Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		1.5
Overall		3.0

Zaza Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 31, 2017

“Zaza” was originally a 19th century French play concerning the relationship between the titular musical hall entertainer and a married man. The material caught on in a big way, adapted for stage and screen multiple times over the decades, with one of those efforts a 1923 feature from director Allan Dwan, who cast Gloria Swanson in the lead role. Granted, the idea of a play with a certain level of timing transformed into a silent movie is very strange, but this “Zaza” has plenty of spirit thanks to Swanson, who delivers a full-body performance to make sure the camera picks up her emotional range and comedic abilities, sold without the use of verbal wit.

“Zaza” is a character piece, but Dwan keeps it lively through grand recreations of music hall entertainment, allowing Swanson to strut (well, swing) her stuff through stage numbers, giving viewers a sense of Zaza’s amplification, which is soon tested through a problematic relationship. However, “Zaza” is rarely mopey, engaging in some edgy confrontations, including some rough cat fights between local ladies, and grand turns of fate that keep the main character struggling to keep up with the pace of her life. If Dwan can’t play with dialogue, he can certainly visualize a social and romantic obstacle course for Zaza, maintaining pace throughout.

Zaza Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Zaza" does okay for a nearly century-old movie. Wear and tear is evident throughout, resulting in jumpy frames, points of damage, scratches, and speckling, but concentration on the filmmaking basics is rarely broken. Detail is struggles with blurriness, finding source materials varying in quality, locating greater clarity in the second half. Delineation isn't problematic, but pure blacks aren't readily found here.

Zaza Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix contains a score composed and performed by Jeff Rapsis, and he brings a hearty piano mood to the feature, doing a considerable job supporting onscreen activities. It's a simple track, but clear and commanding, with ideal balance and presence, without any dips in quality.

Zaza Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features Frederic Lombardi, author of "Allan Dwan and the Rise and Decline of the Hollywood Studios."

• Booklet (10 pages) offers an essay by Imogen Sara Smith.

Zaza Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Zaza" isn't completely satisfying, often unable to secure relationships in a meaningful way, but Swanson keeps the production on the move, showcasing a bright personality through an expressive performance, and she's game to go wherever the material leads. And boy, does it lead to a few volatile places.