Sheila Levine Is Dead and Living in New York Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.5

Sheila Levine Is Dead and Living in New York Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov September 6, 2023

Sidney J. Furie's "Sheila Levine Is Dead and Living in New York" (1975) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Imprint Films. The supplemental features on the release include new program with cinematographer Donald M. Morgan; new video essay by critic Sam Deighan; new video essay by filmmaker Scout Tafoya; vintage trailer for the film; and more. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

It takes some time before Sheila Levine (Jeannie Berlin) confesses that she thinks of New York City as a big market where a girl like her can successfully shop for a soulmate. It is not that Sheila does not see the other perks that come with living in such a big place, or that she does not intend to take advantage of them, but they are not a priority for her. Sheila wants a romantic relationship that would lead to marriage and a happy family. This is her secret plan and it is why she is trading her hometown of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for New York City.

Sheila’s mother has figured out her secret plan -- how could she not -- but is not convinced that it can be initiated at the lousy apartment she has agreed to share with Kate (Rebecca Dianna Smith), who moves so fast it is clear that she operates on autopilot. This is how young girls get in trouble, right? They do not have enough time to think and move forward while trusting only their instincts, which is never a good idea. But Sheila calms down her mother, rejects her offer to stay a bit and clean up the apartment, and then politely asks that she join her father in their car in front of the building. Shortly after, Sheila’s transformation from a girl into an independent woman officially begins.

And just like that the first candidate appears at a casual party. While having a drink, Sam (Roy Scheider), a middle-aged and overworked doctor, confesses to Sheila that he had to perform an abortion and now hates himself for getting the job done. Abortion. Now, this is a topic that can get a girl interested in a guy and think about possibilities, eh? But somehow Sheila does become interested in Sam, follows him back to his place, and half an hour later ends up making love to him. Then, during a magical moment, Sheila confesses to Sam that she has discovered her knight on a white horse, too. But Sam disagrees, and while trying his best to be a gentleman, attempts to rationalize his encounter with Sheila differently, quickly transforming it into one of the most painful nightmares she has ever endured.

The disastrous experience instantly resets Sheila’s entire system of beliefs and for a while she even considers relocating to Harrisburg. But a clearer head and different vision for the future eventually present Sheila with several new and very exciting opportunities, including a reunion with Sam.

Based on the novel by Gail Parent, Sidney J. Furie’s Sheila Levine is Dead and Living in New York is a charming little film whose wicked sense of humor is unquestionably its biggest strength. However, it must be said that this is not a film that aspires to impress with hilarious material. Indeed, the wicked sense of humor is a facade that protects an interesting litmus test that reveals plenty of truths about the views and behavior of the two sexes during the peak of the sexual revolution in the 1970s. Sheila is the litmus piece, while New York City and its environment and culture are the litmus solution.

Rather predictably, the contrasting descriptions that male and female characters produce about various socio-cultural dilemmas -- most of which have something to do with freedom and the pursuit of happiness -- are far more intriguing than the evolution of their relationships. For example, some are so awkward that they effectively contradict the logic that is being used to frame them as advanced, therefore instantly redefining the meaning of modern as well. (One of the most poignant sequences in the entire film features a bold confession by Scheider’s character that must be seen to be believed. At the end of it, he is supposed to emerge a better and stronger man, and in the 1970s someone probably thought that he did. Now, he looks utterly ridiculous).

At the end of the film, it is difficult to decide whether to feel good or bad about Sheila’s future. It seems like she gets what she desires but in a place where promises are easily broken. One of Sheila’s girlfriends casually reveals to her that she will walk away from her future husband if the two can have a serious romantic relationship. She is not the only one willing to reconsider under the right circumstances.

Sheila Levine Is Dead and Living in New York Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Sheila Levine Is Dead and Living in New York arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Imprint Films.

The release is sourced from a very good 4K master that was prepared at Paramount Pictures. To be honest, I think that this release could have offered a better presentation of the film only if there were specific encoding optimizations because in a couple of areas the grain becomes a bit loose. The rest looks very good. Delineation, clarity, and depth are very pleasing. Color balance is convincing as well. In a couple of darker areas occasionally the blacks can appear slightly thicker than they need to be, but I did not see serious crushing issues. In fact, I think that in native 4K these areas will look just as convincing as the rest of the film. Image stability is excellent. There are no distracting age-related imperfections, such as cuts, damage marks, warped or torn frames to report. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray release. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your player regardless of your geographical location).

Sheila Levine Is Dead and Living in New York Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There is only one standard audio track on this Blu-ray release: English LPCM 2.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature. When turned on, they split the image frame and the black bar below it.

I did not encounter any issues to report in our review. The audio was very clear, sharp, and stable. All dialog was easy to follow. Dynamic intensity is unimpressive, but this is an inherited quality from the original soundtrack. The upper register is very healthy. I did not detect any hiss, pops, or crackle.

Sheila Levine Is Dead and Living in New York Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "The Film That Died and Lived" - in this exclusive new program, cinematographer Donald M. Morgan explains how he was approached with an offer to lense Sheila Levine is Dead and Living in New York and his interactions with Sidney J. Furie and cast members. There are some particularly interesting comments about Jeannie Berlin and her personality and work ethic as well as her decision to "walk off", which created unexpected, serious problems. Mr. Morgan is interviewed by Daniel Kremer. In English, not subtitled. (15 min).

• Commentary One - this exclusive new audio commentary was recorded by critic Sam Deighan.

• Commentary Two - this exclusive new audio commentary was recorded by Sidney J. Furie and Danel Kremer.

• "Why Can't I Be Doris Day?: Sheila Levine From Page to Screen" - this exclusive new video essay was created by critic Bill Ackerman. In English, not subtitled. (20 min).

• "A Little Uncomfortable: Furie's 1970s Politics" - this exclusive new video essay was created by critic David Cairns. In English, not subtitled. (14 min).

• "Sidney J. Furie is Alive and Dreaming of New York" - this exclusive new video essay was created by filmmaker Scout Tafoya. In English, not subtitled. (16 min).

• Trailer - presented here is a vintage theatrical trailer for Sheila Levine is Dead and Living in New York. In English, not subtitled. (3 min).

• Booklet - 60-page illustrated booklet with multiple essays on the cinematic legacy of Sidney J. Furie.

Sheila Levine Is Dead and Living in New York Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

It is easy to understand why Sheila Levine Is Dead and Living in New York was a massive box office flop. It could not meet the expectations of those who wanted it to be a faithful cinematic adaptation of Gail Parent's best-selling novel and its main protagonist turned out quite strange. Frankly, even by 1970s standards this film is all over the place, relying only on its wicked sense of humor to expose truths that are either too big or too complex for it to handle with authority. Was this the reason Sidney J. Furie and Jeannie Berlin frequently clashed and the latter eventually walked away from the film? I think so, but you can decide for yourself after you view the exclusive new program with cinematographer Donald M. Morgan, who is very honest about the collapse of the working relationship between Furie and Berlin. Imprint Films' release is sourced from a solid 4K master that was supplied by Paramount Pictures. It is included in Directed By Sidney J. Furie, a five-disc box set.