The Whole Truth Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Whole Truth" is presented in an aspect ratio of 1.75:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, and features a commendable 1080p transfer. Despite expectations for a slightly fresher appearance, the visual presentation impresses with remarkable delineation and depth. The film's darker material and unique shadow nuances are handled with finesse, maintaining excellent image stability and devoid of problematic digital corrections. This results in a solid, organic presentation that remains true to the film's aesthetic.

However, there is minor room for improvement in the grain consistency and overall health in certain scenes. Enhancing these aspects could elevate the visual experience further, making it even more captivating. Overall, "The Whole Truth" on Blu-ray offers a robust representation of the film’s visual intent. It’s worth noting that this release is Region-B locked, necessitating a native Region-B or Region-Free player to enjoy its full content.

The Blu-ray release of "The Whole Truth" offers a single standard audio track: English LPCM 1.0, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. This track is well-engineered, delivering sharply defined dialogue that remains crystal clear throughout the film, ensuring audiences can follow the exchanges effortlessly. The balance between dialogue and background elements is finely tuned, allowing for an immersive listening experience within its mono limitations.

Particularly noteworthy is the dynamic range showcased in the film's musical score. While most of the auditory contrasts derive from this element, they are executed with impressive clarity, adding a subtle depth to scenes that might otherwise feel more constrained given the single-channel presentation. It’s notable considering the film’s controlled acoustic environment, which enhances the focused sound delivery intended by the filmmakers.

Despite being limited to an LPCM 1.0 configuration, "The Whole Truth" maintains strong audio quality, highlighting the skillful sound mixing achieved during production. This constraint does not detract from the overall experience thanks to technique and thoughtful engineering.

The Blu-ray release of "The Whole Truth" delivers an impressive suite of extras that extensively explores the film’s production and broader cinematic context. The inclusion of a variety of materials, such as insightful commentaries and interviews, enriches the viewer’s understanding of the movie and its era. Critically-acclaimed critics offer fresh perspectives and analyses, setting a professional yet engaging tone throughout the supplements. Notably, the archival content provides a fascinating glimpse into historical cinematic practices and personalities, particularly through the contributions of Romulus Films. This selection of bonus content adeptly balances academic insight with entertainment value, making it a commendable accompaniment to the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage theatrical trailer in English.
• Commentary: Exclusive audio commentary by critics Kevin Lyons and Jonathan Rigby.
• Robert Shail: Sinister Smiles: Discussion on Romulus Films and its production choices.
• The BEHP Interview with Ronald Spencer: Archival interview with assistant director Ronald Spencer.
• Image Gallery: Collection of original promotional materials.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet with essays and interviews.

John Guillermin's "The Whole Truth" (1958) is a captivating thriller that, despite being hampered by budget constraints, delivers a compelling narrative adapted from Philip Mackie’s original stage play. The production, facilitated by Indicator/Powerhouse Films on Blu-ray, provides an intriguing glimpse into mid-20th-century cinema with its characteristic noir elements. Although the film was primarily shot at Walton Studios, it maintains an atmospheric tension, albeit at times overshadowed by the inadequacy to replicate the natural allure of a setting like the French Riviera. Nevertheless, the craftsmanship shines through in its theatrical presentation and the intricate machinations of its complex characters.

Centering around a wealthy film producer Max Poulton, portrayed by Stewart Granger, “The Whole Truth” weaves a tale of deception and noir-style intrigue. The dynamic between Poulton and the audacious actress Gina Bertini, played by Gianna Maria Canale, launches a chain of deceitful occurrences culminating in a murder investigation. The stellar cast bridges American and European talent, a formula prevalent in the era, where the male leads convincingly navigate the dense, evocative screenplay adapted by Jonathan Latimer. Notably, George Sanders' portrayal of Carliss injects palpable tension to the plot, keeping audiences engaged as Poulton's life slowly unravels.

Guillermin's direction combined with Wilkie Cooper's timeless cinematography forms an aesthetically engaging experience that encapsulates the noir genre's essence while distinguishing itself with unique British cinema traits. The film's narrative and visual scope set it apart from conventional postwar British noir films. Cooper’s work, seen in classics like "Jason and the Argonauts," lends "The Whole Truth" an analogs feel reminiscent of Hollywood’s lavish productions, though it decisively retains its British identity. Overall, it remains a reasonably intriguing thriller that holds historical cinematic value and showcases an era where stage adaptations were key players in film industry transitions.

"The Whole Truth" on Blu Ray is an intriguing release by Indicator/Powerhouse Films that appeals to enthusiasts of classic cinema. The film is a modest yet captivating piece, evocative of iconic 1960s French films like "Bay of Angels" and "The Swimming Pool," known for their stunning use of the French Riviera as a backdrop. This edition is sourced from a robust organic master, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience. It should be noted that this release is Region-B locked, requiring a compatible player for audiences outside this region. Despite its understated nature, the film's charm and atmospheric storytelling make it a compelling addition to any collection.

The Blu Ray package is supplemented with several engaging extras. Key among these is an audio commentary by Kevin Lyons and Jonathan Rigby, providing insightful context and analysis. Additionally, a 19-minute feature by critic Robert Shail offers a deeper appreciation of the film's nuances. An archival interview with assistant director Ronald Spencer from 1991 serves as a second audio commentary. This rich array of supplements, including a trailer and an image gallery, adds substantial value to the release, catering to viewers who appreciate behind-the-scenes insights and comprehensive contextual background.

In conclusion, "The Whole Truth" is a thoughtfully curated Blu Ray release that does justice to this charming film. With its evocative cinematic parallels and high-quality presentation, backed by extensive supplementary material, it is highly recommended for collectors and fans of classic cinema alike.