Kramer vs. Kramer (Sony Blu-ray)

 

Picture: B+     Sound: B     Extras: C+     Film: B

 

 

The 1970’s were one of the most daring decades when it comes to cinema and explored waters that were never touched before.  Whether it was stretching the medium with new camera techniques or pushing the action genre to new levels, there is no doubt that this decade helped shape film for the years to come, even 1979’s Kramer vs. Kramer took on the topic of Father’s Rights in divorce and caused it’s own little stir because of it’s bold approach. 

 

Despite the film being 30 years at the time of this review and its obvious production design that dates the film, it’s content still holds up incredibly well all these years later, which are marked primarily by the films two leads: Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep.  Hoffman is the atypical family man who provides very well for his family, in fact so well that he spends insane hours working, which is the exact problem with his wife Joanna who feels that her husband Ted is spending too much time away from home.  They have a son named Billy who is only 4 or 5 years old when Joanna decides to split.  Without much reason Ted and Billy fined themselves in a new predicament as they must work together as father and son to maintain their family structure.  Billy struggles, as he feels neglected, as his father must attempt to take care of him and maintain his hectic work-life, which is also compromised because of his fatherly duties that are now extended without Joanna in the mix. 

 

What I appreciate about the film is that it showcases very clearly why divorce is not a solution, no matter how tough things seem to get.  While there are certain grounds for divorce (infidelity, abuse) the film shows the struggles that arise from a single parent trying to raise their child.  To make matters worse, just as soon as the father and son begin finding peace with their situation Joanna comes back into the picture again and tries to get custody, which then puts the film on its side with the remainder of the film focused on the trial, which turns into a very powerful and emotional film.  This is evident by the 9 Academy Award nominations that it received and it’s still a fan favorite all these years later. 

 

For this Blu-ray release the film arrives in a pleasing 1080p High Definition transfer framed in its original 1.85 X 1 ratio.  The film still looks a bit dated on arrival, but overall the transfer demonstrates a fine level of film grain, but showcases new resolution for the film at home.  Fans will be excited to see the clarity, depth, and overall fidelity with the picture, despite the minor bit of softness.  Dark scenes hold up particular well, especially when compared to the poor DVD releases of the film.  Skintones are well rendered as well and colors look natural and not manipulated in any way here.  Overall a very solid transfer that does not attempt to make the film too sharp, but maintains the film-like nature throughout. 

 

Likewise the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix is very pleasing as well and does not attempt to update a film that will never have the sonics of a new film.  Instead, the mix is smooth and clean with good definition in the dialogue and moments of musical underscore.  Most of the mix is forward heavy as can be expected for a film that was never issued in surround sound theatrically. 

 

The only extra on the Blu-ray is a making-of that features a good wealth of information on the film, its production, and behind-the-scenes moments, which fans will enjoy, even if only for a single viewing. 

 

Kramer vs. Kramer is still a terrific film gem that needs to find a new generation of viewers as its subject matter is still amazingly relevant and the performances are timeless.  This Blu-ray will certainly give the film the picture and sound quality that is expected to translate to new viewers and still give die-hard fans an upgrade worthy edition.

 

 

-   Nate Goss