The Movie
It's 1971, and Bud Cort stars as draft-age poor little rich kid Harold. He's a lost youngster obsessed with death and, when not faking his own suicide, he enjoys attending the funerals of total strangers. It's at one of these somber functions that he meets soon-to-be-80 free spirit Maude (Ruth Gordon), a captivating woman with philosophies about standing out in a world of sameness, embracing new experiences and letting go of the things we don't really need.
Together, Harold and Maude forge a very special friendship--and more--she providing the spark of vivaciousness absent from his world, and he providing companionship, charm, and something of a challenge as she assesses to her waning days in this life. We get to know and care about the characters in a way that few movies offer these days, and are presented with one of the most offbeat relationships in cinema history. The minute flourishes in Cort's performance add a priceless panache, and Gordon is more endearing even than we would expect. Kudos all around for this iconic screen duo.
The Picture
A new 1.85:1 video transfer was created from a 35mm interpositive element, wetgated to successfully remove the extensive scratching. Working with the late cinematographer John Alonzo's notes from the previous video master, the subtle yet distinct cold/warm palettes for Harold and Maude respectively are well-maintained, and despite some wonky vintage blacks, shadow detail is quite strong. There's also a fine level of nuance (note the patterns of Mom's dresses) and beyond. Some grain and noise are conspicuous, but this a definite, loving upgrade from the movie's standard-def past.
The Sound
The disc defaults to the original true mono as a Linear PCM 1.0 track, remastered to be all we could ask for, clear and with a pleasing single-channel depth and dynamic range. The real stars here are the keys, strings and vocals of Cat Stevens' evocative songtrack, integral to director Hal Ashby's storytelling. A two-channel soundtrack is also provided, again in Linear PCM.
The Extras
New audio commentary is provided by producer Charles B. Mulvehill and Nick Dawson, author of Being Hal Ashby: Life of A Hollywood Rebel, indexed by topic. Also new to this set is an on-camera interview with Yusuf/Cat Stevens, talking about his indelible musical contribution to the film and beyond (eleven minutes).
From the vault come illustrated audio excerpts from a 1972 Hal Ashby master class at the American Film Institute, and another from writer Colin Higgins in 1979. Each of these runs 13 minutes. Star Bud Cort is also represented in the extensive, beautifully designed liner note booklet.
Final Thoughts
A true gem from the late '60s/early'70s era of breakout American filmmaking, Harold and Maude is a must-see and a serious upgrade from the old Paramount DVD. A highly recommended rental for the curious and purchase for fans.
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