More about this DVD  •  DVD Info  •  Movie Main Page  •  Message Board

Lonely and insecure Mildred Pierce is coming off of a failed marriage with two kids in tow. With older daughter Veda (Ann Blyth) wanting only the best in life, Mildred takes a gamble and opens her own small restaurant. A smash success, soon she's running her own chain and the money is flowing in - and out of Veda's purse. But how far will a mother go for the love of her daughter? When there's a murder, Mildred is pegged as the prime suspect. But when it's all over, many tears will be shed, secrets revealed, and the murderer uncovered...

Mildred Pierce is one of those films that works on multiple levels, all flawlessly. It's a great drama. A great thriller. And even, at times, a great comedy. But unlike many of Crawford's later films, it's not campy. Winning a much- coveted Oscar for her performance in the titular role, Mildred Pierce may be Crawford's finest moment. It is a role she was born to play. But just as strong is the ensemble, led by Blyth as Veda, Eve Arden as Ida, and the underrated Jack Carson as the oily but likable Wally Fay. As impeccable as the cast is Michael Curtiz's inspired direction, which never steps wrong. Giving the film both the polish of a classic drama and the moodiness of a film noir, Ernest Halle's photography is perfect - watch his playful use of shadow, which often subverts our expectations but never feels heavy-handed. And just as fun is Ranald MacDougall's witty, sharp dialogue. This film has so many great lines you could quote it for days.

While the film is Crawford's show, one has to stand back in awe of the seemingly meek Blyth as Veda. This scheming little witch has to be seen to be believed. So manipulative, so self-centered, so unapologetically cruel, I never knew whether I wanted to slap her or to be her. They say the most wicked characters are the most fun to play, and Blyth seems to be having a great time holding her own against Crawford. While Pierce is a great character, the film wouldn't be as delectable without Veda. These two make quite a pair. Don't miss out on the fun.

Video: How Does The Disc Look?

Stellar. Here's another topnotch remaster from Warner, helping to prove that when it comes to rescuing the classics from the vaults, they are one of the best studios around. Presented in its original 1.37:1 theatrical aspect ratio, the print has been restored to excellent shape. There is nary a blemish to be found, with lush blacks and rich contrast. The image is wonderfully detailed, and the sense of depth even more impressive considering this film is now over fifty years old. I'd like to think that all the complaining on behalf of DVD critics and on websites like this have helped reduce all that artificial edginess that used to plague most catalog remasters. Here I saw only a very smooth, film-like presentation with no apparent ringing around sharply contrasted objects. Warner has also wisely included the full-length supplementary documentary on the flipside of this DVD-14; thus, no compression artifacts are apparent. This looks terrific.

Audio: How Does The Disc Sound?

While not getting the 5.1 remix treatment (in fact, not even a new stereo track is provided) the film's original mono presentation has been cleaned up and sounds good. Gone is any obvious harshness or hiss. Dynamic range is very pleasing for a film of this vintage, with very clear and distinct dialogue. Any real heft or presence to the low end is of course lacking; but hey, it's a mono track, and for what it is is very good indeed.

Also included are English, French and Spanish subtitles and English Closed Captions.

Supplements: What Goodies Are There?

If ever quality didn't equal quantity, it's here. At first glance there doesn't look like there is much to this DVD. Just the flick, a very nice trailer gallery with 9 promos for various Crawford gems (Possessed, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? and Mildred Pierce among them) and some filmographies. And, oh yeah, there's also a documentary...

Flip the disc over and you'll find writer, director and producer Peter Fitzgerald's excellent 86-minute Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star. Originally produced for Turner Classic Movies, I'm generally suspect of repackaged TV docs, but this is an excellent look at Crawford the actress, the woman and the legend. It's terrific. Narrated by Anjelica Huston and featuring a host of recollections from past associates, friends and relatives - everyone from former lover Vincent Herman to Mrs. Voorhees herself Betsy Palmer to, of course, Christina Crawford. While little Christina comes off as very bitter and justifiably biased, the rest offer fitting remembrances of more than just mommie dearest. This is an incredibly thorough piece. Once just a scared little Hollywood hopeful named Lucille Le Sueur, she eventually became a dancer and MGM contract player, then rose through the ranks to be one of the most recognizable and beloved actresses of the 20th century. While her late-career decline and the posthumous character assassination by Christina forever left a blight on her memory, perhaps irrevocably, this doc reminds us that the lady was, in the end, destined to be a star.

DVD-ROM Exclusives: What do you get when you pop the disc in your PC?

No ROM extras have been included.

Parting Thoughts