They Drive by Night Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive's latest release, "They Drive by Night," delivers an exemplary video presentation that upholds the boutique label's stellar reputation. Sourced from a new 4K scan of the original nitrate camera negative, this 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer is a testament to the meticulous restoration efforts undertaken. The video is treated to a careful manual cleanup, ensuring a pristine and defect-free HD presentation that admirers of cinematic artistry will appreciate. The transfer exhibits superior clarity, deep blacks, and well-balanced whites, all contributing to a sleek and vibrant visual experience. Grain and texture are beautifully resolved, retaining an authentic film-like appearance that honors the work of Arthur Edeson, the film's celebrated cinematographer.

The technical aspects of this Blu Ray presentation merit high praise. With an outstanding encoding process, the video has no signs of banding, macroblocking, or other compression artifacts, facilitating a smooth playback at a high bit rate that maximizes the high definition experience. Shadow delineation and depth are impressively rendered, highlighting the nuanced interplay of light and dark in Edeson's cinematography. Costume textures and close-up details are crisp, showcasing the cast's features with clarity that accentuates the period's aesthetic and the actors' performances. Despite occasional softness and a touch of excess grain in a few shots, these minor issues do not detract from the overall brilliance of this transfer. It's a striking visual feast that brings this 84-year-old film into the present with remarkable fidelity and craftsmanship, setting a new standard for archival releases.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track presented on the Blu Ray for "They Drive by Night" offers a sound experience that, while not without its faults, represents a notable enhancement in the audio quality for this classic film. The dialogue is mostly clean and easy to comprehend, benefitting from a well-modulated delivery that prioritizes vocal clarity. However, akin to many films of its era, a slight gauziness and a mild hiss are detectable throughout. Despite these minor imperfections, likely preserved to maintain the film's original dynamic range, the overall auditory presentation is commendable.

Adolph Deutsch's robust music score is handled with aplomb, showcasing a dynamic scale that comfortably manages both the subtleties of quieter scenes and the intensity of the film's more explosive moments. Sounds such as rumbling truck engines, the distinct ding of a pinball machine, and the screech of tires are rendered with clarity, enhancing the immersive experience. Importantly, any age-related audio nuisances such as hiss, pops, or crackles appear to have been meticulously removed or significantly reduced, indicating a careful restoration process tailored to respect the film’s historic integrity.

Supporting the main feature, optional English (SDH) subtitles are provided, though it’s worth noting these do not extend to the extra content included in the release. This decision might limit accessibility for some viewers during supplemental material but does not detract from the main feature’s enhanced audio experience. Overall, the audio presentation of "They Drive by Night" on Blu Ray can be seen as a respectful and capable effort to honor the film’s legacy while employing modern technologies to improve its enjoyment for contemporary audiences.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "They Drive by Night" offer an enriching blend of historical context, nostalgic entertainment, and academic insight that enriches the viewing experience of this classic film. It kicks off with a vintage radio adaptation from the Lux Radio Theater, starring George Raft and Lana Turner, which, despite lacking cast banter, adds depth to the movie through its auditory retelling. The DVD-era featurette, "Divided Highway: The Story of They Drive by Night," provides a concise yet informative overview of the film's production, performance styles, and legacy, featuring insights from renowned film historians. "Swingtime in the Movies," an Oscar-nominated short, delivers comic relief and musical joy while showcasing cameos from the era's stars. Rounding out the package is the original theatrical trailer, serving as a succinct yet evocative glimpse into the film's high-velocity narrative. These extras collectively enhance understanding and appreciation for one of cinema's historic titles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Lux Radio Theater Broadcast: A radio version of the movie featuring George Raft and Lana Turner, highlighting the film through audio performance.
• Divided Highway: The Story of They Drive By Night: A retrospective look at the film's production and impact with comments from film experts.
• Swingtime in the Movies: An Oscar-nominated short featuring cameos by notable actors like Humphrey Bogart.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: The film’s original advertisement, capturing its essence.

Raoul Walsh’s "They Drive by Night" is an engrossing ensemble that threads the fine line between suspense, melodrama, and the nascent contours of film noir. Over eighty years have elapsed, yet its charm, underscored by its multi-genre pacing and unpredictable twists, remains undiminished. With a narrative that ingeniously doubles up, offering viewers two distinct cinematic experiences, the film features a compelling tableau of truck-driving brothers Joe (George Raft) and Paul Fabrini (Humphrey Bogart), their travails and triumphs against a backdrop of economic hardship and personal dilemmas. The cast delivers with commendable depth, where Raft and Bogart’s on-screen camaraderie is as palpable as the tension and drama that unfolds.

At the heart of its first act is a gritty exploration of the trucking industry, embellished with authentic characters and scenarios that resonate with Warner Bros’ thematic preoccupation with blue-collar struggles. Here, Joe and Paul’s odyssey through adversity, coupled with Raft’s solid performance alongside Bogart’s portrayal of an everyman, aligns seamlessly with Ann Sheridan’s spirited Cassie and Ida Lupino’s formidable Lana - a femme fatale whose obsession drives the storyline into dark, melodramatic waters. This shift not only dovetails into an early prototype of noir but showcases director Walsh’s adeptness in maneuvering through genres, proving "They Drive by Night" to be an underrated gem in Warner Bros’ oeuvre.

The film's dual narrative arcs - from the perilous yet fascinating world of trucking to the high-stakes drama fueled by Lana’s desires - present a compelling dichotomy that enriches its storytelling fabric. Technically astute and emotionally gripping, "They Drive by Night" leverages Jerry Wald and Richard Macaulay’s sharp screenplay and Walsh’s confident direction to deliver a narrative that is both gripping and reflective of Warner Bros’ golden-era ethos. Despite being overshadowed by more celebrated titles, its robust character dynamics, especially Lupino's standout performance, and thematic depth mark it as an essential classic that transcends its era.

The Blu-ray release of Raoul Walsh's "They Drive by Night" represents a commendable effort in preserving a complex film that intertwines soap opera elements, drama, and nascent noir into a surprisingly cohesive whole. More than 80 years after its original release, the movie stands out not only for its engaging narrative but also for the dedicated performances from a cast including George Raft, Ann Sheridan, Ida Lupino, and Humphrey Bogart. Its legacy is amplified by Warner Archive's meticulous restoration work, which leverages a 4K scan of the original nitrate camera negative to deliver stunning visual clarity. The addition of robust audio quality and a thoughtful selection of lightweight yet suitable bonus features further enhances the viewing experience, making this edition a must-have for aficionados of classic cinema.

The release excels in several technical aspects, most notably in its presentation quality. The restoration faithfully recaptures the visual and auditory essence of the 1940s era, ensuring that the film's dynamic script and Raoul Walsh's energetic direction are preserved and presented with an attention to detail that is both rare and admirable. The memorable portrayals by the film's leading actors are given new life through this release, adding depth to its complex mix of genres and ensuring that "They Drive by Night" remains relevant and engaging for both longstanding fans and new audiences alike.

In conclusion, Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of "They Drive by Night" is an essential addition to the collection of any classic film enthusiast. Its combination of high-quality restoration, compelling performances, and well-curated supplementary content not only pays homage to the film's original brilliance but also sets a high standard for the preservation and presentation of classic cinema. Highly recommended for those looking to rediscover or newly discover this multifaceted classic.