After the Thin Man Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "After the Thin Man" exemplifies Warner Archive's dedication to restoring and preserving the allure of classic cinema with its latest release. This edition boasts a brand-new 4K restoration from the film's best surviving elements, resulting in a breathtaking 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer that arguably surpasses its predecessors in quality. The restoration process, notable for its complexity and cost, vividly demonstrates Warner Archive’s commitment to bringing Hollywood's golden era to contemporary audiences with unmatched fidelity. The transfer's excellence is evidenced by its preservation of the original film’s grain, ensuring a genuine celluloid experience. Deep black levels and sparkling whites accompany varied grays, creating images of exceptional clarity and contrast, while the meticulous removal of age-related imperfections ensures a pristine viewing experience.

The film’s visual nuances, from the fog enshrouded San Francisco scenes to the rich textures of period-specific clothing and intricate set designs, are rendered with stunning detail and depth. This is achieved without succumbing to digital manipulation pitfalls such as compression artifacts, edge enhancement, or unnatural sharpening. Such fidelity not only enhances the viewing experience but also faithfully honors the film’s nitrate roots. Particularly challenging sequences, like a foggy night rendezvous involving the disposal of a gun, maintain their filmic integrity, with noise minimization contributing to a remarkably clear portrayal amidst potentially obfuscating conditions.

Moreover, Warner Archive has complemented the physical Blu-ray release with digital previews, posting high-definition clips on their YouTube channel, offering enthusiasts a taste of the exceptional quality that awaits. This initiative reflects both a marketing savvy and a genuine enthusiasm for sharing these meticulously restored classics with a broader audience. Altogether, "After the Thin Man" stands as a shining exemplar of Warner Archive's unwavering pursuit of excellence in the preservation of cinema's illustrious past, ensuring that these cinematic treasures continue to sparkle with vitality for new generations of film aficionados.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track for "After the Thin Man" offers a surprisingly robust audio presentation given the film's vintage, showcasing a marked improvement over previous DVD releases from 2005. The track manages to deliver crisp and clear dialogue that stands out even amidst the background of sound effects - from the distinct cracks of gunshots and shattering glass to the uproarious ambiance of nightclub scenes and Asta's enthusiastic yaps. However, listeners might encounter a mild, persistent hiss and occasional crackles that seem to be ingrained in the source material, albeit without significantly detracting from the overall listening experience. The soundtrack, credited to Herbert Stothart and Edward Ward, benefits from a considerable boost, enhancing the film's dynamic scale without succumbing to distortion, despite sometimes sounding slightly tinny or harsh, likely a remnant of the era’s recording limitations.

Despite minor sonic imperfections possibly inherent to the original recordings, the audio remains vibrant and layered, ensuring that every line of dialogue cuts through potentially competing elements with clarity. This fidelity is crucial for a film renowned for its snappy exchanges and intricate soundscapes, ranging from subtle environmental noises to the orchestrated chaos of social gatherings. Additionally, the care taken in presenting optional English (SDH) subtitles is commendable, with precise formatting and syncing that aligns seamlessly with the on-screen action, ensuring that nothing is lost in translation for those who rely on them.

In essence, while the audio track might exhibit signs of its age through minor hisses and a certain tonal sharpness indicative of 1930s recording technology, it still stands as a testament to diligent restoration efforts. The sound design distinctly celebrates the film's auditory nuances, from its memorable score to the minutiae of sound effects that breathe life into its cinematic world, offering an immersive experience that respects and revitalizes the original work’s sonic integrity.

This Blu-ray edition of "After the Thin Man" brings together a carefully curated collection of vintage extras that enrich the film's context and entertainment value, all while remaining faithful to the 1936 release era. Notable inclusions feature a Robert Benchley short, "How to Be a Detective," providing a comedic take on crime-solving, alongside “The Early Bird and the Worm,” a Happy Harmonies cartoon that, despite its dated humor, showcases the animation style of the time. Additionally, the disc offers a Lux Radio Theater broadcast with William Powell and Myrna Loy, which stands out for not only retaining the original charm of Nick and Nora Charles but also enhancing Myrna Loy’s role in this compact version. "Leo is On the Air" further boosts the release with a unique promotional perspective through its radio format. The package is rounded off by the theatrical trailer, making this collection an essential grab for enthusiasts keen on diving deep into the film's historical backdrop and its promotional journey.

