The Maltese Falcon

Warner Bros.' 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Maltese Falcon" presents an outstanding leap in visual quality from previous editions, demonstrating the impressive capabilities of the 4K format when applied to classic cinema. With a native 4K (3840x2160/24p) presentation using the HEVC (H.265) codec and an aspect ratio of 1.37:1, this transfer brings distinguished improvements in detail, contrast, and shadow rendition, transcending the limitations encountered in earlier Blu-ray releases. This version, encoded on a BD-66 layer with HDR enhancing the cinematic noir experience, astonishingly revitalizes the film's iconic imagery. The fine grain structure is preserved meticulously, ensuring the film retains its original filmic texture, while HDR10 enhancement deepens the blacks and enriches mid-tones, offering a more dynamic visual depth. Viewers will appreciate the significant upgrades in clarity and detail, particularly in mid-range shots and shadows, where the depth of field and textures stand out more pronouncedly.

Despite minor shortcomings, such as occasional compression artifacts and flicker in darker scenes, these do not detract from the overall viewing experience. The attention to detail in this restoration is paramount, ensuring that even the minutest elements - from costume textures to facial features - are presented with exceptional clarity. The UHD disc exceeds expectations, presenting "The Maltese Falcon" in a light that both honors its source material and leverages modern technology to enhance its visual appeal.

Warner Bros. has not only upheld but enriched the film's visual legacy with this release. The combination of a flawless transfer that respects the original grain structure, superior black levels that add gravity to its noir aesthetics, and refined detailing throughout, makes this 4K UHD edition a must-have for aficionados and new viewers alike. While it may not include a newly-remastered Blu-ray for those yet to transition to UHD, the quality witnessed here leaves little room for complaint, setting a new standard for the presentation of classic films in the digital age.

The audio presentation of "The Maltese Falcon" on its 4K UHD Blu-ray edition, boasting a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track, represents a marked improvement over previous releases, particularly noted in the transition from the 2010 Blu-ray's 1.0 track. This enhancement is primarily attributable to meticulous restoration efforts that have yielded a cleaner auditory experience, largely devoid of the clicks, pops, or background hisses traditionally associated with vintage productions. Dialogue delivery benefits immensely from this clarity enhancement, with every line from the characters, including Bogart's iconic delivery, remaining distinct and intelligible amidst the mix. The balance between dialogue, sound effects, and Adolph Deutsch’s music score is meticulously maintained, ensuring no component overwhelms the others.

Notably, the audio restoration work has succeeded in maintaining the film's original sonic atmosphere while subtly modernizing it for contemporary ears. The mono track offers a surprisingly wide dynamic range for a production of its age, capturing crisp highs and managing low ends without distortion, making even rapid-fire dialogue sequences easy to follow. Max Steiner's score is presented with good fidelity, adding to the immersive experience without intruding on the narrative's progression. Effects such as gunshots and door slams are rendered with precision, enhancing the overall atmospheric quality of the film.

The inclusion of optional subtitles in multiple languages alongside the main feature and extras adds accessibility, ensuring a wider audience can appreciate this classic cinema piece. Meanwhile, the presence of additional mono tracks in several languages further underscores the global relevance of this release. Overall, the audio presentation on "The Maltese Falcon" 4K UHD Blu-ray not only respects but enhances the original experience, offering an auditory journey that bridges over eight decades to deliver a vintage yet refreshingly clear sonic experience.

The 4K UHD release of "The Maltese Falcon" as part of the Warner Bros. 100th Anniversary Studio Collection, while lauded for its lavishly designed packaging and inclusion of digital code, has drawn mixed reactions regarding its extras. Unlike the standalone 2010 Blu-ray release, which is packed with a wealth of supplementary materials including a crucial audio commentary, making-of documentaries, vintage shorts, and radio show adaptations, the 4K UHD disc itself retains only the audio commentary by Bogart biographer Eric Lax. This singular extra on the 4K disc offers insightful but sometimes disjointedly organized anecdotes and analysis, which might leave enthusiasts longing for the breadth of materials contained on the accompanying Blu-ray. The discrepancy highlights a compromise between the high-quality visual presentation and the transition of supplemental features to the newer format, which may underwhelm purists and collectors hoping for a more comprehensive 4K upgrade.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Commentary by Eric Lax available on both the Ultra HD Blu-ray and the standard Blu-ray disc.

