The Great McGinty Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "The Great McGinty," sourced from a new 4K master and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, presents the film in a stunning 1080p transfer. The presentation retains the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, maintaining the authenticity of the film's historical context. The transfer impresses with its excellent balance of contrast, clarity, and gray level variance. These elements combined produce a vibrant and detailed image that showcases the film’s nuanced visual composition effectively, even on larger screens.

While there are a few minor issues such as occasional transitions where more in-depth restoration could enhance stability and density fluctuations, these are negligible and do not significantly detract from the overall quality. The film’s inherent qualities shine through beautifully with rich black levels, balanced whites, and strong shadow delineation. Natural grain structure is preserved throughout, ensuring that the celluloid feel remains intact. Though some shots display more grain than others, these variations are brief and forgivable considering the age of the film.

Overall, the video quality of this Blu-ray release is notable for its depth, clarity, fluidity, and healthy presentation. Close-ups render fine facial features well, and even garish patterns remain stable. While faint print damage is visible to the very keen-eyed viewer, it doesn’t hinder the enjoyment of this classic comedy. This Region-A locked Blu-ray is a valuable addition for enthusiasts who appreciate meticulously restored presentations.

The Blu-ray release of "The Great McGinty" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, which is remarkable for its clarity, depth, and stability. Optional English SDH subtitles are also provided for the main feature. Despite the occasional slight background hiss detectable at higher volumes, modern digital tools could have easily addressed this minor issue. Notably, there are no audio dropouts or digital distortions present in the track.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track delivers well-modulated sound with exceptional fidelity and tonal depth. Frederick Hollander's music score is rendered beautifully, filling the room effortlessly, and a broad dynamic range ensures that all highs and lows are handled without any distortion. Dialogue is consistently clear and easy to comprehend, while sound effects such as gunfire and breaking objects are crisp and distinct. Impressively, despite the film's age, there are no signs of age-related hiss, pops, or crackles, making "The Great McGinty" sound impressive for an 80-year-old film.

The Extras on the Blu-ray of "The Great McGinty" offer a compact yet insightful collection that enriches the viewer's understanding of this classic film. Notably, film historian Samm Deighan provides a meticulously researched and engaging audio commentary, exclusive to this Kino Lorber release, which is a highlight for any classic film aficionado. Her discussions are both informative and enjoyable, adding immense value for those interested in cinematic history. Additionally, the inclusion of the film's vintage theatrical trailer and a selection of trailers for other Preston Sturges films serves as a delightful nod to the era.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Vintage trailer for The Great McGinty.
• Commentary: New audio commentary by critic Samm Deighan.
• Additional Trailers: Previews for Christmas in July, The Good Fairy, Death Takes a Holiday, Road to Morocco.

Preston Sturges' The Great McGinty is a highly relevant and engaging satire that transcends its era to speak to the enduring issues of political corruption. Sturges' debut as a writer-director is nothing short of extraordinary, using his razor-sharp wit to critique the mechanics of political machines similar to those seen in contemporary America. The film opens in a Banana Republic nightclub where an ex-politician-turned-bartender (Brian Donlevy) narrates his rise from a destitute bum to the governor through corrupt practices. His journey begins on a chilly election night when he casts multiple fraudulent votes, catching the eye of the political Boss (Akim Tamiroff), who inducts him into a world of graft and skullduggery. As McGinty climbs the political ladder, his honest moments clash with his ingrained cynicism, leading to dramatic yet sometimes melodramatic consequences.

The film's strength lies in its sharp, insightful humor, which offers a masterclass in corruption and political maneuvering. Donlevy's performance as the morally flexible McGinty is both charismatic and convincing, while Tamiroff's portrayal of the scheming Boss delivers numerous unforgettable truth-bombs. The cast, although devoid of major stars, excels under Sturges' confident direction. Muriel Angelus, as McGinty's wife Catherine, provides a sincere counterbalance to Donlevy's brashness, contributing to the film’s nuanced look at personal and political reformation.

Cinematographer William C. Mellor's work ensures The Great McGinty looks polished despite its modest budget, and Friedrich Hollaender's lively orchestral score adds to its brisk pace. Sturges' seamless blend of satire and social commentary results in a film that not only entertains but also offers substantial reflections on the nature of power and integrity. This Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber preserves the film’s sharpness with a 1080p transfer and optional English SDH subtitles, ensuring that modern audiences can fully appreciate this gem of early Hollywood satire.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "The Great McGinty" vividly showcases Preston Sturges' craft in a whole new light. This film brilliantly lampoons political corruption, delivering sharp, snappy dialogues and a rollicking narrative that is just as relevant today as it was at its debut 80 years ago. The 4K master offers an exceptional upgrade over the old DVD release, ensuring that the visual quality does justice to Sturges’ satirical masterpiece. Though the extras are minimal, the presentation is top-notch, making this an essential addition to any classic film enthusiast's collection.

"The Great McGinty" stands out not just for its sharp dialogue and biting satire, but also for its historical significance. It marks Preston Sturges' transition from screenwriter to director, laying the foundation for his future works in Hollywood. The performances are memorable, with Akim Tamiroff delivering a standout portrayal deserving of an Oscar nomination as the shady and powerful boss. The humor interwoven with social commentary makes this film deeply engaging and truly timeless.

The quality of the writing in this film is sensational, so Preston Sturges' Oscar is well-deserved. However, Akim Tamiroff should have earned at least an Oscar nomination because he is simply incredible as the shady and brutish boss that transforms the life of Brian Donlevy's 'slug'. The film is genuinely hilarious and in today’s socio-cultural environment, its cynicism feels beyond refreshing. Kino Lorber's release of "The Great McGinty" is sourced from a nice new 4K master that offers quite an upgrade in quality over the old DVD release produced more than a decade ago. Highly recommended.