The Graduate (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

This review is for the Criterion Collection blu-ray of The Graduate."Fully restored" has become a marketing cliche, but this one is for real and should be called a "super restoration." In fact, this blu-ray puts the original 1967 theatrical run to shame. Back then, many theaters suffered with worn imperfect prints, old lenses, damaged screens, or masking that sacrificed parts of the picture information. Now, the sharpness, contrast, and color register the lushness that was on the original negative, the sound is rich and clear, and the proper camera composition is fully visible in the correct dimensions. Viewers who are familiar with this movie may see content and meaning that weren't apparent before, such as very subtle nuances in facial expressions and tiny details in actors' eyes. The Criterion folks deserve credit for going the extra mile on the restoration, because care and attention to detail make a big difference.So The Graduate now feels like a new experience. The casting, direction, acting, lighting, composition, music, and camera work of course were always outstanding. It's still remarkable how Mike Nichols used long takes, all four corners of the Panavision screen, and movement of the actors in lieu of conventional over-the-shoulder back-and-forth cutting. (The sheer artistry of the long takes and use of set-depth calls to mind Citizen Kane.)The storyline provides 100% entertainment on one viewing, but the technical beauty sustains a second viewing, then Commentary Track 1, then Commentary Track 2. The numerous supplementary materials provide deeper understanding of the remarkable effort that went into casting, rehearsals, coaching the actors, scouting the locations, and using "practical effects." For instance, car driving scenes, crowd scenes, night scenes, views through glass windows, and rain were all done as practicals, without green screens, CGI, stabilizer gyros, or similar technology. They really, really don't make them like this anymore!The Graduate was clearly a labor of love and team artistry by Mike Nichols, cast and crew. If you are a fan of this movie, this Criterion blu-ray is the crisp, clear, colorful, beautiful version you have been waiting for.

I ordered the Blu-ray version. It arrived as described, well packaged and very fast delivery. Plays great!

Have wanted to have this movie in my files for a long time!! Yay!!!!

Great movie and had extra scenes.

Love this edition of a great movie!

Have enjoyed this movie from day one I have it on laser disk, Blu-ray, and now criterion addition. Can honestly say this is the best version I've seen , I doubt very much if it can get much better considering the fact that it's almost 50 years old. The picture is sharp, clear and the colors are right on, natural and solid. The 5.1 audio is excellent Simon and Garfunkel never sounded better. All of the extras was just icing on the cake love it! After watching the movie I put on my old Blu-ray just to see the difference in quality, although the disc was good it doesn't come up to the criterion standard the colors were just slightly faded. Bottom line if you like this movie and want to have it for your collection I highly recommend it.

my parents would not let me watch this when it came out when I was a child. What was the big deal? I knew about adultery when I was a child, after all, i attended church regularly, and I knew that thou shalt not committ adultery was one of the ten commandments. Anyway, I ordered this movie, and I cant watch it enough!

Back when comedies had meaning, too.

Verla

This Criterion offering is well worth the price. The movie comes out in fresh, vivid colours and the sound is simply perfect. This is all the more important that the movie’s interest lies largely in its incredibly thoughtful cinematography and its spirited score sung by Simon and Garfunkel.Indeed, after being dazzled, many may realize that the story is nothing new : Molière ended up marrying his lover’s daughter and so did Balzac’s famous character Eugène de Rastignac. Also, the storyline is streamlined to its main characters who have no friends, siblings or other confidants. The protagonists and the plot are not developed as they could have been. Why is Benjamin depressed from the start? Who are the guests at the graduation and birthday parties and why is no one of Benjamin’s age? What field did he graduate in? What is Elaine studying? Has Mrs. Robinson been involved in other affairs? Is she currently pursuing any other???The film is complemented with abundant, well chosen and revealing bonuses that include a 1966 interview of the director by Barbara Walters and one of Paul Simon made by Dick Tanet in 1970.Don’t miss out!

excellent reproduction from criterion. reg a so will need a multi region player tho.

É um excelente filme! Entretanto, o disco estava BASTANTE arranhado e com o plástico da capa danificado na parte de trás... Embora eu estivesse ciente de que era um produto usado classificado como “em bom estado”, creio que este tipo de avaria merecesse ser detalhado.

Classic film that still holds up. Very funny lines and themes that are still relevant today with great performances. Great new special features and a cool booklet. I highly recommend getting this.