What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" by Warner Brothers is an exemplary effort in high definition, with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The film's Oscar-nominated cinematography by Ernest Haller is rendered with brilliant luster, balancing both the bright and dark scenes to perfection. The intentionally startling bright scenes are handled deftly, with vivid whites that resist blooming, and beautifully deep blacks in nighttime sequences that reveal exceptional gradation. The overall image clarity and definition are striking, with fine object details becoming almost excruciatingly noticeable in the close-ups, essential for this horror classic's intense visual storytelling.

In contrast to the previous DVD edition, which suffered from various blemishes like marks, spots, and scratches, this Blu-ray transfer appears freshly minted, as if all those imperfections have been meticulously removed. Light grain is maintained, preserving a film-like texture that complements the movie's theme of decaying lives. The tweaking of contrast enhances the film's darker, more ominous atmosphere, transforming it almost into a noir thriller. Background elements impress with their clear discernibility; intricate designs like the Spanish tiles on staircase scenes and the detailed downtown L.A. exteriors are vividly captured. Black levels excel in nocturnal sequences without any crush, and whites remain stable, avoiding any blooming even in complex scenes such as the beach sequence.

Warner demonstrates its commitment to preserving classics, ensuring "Baby Jane" maintains its natural look without any digital enhancements. This meticulous care results in a superior rendition that showcases the lush textures of the film while emphasizing the eerie elements through pronounced shadows and high definition. From start to finish, this Blu-ray presentation is an upgrade worth considering for diehard fans, capturing every nuanced detail and maintaining the integrity of its original cinematic experience.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" employs a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mix, delivering a competent auditory experience. The mix reveals exceptional clarity, particularly in dialogue, which is consistently well-balanced and comprehensible, even amid the varied intonational styles of the actors. Speech nuances from Joan Crawford's precise diction to Bette Davis' emotive range are impeccably clear and distinct, illustrating the careful attention given to audible details. Notably, the track manages dynamic ranges skillfully, with only minimal distortion occasionally surfacing in the midrange frequencies.

A highlight of the audio presentation is Frank DeVol's evocative score, embracing elements like early rock-'n'-roll and eerie harpsichord sequences. This DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track brings the score to the forefront, enhancing its emotional impact and imbuing it with a newfound depth and richness. The auditory ambiance, although narrow by design, is finely rendered; sound effects—ranging from subtle details like surf crashing to more jarring ones such as Blanche’s buzzer—are precisely captured. Despite the complexity of the soundtrack, DeVol’s music competes without overshadowing the dialogue, maintaining clear communication while enriching the film's atmosphere.

Overall fidelity is commendable, with a broad dynamic scale accommodating both highs and lows effectively and leaving minimal defects such as pops or hisses. The audio restoration is meticulous, ensuring a clean and immersive listening experience that does justice to the film's iconic status. Despite some negligible midrange distortion, this mono track performs robustly within its technological constraints, enhancing the film's narrative through its auditory clarity and balance.

The Blu-ray extras for "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" offer a diverse and rich compilation that appeals to both Bette Davis and Joan Crawford fans. Unfortunately, the audio commentary by Charles Busch and John Epperson could benefit from more preparation and factual detail, as their incessant banter overshadows the potential for insightful historical commentary. In contrast, the included documentaries provide a well-rounded overview of the iconic actresses' careers and their infamous rivalry. Additional features, such as vintage interviews and TV clips, deliver delightful and rare glimpses into the personal and professional lives of Davis and Crawford. This disc is a treasure trove for cinephiles looking to dive deeper into the classic film and its legendary stars.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Charles Busch and John Epperson: Fun but lacking in historical insights.
• Bette and Joan: Blind Ambition: Overview of their careers and rivalry.
• Behind the Scenes with Baby Jane: Vintage featurette with on-set footage.
• The Andy Williams Show: Bette Davis sings on the variety show.
• All About Bette: TCM special hosted by Jodie Foster.
• Film Profile: Joan Crawford: British interview exploring her career.
• What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? Dan-O-Rama Movie Mix: Music video remix.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original film preview.

Robert Aldrich's "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" remains a seminal piece in the horror genre, though its categorization as such is frequently debated. This 1962 gothic horror drama, seething with tension and dark humor, was innovative in its portrayal of decayed Hollywood glamour and the psychological decay of its characters. Bette Davis and Joan Crawford's real-life animosity translated into palpable on-screen electricity, helping to create one of the most iconic films of their careers, despite initial skepticism surrounding their comeback. The film effectively chronicles the lives of the Hudson sisters, whose fame has long since faded, leaving them with nothing but resentment and twisted memories.

The narrative unfolds with glimpses into the sisters’ past: Baby Jane Hudson (Bette Davis) was once a vaudeville star before her career plummeted, while her sister Blanche (Joan Crawford) found brief stardom in film. A traumatic car accident left Blanche paralyzed and dependent on Jane, who descends further into madness. What ensues is both horrifying and darkly comedic, as Jane tortures Blanche while conceiving delusional plans for her own comeback. The tension between the sisters is supplemented by engaging subplots involving nosy neighbors and a peculiar pianist (Victor Buono), making the storyline multifaceted and captivating.

Davis delivers an Oscar-nominated performance, presenting a grotesque yet nuanced portrayal of Jane with her garish makeup and delusions of grandeur. Crawford's embodiment of the victimized Blanche is equally compelling, marked by a restrained yet powerful presence. Robert Aldrich’s direction adeptly balances humor and horror, offering moments that are at once psychologically unsettling and darkly humorous. The film’s blend of suspense, emotional depth, and grotesque camp provides an enduring appeal that continues to captivate audiences.

"What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" on Blu-ray is an essential addition to any classic film collection. This 1962 film directed by Robert Aldrich offers an engrossing exploration of faded Hollywood glamour through the tense and twisted dynamic between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Their performances are outstanding, with Davis fully committing to her surreal and over-the-top portrayal, while Crawford’s restrained vulnerability provides a perfect counterbalance. The film masterfully oscillates between horror and dark humor, maintaining an intense and gripping atmosphere throughout.

The Blu-ray presentation is commendable, boasting a significant upgrade from the previous DVD release. The video quality is exceptional, with a sharp, well-restored transfer that enhances the film’s moody visuals. Audio quality also sees an impressive enhancement, delivering clear and immersive sound that complements the film's suspenseful tone. The supplementary materials retained from the DVD release are a valuable addition, offering deeper insights into the film’s production and legacy.

In conclusion, "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" may have initiated a subgenre pairing former A-list actresses in gothic scenarios, but it remains a unique cinematic experience. Director Robert Aldrich deftly balances terror and absurdity, crafting a film that is both unsettling and darkly humorous. This Blu-ray edition is highly recommended for both long-time fans of the movie and new viewers looking for a classic that combines high camp with genuine suspense.