The Age of Innocence [Criterion Collection] (Blu-ray) 03/13/18

In Martin Scorsese's adaptation of Edith Wharton's 1920 novel, romance between an upper-class gentleman and an ostracized lady is doomed by 19th century New York society. Shortly after his engagement to blandly genteel May Welland (Winona Ryder), Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis) is reacquainted with May's scandalous cousin Ellen Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer). As the head of an esteemed family, Archer initially uses his standing to try to rehabilitate Ellen's reputation, but he finds himself increasingly drawn to her disregard for the codes of New York manners. Bound by ingrained society mores and his peers' insinuations, Newland tries to dodge his growing passion by rushing his marriage to May, but he cannot keep himself from confessing his love to Ellen. Recognizing that Newland could never abandon his sense of honor and be happy, Ellen pushes Newland to May and leaves town. The marriage proceeds as dictated, but when Newland unexpectedly sees Ellen again, he yearns for the affair to come to fruition. However, he underestimates not only what May knows but also her ability to uphold the rules of propriety. Sumptuously shot by Michael Ballhaus, the film offers meticulously designed costumes and settings that evoke a culture as seductively beautiful in its surfaces as it is stifling in its rituals. Unspoken emotions are expressed through such details as yellow roses or a clipped cigar, a fade to red or a single camera move. Using Wharton's original prose to comment on the setting's hypocrisies, Joanne Woodward's voiceover narration suggests how much decisive power is buried beneath dainty femininity. The Age of Innocence received five Oscar nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for Ryder and Best Screenplay for Scorsese and Jay Cocks, and a win for Best Costumes. Although The Age of Innocence seemed like a departure from Scorsese's prior work, Newland is as much at the mercy of his circle's Byzantine structure (and his own conscience) as are Scorsese's more familiar mobsters; Newland's persecutors just wear white tie and tails.

CONDITION: NEW

Actors: Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Ryder
Directors: Martin Scorsese
Format: DTS Surround Sound, Subtitled, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 1
Rated:
PG
Parental Guidance Suggested
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 13, 2018
Run Time: 138 minutes

Cast & Crew

Daniel Day-Lewis Newland Archer
Michelle Pfeiffer Countess Ellen Olenska
Winona Ryder May Welland
Miriam Margolyes Mrs. Mingott
Richard Grant Larry Lefferts
Alec McCowen Sillerton Jackson
Geraldine Chaplin Mrs. Welland
Mary Beth Hurt Regina Beaufort
Stuart Wilson Julius Beaufort
Sian Phillips Mrs. Archer
Michael Gough Henry Van Der Luyden
Alexis Smith Mrs. Louisa Van Der Luyden
Norman Lloyd Mr. Letterblair
Jonathan Pryce Monsieur Riviere
Carolyn Farina Janey Archer
Robert Sean Leonard Ted Archer
Thomas Barbour Archer Guest
Claire Bloom Actor
W.B. Brydon Mr. Urban Dagonet
Brian Davies Philip
Patricia Dunnock Mary Archer
Tracey Ellis Gertrude Lefferts
Howard Erskine Beaufort Guest
Henry Fehren Bishop
Clement Fowler Florist
Thomas Gibson Stage Actor
John McLoughlin Party Guest
Catherine Scorsese Actor
Charles Scorsese Actor
Domenica Scorsese Katie Blenker
Martin Scorsese Photographer (uncredited)
June Squibb Mingott Maid
Joanne Woodward Narrator
Zoe Herself

Technical Credits

Martin Scorsese Director,Screenwriter
Michael Ballhaus Cinematographer
Elmer Bernstein Score Composer
Jay Cocks Screenwriter
Barbara de Fina Producer
David M. Dunlap Camera Operator
Syd Dutton Special Effects
Dante Ferretti Production Designer
Robert Franco Set Decoration/Design
Speed Hopkins Art Director
Jean-Michel Hugon Art Director
Ellen Lewis Casting
Tod A. Maitland Sound/Sound Designer
Amy Marshall Set Decoration/Design
Gabriella Pescucci Costumes/Costume Designer
Bruce S. Pustin Co-producer
Joseph P. Reidy Associate Producer
Thelma Schoonmaker Editor
Bill Taylor Special Effects
Allen Weisinger Makeup
Edith Wharton Source Author