Mutiny Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Mutiny," distributed by VCI Entertainment and MVD Visual, delivers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio. However, despite claims of a 4K restoration from the 35mm film negative, the transfer displays extensive damage and fading. Scratches are pervasive, persisting across the frame, and fluctuations in color range from reasonable to purplish or brown hues. Dark scenes suffer from severe crush, making them nearly unwatchable. The grain is present but often resembles a static backdrop, detracting from the overall visual clarity.

While some color moments barely survive, most of the film exhibits significant deterioration. The deterioration affects dark scenes the most, rendering them murky and indistinct. Colors shift sporadically, often reducing the image to nearly monochrome with occasional hints of flesh tones or limited primaries. This inconsistency becomes particularly obvious during scenes featuring large vertical scratches and ephemeral blank squares around the 49-minute mark, alongside persistent reel markers and occasional cigarette burns.

In summary, "Mutiny's" Blu-ray transfer offers an underwhelming viewing experience plagued by print damage and inconsistent color reproduction. The heavy grain may appeal to those seeking a vintage feel, but overall, the transfer suffers from DVD-level resolution marred by noteworthy visual imperfections.

The audio presentation on the Blu Ray of "Mutiny" is handled through an LPCM 2.0 Mono track, characterized by a consistently 'hot' mix which can unfortunately lead to noticeable distortion, particularly during intense scenes such as battle sequences or when the orchestral score leans more bombastic. This mastering has notable flaws, manifesting as pops, cracks, and outright dropouts, all of which mar the listening experience. The defects are comparable to visual damage seen in this release, suggesting a lack of restoration. To assist with comprehension, optional English subtitles are provided, aiding in navigating the less intelligible segments.

Additionally, users should be cautious with volume settings, as the audio track is excessively loud. It is recommended to lower the volume a few notches below usual levels to avoid harsh audio dynamics. Persistent hissing and occasional skips are present throughout, with dialogue disappearing intermittently—either dropped entirely or overshadowed by other sound elements. The fidelity issues exacerbate the sharpness in treble, rendering loud explosions and parts of the score unappealingly harsh. Despite being uncompressed PCM, the audio quality remains compromised due to its as-is mastering approach.

The Extras section of the Blu Ray for "Mutiny" offers engaging content, although some technical malfunctions may be experienced. For instance, while the 1947 Warner Pathe Newsreel showcases fascinating footage from the 24th Academy Awards, some users have reported issues with the "Popeye Cookin' with Gags" cartoon when accessed directly through the Extras menu. The cartoon can still be viewed as part of the Play Matinee Version, which provides an alternative method to access this content. It's worth noting that these supplements not only enhance the viewing experience but also provide a nostalgic glimpse into the era of "Mutiny" with well-preserved visuals.

Extras included in this disc:

• Warner Pathe Newsreel: Features Academy Awards coverage from 1947.
• Popeye Cookin' with Gags: Classic Popeye cartoon (access issues may occur).

"Mutiny," directed by Edward Dmytryk, explores an underrepresented period of American history—the War of 1812—but uses it primarily as a backdrop for a melodramatic potboiler. The narrative orbits around Captain James Marshall (Mark Stevens) and the scheming duo of ex-Captain Ben Waldridge (Patric Knowles) and the seductive Leslie (Angela Lansbury). Lansbury’s performance is particularly compelling, bringing a nuanced, conniving edge to her role that elevates the otherwise straightforward plot. The film, however, leans heavily on maritime lore and swashbuckling action, with frequent sword fights and rope-swinging antics typical of mid-20th century Hollywood adventure films.

While "Mutiny" aims to depict patriotic fervor and a test of allegiances against the backdrop of transporting gold bullion to support the war effort, its central conflict feels more personal than national. The male leads grapple with their loyalty, easily swayed by greed and the manipulations of Lansbury's character. This dynamic introduces a layer of psychological intrigue, albeit within a framework that sometimes seems dated by contemporary standards.

The film's technical execution offers a mixed bag: sea battles are punctuated with somewhat comical miniature effects, but these are redeemed by an innovative underwater sequence featuring an early wooden submersible. At a lean 76 minutes, "Mutiny" briskly navigates through its action set pieces, serving as a welcome reprise from its occasionally plodding dialogue scenes. Ultimately, the film’s strength lies in its ability to entertain robustly, driven significantly by Lansbury's performance and its action-packed sequences, even if it falls short of reigniting Dmytryk's once-prominent directorial flame.

Mutiny, a high seas adventure film featuring Angela Lansbury, presents a unique but constrained experience on Blu Ray. The video transfer showcases an inconsistency in visual quality, ranging from moments of sharp clarity to scenes plagued by problematic grain and noise. The restoration effort deserves acknowledgment for recovering a significant portion of the print’s original detail, yet it falls short in achieving a uniformly appealing presentation. Audiophiles should temper their expectations as the mono audio track matches the visual inconsistencies in quality. Dialogue remains intelligible, but the overall sound lacks presence and crispness, relatively flat compared to modern standards.

The narrative of Mutiny adheres to classic Hollywood traditions, ultimately delivering predictable character arcs and themes that resonate with mid-20th-century sensibilities. The film’s thematic dichotomy of "Men good, women bad," though indicative of its era, feels simplistic and dated by contemporary benchmarks. Angela Lansbury's performance serves as a notable highlight, offering depth to an otherwise formulaic storyline. Fans of historical maritime adventures will find the plot engaging but should approach with tempered expectations regarding character development and thematic complexity.

In conclusion, Mutiny’s Blu Ray offers a nostalgic glimpse into classic cinema with noticeable caveats in both audio and visual presentation. Admirers of Angela Lansbury or aficionados of vintage war films might find value here, albeit with the understanding of its inconsistent technical finish. As a relic of its time, Mutiny may appeal more to completionists and genre enthusiasts rather than those seeking pristine modern viewing experiences.