A New Leaf 4K Blu-ray delivers stunningly beautiful video and superb audio in this exceptional Blu-ray release
Henry Graham, a confirmed bachelor with a zest for luxuries, receives the shocking news that he is now broke. Henry's spirits are low as he returns to his town-house to discuss the situation with his butler, Harold who suggests marriage as a way out.
For more about A New Leaf 4K and the A New Leaf 4K Blu-ray release, see A New Leaf 4K Blu-ray Review published by Brian Orndorf on August 17, 2025 where this Blu-ray release scored 4.5 out of 5.
Elaine May achieved great success and industry respect in the world of comedy, becoming a star alongside her partner, Mike Nichols, with their unique
brand of humor and interplay. After their breakup, Nichols made his way to Hollywood, forging a career as a director, while May was a little less
committed to the change, eventually making her helming debut with 1971's "A New Leaf," also scripting the feature. Remaining true to her comedy
skills, May turns the picture into something unexpected and odd, joining star Walter Matthau on a journey into love and death, following the interests
of a man without morals trying to make a fortune by killing his new wife. "A New Leaf" has laughs and excellent performances, and it also establishes
May's directorial approach that would carry on throughout her short oeuvre, remaining fond of cast interactions and strange experiences, allowing the
actors room to work their magic as the writing finds its way to eccentricity and behavioral quirks that make the viewing experience interesting when
pacing starts to fatigue.
Henry (Walter Matthau) is a man of money, or at least once was. Living a life of comfort, Henry is soon informed that his trust fund has been
depleted, leaving him with zero cash to live on. This news comes as a shock to the man, who relies on his valet, Harold (George Rose), for emotional
support, refusing to believe this is the end of his opulent lifestyle. Asking his Uncle Harry (James Coco) for a $50,000 loan, Henry is faced with a
complete dismantling of his life and removal of his precious art collection if he doesn't pay his family member back in six weeks. Henry hatches a
plan to find and marry a wealthy woman, planning to murder his new wife to make sure he collects all her money. The hunt is on for a quick spouse,
pushing Henry out of his comfort zone as he has to deal with people and nature, but he finds the perfect target in Henrietta (Elaine May), a clumsy
botanist who responds to his attention, opening her life to him, which is filled with others also taking advantage of her, almost competing with Henry
to be the first to claim possession of her fortune.
Henrietta doesn't really enter "A New Leaf" until the second act, allowing the material to become intimate with Henry and his selfish ways. He's been
rich his entire life, accepting only the best the world has to offer, but the end is near, and he seems to know it. His prized Ferrari requires constant
attention, and he spends his days trying to avoid communication from his lawyer, as reality threatens to interrupt his lavish routine. It's an unusual
part for Matthau, but he sells the elitism and internal panic facing Henry perfectly, and May doesn't take it easy on the character, soon sending him
into the dating scene to capture the attention of a woman, though he has no interest in other people. Challenges are found in his hatred of nature
and charity, ultimately forcing a connection to Henrietta, which brings May into the film, and she's ready to play with an awkward, surprisingly
messy woman (a great character detail) who's caught up in a sham romance that's explored throughout the rest of the feature.
For additional information and analysis, please read Jeffrey Kauffman's 2012 Blu-ray review and Svet Atanasov's 2017 Blu-ray review.
"A New Leaf" was originally issued on Blu-ray in 2012 and 2017, and now returns with a UHD release, listed as a "new 4K restoration from the original
35mm
camera negative, presented in Dolby Vision HDR." This Cinematographe release gives the feature a richly film-like appearance with nicely resolved
grain. Detail is excellent, getting into the textures of skin particulars on the cast, exploring age and perspiration. Costuming is fibrous, examining
thicker suits and dresses. Interiors are open for inspection, exploring living spaces and offices, which carry plenty of decorative additions. Exteriors are
deep, visiting New York City and trips into nature. Color is sharp, with crisp primaries throughout the viewing experience, including the redness of
Henry's car and Uncle Harry's appearance. Hues remain vivid with house tours and clothing choices, and greenery is distinct. Blacks are deep, and
highlights are tasteful. Source is in good condition, with very mild scratches.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA secures the straightforward listening event for "A New Leaf." Dialogue is sharp and emotive, preserving performance choices and
dramatic emphasis. Musical offerings provide capable support, with clear instrumentation. Atmospherics are appreciable.
Commentary features film writers K.J. Relth-Miller and Maya Montanez Smukler.
"The Cutting Room Floor" (12:59, HD) is an interview with Angelo Corrao, who began his career at a production house,
finding his way into the editing department, where he discovered his calling. Corrao was soon hired on "A New Leaf," finding himself in the middle of
an arduous post-production process as director Elaine May and Paramount Pictures disagreed on the cutting of the feature, eventually overseeing a
three-hour-long version of the movie. The interviewee recalls the labor of the work, handling May's filmmaking impulses and vision before the studio
stepped in and removed the helmer from the process. As "A New Leaf" was Corrao's first time in the big leagues, the experience was educational,
exposing him to May's insecurities and the studio intervention, and he reflects on his relationship with the director, responding to her focus on the
work and personal peculiarities.
"Director Jail" (22:30, HD) is an appreciation piece from writer Carrie Courogen.
"Looking for Elaine May" (14:53, HD) is a video essay by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas.
"Elaine May and Mike Nicholas: In Conversation" (69:03) is 2006 appearance from the legendary comedy team, recorded
at the Walter Reade Theater in New York City.
"AFI Silver Streams Podcast: 'A New Leaf' 50th Anniversary" (48:22) is an episode of the audio program.
"Women in Hollywood" (7:02, HD) is an interview with director Amy Heckerling, who highlights inspiration provided by
Elaine May, looking to the filmmaker for hope in an industry that doesn't provide many opportunities for women. The interviewee recalls her
experience on "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," fighting executives who didn't want her to make the movie, wary of the tone she was creating. Talk of
"A New Leaf" is provided, celebrating May's work on the feature, and Heckerling mourns the loss of mid-budget features about dramatic ideas.
And a Theatrical Trailer (1:52, HD) is included, and could very well be the most 1971 trailer of 1971.
"A New Leaf" was reportedly cut down from a much longer version that May submitted to the studio, and one can sense some editorial indecision in the
picture, especially in the second half, which feels a little too disjointed at times, lacking focus as the story adds more characters and complications for
Henry and Henrietta. The charm of the movie remains in the details, as May offers low-fi style that concentrates on performance and a visual sense of
pressure on Henry. "A New Leaf" works with an outstanding cast to bring May's strangeness and dryness to life, and the helmer remains curious about
these people and their corrupt ways, trying to find her way to an ending while soaking up all the bits of humor and humiliation along the way.
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Cinematographe is preparing a 4K Blu-ray release of Elaine May's A New Leaf (1971), starring Walter Matthau, Elaine May, Jack Weston, George Rose, and James Coco. The release is scheduled to arrive on the market on July 29.
Independent distributors Olive Films have officially announced that they will add two new Signature Editions to their Blu-ray catalog: Max Oph�ls' Letter from an Unknown Woman and Elaine May's A New Leaf. The two releases will be available for purchase on December ...
British distributors Eureka Entertainment have revealed that they will add to their Blu-ray catalog Elaine May's film A New Leaf (1971), starring Walter Matthau, Elaine May, Jack Weston, Doris Roberts, and William Redfield. Currently, the release is scheduled to ...
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