Peking Express Blu-ray Review

Peking Express, available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, is presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio with a 1080p transfer encoded using MPEG-4 AVC. This release is sourced from a pristine new 4K master derived from the original camera negative at Paramount Pictures. Notably, while the opening credits and stock footage bear minor surface wear and roughness, the rest of the film boasts an impressively organic and visually compelling quality. Observant viewers might detect small blemishes and specks, yet these do not detract from an overall lush grayscale presentation, characterized by rich grays and well-balanced whites.

Film grain is authentically preserved, adding to the film’s original texture. Image stability is commendable, though a few transient shaky transitions are apparent. The meticulous grading work ensures a convincing visual experience, steering clear of any boosted contrasts. The clarity of detail is achieved with minimal presence of scratches, tears, and dirt, further affirming that this release stands as potentially the finest representation of Peking Express available on home video.

Additionally, it's important to note that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray, necessitating the use of a native Region-A or Region-Free player for playback. Such technical considerations are crucial for those intending to add this high-quality rendition of Peking Express to their collection, as the visual restoration achieves what might be considered the pinnacle of this film’s presentation for home viewing enthusiasts.

The audio presentation of the "Peking Express" Blu-ray features a single standard track: an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. This release accurately preserves the original mono soundtrack, offering a clear and easily discernible dialogue throughout the film. Dimitri Tiomkin’s engaging music score is delivered with commendable fidelity, ensuring that listeners experience the film's auditory elements as authentically as possible for a production of its age. The optional English SDH subtitles are a valuable addition for enhanced comprehension.

Despite some inherent limitations of the source material, the audio track maintains an impressive dynamic intensity. Instances of minor imperfections, such as crackling, flutter, and popping, do surface occasionally. There is also a subtle background hiss that becomes audible if the volume is increased beyond typical levels. While none of these auditory artifacts significantly detract from the overall listening experience, they are present and should be noted by discerning audiophiles.

Overall, this Blu-ray release represents what is likely the best possible rendition of "Peking Express" for home video, considering the constraints of its original recording. The production team has succeeded in delivering an audio experience that not only honors the historical context of the film but also provides modern viewers with an accessible and enjoyable listening experience.

The extras on the Blu Ray of "Peking Express" offer a comprehensive dive into the film's historical and cultural significance. The standout feature is the audio commentary by film historian Eddy von Mueller, who provides insightful analysis on the film’s production, comparing it to previous cinematic adaptations, and discussing its place within the broader context of American culture and Hollywood during its original release. This commentary is informative for both newcomers and seasoned cinephiles alike. Additionally, the disc includes a collection of trailers from notable films, adding further value for classic film enthusiasts. These supplemental materials significantly enhance the viewing experience, offering context and depth that enrich appreciation of the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Eddy von Mueller: An exclusive audio commentary discussing production details and cultural context.
• Bonus KLSC Trailers: Includes trailers for Detective Story, The Turning Point, Lady on a Train, I’ll Be Seeing You, Portrait of Jennie & Under Capricorn.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of William Dieterle's "Peking Express" (1951) offers a visually rich restoration sourced from a 4K master, reflecting meticulous work with the original camera negative by Paramount Pictures. Joseph Cotten leads as Dr. Michael Bachlin, navigating the geopolitical tension on a train journey through Communist China. Accompanied by characters including Edmund Gwenn's Father Joseph Murray and Corinne Calvet's Danielle Grenier, a complex web unfolds, punctuated by Marvin Miller’s role as Kwon, a black-market dealer concealing ulterior motives. Despite comparisons to Josef von Sternberg's "Shanghai Express," and sharing origins in Harry Hervey's story, Dieterle's rendition seeks to capture a different narrative flavor—albeit one that occasionally sacrifices historical authenticity for heightened dramatism.

"Peking Express" attempts to blend adventure with political discourse but suffers from sporadic thematic coherence. While Cotten and Gwenn deliver performances with commendable depth, the film falters under Dieterle’s direction, which oscillates between intent dramatization and inadvertent parody. This stylistic misstep is somewhat offset by Charles Lang’s evocative cinematography, alongside solid production contributions from Hal Pereira, Franz Bachelin, and Edith Head. The strategic use of stock footage in place of actual China locations paradoxically enhances the film’s atmosphere, underscoring production constraints turned into strengths.

Ultimately, "Peking Express" is a mixed cinematic journey—its aspirations marred by inconsistent execution but buoyed by the talent on and off-screen. The original script by John Meredyth Lucas invigorates the era’s Cold War backdrop, adding period-specific resonance that complements Dieterle’s direction. Despite lacking the enduring acclaim of its predecessor, this Blu-ray edition encapsulates a distinctive, if flawed, noir-infused adaptation of a classic narrative, worth noting for enthusiasts of mid-20th-century cinema.

"Peking Express," a film that has intriguingly danced between obscurity and rediscovery, finds its mixed reception aptly reflected in Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release. Noted for its somewhat parodic execution despite a robust cast including the distinguished Joseph Cotten, the movie struggles to maintain seriousness, occasionally veering into unintentional comedy. Nonetheless, its visual splendor encapsulates a distinct era, suggesting a richness that should not be overshadowed by its flaws. Paramount Pictures’ contribution of a new 4K master for this Blu-ray is a commendable effort, enhancing the film's aesthetic allure.

For film enthusiasts who revel in classic cinema’s charm, this release presents both challenges and rewards. The handsomely produced movie is given due diligence through Kino's dedicated work on HD transfer, ensuring that the cinematographic details are preserved for modern viewing. Moreover, the inclusion of an insightful commentary track enriches the viewing experience with contextual understanding and appreciation for the film’s historical placement. While opinions on its narrative execution may vary, this Blu-ray edition serves as a crucial vessel for re-evaluating its cultural significance.

In conclusion, "Peking Express" commands attention not solely based on its narrative but as a pivotal artifact enhanced by Kino Lorber's meticulous restoration process. Whether you approach it with the intent to critique or to rediscover forgotten gems of cinema, this Blu-ray release is both recommended and essential for any collector seeking to expand their understanding of film history. Despite its fluctuating reputation, this edition provides an opportunity to experience and reassess "Peking Express" through refined production quality and supplemental materials.