"HUSBANDS AND WIVES" gives one the sense it's highly autobiographical, as its main characters, Gabe and Judy Roth, begin to examine their own marriage and fidelity when they are shocked at finding their best friends, Jack and Sally, are getting divorced and starting relationships with younger partners.  Allen, too, then begins an affair with a young student from his English class, Juliette Lewis.  As with all of Allen's films, the supporting cast is magnificent.  Liam Neeson and Lysette Anthony are both unforgettable as the new paramours of the divorcing couple.  Allen wants the viewer to feel the discomfort and frenzy of a marriage falling apart and relationships being thrown to the wind.  The rapid-fire dialogue and anger coming from characters can be dizzying at times, and Allen intentionally adds to this sense of confusion through a hand-held camera swirling, on the verge of losing balance at times.  It is effective and, even nauseating at times! 

Even with the pain revealed throughout the film, there are some spots with humor and the film is ultimately one of Allen's most provocative, creative, and disturbing.  It shouldn't be missed.

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has preserved the film's 1.85:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  A pan&scan version is also included on the opposite side.  The image is impressive, although colors appear to be intentionally restrained throughout most of the film.  There is some minor grain, and although some scenes lack detail due to low-lighting, most of the images reveal great depth.  The blacks and grays are deep.  Fleshtones appear natural.

Like all of his films we recall, "HUSBANDS AND WIVES" is presented in monaural sound.  There is limited fidelity, but the dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.

There are two trailers for "HUSBANDS AND WIVES" and another Allen film, appearing in Full frame.