The Penalty Blu-ray Review

Kino's Blu-ray release of "The Penalty" offers a remarkable 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer, derived from a high-definition master of a 35mm print restored by the George Eastman House Motion Picture Department. This meticulous archival restoration preserves the film's original cinematic essence with an admirable balance between maintaining its vintage charm and ensuring a visually stunning presentation. The transfer notably refrains from employing digital clean-up techniques, ensuring a naturally filmic appearance characterized by visible grain, minor specks, and occasional scratches. Consequently, viewers experience an authentic visual representation of the film, featuring an astonishing amount of fine detail in actors' faces, clothing textures, and specific props like Barbara's clay Satan sculpture.

The digital tinting applied to various scenes aligns with the original print’s specifications, showcasing hues of blue, sepia, and purple. This careful coloration significantly enhances the film's mood without overwhelming the visual integrity. Black levels are robust, providing solid depth, while contrast levels ensure that shadows remain deep but not crushing. The tonal balance is meticulously managed, offering crisp highlights and consistent grayscale performance even in sequences initially shot in straight black and white.

Overall, Kino’s Blu-ray transfer of "The Penalty" captures the film’s historical aesthetic while delivering modern viewer satisfaction with no compression issues or visible glitches. The result is a faithful presentation that respects the film’s archival status and simultaneously appeals to purists and modern audiences alike.

Kino's release of "The Penalty" features an impressive audio presentation that includes the Mont Alto Orchestra’s performance, scored by composer Rodney Sauer using historic photoplay music. The Blu-ray offers two listening options: a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track and an uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 stereo mix. Both options deliver exceptional sound quality with rich orchestral instruments and clear piano tones. The surround mix, in particular, anchors most musical elements in the front channels while occasionally panning them into the rear channels for a more immersive auditory experience. This meticulous layering results in a nuanced and engaging soundscape that never distracts from the onscreen action.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track shines with its subtly layered sound design, making the decades-old film feel remarkably fresh. Although the focus is predominantly on the front channels, sporadic use of the rear channels enriches the listener's experience without overwhelming. The musical clarity is striking, effectively complementing the visual elements and enhancing the film’s dramatic impact. Despite the absence of Low-Frequency Effects (LFE), which reflect the original musical choices rather than a deficiency, the audio quality remains robust and satisfying.

Overall, the Blu-ray’s audio faithfully preserves the historical attributes of "The Penalty" while offering a modern surround experience that most audio enthusiasts will appreciate. The score’s balance ensures it supports rather than overshadows the visual narrative, free from any hisses, drop-outs, or other audio issues, making it a noteworthy mention in silent film releases.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Penalty" provide a rich, informative look into Lon Chaney's cinematic craftsmanship and the context of his career. "Chaney's Secrets Revealed," presented by Michael F. Blake, offers a revealing tour of Chaney’s makeup cases, which evolved from a mere lunchbox to a comprehensive kit. Of particular interest is the ingenious apparatus Chaney used to portray a double amputee in "The Penalty." "By the Sun's Rays," a 1914 one-reel western, showcases early Chaney in a classic good vs. evil cowboy plot, offering an intriguing glimpse into his developmental years despite its standard definition quality. The sole surviving footage from "The Miracle Man" highlights Chaney's transformative role that catapulted him to fame. Additionally, brief trailers for "The Big City" and "While the City Sleeps" round out this impressive collection, appealing strongly to silent film enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Chaney's Secrets Revealed: A video tour of Chaney's actual make-up case and double-amputee costume, guided by Michael F. Blake.
• By the Sun's Rays: A one-reel western film featuring Chaney.
• The Miracle Man: The only known surviving footage of Chaney's 1919 feature.
• Lon Chaney Trailers: Includes trailers for "The Big City" and "While the City Sleeps."

Lon Chaney’s early film, "The Penalty" (1920), showcases his incredible range and mastery of physical transformation. Before he ascended to legendary status with iconic roles in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "The Phantom of the Opera," Chaney delivered a poignant and chilling performance in this proto-noir thriller. Known as the "Man of a Thousand Faces," Chaney's depiction of Blizzard, a legless crime lord, is nothing short of remarkable. Utilizing clever makeup and physical prowess, Chaney strapped his ankles to his thighs and used wooden stumps to create a convincing illusion of amputated legs. He not only maneuvers effortlessly with crutches but also exhibits extraordinary upper-body strength, pulling himself up pegs and ropes with ease. This role is a testimony to Chaney’s unparalleled talents in both acting and special effects makeup.

Directed by Wallace Worsley and adapted from Gouverneur Morris's novel, the film begins with a grave surgical error by Dr. Ferris (Charles Clary), resulting in the amputation of a young boy’s legs. Fast forward twenty-seven years, and that boy is now Blizzard, a vengeful overlord of the San Francisco underworld. The narrative intricately weaves his elaborate revenge plan and his interactions with various characters, including Federal agent Lichtenstein (Milton Ross) and the sculptress Barbara Ferris (Claire Adams), who unwittingly becomes a pawn in his scheme. Blizzard’s lair, filled with women crafting thousands of hats, adds to the film's mysterious tension, leaving audiences in suspense about his ultimate objective.

Chaney's portrayal of Blizzard is multifaceted—he embodies bitterness, power lust, and a twisted brilliance that makes him a compelling villain. His performance delves into both the character's menacing demeanor and underlying vulnerability, particularly visible in scenes where he interacts with Barbara. The film stands out not only for its fast-paced editing—a rarity for its time—but also for its atmospheric cinematography by Dan Short and thematic depth. “The Penalty” remains a testament to Chaney’s imaginative and technical prowess, making it an enduring piece of cinematic history.

Lon Chaney's breakthrough performance in "The Penalty" delivers a captivating portrayal suffused with soul-twisting bitterness and resentment, distinctly more human than his renowned monster roles in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "The Phantom of the Opera." This silent film combines elements of disfigurement, revenge, redemption, and fate into its tense, proto-noir storyline. Kino’s Blu-ray release does justice to this cinematic gem with a transfer sourced from a new 35mm restoration overseen by the George Eastman House. The disc also includes several valuable extras, such as one of Chaney's early one-reelers, enhancing the appeal for both collectors and classic cinema enthusiasts.

"The Penalty" offers a unique window into the filmmaking techniques and historical significance of its time. Modern viewers, while initially daunted by its silent-era presentation, will find that the film’s compelling story and groundbreaking special effects transcend its age. Watching it on Blu-ray, there is an almost anachronistic sense of history that envelops the viewer, making it an engaging experience despite being produced nearly a century ago. The meticulous restoration effort preserves the film’s pristine condition, allowing contemporary audiences to appreciate its artistry and cultural relevance.

In conclusion, while dated, "The Penalty" is far more than just an old movie; it stands as a culturally significant piece of filmmaking history. The Blu-ray release by Kino offers an authentic and well-preserved viewing experience. Chaney’s haunting performance and the film's enduring themes have the potential to captivate even those who typically shy away from pre-1970s cinema. The inclusion of insightful extras further enriches this already notable release. Highly recommended!