Based on the novel by Jorge Amado, Director Bruno Barreto’s provocative erotic comedy, DONA FLOR AND HER TWO HUSBANDS (1976), was the most successful film in Brazilian history for thirty-five years, was nominated for a Golden Globe for “Best Foreign Film” and made Sonia Braga an international superstar.
Following the strange events that befall Doña Flor (Braga, Kiss of the Spider Woman) after she is left a widow by the death of her wild, philandering husband, Vadinho (José Wilker), she attempts to marry more wisely the second time around. The bewitchingly beautiful widow succeeds, but when she discovers her staid pharmacist husband has no interest in sex, she happily welcomes the sexy ghost of her late husband.
For thoughts on Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
Video Quality
Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands makes its Blu-Ray debut courtesy of Film Movement Classics with a digital AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1 derived from a 4K restoration. While there are still areas where the source could likely be improved a bit with more extensive cleanup, this transfer looks really pleasant and natural with film grain resolved well. Instances of print damage such as nicks and scratches are not uncommon, but overall clarity and detail is excellent. The texture present within the production design and environment is especially impressive. The presentation is enjoyable throughout most of the runtime with image stability and delineation being top notch. The colors can run a touch toward a more earthy palette, but you still get some nice hues. Black levels hold up well with very little in the way of crush. This presentation is not a home run due to source limitations, but it is nice to have this film available in such strong quality.
Audio Quality
This new Blu-Ray comes with a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track and a LPCM 2.0 mono track that both feature all of the sounds of the film pretty well. The newer surround sound track opens up the world in quite a formidable manner, but the mix can sound a bit aggressive in a way that makes the original mono a more enjoyable experience. This is a film that utilizes music really well with the score coming through quite nicely. This and all of the other music is presented with fine clarity and a pleasing fidelity as they come through the room. The dialogue holds up without failure, coming through clearly without being stepped on by the music or sound effects. The environmental effects are delineated nicely without getting lost in the mix. The track avoids most major instances of age related wear and tear or distortion. Most will find this audio track to be a good experience. Optional English subtitles are provided on this disc.
Special Features
This Blu-Ray set includes a multi-page booklet featuring the essay “Oh Bahia” by film producer and costume designer Mary Jane Marcasiano. This essay provides a great amount of cinematic context to the film, analyzes themes, aesthetics and plot developments, and much more that makes for a wonderful read. The on-disc special features are as follows:
- Audio Commentary: Director Bruno Barreto provides an entertaining and informative commentary track in which he reflects on the legacy and production of the film, the performances from the ensemble, the importance of food to the narrative, the censorship imposed on the film in certain countries, how the film reflects the values of the country of the time and much more that makes for a decent listening experience.
- Dona Flor Behind The Scenes: An eight-minute archival piece which takes you to the set of the production as you get some background on the adaptation, experience footage of Barreto directing his performers and more.
- Trailer: A minute-and-a-half trailer for this new restoration is provided here. There are also trailers provided for Marquise, L’Innocente, and Midaq Alley.
Final Thoughts
Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands is a film that takes the old story of an unsatisfied and mistreated woman reclaiming her power, and puts a unique and entertaining twist on the proceedings. Sonia Braga is transfixing in the titular role as she radiates sexuality, vulnerability and confidence in equal measure. There are elements of this film which are less palatable in a modern context, but that does not take away from the sensuality and humor pulsing through this feature. While the script could likely be tightened up to flow a bit more expediently, this journey is a good time. Film Movement Classics has reintroduced this film to a new audience with a brand new Blu-Ray that features a really good A/V presentation and a decent array of supplemental features that are fun to check out. Anyone interested in checking out more of what Brazilian cinema has to offer should not hesitate with this one. Recommended
Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Film Movement Classics has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.