Good Sam Blu-ray Review

Olive Films presents "Good Sam" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio. While the presentation attempts to do justice to the aged film, it falls short due to a variety of issues stemming from multiple source elements. The most problematic aspects of this transfer are the inconsistent clarity and contrast which seem to arise intermittently, impacting the overall viewing experience. Instances of optically zoomed scenes or sequences sourced from degraded 16mm prints lead to fuzzy imagery and muddy contrast. Moreover, occasional anomalies such as a cluster of dots resembling a tic-tac-toe game in specific frames detract from the immersion. Despite adhering to Olive’s tradition of minimal digital interference, the variation in grain structure and size may prove to be a distraction for rigorous videophiles.

The MPEG-4 encoding competently balances the age-related challenges of the film but ultimately delivers a serviceable yet unremarkable visual experience. Scratches and artifacts are readily visible throughout much of the film, again affecting the overall image quality. Fine detail is moderately apparent, especially in scenes with close-up shots, but some sequences are plagued by soft focus which may be attributed to the film's vintage or other undefined factors. Textural detail tends to diminish as the camera pulls back, limiting visual cohesion.

On a positive note, the high contrast and strong black levels contribute positively, providing a well-defined grayscale that enhances the black-and-white imagery. Whites are managed effectively, avoiding any blown-out or overly hot appearances. In summary, while the image quality isn’t poor, aside from its commendable contrast handling, "Good Sam" on Blu-ray doesn't offer much to elevate it beyond an average presentation.

The Audio presentation of the Blu-ray edition of "Good Sam" is presented with a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track that delivers a surprisingly rich and deep experience despite its inherent limitations. This lossless audio format ensures clarity in the dialogue, which is crisp and free from any noticeable hissing or scratches, enabling viewers to follow conversations with ease. The balance of sound elements is meticulously managed, ensuring that neither the score nor sound effects overpower the dialogue.

However, a slightly shrill upper range, particularly noticeable during the opening music and certain underscore moments, is one minor drawback. Despite these occasional age-related issues, the overall mix does an admirable job, especially given the relative simplicity of the audio track. The musical score is both powerful and well-contained, enhancing the scenes without overwhelming them. Furthermore, the ambient sounds in busy scenes, such as department stores or city streets, exhibit an unexpected range and depth that contribute to the immersive audio environment.

In summary, while "Good Sam"'s audio presentation may not be overly dynamic, the DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track offers a surprisingly robust auditory experience. It proficiently handles the film's soundscape, providing clean dialogue and a well-balanced mix of musical and sound effects. Overall, it is a technically sound audio presentation that elevates the overall viewing experience despite some minor age-related imperfections.

The Blu-ray release of "Good Sam" falls short in terms of supplemental content, aligning with Olive Films' common approach of providing a barebones experience. There are no special features or extras included on this disc, which may be disappointing to users who expect additional insights or behind-the-scenes content from Blu-ray releases. This lack of supplements might detract from the overall value for those who enjoy delving deeper into the making and context of the film.

Extras included in this disc: None

'Good Sam' is a middling effort from acclaimed director Leo McCarey, featuring the affable Gary Cooper as Sam Clayton, a department store manager with an almost pathological need to help those around him, often to his family's detriment. Playing his exasperated but devoted wife, Ann Sheridan provides a comedic counterbalance to Sam's altruism with her infectious laughter and genuine chemistry. The film's plot centers on Sam's constant acts of generosity, from loaning cars to saving lives, but these good deeds often put his family in financial jeopardy. While the concept aims to be heartwarming, it sometimes ventures into the territory of frustrating, as Sam's actions lead to more problems than solutions, especially for his wife Lu.

Visually, the film benefits from George Barnes' black-and-white cinematography, invoking a nostalgic feel for post-World War II America. Its appeal lies in its dated depiction of the American Dream: a good job, a loving family, and a home to call one's own. Despite its meandering narrative and occasional tone inconsistencies, 'Good Sam' manages to deliver genuinely comedic moments through exaggerated characters and cringe-inducing situations. However, perhaps due to McCarey's overt moral messaging and the characters' frustrating lack of growth, the film struggles to maintain viewer engagement throughout its runtime.

Gary Cooper brings warmth to the role of Sam without veering into naiveté, while Sheridan balances her discontent with an innate likability. Still, the film ultimately feels like it is sustained primarily by the charisma of its leads rather than its storyline or direction. Despite moments of humor and endearment, 'Good Sam' is hindered by a saccharine narrative that stretches thin by the time it reaches its predictable resolution. This Blu-ray release by Olive Films retains the film's original visual quality but offers no additional features, presenting the movie in isolation.

"Good Sam" delivers a mixed cinematic experience, straddling the line between heartwarming sentimentality and over-the-top sweetness. Cooper excels in his leading role, buoyed by the stellar performance of his co-star, whose chemistry is apparent and unforgettable. Despite the star-driven performances that anchor the film, it falls short of fully engaging its audience, often coming across as disjointed and occasionally grating.

The Blu-ray presentation does little to elevate the overall experience, with image quality being merely average and no special features to speak of. However, the audio quality is notably strong, providing a solid aural backdrop that somewhat compensates for the visual shortcomings.

Despite its flaws, "Good Sam" offers enough charm and solid performances to entertain viewers. It may not entirely live up to its potential, but it remains a film worth exploring for fans of the genre.

Good Sam proves that the cinematic road to hell is paved with good intentions, or at least the reputations of A-list stars and a then very hot writer-director. The film is largely a shambles, neither very funny nor very moving. Instead, Good Sam is a mostly grating experience, one that's further exacerbated by one of the more problematic video presentations we've seen from Olive.