Director Hal Ashby’s (Coming Home, In the Height of the Night) is no stranger to crafting cinematic experiences that not only stand the test of time but are intertwined into the fabric of the culture of the world from the last four decades. That was never truer than with his work on the classic coming-of-age comedy Harold and Maude—out now as part of the stellar Paramount Selects Blu-ray upgrades line.
The cult classic arrives on Blu-ray with Bud Cort as Harold and Ruth Gordon’s Maude as the most unlikely of friends, acquaintances, and compatriots. Cort is a teenager, while Gordon Maude is 79 years old. They are the most unique of Ying and Yang and it is their chemistry and cinematic-length interactions that make Harold and Maude one of the most beloved and cherished films of the 20th century.
Harold falls head-over-heels for Maude, which she of course thinks is ridiculous, but over time, it becomes apparent that this kid possesses much more than meets the eye. As their relationship—whatever it is—progresses the emotion of love for these two is not simply one shared by the two of them. The audience feels it. It is crazy.
But love knows what it wants.
It’s not solely the relationship between two people, it is who these folks are and as such, their opinions, dialogue, interactions, and simply spending 91 minutes with these most distinctive of individuals is honestly not nearly enough. Cort and Gordon are a delight together and collectively charm the wits off the audiences with their outrageous, ingenious, and as authentic performances as exist on film.
Ashby’s direction helps two actors working in another stratosphere achieve their greatness, but his expert helming and awareness of the story frames it in such a way that has also aided in its timelessness. Great characters and situational comedy based on truth never goes out of style and proof of that arrives with this stellar Harold and Maude Blu-ray release. Ashby has a way with framing his subjects and simultaneously framing his shooting landscape that continually reminds that one is witnessing a Hal Ashby picture.
Adding to the resonance and feel of the film is the Cat Stevens soundtrack, featuring songs from the singer-songwriter that stand the test of time while capturing the sentiment, feelings, and life of these two souls in 1971. Stevens’ soundtrack adds layers of emotive pull that further endears us to Harold and Maude and further makes this one of the most exquisite of movie experiences shot in the last 50 years.
The Harold and Maude packaging for the 50th anniversary Blu-ray features a gorgeous collective package feature that includes a foldout image of the movie’s one-sheet poster and the most delightful photographs from the film dot the inside of the package.
It is newly remastered and looks absolutely grounded in utter adoration for every single frame. The colors pop, yet none of that darkish gray hue that permeates the original release is lost on the Blu-ray upgrade. In fact, it is clearer and dare we say it, even more gripping.
Lucky for longtime or new fans, there is a new commentary track that is utterly priceless in its ability to add to the legend, while still imparting added information about the filming of a classic that will still entertain audiences 250 years from now.
The fresh commentary is from Larry Karaszewski (co-screenwriter-who also worked on Ed Wood, as well as the co-writer Dolemite Is My Name writer,) as well as Almost Famous legend Cameron Crowe (also Jerry Maguire). The featurette also looks at the film through the lenses of Yusuf/Cat Stevens and his compositions as part of the art that makes Harold and Maude one of the reasons we are reminded why the medium of film is a global pastime.
Grade: A+
Bonus Features: B+