Intolerable Cruelty

The Blu-ray presentation of "Intolerable Cruelty" showcases the cinematic artistry of Roger Deakins, with a 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer that admirably captures the visual contrasts and elaborate designs characteristic of the Coen brothers' filmmaking. Deakins' mastery is evident in the rich golden tones that envelop the affluent settings, counterbalanced by the distinctly rendered grunge of the less fortunate environs. The detailed décor and carefully chosen costumes are meticulously presented, with close-up shots revealing fine facial details and the meticulous grooming synonymous with Beverly Hills' culture. The special attention given to Miles Massey's teeth highlights not just a personal obsession but also the transfer’s capability in rendering minute details. Color saturation is handled with a slight exaggeration to enhance the film's stylistic intentions, with black levels maintaining their integrity essential for the comedy's darker visual gags.

Universal's treatment of the film's transfer, however, reveals some technical choices that may sit uneasily with purists. The video presentation tends toward a cleaner, slightly degrained look, potentially at odds with the original filmic texture. This approach, aimed at modernizing the visual experience, preserves detail but applies a modest level of sharpening that introduces minor video noise in certain scenes. These instances, though fleeting and not substantially detrimental to overall viewing enjoyment, highlight a trend in Universal's catalog releases towards prioritizing a more contemporary digital appearance over maintaining a strictly film-like aesthetic.

Despite these minor quibbles, "Intolerable Cruelty" arrives on Blu-ray as a visually engaging experience. The disc's high average bitrate of 31.99 Mbps guarantees a presentation free from compression artifacts, ensuring that the narrative’s humor and visual elegance are not undermined by technical shortcomings. This release deftly balances between celebrating the film's original cinematographic beauty and adapting it for current home media standards, making it a commendable addition to any Coen brothers or cinephile collection.

The audio presentation of "Intolerable Cruelty" on Blu-ray is a testament to the Coen Brothers' nuanced approach to sound, brought to life in a pristine lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix. Overseen by the Coens' stalwart collaborator, Skip Lievsay (an Oscar winner for his work on "Gravity"), the audio mix embodies their "less is more" philosophy. Unlike their more action-packed ventures, here they favor subtlety—deploying understated sound effects that enrich the film’s atmosphere and punctuate its witty dialogue with precision. From the monotonous thud of a tennis serving machine symbolizing Miles Massey's (played by George Clooney) ennui to intricately layered ambient noises, each sound element is meticulously crafted to enhance the cinematic experience without overwhelming it.

Carter Burwell's scoring, along with judiciously picked popular songs, plays a pivotal role in complementing the film's narrative arc and emotional depth. The choice tracks include Simon and Garfunkel's "The Boxer," presented in its original form and a cover rendition, embellishing the movie's closing titles. Colin Linden's vocal contributions, including "April Come She Will" during a poignant wedding scene, and strategically placed classics like Édith Piaf's "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien," add layers of irony and texture. The Blu-ray’s superior sound track ensures that each musical note and piece of dialogue is delivered with crystal-clear clarity, maintaining a balanced dynamic range that serves both the film’s comedic and thematic needs effectively.

Overall, the audio quality of "Intolerable Cruelty" on Blu-ray exceeds expectations, offering an immersive aural experience that showcases the Coens’ masterful command over sound as a narrative tool. The dialogue remains front and center—crisp, clear, and perfectly integrated into the mix—thereby ensuring that the screwball comedy's fast-paced exchanges never miss a beat. Coupled with Burwell's evocative score and the strategic inclusion of iconic songs, this audio presentation elevates the viewing experience, making it a must-hear for audiophiles and fans of the Coen Brothers alike.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Intolerable Cruelty" provide an insightful peek behind the curtain, led by the engaging "A Look Inside Intolerable Cruelty," where Joel and Ethan Coen, along with a stellar cast and producer Brian Grazer, offer intriguing parallels to classic cinema, enriching viewers' understanding of the film’s scripting process. "The Wardrobe" offers an in-depth look at the detailed costume designs by Mary Zophres, highlighting Catherine Zeta-Jones's dynamic wardrobe. The collection also includes unique "Filmmaker Approved and Assembled Outtakes" alongside whimsical gag reels featuring George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones, and a curious piece of vintage train footage utilized in the film, showcasing the Coen Brothers' attention to detail and their ability to craft a comprehensive cinematic experience even in the extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Look Inside Intolerable Cruelty: Insights from the Coen Brothers, the cast, and producer Brian Grazer on the film’s development.
• The Wardrobe: Costume designer Mary Zophres discusses the intricate costume designs.
• Filmmaker Approved and Assembled Outtakes: A compilation of outtakes selected by the filmmakers.
• Paul Adelstein in Everybody Eats Berries: Repetitions from the wedding scene.
• Ladies and Gentleman, George Clooney: Gag reel focusing on George Clooney.
• Ladies and Gentlemen, Catherine Zeta-Jones: Gag reel featuring Catherine Zeta-Jones.
• Rex Rexroth's Home Movie: Vintage train footage seen in Rex’s home.