Warner Night at the Movies: A collection designed to emulate the movie-going experience of the '40s, with trailers, newsreels, shorts, and cartoons.

The Maltese Falcon: One Magnificent Bird: A documentary exploring the making and enduring influence of the film.

Becoming Attractions: The Trailers of Humphrey Bogart: Analysis of Bogart's career through his trailers.

Breakdowns of 1941: A compilation of bloopers from Warner Bros.' productions of that year.

Make-up Tests: Brief tests showcasing Mary Astor's make-up for her role.

Lux Radio Theater Broadcast: A radio adaptation featuring Edward G. Robinson in the role of Sam Spade.

Screen Guild Theater Broadcast & Academy Award Theater Broadcast: Radio adaptations starring the original film cast.

Trailers: Original trailers for "The Maltese Falcon" and "Satan Met a Lady".

The 4K UHD presentation of "The Maltese Falcon," a seminal film noir masterpiece directed by then-debutant John Huston, breathes new life into this iconic motion picture, enhancing its visual appeal while preserving the integrity of its rich narrative and complex character dynamics. Shot by Arthur Edeson, the film's noir essence—steeped in shadows and acute angles—is now further accentuated, lending an even more immersive experience to viewers familiar with the tale's convolutions and those exploring it for the first time. Complementing Edeson's cinematography, the restored audio track ensures that each line of snappy dialogue and subtle sound cue is as crisp and impactful as intended, providing an authentic auditory experience that matches the visual upgrade.

At its core, "The Maltese Falcon" is driven by Humphrey Bogart's portrayal of Sam Spade, the quintessential hardboiled detective, whose nuanced performance set the benchmark for the genre. The supporting cast, including Mary Astor, Peter Lorre, and Sydney Greenstreet, weave a tangled web that pairs perfectly with the story's notorious complexity. This ensemble's chemistry and the film’s stylish execution make it as punchy and effective today as it was upon its release. The 4K UHD restoration respects and enhances these performances, ensuring that every glance and gesture is conveyed with startling clarity.

John Huston’s directorial prowess is evident in every frame, delivering a film that is both a product of its time and timeless in its influence. The restoration serves as a testament to Huston’s vision, presenting "The Maltese Falcon" not just as a pivotal piece of cinema history but as a vibrant, living artwork that continues to enthrall audiences. This presentation reaffirms the movie's place in the pantheon of classic cinema, proving that its tale of deception, betrayal, and intrigue remains as compelling and visually stunning as ever.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment's long-anticipated release of "The Maltese Falcon" on 4K UHD Blu-ray celebrates an enduring noir classic with a top-tier home video presentation. As the film that arguably cemented Humphrey Bogart's status as a Hollywood icon and laid the groundwork for many noir features that followed, its release in this upgraded format is a significant event for cinephiles. The 4K restoration showcases the film in unprecedented clarity and depth, with lossless audio that elevates the viewing experience to new heights. While the set does include legacy extras from previous releases, the absence of newly remastered Blu-ray extras or the inclusion of the earlier film adaptations as additional content might be noted by devotees. However, the main draw here is undeniably the film's presentation in 4K, making it an essential acquisition for both longstanding fans and newcomers to this genre-defining masterpiece.

The Maltese Falcon's journey from its 1941 release to this current iteration highlights its lasting appeal and significance in cinema history. Not merely a launchpad for Bogart's illustrious career, it stands as a masterclass in storytelling, acting, and direction that continues to influence filmmakers today. Warner's dedication to honoring this legacy through a meticulous restoration process ensures that every shadowy corner and nuanced performance is presented with stunning clarity. For those considering the upgrade, the leap in video and audio quality alone justifies adding this release to one's collection.

In conclusion, Warner Bros.’ 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Maltese Falcon" is a commendable tribute to one of Hollywood’s most iconic films. It presents an unmatched opportunity for enthusiasts and newcomers alike to experience one of the benchmarks of film noir in the best possible quality. Despite minor disappointments regarding supplemental material, the impressive restoration work and audio enhancement make this version a compelling upgrade. Offering much more than a mere visual improvement, this release affirms "The Maltese Falcon’s" place in the pantheon of cinematic treasures and secures its relevance for future generations of film lovers.