The Man I Love Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive's new 1080p transfer of "The Man I Love" showcases a largely sparkling restoration despite occasional fluctuations in quality during scenes derived from lesser elements. The meticulous restoration likely utilized significant portions of the original negative, as evidenced by crisp, unprocessed details on foreground textures such as skin and clothing, notably Petey's sophisticated dresses. Black levels and contrast remain steady for most of the presentation, and the film maintains a clean look with substantial retention of its original film grain. Minor dips in detail and clarity are present in certain scenes, such as some restored footage and back hallways of Nicky's nightclub, where lighting conditions may exacerbate underlying source issues. Additionally, infrequent moments of macro blocking during extremely foggy scenes give an impression of compressed noise.

The technical aspects, from the presentation in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio to the AVC codec encoding, contribute to a pristinely detailed image quality. The grayscale is impressively rich and sharp, boasting deep blacks and crisp whites where necessary. This transfer consists of 28 chapters, allowing for precise navigation through the film. Overall, this 1080p transfer represents a significant upgrade over previous home video versions, delivering a visually engaging experience while respecting the film's historical integrity.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix on "The Man I Love" Blu-ray is a commendable effort that effectively translates the original mono source into a two-channel format. The most prominent improvement in this audio restoration is the music, where live performances stand out with remarkable clarity and depth. Instrumental elements such as the upright bass and percussion exhibit a surprisingly rich low end. Peg LaCentra's dubbed vocals are particularly noteworthy, offering a rich and smoky texture, even though they sometimes fail to convincingly sync with Ida Lupino's speaking voice.

Dialogue quality does present occasional issues, sounding slightly gauzy and muffled at times. This could be a deliberate choice to preserve the overall dynamic range, but it does detract slightly from the otherwise robust sound presentation. The mix excels in managing the brassy Warner Bros. orchestra, capturing the soul and heart of the musical pieces with professional surety. Minor flaws like hiss, crackle, pops, or flutter, typically associated with older films, are notably absent, indicating a clean and careful restoration process. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are available for the main feature, adding accessibility without impacting the primary audio experience.

The Blu Ray release of "The Man I Love" comes in a standard keepcase with attractive vintage poster-themed cover art. While the extras are limited, they offer nostalgic value and some unique content. The included original theatrical trailer provides a glimpse into the film's historic promotional efforts. Additionally, the package contains two notable restored Looney Tunes shorts from 1947, though there is a discrepancy between the shorts listed on the packaging and what you actually receive.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Theatrical Trailer: A vintage promotional piece for the film.
• Rabbit Transit: A Friz Freleng-directed Bugs Bunny short featuring a race with Cecil Turtle.
• Crowing Pains: A Robert McKimson-directed short featuring Sylvester, Foghorn Leghorn, and Henery Hawk.

Raoul Walsh's The Man I Love, an underrated melodrama imbued with musical elements, effectively intertwines a myriad of character arcs in an entrancing atmosphere. Ida Lupino leads a formidable cast, her portrayal of New York nightclub singer Petey Brown commanding and purposeful. The screenplay, adapted from Maritta M. Wolff's Night Shift by Catherine Turney, introduces Petey's visit to Long Beach where familial and romantic entanglements unfold. Her siblings, grappling with a range of personal struggles, are drawn into the turbulent orbit of nightclub owner Nicky Toresca, skillfully played by Robert Alda. The film delicately balances melodramatic noir and compelling musical numbers, notably featuring previously cut scenes of the song "Bill," enriching the narrative and emotional depth.

Director Raoul Walsh's adept fusion of sturdy song standards and noir touches ensures the film’s resonance despite a somewhat congested storyline and occasional lapses into convenient coincidences. Key musical moments, such as Gershwin's unforgettable title song and Petey's earnest performances, underscore the poignant atmosphere while advancing character development. Yet, the core romance between Petey and jazz pianist San Thomas, portrayed by Bruce Bennett, may feel less compelling than the peripheral intrigues involving her siblings and neighbors. Despite minor narrative hiccups and a somewhat abrupt ending, Walsh's direction and Lupino's riveting performance invigorate the film, making it a captivating experience that surpasses the sum of its parts – cemented by Warner Bros.' restored Blu-ray release that reintroduces critical musical segments unseen since its theatrical debut.

Raoul Walsh's "The Man I Love," adapted from Maritta Wolff's novel Night Shift, is an engaging blend of music, noir, and melodrama. The film's mood and atmosphere effectively immerse the audience, compensating for its minor flaws such as somewhat redundant supporting characters and occasional narrative digressions. The narrative remains compelling despite these slight distractions, with Ida Lupino delivering a standout performance that anchors the film’s emotional intensity.

Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of "The Man I Love" is a significant offering for both devoted fans and new viewers. A notable highlight is the inclusion of approximately six minutes of previously unseen footage due to past licensing issues, reintroducing aspects of the film lost since the 1950s. The presentation quality of the Blu-ray disc reflects a polished handling of the source material, providing a visually and auditorily gratifying experience which enhances appreciation for the period-specific song standards featured throughout the film.

Allegedly the inspiration behind Martin Scorsese’s New York, New York, this Blu-ray edition suggests that "The Man I Love" maintains cultural relevance and artistic merit. For those drawn to classic cinema, particularly those that showcase integrated musical elements within a film noir context, this release is a value-rich addition to any collection.

In conclusion, Raoul Walsh's "The Man I Love" effectively combines melodramatic storytelling with atmospheric musical sequences and strong performances. The Warner Archive Blu-ray release not only revives this classic with added footage but also ensures its preservation for future viewers, making it a firm recommendation for enthusiasts of vintage cinema and newcomers alike.