DVD Corner

Madame Bovary Blu-ray Review

“Madame Bovary” is a worthwhile adaptation. 

Based on the novel by Gustave Flaubert, “Madame Bovary” is framed around the 1857 trial of author Gustave Flaubert. You see, the novel “Madame Bovary” was considered to be scandalous at the time and Flaubert defends his work by telling the story of the French woman Emma. Emma is a farmer and a dreamer who yearns for romance. She meets a lowly Doctor (Charles Bovary) after he tends to her father and the two fall in love and move to the sleepy village. They have a daughter together, but Emma is unhappy as this is not the life she has dreamed about. She longs for a life of luxury and begins to have eyes for more well off men such as Leon and Rodolphe. Alas, her life begins to fall apart as her affairs end in heartbreak.

Directed by Vincente Minnelli and written for the screen by Robert Ardrey, 1949’s “Madame Bovary” is a fascinating story to look at today. At the time it was written, the novel’s realism mixed with Emma’s character arc outraged some people. You really see just how much times have changed by observing the story now. Emma lived in a period where reputations were everything. Even when the film was made her arc was probably a bit shocking to some (especially for a Hollywood production). Nowadays, her behavior and yearnings are not even uncommon. Much of the shock is undoubtedly due to the fact that Emma is a person whose selfish mistakes pile up. She’s not a character you can root for. Again, in this era, TV, film and literature is filled with “unlikable characters,” but back then it was not as commonplace. To me, it’s always more interesting to see human characters that have those deep layers. It challenges the audience and it’s not safe.

It should be noted that some of the book’s content didn’t make the cut for this film version, but that’s to be expected. It’s always a challenge to adapt a novel (particularly in the code days) and it’s even more difficult to convey certain emotional layers that are best explored on the page. Minnelli and Ardrey still do a commendable job in telling Emma’s complex story.

The cast is stacked with memorable performances from the likes of Jennifer Jones, Van Heflin, Louis Jordan, Gene Lockhart, James Mason, Gladys Cooper, Christopher Kent, Frank Allenby, and Henry Morgan. Jennifer Jones does a fine job of channeling Emma. It’s a tough role and she gives it her all. Van Heflin nails the character of Charles Bovary. Louis Jordan also shines as the upper class Rodolphe. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.37:1 1080p. How does it look? Viewers can expect a pristine B&W transfer of this classic movie.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Happy to report this 2.0 track provides a clean audio experience. 

Extras include the original theatrical trailer, a short film that celebrates MGM’s 25th birthday titled “Some Of The Best” and a cartoon called “Love That Pup.”

February 1, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Classic Movie, Jennifer Jones, Madame Bovary Blu-ray Review, Warner Archive