Libeled Lady Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive's recent 1080p transfer of "Libeled Lady," derived from a recent 4K scan, showcases an impressive restoration effort. The image is remarkably stable and consistent throughout the film, featuring a robust range of silvery grays alongside a fantastic level of detail integrated within the natural grain of its nitrate elements. Even the less pristine sections maintain a high quality, free from excessive digital noise reduction, edge enhancement, and compression artifacts. As is typical of Warner Archive's reliable output, dirt and debris are virtually non-existent, providing a pure, film-like viewing experience that significantly surpasses the studio's earlier standard-definition offerings.

The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer marks a significant upgrade over Warner's 2005 DVD release, eliminating previous issues such as nicks, marks, and blotches. Grain is present but controlled, ensuring the film retains its cinematic texture without dominating the viewing experience. Sharp close-ups bring out fine details in the principal actors' faces, while black levels are deep and whites are vibrant with good definition. Although there is a missing frame early in the film and brief overly grainy moments likely sourced from alternative prints, these minor issues do not detract notably from the overall quality. For a film nearing its 85th anniversary, this restoration offers a remarkably fresh visual presentation that will undoubtedly be appreciated by classic film enthusiasts.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track on the Blu-ray release of "Libeled Lady" offers a commendable audio experience, faithful given the film’s vintage. Dialogue is prioritized and clean, ensuring that the witty banter is easily comprehensible. However, some minor baked-in flaws are present, including a mild background hiss and occasional gauzy distortion which can impact a few conversations. Despite these minor shortcomings, the majority of dialogue comes through clear and unobstructed, preserving the comedic essence of the film.

William Axt's original score is rendered with a solid dynamic range, though it sometimes strains slightly on the high end. Background effects, such as the bustling newsroom and the rushing river during pivotal scenes, are distinct and well-balanced without overshadowing the primary audio elements. Although surface pops and crackles are absent, a faint layer of surface hiss intermittently reminds us of the film's 80+ years. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are included for the main feature but not for the extras, which could be a slight inconvenience for some viewers.

Overall, while not without imperfections, the lossless DTS-HD 2.0 mono mix does justice to "Libeled Lady". Considering the constraints of the historical source material, the audio presentation remains engaging and immersive, effectively supporting both the dialogue and atmospheric elements. This solid effort ensures that modern viewers can appreciate this classic film with a sound experience that respects its original production constraints.

The Blu-ray edition of "Libeled Lady" maintains a professional flair with its array of period-specific features, meticulously restored and presented in top-quality audio and video formats. These extras, ported from the 2005 DVD and complemented with additional vintage content, enhance the viewing experience by offering historical context and engaging supplemental material. Notably, the shorts section includes diverse genres from slapstick comedy to charming animations, making it a commendable collection. Fans will appreciate the restored footage and the effort put into preserving these classic materials.

Extras included in this disc:

• Keystone Hotel: A 1935 live-action short featuring madcap comedy including a pie-throwing melee and Keystone Kops chase.
• New Shoes: A 1936 musical short about talking and singing shoes, featuring early performances by the Andrews Sisters.
• Little Cheeser: A 1936 animated short following a little mouse's moral dilemmas.
• Leo Is On The Air: A promotional radio segment hyping "Libeled Lady".
• Theatrical Trailer: The original promotional trailer for the film.

Libeled Lady remains a standout example of MGM's foray into screwball comedy, a genre traditionally dominated by other studios. Directed by Jack Conway and featuring an all-star cast—Jean Harlow, William Powell, Myrna Loy, and Spencer Tracy—the film offers a blend of sophisticated humor and zany antics. The plot revolves around a $5 million libel suit filed by wealthy Connie Allenbury (Loy) against the New York Evening Star, which erroneously labeled her a marriage-wrecker. Managing Editor Warren Haggerty (Tracy) concocts a convoluted scheme to prove the defamation true by involving former journalist Bill Chandler (Powell) and his own fiancée, Gladys Benton (Harlow), in a faux-marriage plan meant to entrap Connie.

The film's narrative unfolds with a series of misunderstandings and comedic twists, characteristic of the screwball genre. Yet, it's the cast's charismatic performances that truly elevate the material. Harlow, in particular, shines with her effervescent personality and impeccable timing, while Powell and Loy's natural chemistry adds depth to their few shared scenes. Tracy embodies the fast-talking editor committed to his paper and fearfully hesitant about marriage, adding another layer of complexity. Despite some pacing issues attributed to Conway's direction, the film manages to keep audiences engaged, thanks to the sparkling script and the actors' ability to bring it to life.

Visually, the film benefits from picturesque locations, from opulent estates to cozy retreats, enhancing its appeal. Though not as impactful as genre-defining classics like Bringing Up Baby or My Man Godfrey, Libeled Lady's combination of sophisticated comedy and unrestrained farce offers a delightful watch. Warner Archive's recent Blu-ray release ensures that the film’s visual and audio quality is preserved with a 4K-sourced 1080p transfer and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono sound, making it a worthwhile addition to any classic cinema collection.

Libeled Lady on Blu-ray is a delightful showcase of classic screwball comedy, bolstered by an incredible ensemble cast. Directed by Jack Conway, this film thrives on the magnetic performances of Jean Harlow, William Powell, Myrna Loy, and Spencer Tracy. They inject the narrative with a lively energy that compensates for any weaknesses in the plot. Fans of these Hollywood legends will find much to love in this charming and frenetic farce, which still brings laughter after more than eighty years.

The new 4K restoration by Warner Archive is commendable, offering a significant visual upgrade from the previous 2005 DVD release. The picture quality is sharp and vibrant, breathing new life into the black-and-white cinematography. The audio presentation is equally solid, capturing the nuances of the film’s dialogue and score. The Blu-ray also includes a decent collection of extras, enhancing its appeal for both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, Libeled Lady is a highly recommended addition to any classic film collection. Its delightful performances and technical enhancements make it a timeless piece worthy of revisiting. With Warner Archive’s superb A/V restoration, this Blu-ray release serves as an essential gateway to experiencing one of Hollywood’s gleaming comedies at its finest.