The Lavender Hill Mob Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.33:1 (or 1.37:1 depending on the source), and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Charles Crichton's "The Lavender Hill Mob" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber in a 1080p transfer. This release is sourced from a 2K restoration completed early in high-definition's lifecycle. The restoration was initially released in the UK via StudioCanal's defunct partner Optimum Home Entertainment.

The restoration is commendable for its authentic visual treatment, avoiding excessive digital manipulation that can often detract from the original cinematography. Though current technology could offer room for further enhancements, such as improved density levels through higher-quality scans or additional manual cleanup, these adjustments would largely be cosmetic. The grayscale is well-maintained with strong black levels and whites that don't bloom, adding to the film's sharp and detailed images. Some minor density inconsistencies remain, a result of the mixed-source original footage, but these do not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience.

In terms of fluidity and clarity, the existing 2K restoration delivers a convincing presentation, making it easy to enjoy the film. A new grading job could enhance details further but would need to be finely tuned to preserve the current nuances. Despite a few random scratches along the film’s left frame edge, the transfer remains impressive with a minimal presence of age marks. Note that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release, requiring a native Region-A or Region-Free player for viewing. The main menu’s lack of a chapter index is a minor downside, but the movie is effectively divided into 8 chapters for navigation.

The Blu-ray release of "The Lavender Hill Mob" features a singular English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, paired with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. This audio presentation captures the film's essence from the early 1950s with commendable fidelity. While some minor dynamic fluctuations and unevenness can be detected, this appears inherent to the original soundtrack. Overall, the clarity and depth are impressive, and the subtitles prove beneficial given the occasional thicker accents of the characters.

The era-appropriate DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono sound mix effectively complements the film’s age, though it sounds somewhat thin in places. Despite these occasional limitations, the dialogue, sound effects, and Georges Auric’s charming score are well-integrated, offering a harmonious listening experience. Notably, age-related artifacts such as hiss, hum, flutter, and crackle have been meticulously removed, ensuring a pristine audio track that will satisfy both purists and contemporary viewers alike.

The Blu-ray release of "The Lavender Hill Mob" offers an enriching collection of extra features that elevate the viewing experience for both casual fans and cinephiles. The archival video introduction by Martin Scorsese provides a fitting homage to this classic, emphasizing its significance and influence. The interview with T.E.B. Clarke is particularly insightful, offering an in-depth look at the screenwriter's life and career, whilst the audio interview with Director Charles Crichton delivers a rare glimpse into his creative process through excerpts from the BECTU history project. Jeremy Arnold's audio commentary is meticulously detailed, touching on various elements such as production history, humor integration, scene locations, and actor chemistry—it’s an indispensable resource for deep-diving into the film's intricacies. The inclusion of vintage and additional trailers serves as a nostalgic nod to the era.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction: Archival video introduction by director Martin Scorsese.
• Good Afternoon: Mavis interviews T.E.B. Clarke: Informative interview with writer T.E.B. Clarke.
• Interview with Director Charles Crichton: Excerpts from the BECTU history project.
• Commentary: Film historian Jeremy Arnold discusses the film’s production and more.
• Trailer: A vintage trailer for "The Lavender Hill Mob".
• Additional Trailers: Trailers for other Kino Lorber releases.

Charles Crichton's The Lavender Hill Mob (1951) is a quintessential example of caper comedy, seamlessly blending witty humor with inventive direction. The plot revolves around Henry Holland (Alec Guinness), a meek bank clerk, and his eccentric cohort, Alfred Pendlebury (Stanley Holloway), as they hatch an elaborate plan to steal gold bullion from their bank. They ingeniously decide to melt the gold into souvenir Eiffel Tower paperweights, which are then shipped to Paris for sale on the black market. The pair's journey is accompanied by Lackery (Sidney James), a safe cracker, and Shorty (Alfie Bass), a man with various special skills.

The movie takes audiences through a whirlwind of unexpected twists and comedic situations, aligning suspense with cleverly placed humor. The screenplay, penned by T.E.B. Clarke, never ceases to impress with its originality and audacity. The story is predominantly told in flashbacks, revealing the plan's clever execution and ensuing misfires that keep the gang perpetually on edge. A notable highlight is the beautifully edited Eiffel Tower sequence in Paris, which adds a touch of classical whimsy to the film.

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its performances, particularly by Alec Guinness, whose transformation from a mousy bank clerk to a daring crook earned him his first Oscar nomination. Stanley Holloway’s chemistry with Guinness as his loyal accomplice adds depth to the caper’s tension. Additionally, Charles Crichton’s direction excels in staging creative sequences, such as the frantic chases through London and the uproarious skittering down the Eiffel Tower's winding steps. These scenes not only enhance the humorous tone but also deliver incisive satirical commentary. The supporting cast, including Sidney James and Alfie Bass, contribute significantly to the film's charm, making The Lavender Hill Mob a timeless gem in the comedy genre.

The Lavender Hill Mob remains an endearing and timeless masterpiece in the realm of classic British comedy, and Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release does full justice to this beloved film. Directed by Charles Crichton, this captivating heist thriller stands the test of time with its masterful blend of humor, suspense, and social commentary. The new release benefits greatly from Studio Canal's stunning 2K restoration, ensuring that the visuals are both crisp and authentic to the film's original presentation.

The Blu-ray release impresses further with its array of bonus features. In addition to all previously available legacy features, this edition includes an exclusive, insightful audio commentary by film historian Jeremy Arnold, which provides valuable context and enhances the viewing experience. This makes the release not only a fantastic preservation effort but also an enriched educational resource for cinephiles and scholars alike.

In conclusion, The Lavender Hill Mob stands out as one of Ealing Studios' finest offerings. The humor, combined with expertly crafted action sequences and an irresistible charm, maintains its place as a must-watch classic. Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release, with its technical excellence and thoughtful additional content, is a highly recommended acquisition for any film enthusiast’s collection.