano is mesmerizing as a naive country girl who travels to the rice fields in the Po Valley and falls in love with a dangerous thief on the run in this legendary film from the great director Giuseppe De Santis. Bitter Rice looks wonderful in high-definition, and on this upcoming release there is also a fantastic documentary from Carlo Lizzanni, who worked with De Santis on the film's script. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.