The Four Feathers Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Zoltan Korda's "The Four Feathers" displays an intricate blend of classic Technicolor charm and meticulous high-definition restoration. Presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC transfer, the film benefits from a detailed restoration process using Spirit 2K Datacine and advanced cleaning systems like MTI's DRS and Pixel Farm's PFClean. The colors are richly saturated, typical of Technicolor productions, establishing a pleasing contrast and vivid imagery. Close-ups reveal commendable detail, although occasionally affected by color saturation, such as the red glow around certain items, which adds to its unique visual identity rather than any transfer flaws. Film grain is consistently present, underscoring the film's classic texture, although it can appear slightly thicker in some scenes.

Despite its strong presentation, the transfer is not without minor issues. Periodic specks, vertical lines, and scratches appear throughout the print but are seldom a major distraction. Additionally, a moderate level of grain occasionally seems harsher than usual. While the Technicolor palette shines, presenting bold hues and solid black levels consistently, there are moments of pulsing and color fluctuations, and some parts appear slightly faded with low contrast. These imperfections slightly detract from the viewing experience but do not overshadow the overall integrity and beauty of the restored cinematography. "The Four Feathers" may not have undergone as thorough a restoration as other Criterion releases, but it still offers a visually compelling and historically rich presentation on Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray of "The Four Feathers" features an uncompressed English Mono LPCM 1.0 audio track with optional English SDH subtitles, ensuring accessibility for those who need it. The original monaural soundtrack has been meticulously remastered at 24-bit from an optical track negative, using advanced techniques to manually remove clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum, and to attenuate crackle with AudioCube's integrated station. Despite the inherent limitations of a film that is over 70 years old, the audio work done here is commendable.

Dialogue throughout the film is crisp and easily discernible—an impressive feat given the film's vintage. Mikl�s R�zsa's musical score benefits from the lossless treatment, though it slightly lacks in dynamic range. While some mild hiss is occasionally noticeable and characteristic of older films, it does not significantly detract from the overall audio experience. Notably, in one battle sequence featuring multiple sound elements such as gunshots, trumpets, shouting, and cackling fire, the mix skillfully presents each distinct sound without muddying them together. This level of distinction within the single-channel track showcases a solid balance between speech, music, and effects.

In summary, while the audio track unmistakably reflects the era in which "The Four Feathers" was produced, it remains a robust presentation. Dialogue and effects maintain good fidelity, though they exhibit some expected thinness and occasional distortion at high and low frequencies. The background hiss is minimal and generally unobtrusive, and while bass activity is naturally subdued, the track strikes a pleasing balance. Overall, this remastered audio serves the film admirably and stands as a testament to the remarkable restoration efforts undertaken.

The Blu-ray release of "The Four Feathers" by Criterion includes a thoughtful collection of extras that delve deeply into the film's production, historical context, and the legacy of the Korda family. The audio commentary by British film historian Charles Drazin is particularly noteworthy, offering an exhaustive examination of the film's thematic elements, cinematography, and deviations from the novel. This is complemented by a comprehensive interview with David Korda, elucidating his father Zoltan Korda's career and personal stories. Additionally, the vintage promotional film "A Day at Denham" provides a fascinating glimpse into the workings of London Film Productions, further enhanced by behind-the-scenes footage. These extras are rendered in 1080p with English Dolby Digital mono sound, sans subtitles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Film Historian Charles Drazin: In-depth analysis of the film and its production.
• David Korda Interview: Insightful discussion about Zoltan Korda’s life and legacy.
• A Day at Denham: Vintage promotional film on London Film Productions’ studios.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for "The Four Feathers".

Zoltan Korda's The Four Feathers (1939), an adaptation of A.E.W. Mason's renowned novel, has been heralded as one of cinema's irreplaceable classics, and Criterion’s Blu-ray release does it justice. The movie, known for its nominations for prestigious awards such as the Palme d'Or and an Oscar for Best Cinematography, plunges viewers into a visually and emotionally compelling tale of redemption. Set in the 1880s, the story follows Harry Faversham (John Clements), a young man who initially shirks the military legacy of his family, thereby earning the "coward" label from his peers. Faversham's profound internal conflict spurs him on a journey to regain his honor, eventually transforming into a symbol of bravery amidst the harrowing backdrop of the Sudanese desert battles.

The film excels in its grandiose depiction of epic landscapes and meticulous attention to period detail. Both Osmond Borradaile and Georges Périnal's cinematography deliver mesmerizing panoramic shots reminiscent of the later masterpieces like Lawrence of Arabia. The Technicolor visuals bring out the vivid intricacies of the desert vistas, military uniforms, and period-specific decors. Complementing this visual splendor is Miklós Rózsa’s evocative score, which significantly enhances the film's dramatic undertones. The battle scenes, teeming with extras and complex choreography, highlight a time when filmcraft relied on sheer logistical prowess rather than digital enhancements.

The narrative’s pacing is broken into episodic segments that offer mini-climaxes, keeping audiences engaged while emphasizing Harry's evolution from perceived cowardice to undeniable valor. Ralph Richardson’s portrayal of Captain John Durrance stands out, adding depth to the story's secondary characters and enriching the primary love triangle involving Ethne Burroughs (June Duprez). Despite certain ideological blemishes concerning British imperialism that date the film, The Four Feathers remains a vital piece of cinematic history—one that deftly balances personal storytelling with sweeping historical spectacle.

Zoltan Korda's adaptation of "The Four Feathers" stands as the quintessential rendition of A.E.W. Mason's timeless novel, amplified by the film's splendid Technicolor visuals captured on location in Sudan. This Blu-ray edition, presented by Criterion, revitalizes the classic with remarkable detail. Despite the visible signs of aging in both video and audio presentations, the panoramic cinematography and captivating adventure remain engaging. British film historian Charles Drazin provides a new and highly informative commentary that enriches the viewing experience and accentuates the film’s historical context.

"The Four Feathers" epitomizes epic cinema through its dramatic portrayal of themes such as redemption and courage, capturing the essence of grand storytelling from Hollywood's golden age. While the overall package from Criterion is considered relatively light in supplemental content, what is available, particularly Drazin's commentary, adds significant value. The production's impressive ability to blend entertainment with literary substance ensures its place as an enduring classic.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Four Feathers" breathes new life into Korda's masterpiece, allowing both aficionados and new viewers to appreciate its cinematic brilliance. Although not without flaws in its audio-visual quality, the sweeping adventure, combined with insightful commentary, makes this disc a commendable addition to any film enthusiast's collection. Recommended.