Seven Sinners Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Seven Sinners" by Kino Lorber showcases the film in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition, retaining the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. The black and white cinematography, crafted by the esteemed Rudolph Maté, is visually captivating, offering rich blacks, excellent shadow delineation, and varied grays that enhance depth and detail. Close-ups are finely detailed, capturing the nuanced textures of costumes and facial features with exceptional clarity. While some scratches and signs of wear occasionally appear, there are no significant issues such as burn marks that detract from the overall viewing experience.

However, the transfer is not without flaws. A noticeable amount of print damage is evident, including white vertical lines, blotches, and assorted nicks that intermittently draw attention away from the film's striking visuals. Additionally, heavier than normal grain slightly mutes the impact of some scenes. These imperfections are unfortunate given that the underlying source material and cinematography hold tremendous potential for a truly stunning presentation. Despite these shortcomings, the film's aesthetic largely comes through, offering fans an overall satisfying high-definition experience while hinting at what could have been achieved with more extensive restorative work.

The Blu-ray release of "Seven Sinners" features an English Mono DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, providing a clean and well-modulated audio experience. Dialogue is consistently clear and easy to understand, ensuring that viewers do not miss any vital conversations throughout this dialogue-heavy film. Notably, the track does not suffer from any age-related issues such as hiss, pops, or crackle, making for a smooth and immersive auditory experience. Optional English SDH subtitles are available for additional accessibility.

The soundtrack effectively balances dialogue with ambient sounds, particularly illuminating the nightclub scenes with distinct background noise and sonic accents. Marlene Dietrich's numbers stand out prominently, with her unique vocal style rendered in rich and full tonal quality, allowing her performances to dominate when she sings. The dynamic range of the music score is well-managed, avoiding any distortion and maintaining clarity across the spectrum. Sound effects during action scenes, such as punches and shattering glass, are crisp and impactful, adding depth to the overall audio presentation.

Though not particularly distinctive, the score composed by Frank Skinner and Hans J. Salter complements the film well without distracting from its primary elements. The audio track, despite being simplistic due to its monophonic nature and the age of original elements, matches the video presentation seamlessly, ensuring that viewers experience a cohesive audiovisual journey.

The Blu-ray extras for "Seven Sinners" offer a noteworthy array of content that enriches the viewing experience with historical insights and additional media. The highlight is an engaging audio commentary featuring film historian David Del Valle and author-screenwriter C. Courtney Joyner. Their rapport brings a lively discussion that celebrates Marlene Dietrich, recounts her career trajectory, and delves into her relationship with John Wayne. With connections to films like "Destry Rides Again" and W. Somerset Maugham’s "Rain", their insights extend beyond "Seven Sinners", appealing to Golden Age Hollywood enthusiasts. However, the commentary lacks specific details about "Seven Sinners" itself, focusing instead on broader contexts. Alongside this, the disc includes several well-curated theatrical trailers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Film Historian David Del Valle and Author/Screenwriter C. Courtney Joyner: A lively discussion celebrating Dietrich, her career, and broader Hollywood history.
• Theatrical Trailer: The film's original promotional trailer.
• Additional Trailers: Previews for "The Spoilers", "Pittsburgh", "The Flame of New Orleans", and "The Shepherd of the Hills".

"Seven Sinners" delivers a potent mix of romantic comedy and drama, showcasing the dynamism of Marlene Dietrich and John Wayne. Set in the rollicking environment of the Seven Sinners café on a tropical island, the film unfurls as a delightful Sunday afternoon watch. The narrative revolves around Bijou (Dietrich) and her escapades to avoid deportation while dazzling audiences, and her volatile romance with Lieutenant Dan Brent (Wayne). Though Wayne's performance does not match Dietrich's finesse, their on-screen chemistry is palpable and manages to elevate the film. The performances are complemented by meticulously conceived art direction from Jack Otterson, injecting visual allure into the production.

The cinematography by Rudolph Maté is another strength, imbuing each frame with a pristine black-and-white classicism that enhances the engrossing narrative. The story is further enriched by a finely tuned score from Hans J. Salter and Frank Skinner, which adeptly secures the tone of the film. The screenplay by John Meehan and Harry Tugend brims with engaging dialogues, albeit woven around a rather simplistic plotline. Tay Garnett directs with a flair for slapstick humor and exotic ambiance, aligning perfectly with Dietrich's charismatic musical performances and stunning wardrobe designed by Irene.

Although "Seven Sinners" does not significantly deviate from the standard formulations of its genre, it compensates with sharp visuals, engaging interactions, and spirited performances. The plot may not be ground-breaking, but its execution under Garnett’s direction, complemented by a stellar cast including Broderick Crawford and Mischa Auer, ensures an entertaining experience. Ultimately, the film’s appeal rests heavily on Dietrich’s magnetism, making "Seven Sinners" memorable for its star power and musical highlights rather than its narrative or thematic depth.

"Seven Sinners" offers a delightful blend of romantic drama and light-hearted comedy, highlighted by the magnetic performances of Marlene Dietrich and John Wayne. The film thrives on its dynamic character portrayals and the palpable chemistry between the leads, making it an engaging experience for viewers. Directed by Tay Garnett, "Seven Sinners" leverages its pre-World War II setting to create a charming yet slightly eccentric narrative that pulls the audience into a world of exotic intrigue and barroom brawls.

Technically, Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release provides a commendable video-audio presentation. The transfer, while not flawless and in need of some restorative attention, still delivers an overall appealing visual output. The audio track is robust, ensuring that the film's dialogue, music, and sound effects are always clear and balanced. The release is bolstered by an insightful audio commentary from film historian David Del Valle and author/screenwriter C. Courtney Joyner. They offer deeper context by comparing "Seven Sinners" with Dietrich's earlier work in "Destry Rides Again," adding layers of understanding to Dietrich's career pivot and evolution.

In conclusion, "Seven Sinners" is an exceptionally fun and charming Hollywood classic. The performances by the great Marlene Dietrich and John Wayne make the film all the more essential. This is a compelling romantic drama that has plenty of comedy to keep audiences entertained. The production merits are effective throughout. The Blu-ray release features a strong video-audio presentation and comes recommended.