High Road to China Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray transfer of "High Road to China" is a subject of significant debate, primarily due to the notable deficiencies in the video presentation. Despite Hen’s Tooth's efforts and the use of the original camera negative (OCN) for the 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray, the end result is often lackluster. The overall image quality is marred by a pervasive lack of detail, with many scenes appearing murky and soft. Night scenes, in particular, suffer from excessive grain and fluctuating contrast jitters. This transfer does maintain a film-like texture, but issues with contrast and brightness persist throughout, leading to washed-out details and poorly defined black levels.

The video presentation frequently fails to demonstrate the detail capabilities expected of a high-definition format. While there are moments of improved resolution, such as certain close-up shots or specific interior scenes, these are too sporadic to redeem the overall visual fidelity. Colors are generally muted and drab, predominantly featuring greens and browns, with occasional pops of reds in costumes. Skin tones range from ruddy to anaemic, further exacerbated by uneven brightness levels. Moreover, an unusual edit during a sequence in Nepal underscores the inconsistency of the transfer.

The aspect ratio presented on the Blu-ray is 1.78:1, slightly differing from the theatrical 1.85:1. Though this adjustment is common for HDTV compatibility, it doesn't impact the framing significantly but adds another layer to the disparities in presentation quality. The original intention behind Ronnie Taylor’s cinematography was likely a realistic and earthy aesthetic; however, this Blu-ray fails to elevate it to a more vibrant visual medium. Consequently, while the transfer may preserve the film’s authenticity, it leaves much to be desired in terms of visual clarity and engagement.

The audio presentation of "High Road to China" on Blu-ray is a mixed bag that maintains fidelity to its original source but falls short in several aspects. The DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono track faithfully reproduces the original film's audio, adhering to the technical norms of the era it was produced in. While some may appreciate the untouched, raw nature of this audio track, it does come with its drawbacks. Dialogue is generally clear but lacks distinction, often sounding brittle and muddy, particularly during quieter scenes. The track struggles with background noise and hiss, which becomes evident in scenes like O'Malley and Struts' visit to the village shaman.

John Barry's score, a notable asset of the film, is unfortunately constrained by this mono mix. Its dynamic range tries to lift the narrative but sounds hemmed-in and strained. There are moments, such as during the dogfight sequence, where the sound editors' efforts are apparent; however, these instances are exceptions rather than the rule. The pyrotechnic effects and the whirring of biplane engines add some bass extension, but overall, the audio presentation feels subdued and damped-down, lacking in clarity and detail. The track’s strongest moments include some well-rendered ambient sounds like whistling birdsong, which stand out due to their vividness amidst an otherwise muted audio landscape.

Despite these issues, it's worth noting that the audio has not been digitally manipulated or tampered with, staying true to its original form. This technical adherence to the original source will resonate with purists, though it might leave others wishing for a more refined auditory experience.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "High Road to China" are quite minimal. The disc includes the film’s theatrical trailer presented in HD with superior contrast, arguably better than the footage in the actual film. However, there is a lack of additional content which may disappoint enthusiasts looking for a more comprehensive package. The trailer itself is brief but well-produced, highlighting key scenes without spoiling too much. Unfortunately, those hoping for more behind-the-scenes features or interviews will find these offerings rather limited.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Presented in HD with superior contrast, showcases key scenes effectively.

"High Road to China" offers an intriguing throwback to 1930s adventure tales, headlined by Tom Selleck, who almost took on the role of Indiana Jones. The film, directed by Brian G. Hutton, follows heiress Eve Tozer (Bess Armstrong) on a quest to find her missing father before his business partner seizes control of their company. Accompanied by the disenchanted World War I pilot Patrick O'Malley (Tom Selleck), the duo's journey spans from Afghanistan to China, encountering various perils and colorful characters along the way. While the narrative has potential, it often falls into predictable and lackluster sequences that detract from its charm.

Selleck's portrayal of O'Malley is solid but lacks the flair needed to elevate the film beyond mediocrity. Paired with Armstrong, their chemistry is undeniably the film's strongest suit. However, even their engaging banter can't wholly redeem the viewing experience. The romantic action comedy aims to balance adventure and humor but falls short with uninspired set pieces and a climax that feels more obligatory than exhilarating. Despite affording a nostalgic glimpse into past cinematic styles, the script and execution do not deliver enough excitement or innovation to captivate contemporary audiences.

Visually and sonically, the Blu-Ray release mirrors the film's uneven quality. The high-definition transfer is hampered by a lack of restoration, leaving the picture raw and gritty without enhancing it in any meaningful way. Fans of the genre or Selleck’s work might appreciate this addition to their collection for its nostalgic value. However, for those seeking dynamic visuals or an immersive audio experience, this release is underwhelming. Releasing simultaneously on DVD and Blu-Ray under Hen’s Tooth Video, "High Road to China" offers more as a historical curiosity than a compelling adventure film.

` The Blu-Ray release of "High Road to China" by Hen's Tooth Video presents a mixed bag of both commendable effort and technical shortcomings. The transfer quality leaves much to be desired, with an image that, although clean, lacks the sharpness and depth expected of high-definition releases. Grain structure is inconsistently managed, resulting in sporadic moments of clarity amidst a generally soft presentation. Color reproduction is serviceable but doesn't fully capture the film's rich, period-appropriate palette, often appearing muted. The audio fares somewhat better, with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that delivers clear dialogue and decent sound effects, though it lacks the immersive qualities that a modern surround sound mix might provide.

From a packaging perspective, Hen's Tooth has put together a respectable offering, albeit without any substantial extras. The inclusion of only a theatrical trailer feels like a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the film's production or historical context, which could have given long-time fans more value. The packaging itself, while sturdy, features minimalistic artwork that might not entice new viewers yet does provide a nostalgic appeal for those familiar with the original poster design.

Fans of "High Road to China" who have waited this long will no doubt be disappointed by this review (and if not by the review, then by the screenshots). As a fellow fan, I share the disappointment. The usual reaction to such a release is to call for a boycott until it's reissued and done right, but in this case I think that would be counter-productive. Hen's Tooth Video is a tiny operation, not a multi-media conglomerate, and it has made an admirable effort to bring this neglected gem to the home video market when no one else was willing to do so. High Road isn't going to be reissued anytime soon, and boycotting it will simply discourage future efforts by such independent distributors. The more productive route is to rent or buy the disc and write Hen's Tooth a polite (polite!) letter emphasizing what they should do better next time. This is only their third outing as Blu-ray publishers, and if the experts here don't tell them, who will? That's as close as I can come to a recommendation of the disc. The film is terrific.