Extras included in this disc:

• How to Be a Detective: Robert Benchley's light-hearted lesson on crime-solving.
• The Early Bird and the Worm: A Harmonies cartoon featuring a tale of nature's food chain with mild comedy.
• Lux Radio Theater Broadcast: A vintage radio adaptation featuring Powell and Loy reprising their iconic roles.
• Leo is On the Air: A promotional radio episode offering insights and audio clips from the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original promotional piece for the movie.

After the Thin Man," the splendid sequel to the iconic "The Thin Man," secures its position as a prime example of Hollywood's Golden Age of cinema, presenting William Powell and Myrna Loy's renowned chemistry as Nick and Nora Charles. This film, helmed by W.S. Van Dyke, picks up directly from its predecessor, embarking on another thrilling case immediately upon the duo's return to San Francisco to celebrate New Year's Eve. Despite aspirations for tranquility, their return quickly spirals into a whirlwind of mystery and murder, ensuring viewers are captivated from start to finish. The remarkable conviviality and rapport between Powell and Loy, alongside their canine co-star Asta, provide an enduring charm that, combined with James Stewart in a supporting role, enriches the cinematic texture of this sequel.

The plot intricately weaves through a web of familial dissent and deceit, as Nick and Nora delve into the disappearance and eventual death of a wayward husband amidst the antics of a colorful ensemble of characters. From Chinatown night clubs to stuffy mansions, the narrative efficiently balances screwball comedy elements with its core mystery intrigue, showcasing Hammett's story alongside Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett's Oscar-nominated screenplay. The film's pacing, though occasionally leisurely due to its generous runtime and secondary subplots like Asta's romantic entanglements, largely succeeds in maintaining momentum through well-crafted dialogue and sequences that mix humor with suspense.

Technically, "After the Thin Man" stands out for its meticulous 1080p presentation on Blu-ray, providing a pristine visual experience that honors the film's original allure. The audio in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono complements the visual fidelity, offering clear and immersive listening that elevates both the dynamic repartee and the atmospheric tension pivotal to the film's setting and tone. Although it marginally meanders in its storytelling, the film remains a noteworthy follow-up that not only highlights the era's filmmaking prowess but also solidifies Nick and Nora Charles as unforgettable figures in cinematic history.

After the Thin Man," directed by W.S. Van Dyke, continues the captivating adventures of Nick and Nora Charles, offering a sequel that, while not overtaking its predecessor, still stands tall with its own merits. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New Year's Eve, the film weaves a compelling narrative enriched by a mix of colorful supporting characters and engaging settings. The undeniable chemistry between William Powell and Myrna Loy returns to anchor the storyline, propelling the film with their charismatic sleuthing. Warner Archive's release further elevates the experience, featuring a top-tier restoration that honors the film's original allure, complemented by a selection of bonus features reminiscent of the DVD era. Such meticulous care makes this edition a must-have for aficionados of the series, though novices are advised to commence their journey with the inaugural film.

The sequel manages to maintain the series' hallmark blend of mystery and humor, powered by snappy direction and a clever script. William Powell and Myrna Loy, reprising their roles as the quintessential cocktail-swigging detectives, find themselves embroiled in a murder investigation with personal stakes, delivering performances that are as engaging as they are delightful. The inclusion of James Stewart in a stellar supporting cast adds a layer of distinction, enhancing the overall narrative. The Blu-ray presentation from Warner Archive is distinguished by an exceptional transfer and superb audio quality, alongside vintage supplements that complement the viewing experience.

In conclusion, "After the Thin Man," through Warner Archive's remarkable restoration and presentation, reinforces its status as a solid and entertaining sequel worthy of its legacy. Its balance of mystery, humor, and character-driven storytelling—coupled with high-quality technical aspects—ensures it remains an essential addition to any classic film collection. While it may not eclipse its groundbreaking predecessor, it delivers a uniquely satisfying experience that both fans and newcomers will find rewarding, provided the latter acquaint themselves with the series' beginnings for full context.