The Man Who Laughs Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Man Who Laughs" is a standout example of exceptional restorative work for a classic silent film. Digitized from a 4K restoration of the 35mm composite source by NBCUniversal, this transfer boasts striking clarity and detail, nearly erasing the film's near-century age. The presentation maintains a consistent video bit-rate of 22.99 Mbps, ensuring a robust encode quality that beautifully preserves the true essence of the film.

This filmic transfer truly shines, showcasing minimal blemishes and scratches that are almost unnoticeable and do not distract from the overall viewing experience. The extraordinary effort behind this scan and restoration underscores Universal Studios' commitment to honoring its silent film legacy. Every frame captivates with its impressive imagery, pulling viewers into the hauntingly beautiful world of "The Man Who Laughs."

Film preservationists and enthusiasts will find this Blu-ray presentation commendable for its meticulous care and love in maintaining the integrity of this cinematic gem. Universal's dedication to preserving such important works allows current and future generations to appreciate the full visual splendor of this classic silent piece.

The audio presentation of "The Man Who Laughs" on Blu-ray offers a stunning 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track, reproduced in 24-bit high resolution. This impeccable audio quality is enhanced by a brand new score performed by the Berklee School of Music, adding a modern touch that perfectly complements the film's preservation. The new soundtrack boasts incredible sound clarity and dynamic range, with particularly crisp highs that accentuate the haunting and beautiful compositions. This level of precision in the audio greatly enhances the overall viewing experience, ensuring that the film’s dramatic moments are accompanied by an equally compelling auditory landscape.

Additionally, the Blu-ray release includes the original 1928 Movietone score as an optional secondary track. This historic score, recorded shortly after the film's initial release, contains some period-appropriate sound effects but inherently falls short in fidelity when compared to the new recording. While the original soundtrack lacks the same high resolution and clarity, it remains a valuable inclusion for the sake of historical authenticity and film preservation. This dual-score feature allows viewers to choose between an enhanced modern presentation and an authentic historical experience, catering to both audiophiles and film purists alike.

The Blu Ray extras for "The Man Who Laughs" offer an in-depth look at the film's production and legacy, providing valuable insights for both casual viewers and film enthusiasts. The highlight is the 23-page booklet, featuring comprehensive essays by film historian Kevin Brownlow and Berklee School of Music alum Sonia Coronado, detailing the film's source material, production nuances, and the development of the new score. Another standout is the "Paul Leni and The Man Who Laughs" featurette, which delivers a meticulously crafted visual essay exploring director Paul Leni's significant contributions and the broader context of the film’s creation. The Rare Image Gallery is a remarkable collection of high-resolution stills and promotional materials, offering a visually stunning look behind the scenes.

Extras included in this disc:

• 23-page Booklet: Features an essay by Kevin Brownlow, an essay by Sonia Coronado, production photographs, and cast & crew credits.
• Paul Leni and The Man Who Laughs: Visual essay on Leni’s work and involvement in the film.
• Rare Image Gallery: Collection of high-resolution behind-the-scenes stills and promotional material.

The Man Who Laughs, a quintessential silent film directed by Paul Leni, adapts Victor Hugo's novel with haunting poignancy. Universal's 1928 production presents the tragic tale of Gwynplaine, disfigured by comprachicos under King James II's orders, morphing his face into a perpetual, maniacal grin. His journey from abandonment to finding solace in a traveling sideshow, where he meets the blind Dea, forms the emotional core of the narrative. Intricately linked to themes of exploitation and societal cruelty, the film contrasts Gwynplaine's inner nobility with external mockery. This dichotomy is masterfully handled, making the romantic connection between Dea and Gwynplaine deeply heartfelt and resonant.

The film’s technical achievements are remarkable, underpinning its timeless appeal. The new score by Berklee School of Music adds an evocative layer, akin to Shirley Walker's haunting compositions for Batman: The Animated Series. Gilbert Warrenton’s black-and-white cinematography enriches the visual narrative, employing stark contrast and detailed compositions to create a hypnotic atmosphere. David Cox and Vera West’s costumes enhance the period authenticity, while Jack P. Pierce’s makeup design immortalizes Gwynplaine’s grotesque smile. Edward L. Cahn’s editing ensures a dynamic pace, making the film engaging and brisk despite its silent format.

Performances are uniformly excellent, with Conrad Veidt’s portrayal of Gwynplaine standing out through his expressive physicality, reminiscent of his role in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Mary Philbin as Dea provides a touching counterpoint, her blindness symbolizing purity and genuine love. Cesare Gravina, as the empathetic Ursus, adds depth to the ensemble. Director Paul Leni’s craftsmanship shines through in every frame, seamlessly blending spectacle and emotion. The memorable set designs by Charles D. Hall and poignant moments—like Gwynplaine waving goodbye to the dead mother—underscore Leni’s artistry. The Man Who Laughs transcends its era, resonating as both a cinematic marvel and a profound human story.

Flicker Alley's Blu-ray release of "The Man Who Laughs" offers an impeccable presentation of this silent film classic, providing a viewing experience that is both visually and emotionally powerful. The film, starring Conrad Veidt with his iconic portrayal that inspired Batman's Joker, is as compelling and haunting today as it was upon its 1928 release. Flicker Alley's new transfer showcases remarkable clarity and detail, breathing new life into the nuanced performances and artistic cinematography that define this masterpiece.

The restoration quality is extraordinary, capturing the film's rich textures and intricate lighting with precision. The physical release goes beyond mere nostalgia, offering a comprehensive package that includes insightful special features and historical context, making it an essential acquisition for film aficionados. Despite the passage of almost a century, the thematic depth and emotional resonance of the film remain undiminished.

Conclusively, The Man Who Laughs is a brilliant silent film which has withstood the test of time and has proved itself to be a remarkable achievement in the history of cinema. With an incredible performance by the great Conrad Veidt (whose character's maniacal-looking smile inspired the creation of The Joker in the Batman mythology), The Man Who Laughs is a silent classic which should not go overlooked by today's modern audiences. Even after almost 100 years passing by since the original theatrical release premiered in 1928, audiences experiencing The Man Who Laughs today will see a film which is every bit as haunting, compelling, and essential as it was then. A masterpiece.