International Lady Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "International Lady" from ClassicFlix offers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer that captures the film's original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1. While no restoration demonstration featurette accompanies this release, the transfer generally succeeds in delivering a visually appealing presentation. Notwithstanding the inevitable variances typical of older films not curated with utmost care, the overall image quality is impressive. Some baked-in blemishes persist, particularly within stock footage of the London fire bombings, but these instances are surprisingly minimal. Close-ups of Ilona Massey exhibit some filtering, resulting in variable fine detail levels, though costume textures remain commendable.

Despite infrequent flickering and occasional frame side blanching, the transfer manages to render deep blacks and appealing white levels with excellent contrast. The resolution might not attain a razor-sharp clarity throughout, yet it presents a remarkably clean image for a film of this vintage. Grain occasionally appears slightly splotchy and particularly evident in scenes demanding extensive background attention, but this does not significantly detract from the viewing experience.

Overall, the "International Lady" Blu-ray ensures a commendable balance between preserving the film's historical aspect and providing contemporary viewing clarity, offering a mostly clear and clean visual package for enthusiasts of classic cinema. The movie has been thoughtfully organized into seven chapters, enhancing navigation and accessibility for viewers.

The "International Lady" Blu-Ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono mix that is emblematic of its era, providing a clean and largely undamaged audio experience. While some boxiness is inherent to the recording technology of its time, the mix delivers impressive fidelity across a wide range of frequencies, which is particularly notable during Massey's vocal performances. Despite some brashness at the highest frequencies, the dialogue remains crisp and clear, with Massey's slight accent being a minor factor. However, potential challenges for non-native speakers arise as the release does not include subtitles.

The sound mix effectively blends dialogue, Lucien Moraweck’s atmospheric background score, and various sound effects to create an engaging period-appropriate soundfield. The meticulous mixing ensures that the dialogue is well-balanced against other audio elements, preserving historical authenticity while enhancing clarity. Notably, the audio track is devoid of common age-related anomalies such as hiss, crackle, flutter, or pops, delivering a remarkably clean listening experience for a film of this vintage.

The Blu-ray release of "International Lady" by ClassicFlix, part of their Silver Series, delivers a minimalistic approach to supplemental content. Trailers for other ClassicFlix releases, though not substantial enough to score as traditional extras, are included, providing previews of titles like "The Little Rascals: Volumes 1 and 2," "T-Men," and "Tomorrow Is Forever." This edition leans towards a no-frills, budget-friendly offering without additional in-depth behind-the-scenes content or interviews that fans might expect from a more comprehensive package. The automatic play of the "The Little Rascals" trailer on boot-up adds to a straightforward presentation, consistent with the series’ affordable branding.

Extras included in this disc:

• ClassicFlix Trailers (HD): Includes previews for releases such as "The Little Rascals: Volumes 1 and 2," "T-Men," and "Tomorrow Is Forever."

"International Lady," directed by Tim Whelan, offers a unique blend of romance, espionage, and suspense, albeit with a somewhat whimsical plot. Set against the backdrop of a war-torn Europe, the film follows FBI agent Tim Hanley, played by George Brent, and Scotland Yard detective Reggie Oliver, portrayed by Basil Rathbone. The duo embarks on a mission to uncover an Axis spy ring, focusing on the enigmatic singer Carla Nillson, played by Ilona Massey. The storyline effectively captures the intrigue of espionage with an engaging interplay between Hanley’s American boyishness and Oliver’s seasoned British charm. Rathbone shines particularly in his role, bringing a vibrant energy and utilitarian wit that keeps the narrative engaging.

The film’s screenplay by Howard Estabrook is based on an original story by E. Lloyd Sheldon and Jack DeWitt. It cleverly infuses a playful atmosphere that somewhat offsets the rather predictable espionage plot. Despite this, the interactions among the characters offer enjoyable repartee, with both Brent and Rathbone utilizing their dynamic partnership to coax out Carla's true intentions. The narrative thrives on its campy elements, relishing in the curious cat-and-mouse game that intertwines romance and espionage. However, some viewers might find Carla’s character arc slightly one-dimensional, though Massey’s performance is visually captivating in Gwen Wakeling's elaborate costume designs.

Overall, "International Lady" benefits from a strong supporting cast that includes the likes of George Zucco as the duplicitous butler Webster. Tim Whelan's direction maintains energy throughout, highlighted by stunningly framed shots by Oscar-winning cinematographer Hal Mohr that emphasize the old-world charm of the film's setting. The climax at the abandoned granary delivers highlighted excitement, though the film’s suspense sometimes leans more verbal than visceral. Undoubtedly a portrayal of wartime antics with an entertainingly theatrical touch, "International Lady" offers a lively cinematic experience from this era.

"International Lady," though not a hidden gem, delivers a delightful blend of espionage and humor, largely attributed to the charismatic performances of its cast. Basil Rathbone shines with his sly comedic timing, providing a refreshing contrast to George Brent's more subdued American lead. The film boasts a rich ensemble of character actors, including Gene Lockhart and George Zucco, each adding layers of intrigue and charm to the narrative. Phyllis Welch Massey contributes an elegant presence that enhances the film's classic allure. Despite its modest action sequences and limited budget, the screenplay offers enough narrative twists to maintain viewer interest.

ClassicFlix's Blu-ray restoration of "International Lady" elevates the viewing experience by presenting the film in near-pristine condition. While the technical aspects have inherent limitations due to the film's age, the remastering process has successfully enriched the visual presentation. Particularly for fans of the spy genre, or admirers of the cast, this version offers a worthwhile look at the film’s historical cinematic qualities. The restoration team deserves commendation for their meticulous work which captures the period's essence without diluting the engaging performances.

In conclusion, "International Lady" may not redefine its genre but offers genuine entertainment value through its engaging cast and enhanced visual restoration. Rathbone's playful performance is a highlight, making this a recommended watch for his fans and those who appreciate classic spy narratives. While it may not fulfill every expectation of action enthusiasts, the film stands as a testament to the agility of storytelling within budget constraints, offering humor and intrigue in equal measure.