The Cat and the Canary Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber’s presentation of "The Cat and the Canary" comes in a high-definition 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded format, maintaining a full frame 1.36:1 aspect ratio. The transfer is sharp, robust, and impressively clear, considering the age of the film and its source materials. Black and white photography is rendered with remarkable clarity, revealing excellent detail across facial features, costuming, and set design. Remarkably minimal instances of scratches, burns, and other print damage elevate this presentation to a standout.

Although not sourced from a recent restoration, this 1.37:1 transfer retains an organic appearance with appreciable grain structure. While some frame judder is present during the opening credits and darker sequences occasionally reach a lighter gray tone, these are minor and infrequent issues. Grayscale remains well-balanced, with deep blacks and clean shadows enhancing the viewing experience.

Ultimately, this Blu-ray edition represents a noticeable improvement over prior DVD releases, delivering an almost definitive visual presentation. Despite a few minor imperfections, Kino Lorber’s version does "The Cat and the Canary" justice and serves as a worthy addition to any classic film collection.

The Blu-ray release of "The Cat and the Canary" features a DTS HD Master Audio mono track that is impressively clear and effective. Throughout the film, the dialogue remains crisp, well-articulated, and easy to comprehend. The sound mix offers commendable fidelity, thoughtfully balancing dialogue with important sound effects and Ernst Toch’s evocative score. It’s particularly noteworthy that this lossless audio track is free from significant issues such as pops, clicks, hiss, or warps, enhancing the overall auditory experience given the age of the source material.

While the DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono mix leads with strong dialogue delivery, it occasionally necessitates a slight volume adjustment to fully appreciate the audio nuances without introducing noticeable hiss. However, once set, the volume remains stable without needing further adjustment. The soundtrack includes some enjoyable atmospheric moments, including Bob Hope’s exchanges in unusual environments that provide a palpable sense of location. This edition arguably offers the best audio rendition of the film to date, outperforming previous DVD releases and securing its place as an exemplary model of faithful audio preservation for classic cinema. Complementing the audio presentation are optional English subtitles, further enhancing accessibility and enjoyment.

The Blu Ray extras for "The Cat and the Canary" provide a mixed yet commendable collection that complements the film. The highlight is the newly recorded audio commentary by renowned author and film historian Lee Gambin, who delves into the film's production history, cast, crew, and the source material, albeit with some disjointed moments. This insightful commentary adds significant value to the viewing experience. Additionally, the disc includes a theatrical trailer for the film and several KLSC trailers, offering fans a taste of related classics from the distributor's catalog.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Lee Gambin: Engaging insights into production history, cast, crew, and source material.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for "The Cat and the Canary".
• KLSC Trailers:
  • The Ghost Breakers
  • Road to Singapore
  • Road to Zanzibar
  • Road to Morocco
  • Road to Utopia

"The Cat and the Canary" (1939) stands as an exemplary blend of horror and comedy, demonstrating the timeless appeal of combining chills with laughs. Directed by Elliott Nugent and adapted from John Willard's play, this classic showcases Bob Hope as Wally Campbell and Paulette Goddard as Joyce Norman. Their spirited performances are the backbone of the film; Hope’s impeccable comedic timing offers a lively contrast to the suspenseful narrative. The story revolves around Norman’s inheritance of a mansion, provided she remains sane and alive for 30 days, leading to a night filled with cryptic threats and an escaped murderer. The screenplay by Walter De Leon and Lynn Starling is sharp and engaging, emphasizing humor without sidelining the eerie intrigue that propels the plot.

The film's technical merits significantly enhance its enduring charm. Renowned art director Hans Dreier and Robert Usher's meticulous set designs immerse viewers in a convincingly eerie atmosphere, perfectly suited to both the horror and comedic elements. Edith Head’s costume designs further enrich the period authenticity. The score composed by Ernst Toch adeptly punctuates comedic moments while sustaining tension, attesting to Toch’s versatile talent. Cinematographer Charles Lang expertly captures the gothic ambiance through striking black-and-white visuals that shift seamlessly between moments requiring mystery and humor, deftly supporting the narrative's dual genres.

Complementing Hope and Goddard's stellar performances is a robust supporting cast featuring Gale Sondergaard, George Zucco, and John Beal. Each contributes to the narrative’s depth—Sondergaard as the mysterious housekeeper, Zucco as the ill-fated attorney, and Beal as a rival love interest. Together, they amplify the film's appeal by adding layers of intrigue and humor. Ultimately, "The Cat and the Canary" deftly balances horror and comedy, making it a quintessential classic that continues to entertain audiences with its smart direction, technical prowess, and outstanding performances.

"The Cat and the Canary" on Blu-ray stands out as a laudable release from Kino Lorber, offering an impeccable blend of video and audio quality. Directed by Elliott Nugent, this film amalgamates mystery, suspense, and comedy, making it a must-see for fans of Bob Hope and classic cinema. The film’s 75-minute runtime ensures a brisk pace without sacrificing narrative depth, elegantly leaning into murder mystery tropes to support its humor. The audio commentary, a key supplementary feature, adds further value, providing insightful context to the film.

Bob Hope and Paulette Goddard deliver standout performances, showcasing their undeniable chemistry. While comparisons with "The Ghost Breakers" are inevitable, "The Cat and the Canary" arguably offers a more cohesive plot, effectively balancing comedy with elements of horror. The transfer quality on this Blu-ray release is highly respectable, presenting the film in its best possible light for home viewing.

In conclusion, "The Cat and the Canary" combines robust production values with an expertly handled Blu-ray transfer by Kino Lorber. Every fan of Bob Hope or aficionados of classic horror-comedy should consider this release indispensable. Highly recommended.