Reap the Wild Wind Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Reap the Wild Wind" from Kino Lorber features a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition transfer in the original 1.37:1 theatrical aspect ratio. The presentation retains the pillar-boxed opening credits while keeping the main film devoid of black bars, staying true to its original format. Notably, the color reproduction is quite commendable, showcasing the rich Technicolor photography effectively and keeping the image filmic, with a naturally preserved grain structure. However, the age of the scan is apparent, with occasional particles of dust and thin scratches marring the viewing experience, indicating a limited amount of restorative work.

Despite these minor imperfections, the HD transfer provides a marked improvement over previous home video iterations. Grain is consistently strong and organic, lending authenticity to the filmic experience. Technicolor hues are rendered faithfully, with minimal registry errors and fine details remaining intact. While not without flaws, the absence of excessive dirt, scratches, or tears speaks to a solid encoding effort. Thus, this Blu-ray presentation is likely the definitive version for home viewing, making it an essential acquisition for cinephiles and classic film enthusiasts alike.

The audio presentation of "Reap the Wild Wind" on Blu-ray is delivered in DTS-HD Master Audio mono, offering a reasonably impressive soundtrack given the age of the source material. The dialogue reproduction is exceptional; voices are clear and strong, allowing for an engaging listening experience. While the music score by Victor Young may sound slightly thin and less pronounced than desired, it remains free from disruptive elements such as hiss, pops, or other audio defects. This balanced clarity is a significant advantage of the lossless mix.

Moreover, sound effects are robust and integrate well with the overall audio track, providing strong ambiance and fidelity without being overly intrusive. Notably, despite the film's historical background, the DTS-HD Master Audio track ensures that issues typically associated with older films—such as crackling, hissing, or distortion—are virtually non-existent. Optional English subtitles are also available, catering to diverse viewer needs and ensuring accessibility. Overall, this audio presentation marks a significant improvement over previous editions and likely stands as the definitive audio experience for this classic film.

The Blu Ray extras for "Reap the Wild Wind" offer a comprehensive dive into the historical and production aspects of the film. The Animated Image Gallery, featuring nearly 200 high-resolution stills, provides an insightful behind-the-scenes look, although the lack of chapter skip functionality and musical accompaniment detracts slightly from the experience. Additionally, a selection of trailers, both for "Reap the Wild Wind" and other Kino Lorber titles, enriches the offering with contextual marketing materials. These elements collectively enhance the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film's legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

Animated Image Gallery: High-resolution stills from production and promotional materials. Reap the Wild Wind Trailer: Original promotional trailer. Bonus KLSC Trailers:

• The Spoilers
• Pittsburgh
• Legend of the Lost
• Brannigan
• Panic in Year Zero
• The Premature Burial
• X: The Man With the X-Ray Eyes

"Reap the Wild Wind," directed by Cecil B. DeMille, is a Technicolor adventure set in the turbulent Florida Keys of the 1840s. The story centers around Loxi Claiborne (Paulette Goddard), a headstrong woman running her family's salvage business, and the two men vying for her affections: Captain Jack Stuart (John Wayne) and Stephen Tolliver (Ray Milland). The plot revolves around shipwrecks, courtroom drama, and a memorable climactic battle with a giant squid, which showcases the film's impressive special effects—a factor that arguably earned it an Oscar for the same.

Despite the film's visually striking qualities, including lush cinematography by Victor Milner and rich production design by Hans Dreier, which received Oscar nominations, "Reap the Wild Wind" falls short in narrative execution. The screenplay by Alan Le May, Charles Bennett, and Jesse Lasky Jr. suffers from inconsistency and poorly developed characters. While DeMille's direction provides some grandeur, it is undermined by a sluggish pace and a lack of cohesive storytelling. The film's editing by Anne Bauchens exacerbates these issues, leading to a lengthy and often dragging middle section.

The cast delivers commendable performances, with Paulette Goddard embodying a fiery Southern belle and John Wayne stepping outside his typical western roles. Ray Milland adds depth as Wayne's romantic rival. However, these performances cannot fully compensate for the film's structural weaknesses. The costume designs by Natalie Visart also deserve recognition, adding a layer of visual appeal to an otherwise uneven film. Despite its flaws, "Reap the Wild Wind" remains a notable entry in DeMille's filmography for its technical achievements and larger-than-life production values.

Kino Lorber delivers a solid Blu-ray presentation of "Reap the Wild Wind," an adventurous spectacle directed by the legendary Cecil B. DeMille. Set amidst the high seas, the film showcases John Wayne, Ray Milland, and Paulette Goddard as they navigate a lush maritime narrative that is as captivating as it is visually striking. While some viewers may find portions of the film meandering and lacking in excitement until the climactic finale, the overall production shines through with its grandiose set pieces and characteristically lavish DeMille direction.

Audio and visual fidelity on this Blu-ray release are commendable, with Kino ensuring a crisp and vibrant transfer that honors the film's original Technicolor glory. Fans of classic cinema will particularly appreciate the attention to detail in the restoration efforts. The audio quality accentuates the film’s score and dialogue, delivering an immersive experience that resonates with the grandeur of Old Hollywood.

In conclusion, "Reap the Wild Wind" may not sustain peak excitement throughout its runtime, but it remains a valuable piece of cinematic history and a testament to DeMille's filmmaking prowess. This Blu-ray release is highly recommended for collectors, fans of John Wayne or Cecil B. DeMille, and those who appreciate classic adventure films with high production values. While it may not convert every modern viewer, it stands as an important and entertaining slice of 1940s Hollywood escapism.