The Devil and Daniel Webster Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Devil and Daniel Webster" presents the film in its original 1.37:1 theatrical aspect ratio using a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. The meticulous 4K restoration, collaboratively undertaken by esteemed institutions including UCLA Film & Television Archive and The Film Foundation, justifies this release as a significant visual upgrade over previous formats, notably surpassing Criterion’s 2003 DVD rendition. Sourced from the 35 mm nitrate original camera negative and a duplicate negative, the restored visuals exhibit film-like quality with graceful grain, enhanced clarity, and profound contrast. These attributes effectively amplify the film’s distinctive light and shadow interplay, epitomized by Joseph H. August’s celebrated cinematography.

Augmenting the historical texture, the restoration highlights deep blacks, well-defined whites, and distinct grays, forming a balanced grayscale that enriches both foregrounds and backgrounds. The precise delineation ensures that facial features and intricate set details are vividly rendered, while shadowy scenes maintain high contrast without succumbing to noise or crushing. Static density fluctuations are minimal and largely inherent from the original material, with occasional imperfections like minor nicks on the negative. Despite these slight remnants, the vibrancy and crispness of the imagery make this Blu-ray a sophisticated presentation that invites discernment of every cinematic intricacy.

Overall, this high-definition transfer not only revitalizes the visual experience for contemporary audiences but also honors the historical significance and artistic integrity of August's work. While some scenes exhibit a faint 'wavy' effect and sporadic dust specks earlier in the film, they do not detract from the immersive viewing experience this Blu-ray offers. Enthusiasts of classic cinema will find it a paramount version to own, providing an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate the film's artistry in a format indicative of today's technological capabilities.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "The Devil and Daniel Webster" manifests several technical facets worthy of attention. The English LPCM 1.0 monaural soundtrack, although inherently limited by its era, presents a noteworthy dynamic range. This remastering effort sourced from original film prints, including the 1943 rerelease and the 1941 preview version, affords an audio experience that balances historical authenticity with enhanced clarity. The soundtrack deftly handles the wide range of Bernard Herrmann’s Oscar-winning score, avoiding distortion and maintaining tonal richness throughout. Despite minor limitations inherent in a mono track from this period, audience engagement is facilitated by clear dialogue reproduction and precise sonic details such as sound effects involving animals and ambient noises.

Throughout the film's audio track, a possible underlying hiss typical of older films is effectively minimized. This accomplishment allows Herrmann’s iconic score to shine with full impact, enriching the cinematic narrative and emotional layers with its creative instrumentation. Dialogue and sonic elements are well-prioritized, amplifying viewing immersion without distractions from age-related defects like pops or crackle. The high-quality restoration seems conscious of maintaining a balance between combating any detrimental audio relics of its age and conserving the film’s historical essence.

Overall, despite being constrained to a mono format, the restoration achieves remarkable audio fidelity. The culmination of these efforts notably elevates the cinematic experience by fostering clarity and dynamic contrasts that were meticulously engineered to suit the film's distinctive score and expressive dialogues. This competent remastering ensures that both dialogue and music hold center stage effectively, rendering Bernard Herrmann’s celebrated composition particularly resonant and impactful.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Devil and Daniel Webster" are a rich and varied collection that enhances appreciation for this classic film. The set retains much from the 2003 Criterion DVD, with additions that provide fresh insights. The Audio Commentary by Bruce Eder and Bernard Herrmann biographer Steven C. Smith, updated in 2003, is especially noteworthy, offering detailed production history and analysis of Herrmann’s score. Alec Baldwin's reading of "The Devil and Daniel Webster" provides a compelling auditory experience of Stephen Vincent Benét's story. Jeff Smith's Observations on Film Art delves into the film's editing techniques, and the Version Comparison highlights edits between different releases. The Restoration Demonstration offers a fascinating look at the film's audio-visual improvements. Radio dramatizations from the Columbia Workshop enrich understanding of Benét's work, supported by film historian analyses and historical context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: An insightful commentary by film historian Bruce Eder and Bernard Herrmann biographer Steven C. Smith.
• Version Comparison: Highlights differences between the 1941 preview and 1943 rerelease versions.
• The Devil and Daniel Webster: Alec Baldwin reads the original story by Stephen Vincent Benét.
• Observations on Film Art: Film scholar Jeff Smith examines the visual style and structure.
• The Columbia Workshop: Radio dramatizations of Benét's stories, featuring music by Bernard Herrmann.
• Restoration Demonstration: Before-and-after comparisons with restoration details.
• Trailer: Vintage trailer of the film.
• Leaflet: Includes an essay by Tom Piazza and a 1941 article by Vincent Benét.

William Dieterle's "The Devil and Daniel Webster," initially released as "All That Money Can Buy," is a visually striking cinematic exploration of the classic folktale that pits humanity against temptation in the personage of the devil, Mr. Scratch, played by Walter Huston. Huston delivers an Oscar-nominated performance, bringing to life a devil who is both charming and sinister, fundamentally shaping the film’s narrative through his nuanced portrayal. The film’s narrative revolves around Jabez Stone, a farmer whose desperate pact with Mr. Scratch leads to wealth but eventual moral decay. James Craig captures Stone's turbulent journey with keen intensity, projecting his character's descent into greed and eventual realization of his folly. Edward Arnold complements this dynamic as Daniel Webster, the statesman and orator tasked with redeeming Stone. His climactic debate with Mr. Scratch is a pièce de résistance of the film, dramatizing profound themes of justice and redemption.

The film stands out for its artistic cinematography by Joseph August, effectively blending elements of supernatural intrigue into the rural 19th-century New England setting. The visual storytelling is elevated by Bernard Herrmann’s Academy Award-winning score, which underscores the film's dramatic tension and moral undertones. The creative use of shadows, reverse film stock imagery, and other techniques crafts an atmosphere that feels both authentic and fantastical. Such elements are reminiscent of Dieterle’s other works like "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," showcasing his adeptness at weaving fantastical and real-world elements.

Despite its initial commercial struggles and historical re-editing, "The Devil and Daniel Webster" has retained significance, resonating as a cautionary tale relevant to contemporary audiences. The Criterion Blu-ray release restores this cinematic gem to its original form, enhancing both its picture and thematic resonance, ensuring that Dieterle's masterfully unsettling vision can be appreciated for its enduring artistry and depth.

"All That Money Can Buy", a retelling of "The Devil and Daniel Webster," is revived beautifully through Criterion's 4K restoration, offering a visual and auditory upgrade that transforms this classic into a must-have collectible for cinephiles. The film navigates well-trodden themes with elegance, and Dieterle's meticulous direction, coupled with capable performances—particularly Huston's impish portrayal of the devil—create an engaging supernatural narrative. The balance of dark themes, gentle human interactions, and touches of homespun humor makes the film memorable and enduringly relevant.

Criterion's edition excels not just in picture quality but also in delivering an immersive viewing package with a significant array of supplements that enrich the experience beyond the main feature. The restoration ensures immaculate picture clarity and audio fidelity, underscoring Bernard Herrmann's Oscar-winning score that elevates the movie's dramatic tension. This release stands out in terms of technological and artistic presentation, markedly improving upon previous editions.

In conclusion, Criterion’s Blu-ray of "All That Money Can Buy" reintroduces this film as a compelling exploration of temptation and morality with a superior technical revival. It’s recommended highly for its commendable restoration, excellent packaging of extras, and its ability to enhance appreciation for this deceptively complex tale. This release is an essential acquisition for both fans of classic cinema and those interested in timeless moral allegories—the perfect blend of cinematic history and modern technology.