Went the Day Well? Blu-ray Review

"Went the Day Well?" is presented in 1080p with an AVC encoded transfer at the 1.37:1 aspect ratio. This new digital restoration, courtesy of the BFI National Archive in association with StudioCanal and Optimum Releasing, delivers a generally sharp and detailed picture. The resolution captures an organic-looking grain field faithfully, showcasing facial definitions, bricks, cobblestone, and grass with precision. The transfer remains stable with no noticeable gate weave. However, some minor nicks, scratches, and occasional variances in brightness can be detected, though they do not significantly detract from the overall experience.

While the grayscale lacks depth, resulting in some flattened imagery and hot highlights that lead to clipping, the scan excels in maintaining superior resolution and detail, particularly in wide shots of the village. Print damage varies, with some areas appearing quite clean and others showing heavy damage. Additionally, there are instances towards one of the climaxes where scenes appear soft or slightly out of focus, possibly due to being sourced from an alternate element.

Overall, despite these minor issues, "Went the Day Well?" offers a rewarding viewing experience with its authentic texture and consistent contrast, maintaining the film's classic charm.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Went the Day Well?" features an LPCM 2.0 mono track. While dialogue is presented cleanly and clearly with no noticeable dropouts or significant damage, the track does exhibit some limitations inherent to its vintage source material. For instance, certain aspects of William Walton's score, especially during the opening credits, display a noticeable boxiness with slight crackling in the brass sections. Conversely, later passages involving string and wind instruments tend to maintain a warmer and more problem-free quality.

Despite the uncompressed nature of PCM audio, the overall experience is hindered by persistent issues such as harsh and messy highs, which affect both the score and dialogue. The track occasionally suffers from static interference that further degrades its quality. Interestingly, the low-end frequencies present an unexpected robustness; moments like a thunderclap convey a sense of power that is quite impressive for a 1942 production. However, these instances are the exception rather than the norm in an otherwise middling audio experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Went the Day Well?" may not boast an extensive selection of extras, but it efficiently complements the main feature with a few highlights, enhancing its historical and cinematic context. Available on the Main Menu, "About Film Movement" provides insightful text and a trailer, showcasing the distributor's vision and catalog. Additionally, the Optimum Home Entertainment UK release includes notable bonus features that film enthusiasts would appreciate.

Extras included in this disc:

• About Film Movement: Informative text and trailer providing insight into the distributor's offerings.

(Note: The Blu-ray lacks more in-depth supplements that could offer a richer behind-the-scenes look or critical analyses of this WWII classic).

"Went the Day Well?" presents an intensely crafted wartime narrative set against the picturesque backdrop of an English village, Bramley End, during WWII. While originally released in 1942, this film unreservedly leverages its propaganda roots to deliver a compelling and somewhat cautionary tale about the dangers of unseen enemies. As German soldiers masquerade as British troops, the idyllic serenity of the village is shattered, catapulting its residents into a visceral, life-and-death struggle. The narrative insightfully unveils the disturbing reality of collaborators in their midst, creating an environment fraught with paranoia and tension.

This film plays out as a pulse-pounding cat and mouse game. Once the facade of the German soldiers is dispelled, the villagers' response culminates in a sequence of brutal confrontations and startling deaths. The storyline’s reliance on various vignettes maintains a palpable anxiety throughout. While some moments may seem to strain credulity — given certain plot conveniences that delay the Germans' exposure — these are forgiven in light of the film's overall dramatic heft and its effective build-up to an exhilarating climax. Indeed, "Went the Day Well?" does not shy away from depicting the stark brutality inflicted by the Germans, including shocking scenes such as the killing of children and clergy, which enhance the film's compelling urgency.

As an artifact of its time, “Went the Day Well?” underscores themes of vigilance and communal resistance, reflecting both its immediate wartime context and the broader spirit of its era. It cleverly juxtaposes moments of humor against a backdrop of mortal peril, providing an engaging contrast that keeps viewers invested. For modern audiences, it stands as a riveting piece of historical dramatization and a testament to the resilience against tyranny. Although it flirts with overt propaganda elements and occasionally exhibits rushed production values, its core message of unity and defense against pervasive threats remains impactful.

"Went the Day Well?" Blu-ray presents a captivating piece of cinematic history, reflecting the WWII era's socio-political climate. This 1942 British war film directed by Alberto Cavalcanti delivers an intriguing narrative focusing on an English village disrupted by Nazi infiltrators. The story, although planted firmly in its era, captures an engaging and suspenseful journey, often bordering on the far-fetched yet remaining genuinely thrilling.

The technical merits of this Blu-ray release are impressive. The restoration brings striking clarity and definition to the black-and-white cinematography, enhancing the atmospheric tension of the film. The audio, presented in a clear monaural track, respects the original sound design, delivering dialogue and ambient effects with precision. However, the lack of additional supplemental content beyond the included insert booklet is somewhat disappointing. Enthusiasts of classic cinema may find themselves yearning for more behind-the-scenes insights or historical context.

Despite these minor shortcomings, "Went the Day Well?" remains a gem that resonates beyond its initial wartime purpose. Its underlying message of resilience and courage transcends decades, reminding viewers of the enduring human spirit. This Blu-ray release preserves a significant cultural artifact with high technical fidelity, making it a worthy addition to any classic film collection. Recommended for both its historical value and engaging storytelling.