Intolerable Cruelty" stands as a testament to the Coen Brothers' adeptness in blending the elements of screwball comedy with their signature intricacies of crime and film noir. The tale narrates the professional and romantic entanglement of L.A.'s top matrimonial lawyer, Miles Massey (George Clooney), and his counterpart, the calculating Marilyn Rexroth (Catherine Zeta-Jones). Through an initial professional rivalry that spirals into a complex romantic web, the movie navigates through themes of love, deceit, and the ironies of matrimonial law with a pacing and wit reminiscent of Howard Hawks' classics, underscoring the Coen Brothers' masterful control over their craft.

Central to this narrative is Miles Massey's ingenious "Massey Pre-Nup," a document famed to be impenetrable. Yet, the film truly burgeons when Miles takes on the case of Marilyn's husband, Rex Rexroth, a wealthy real estate magnate caught in infidelity. The case evolves into a battlefield of wits and deceit, showcasing the Coens' unique ability to turn classic tropes sideways, marrying crime story elements with screwball comedy fixtures. The ensemble cast, including notable performances by Edward Herrmann, Paul Adelstein, and Billy Bob Thornton, complements the dynamic between Clooney and Zeta-Jones, adding depth to the narrative's twists and turns.

The movie's lighthearted take on the game of love and law is punctuated by an assortment of peculiar incidents and characters — from multiple weddings and the legendary National Organization of Matrimonial Attorneys Nationwide convention to the machinations of a private investigator and the unpredictable outcomes of romantic entanglements. With "Intolerable Cruelty," the Coen Brothers once again prove their remarkable versatility and genius in sculpting uniquely entertaining cinematic experiences, balancing a sharp, comedic script with impeccable direction and performances that engage audiences to the very end.

Intolerable Cruelty," a film that often flies under the radar in the Coen Brothers' esteemed oeuvre, gets a spotlight on Blu-ray that magnifies the unique position it holds within their filmography. Though not originally penned with their typical method of having specific actors in mind — a deviation noted by Joel Coen in the supplemental features — the Coens’ eventual direction and involvement in the casting process shines through. The film's casting is highlighted as a particular strength, with Brian Grazer commending the precision and effectiveness of their choices. This underscores the film's success, distinguishing it in a genre where achieving lightness and humor often proves more challenging than it appears. The Blu-ray presentation is commended, albeit with slight hesitations, particularly for its fidelity to delivering a comedic experience that is as effortless as it is painstakingly crafted.

The technical aspects of the Blu-ray release deserve particular mention. The transfer is done with a clear respect for the original material, ensuring that both the visual and auditory elements of "Intolerable Cruelty" are preserved and enhanced for home viewing. This adherence to quality complements the Coens’ direction and the ensemble cast's performances, making it a valuable addition for fans of the Coens and cinephiles alike. Although the release is not without its minor flaws, these do not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience, making it a recommended addition to any Blu-ray collection.

In conclusion, while "Intolerable Cruelty" may not command the same academic attention or cult following as some of the Coens’ other works, its Blu-ray presentation affirms its value within their filmography. The attention to casting detail, coupled with a high-quality transfer, underscores the film's nuanced comedy and cinematic craftsmanship. Despite minor reservations regarding certain technical specifics of the Blu-ray release, it stands as an essential acquisition for enthusiasts of the genre and admirers of the Coen Brothers' unique filmmaking style.