The Film (4.5/5)

World Famous violinist Holger Brandt (Leslie Howard) has finally come home after an exhausting tour. Happy to return home, Brandt is ready to reconnect with his family. But he soon finds himself falling in love the mysteriously beautiful Anita (Ingrid Bergman), who happens to be his daughter's piano teacher. The two decide to run away together and live their lives like the haunting song "Intermezzo". But a family can't truly leave behind his family.

INTERMEZZO (aka INTERMEZZO: A LOVE STORY) is a 1939 remake of a 1936 Swedish film of the same name. The Swedish film was a small success, but Hollywood took notice of one of its stars, Ingrid Bergman. Legendary Producer David O. Selznick (GONE WITH THE WIND, Hitchcock's REBECCA) soon signed Bergman on to make her English language debut. As of the time of this review, I still haven't seen the 1936 version, with the exception of a few clips, so while I can't comment on it, I was still impressed by this film's style.

Being a golden age Hollywood movie, and a Selznick picture the production values are top of the line. The look and the beauty of this film also follows. While not European, the film is filled with moody style and atmosphere that reminds one of an European art film. The milky greys and the mist mirroring the film's pent-up passion.

Speaking of Passion, Bergman and Howard (GONE WITH THE WIND) match each perfectly with a seamless chemistry. The standout sequence being a kind of love making scene, with Bergman on the piano belting out a piece, as Howard becomes enchanted by her and joins in on the violin. As the scene moves on their intensity matches the beat and heat of the song. All the while, the camera always pin-points to Bergman, lovely photographed in the center of the piano.

On a casting level, Bergman (CASABLANCA, Ingmar Bergman's AUTUMN SONATA) glows on the screen every second she is on. It wasn't hard to see why she became the star she did. With this being her first English- Speaking role, it's hard to tell she even struggles with the script and dialogue. The underrated actor Leslie Howard (THE PETRIFIED FOREST) is a likable lead, who later that same year would get a better footing as Ashley in GONE WITH THE WIND. Here he subtle and sensitive with every actor, and at the end of the day makes you root for him even if he did leave his family.  In fun little supporting roles are Cecil Kellaway (POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE), with one badly timed racist joke, and John Halliday (THE PHILADELPHIA STORY) in the role of Anita's teacher.

At a brisk 70 minutes, INTERMEZZO moves at a fast pace and shows us a world of eloquence, with a romantic center.

Audio/Video (5/5)

The English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track is well mastered and sounds like it was recorded yesterday. Since the movie is musically heavy, the score and sound mix doesn't disappoint. English subtitles are included.

The 1080p HD transfer is where this title shines. The black levels are smooth, and the greys are creamy. There is no print damage or heavy film grain. There also seems to be no DNR issues.

Extras (4/5)

The main extra is an audio commentary by film historian Kat Ellinger of Diabolique magazine. A great commentary is always worth the price of admission, and here Miss Ellinger doesn't disappoint. There is not a moment of dead air as she fills every second with fascinating behind the scenes stories and plenty of context into the under the surface sexual politics of the 1939 version vs. the original 1936 Swedish version.

Also included is a trailer gallery featuring INTERMEZZO, YOUNG IN HEART, I'LL BE SEEING YOU, and THE PARADINE CASE.

Overall (4.5/5)

INTERMEZZO was not only a great introduction to Hollywood for Ingrid Bergman, but a great film. This Kino Blu-ray shows the movie in its best light. Plus, you get the excellent commentary from Kat Ellinger, which I'm already planning to listen to again. Highly Recommended!