Our Man in Havana Blu-ray Review

"Our Man in Havana" arrives on Blu-ray with an impressive AVC encoded 1080p transfer framed at 2.35:1, sourced from the Sony - Columbia catalog. The black and white CinemaScope presentation by Oswald Morris is brought to life with an organic and visually captivating high-definition look. The transfer maintains a consistent contrast, with only the slightest hint of image instability, most notably in the opening scene's horizontal pinstripes and garage door lines. These minor issues, however, do not detract from the overall outstanding quality of the visual experience, which transitions seamlessly between location work and set pieces.

Oswald Morris' masterful cinematography achieves sharp detail, deep blacks, excellent contrast, and fine shadow details. The film provides a picturesque view of Havana during a pivotal historical moment, filmed just months after Fidel Castro's rise to power. The high level of visual fidelity, combined with intriguing camera angles, underscores the impeccable restoration efforts. In addition to these technical merits, the Blu-ray offers viewers a precious glimpse of pre-decay Havana, adding to its historical and cinematic value. This transfer from Sony - Columbia stands as a testament to their reliability and dedication to restoring classic films with the utmost care.

The audio presentation of "Our Man in Havana" on Blu-Ray is delivered through a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track, despite some materials incorrectly listing it as a 1.0 mono track. The dialogue and effects, while clear and intelligible, carry a slightly boxy quality that does not substantially detract from the viewing experience. The music, composed by Frank Deniz and Laurence Deniz, is notably full-bodied and maintains high fidelity, contributing an engaging auditory dimension to the film, complete with catchy Cuban tunes that elevate the overall atmosphere.

Furthermore, the audio track is free from any age-related anomalies such as distortion or dropouts, ensuring a clean and consistent listening experience throughout. The soundtrack provides clarity in both the dialog and ambient soundscapes, ensuring the narrative remains accessible and immersive. Additionally, the release includes English SDH subtitles, offering support for a broader range of audiences without compromising the original audio integrity.

The extras offered on the Blu-ray of "Our Man in Havana" are modest but noteworthy additions, providing a deeper dive into the film’s context and craftsmanship. The isolated music and effects track, presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, offers an enriched auditory experience, separating the sumptuous score from the dialogue. The ​original theatrical trailer​, although showing minor wear, remains an enjoyable archival piece. The physical edition includes a booklet, graced with a perceptive essay by Julie Kirgo, complementing three still photographs and a reproduction of the original movie poster.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Theatrical Trailer: An archival piece, albeit with a few scratches.
• Isolated Music and Effects Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• Essay by Julie Kirgo: Insightful and witty analysis.
• Stills and Poster: Includes three still photographs and a reproduction of the original movie poster.

"Our Man in Havana" is a cleverly crafted cinematic spoof of British Intelligence, skillfully adapted by Graham Greene from his own novel and expertly directed by Carol Reed. The film revolves around James Wormold (Alec Guinness), a vacuum cleaner salesman in pre-revolutionary Cuba who unexpectedly gets recruited as a secret agent by the enigmatic Hawthorne (Noël Coward). Greene’s narrative ingeniously blends comedy and satire to depict Wormold's improvised espionage efforts. Throughout the movie, the character interactions and subtle satirical humor provide an engaging glimpse into the absurdity of spy operations. The film features authentic black-and-white location cinematography by Oswald Morris, capturing Havana during the final months of the Batista regime.

Despite Wormold's complete lack of experience, he orchestrates an elaborate series of lies about his espionage activities to appease his handlers in London and ensure financial stability for his daughter Milly (Jo Morrow). Key relationships, such as between Wormold and his confidant Dr. Hasselbacher (Burl Ives), add depth to the plot, with Hasselbacher advising him to fabricate reports. This duplicity leads to increasingly amusing scenarios, such as when London sends Beatrice Severn (Maureen O’Hara) to assist Wormold, complicating his ruse further. The humorous tension is supplemented by Ernie Kovaks' well-received portrayal of Captain Segura, adding dramatic undertones.

The film’s second half takes darker turns while maintaining its comedic essence. However, a notable continuity error at the 1:37:21 mark detracts momentarily from the immersion. Nonetheless, "Our Man in Havana" remains a delightful blend of comedy and espionage, enriched by Reed and Greene’s collaboration. This nuanced entertainment highlights a quintessentially British stiff-upper-lip approach amid absurd circumstances, though at times it feels slightly forced compared to earlier Ealing comedies featuring Guinness.

Twilight Time and Sony have delivered a delightful Blu-ray edition of "Our Man in Havana," a film marked by both a unique narrative and technical brilliance. The high-definition transfer brings to life the exotic Cuban locales with sharpness and vibrancy, preserving the film's original visual appeal. The audio track is equally impressive, providing clear dialogue and a rich soundscape that complements the film's setting and era. While the film's satirical take on British intelligence is smart and slyly provocative, it is the remarkable cast that truly elevates the material. Their performances bring charisma and nuance, infusing believability into even the most outlandish moments.

One downside is the scant selection of supplemental materials, which may disappoint those hoping for an in-depth exploration of the film's production and historical context. However, what it lacks in extras, it more than makes up for in sheer viewing pleasure. This limited edition release, capped at 3,000 units, is a must-have for collectors and cinephiles alike. Potential buyers should check availability through the Twilight Time or Screen Archives websites to secure their copy.

In conclusion, while Greene's jaundiced take on his homeland doesn’t always seamlessly translate to the screen, "Our Man in Havana" stands out for its intelligent dialogue and provocative themes. The Blu-ray release boasts first-rate technical merits despite a lack of extensive supplements. The film's charm, combined with its excellent presentation, makes it a recommended addition to any collection.