Lucky Jordan Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Lucky Jordan" presents a commendable video presentation, leveraging a new HD master derived from a 2K scan of the 35mm fine grain. Encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and featuring a 1080p transfer, it retains its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The video quality reflects the fine work of cinematographer John F. Seitz, delivering a vibrant and detailed image that honors the film's original aesthetics. While grain levels fluctuate, they generally resolve into a rich texture, promoting a natural, film-like impression that is visually pleasing.

The grayscale is masterfully set, with excellent clarity and contrast across the board. Blacks appear dense without overwhelming, whites are bright and stable, and grays are graded beautifully, allowing for a vivid and well-balanced picture. Shadow delineation is mostly effective, although minor crush appears in night scenes. Close-ups are particularly sharp, bringing out the rugged allure of Alan Ladd and the glamor of his co-stars.

While some imperfections such as nicks and faint vertical lines can be observed, they seldom distract from the film’s visual narrative. Overall, this release achieves an attractive organic appearance with solid delineation and depth, staying true to its Golden Age origins. This edition will certainly satisfy fans of both the movie itself and classic cinema. Despite minor limitations in density levels, the presentation stands as a testament to thorough preservation efforts—a treat for enthusiasts seeking an authentic viewing experience.

The audio presentation of the "Lucky Jordan" Blu-ray is proficiently rendered in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. This standard mono track, devoid of age-related artifacts such as hiss, pops, or crackle, maintains a clean and stable audio environment. Despite the inherent limitations of dynamic range typical of older films from 1942, the audio is well-balanced with clear and intelligible dialogue, capturing the essence and rhythm of the period piece effectively. The music score by the acclaimed Adolph Deutsch is articulated faithfully, experiencing no distortion and managing both high and low frequencies adeptly.

Optional English SDH subtitles are available, aiding comprehension for all viewers. Although some fluctuations in audio levels may be observed, these nuances seem inherent to the original recording rather than the result of any technical shortcomings in the digital transfer. Sonic elements such as gunshots and physical altercations are depicted with sharpness, offering a satisfactory auditory experience that aligns with viewers’ expectations for a film of this era.

Kino’s Blu-ray edition, a commendable release licensed from Universal, includes not only a superior audio track but also visuals derived from a new 2K video master of a 35 mm fine grain, ensuring an integrated viewing experience with strong blacks, contrast, and resolution. This audio setup complements the film's vintage charm and is more than adequate for appreciating this classic’s narrative and stylistic ambiance.

The Blu-ray extras of "Lucky Jordan" provide insightful additions for film enthusiasts, spearheaded by an engaging and deeply researched audio commentary by film historian Samm Deighan. She enhances the film's context by exploring its thematic relevance and production history, including Alan Ladd's collaborations with Frank Tuttle and the director's political challenges. Deighan draws intriguing parallels between "Lucky Jordan" and "This Gun for Hire" while discussing the broader societal impact, particularly focusing on women’s roles during World War II. The vintage theatrical trailer adds nostalgic appeal, celebrating Alan Ladd's first starring role alongside Helen Walker's debut. The reversible cover art with classic poster designs is a visually appealing feature for collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Critic Samm Deighan offers a comprehensive look at the film's historical and thematic elements.
• Theatrical Trailer: A vintage U.S. trailer showcasing key performances.
• Cover: Reversible cover art featuring vintage poster designs.

"Lucky Jordan" (1942), directed by Frank Tuttle, marks a compelling yet peculiar venture into the gangster-comedy-spy genre, prominently known for integrating humor and suspense during a World War II backdrop. The film stars Alan Ladd in his first leading role, portraying a cynical gangster named Lucky Jordan, who becomes entangled in events that lead him from dodging military draft to inadvertently confront Nazi agents. Complemented by Helen Walker’s charismatic debut as WAC Jill Evans, the narrative combines romance, intrigue, and thrills. However, the movie showcases a disjointed mix of elements, with an inconsistent tone and plot predictability detracting from its overall impact.

Ladd’s portrayal as Lucky Jordan presents a confident, devil-may-care demeanor with a notable screen presence that captures audience attention. Although the character initially comes across as a stereotypical gangster with self-serving motives, his arc offers room for unexpected developments and comedic undertones, particularly with subplots involving colorful side characters. Notable scenes include his interactions with Walker and comedic support from the vibrant supporting cast, such as Sheldon Leonard's slippery counterpart Slip Moran. Despite the occasional lapse into silliness, some subplots introduce delightful surprises that infuse the film with moments of genuine amusement.

While John Seitz's cinematography provides a visually polished backdrop evocative of earlier masterpieces like "Sullivan's Travels," "Lucky Jordan" ultimately feels like a missed opportunity for greater ambition. Tuttle executes a narrative that fits safely within its era’s cinematic conventions but leaves one wishing for a more cohesive script. Despite these flaws, the film successfully entertains, aided by Ladd's appeal and engaging performances from its ensemble cast. Nevertheless, "Lucky Jordan" remains somewhat rooted in its period's stylistic and narrative constraints, lacking the timeless flair achieved by genre contemporaries.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "Lucky Jordan" presents a thoughtful restoration of this Alan Ladd film, utilizing a new 2K master derived from a 35mm fine grain. The visual presentation is commendable, with strong blacks, good contrast, and impressive resolution in its original black-and-white format at a 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The audio quality, captured in English DTS-HD Master Audio (mono), is similarly robust, offering a more than satisfactory auditory experience for viewers. Optional English subtitles enhance accessibility, and the disc is Region “A” encoded, making it a solid option for collectors and enthusiasts of classic cinema.

The film itself is an intriguing artifact from the Golden Age of Hollywood, but it does not rank among Ladd's top performances. While its combination of romance, comedy, intrigue, and thrills is somewhat uneven, the plot begins strongly with engaging material that sadly loses momentum as it shifts into more predictable territory. The transition in the middle section significantly alters the initial tone, leading to some clichéd developments. Despite this, the film remains enjoyable and serves as a curious piece of cinematic history.

In conclusion, while "Lucky Jordan" may not be a standout in Alan Ladd's filmography, Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release is a well-crafted package with vibrant video and solid audio. The insightful commentary included further enriches the viewing experience. For fans of Alan Ladd and classic Hollywood films, this Blu-ray offers a well-executed presentation that honors the film's original qualities—recommended for those intrigued by cinematic gems from the past.