The Flame of New Orleans Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Flame of New Orleans" by Kino Lorber boasts a striking 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition presentation in the theatrical 1.33:1 full-frame aspect ratio. The renowned black-and-white cinematography by Rudolph Maté is beautifully rendered, with lush visuals elevating the viewing experience. Bright and vibrant imagery underscores much of the film, with excellent clarity, contrast, and a pleasing grayscale that honors Maté's sumptuous work. While there are instances of minor print damage, occasional specks, and vertical lines, these moments are not overly distracting to the overall presentation.

In terms of detail, the transfer enhances the textures and intricate design of the film's Oscar-nominated Art Direction-Interior Decoration, allowing viewers to appreciate close-ups and the glamour of Marlene Dietrich’s wardrobe in sharp detail. Crisp whites and deep blacks contribute to a strong grayscale spectrum, maintaining the visual integrity of celluloid through a healthy grain structure. Even when Dietrich’s face is partially veiled, the image quality captures the Hollywood glamor synonymous with the era. Despite some imperfections such as scratches, spotting, and flicker, the visual presentation remains consistently engaging and does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment.

Overall, while "The Flame of New Orleans" may not reach the pinnacle of some recent Kino Lorber Dietrich transfers, it stands as a noteworthy and commendable effort. The few technical issues observed do not overshadow the otherwise impressive and lustrous visual quality that pays homage to this classic film.

The audio presentation of "The Flame of New Orleans" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono soundtrack that excels in clarity and depth. Dialogue reproduction is consistently superb and understandable throughout, with no notable issues related to hiss, crackling, or other age-related artifacts. The track retains an admirable fidelity, preserving the integrity of the original production while enhancing the listening experience. Additionally, Marlene Dietrich's singing vocals are rendered rich and full, contributing to the film’s vibrant soundscape.

Frank Skinner's lilting and romantic musical score benefits tremendously from this high-quality audio encode. It presents a wide dynamic scale that handles both subtle nuances and more pronounced sonic elements without distortion. This meticulous treatment ensures that all aspects of the soundtrack—from soft atmospheric layers to more prominent audio details—are crisp and distinct. Overall, the lossless DTS-HD Master Audio track offers a clean, lively audio experience that is well-matched to the visual quality of the film. Optional English subtitles are available, providing further accessibility.

In sum, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track enriches "The Flame of New Orleans" by delivering a robust sound mix characterized by clarity, depth, and professionalism. The absence of any age-related audio imperfections combined with an excellent reproduction of dialogue and music make this audio presentation a noteworthy complement to the film's visuals.

The Blu-ray of "The Flame of New Orleans" includes a set of extras that, although limited, offer valuable insights and historical context for enthusiasts. The audio commentary, hosted by author/historian Lee Gambin and actress/film historian Rutanya Alda, delivers a lively and engaging discussion, blending Gambin’s detailed production analysis with Alda’s personal anecdotes and trivia about Marlene Dietrich. While some factual inaccuracies are noted, the commentary remains informative and compelling. Additionally, the disc features the original theatrical trailer and a selection of trailers for other classic films, further enriching the viewer's experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Lively discussion by author/historian Lee Gambin and actress/film historian Rutanya Alda.
• The Flame of New Orleans Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• The Blue Angel: Trailer for another Dietrich feature.
• The Song of Songs: Trailer for another Dietrich feature.
• The Spoilers: Trailer for another Dietrich feature.
• Pittsburgh: Trailer for another Dietrich feature.
• A Foreign Affair: Trailer for another Dietrich feature.
• No Highway in the Sky: Trailer for another Dietrich feature.
• Witness for the Prosecution: Trailer for another Dietrich feature.
• The Young in Heart: Trailer for another Dietrich feature.

"The Flame of New Orleans" is an engaging romantic adventure, illuminated by Marlene Dietrich's stellar performance. Dietrich, as the ambitious Claire Ledeux, seamlessly blends charm with a touch of the risqué, embodying a character who must decide between two romantic interests: the wealthy Charles Giraud (Roland Young) and the thrilling Captain Robert LaTour (Bruce Cabot). The lead role capitalizes on Dietrich's magnetic presence, elevating a narrative that, while light and carefree, captivates the audience with its playful twists and turns.

Technically, the film shines with its production design, art direction, and period costumes by Ren� Hubert, which enhance the storytelling. Clair's sophisticated direction combined with Rudolph Maté’s lush black-and-white cinematography imparts a romantic aura that aligns well with the film's setting. Despite some script limitations and censorship issues that led to cuts, the screenplay by Norman Krasna retains its charm, bolstered by deft editing by Frank Gross. The ensemble cast, including notable performances from Mischa Auer, Andy Devine, and Theresa Harris, fills in the comedic gaps left by Dietrich's more reserved comedic approach.

Overall, while "The Flame of New Orleans" may not rival the best comedies of its time or fully unleash Clair’s Lubitsch-like flair, it offers an artistic and delightful journey for fans of classic cinema. The movie sustains viewer interest through its charming characters and opulent visual appeal, even if its narrative may feel slightly fleeting. Dietrich's allure remains the centerpiece, making it a worthwhile viewing experience, especially for her admirers.

René Clair's "The Flame of New Orleans," released in 1941, stars Marlene Dietrich in a delightful yet lightweight romantic comedy. Renowned for her captivating screen presence, Dietrich elevates the film with a quality lead performance that endears her to fans old and new. The plot centers around sexual manipulation and a comedic masquerade, set against a visually appealing period backdrop. Despite its charming presentation and some clever moments, the film struggles to stand out within its genre.

Technically, the Blu-ray offers a good but not exceptional video transfer, maintaining the essence of the original cinematography. The audio quality is solid, preserving the period atmosphere René Clair intended. However, the movie’s pacing only truly picks up in its second half, making the first portion more of a slow burn. This uneven pacing may deter casual viewers, although dedicated Dietrich enthusiasts will find it a valuable addition to their high-definition collections.

In conclusion, "The Flame of New Orleans" is a charming diversion with impressive performances, particularly by Marlene Dietrich. While it may not be a masterpiece, its allure and historical value make it worth watching, especially for dedicated fans of the actress. Check it out.