Kind Hearts and Coronets Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.32:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Robert Hamer's "Kind Hearts and Coronets" arrives on Blu-ray via Kino Lorber, featuring a 1080p transfer sourced from a previous 2K restoration. StudioCanal's recent 4K restoration, released in the UK, demonstrates notable improvements over the older 2K restoration, especially in density and stabilization. On the 2K version presented here, transitions can appear shakier, and grain stability less consistent. However, on the 4K restoration, improvements are evident in these areas, along with better delineation. Despite these enhancements, the 4K restoration suffers from some black crush issues in darker scenes due to grading choices, potentially overweighting one of its main strengths. Nevertheless, the Blu-ray offering from Kino Lorber remains a high-quality presentation but inevitably shadows under the modern capabilities exhibited by the 4K restoration.

In terms of visual clarity, the Blu-ray transfer reviewed maintains an exceptional sharpness and pristineness throughout. The grayscale is enviably balanced with clean white levels and deep blacks. The immaculate transfer exhibits virtually no blemishes—no spots, specks, or scratches—making it one of the best transfers observed for a classic British film on Blu-ray. Although missing a chapter listing in the main menu, the movie is divided into eight chapters for navigation convenience. Overall, while this disc does not feature the latest enhancements seen in the 4K restoration, it proves itself as a spectacular visual presentation worthy of praise for its meticulous attention to detail and preservation quality.

The Blu-ray release of "Kind Hearts and Coronets" features a singular yet robust audio track: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Accompanying this is an optional English SDH subtitle track for the main feature, ensuring accessibility. Upon close inspection and comparison with a previous 2K restoration, the most notable enhancement is a slightly improved audio balance. The sound feels marginally 'thicker,' and overall, the encoding might contribute to these subtle differences. Regardless, the lossless track presented here maintains a high standard.

In terms of performance, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix excels in aural clarity which is impressive given the film's age. Dialogue, an essential component especially considering it is driven by narrative monologues from the protagonist, remains exceptionally clear. This clarity extends to the music scored by Ernest Irving and the period-specific sound effects, all merged seamlessly. Additionally, it's noteworthy that there are no detectable age-related audio issues such as hiss, crackle, pops, or flutter, making this a commendable restoration worthy of praise.

The Blu-ray release of "Kind Hearts and Coronets" is richly supplemented by a variety of extras that provide deep insights into both the film itself and its broader cinematic context. These extras include an engaging introduction by John Landis that highlights the film’s significance, and a touching documentary on actor Dennis Price, showcasing clips from his diverse career. The archival audio interview with cinematographer Douglas Slocombe offers invaluable technical and artistic perspectives on the film's visual style. Additionally, viewers can explore an alternate U.S. ending, although it's less effective than the original. An exclusive commentary by critic Kat Ellinger provides further academic critique, despite occasional redundancy in her analyses. Vintage trailers encapsulate the film’s historical marketing efforts, adding a nostalgic touch.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction: Archival introduction to Kind Hearts and Coronets by John Landis.
• Dennis Price: Those British Faces: Tribute to Dennis Price with extensive film clips.
• Interview with Cinematographer Douglas Slocombe: Archival interview outlining his collaboration on the film.
• Alternate U.S. Ending: An alternate conclusion to the film.
• Commentary: Audio commentary by critic Kat Ellinger.
• Trailer: Original vintage trailer for the film.
• Additional Trailers: Trailers for The Lavender Hill Mob, The Man in the White Suit, and The Captain's Paradise.

"Kind Hearts and Coronets," directed by Robert Hamer, is a masterpiece of black comedy that delivers a delightful yet chilling narrative through the eyes of Louis Mazzini (Dennis Price). This 1949 Ealing comedy classic, now available on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber, stands out for its clever screenplay and superb performances. The narrative unfolds with Mazzini retrospectively recounting his mission to eliminate the d'Ascoyne family members who disowned his mother. Driven by a calculated vendetta, Mazzini, a gentleman on the surface but a cold-blooded serial killer at heart, executes his machinations with a disturbingly calm demeanor.

Price’s portrayal of Mazzini is nothing short of spectacular; his elegant mannerisms and chillingly casual narration lend a unique charm to the character. Yet, Alec Guinness’s versatility in playing eight different members of the d'Ascoyne family is undeniably a highlight. From a passionate photographer to an alcohol-imbibing noble, Guinness’s ability to embody diverse personas with distinct make-ups, accents, and postures showcases his extraordinary talent. This dual showcase of acting prowess underscores the film's dark humor and the grotesque nature of Mazzini's deadly ambitions.

The film’s humor is paradoxically dry and cold, perfectly mirroring the decadence of its Edwardian setting. The murders, depicted with a subtle touch—often off-screen—offer a macabre yet amusing spectacle, as Mazzini eliminates one pretentious d'Ascoyne after another. Hamer’s direction ensures that each gruesome demise elicits both horror and laughter, while also balancing Mazzini’s romantic entanglements between the scheming Sibella (Joan Greenwood) and the refined Edith (Valerie Hobson). Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release complements this splendid production with an array of supplemental features, including archival footage and insightful documentaries, making it an essential addition for enthusiasts of classic British cinema.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Kind Hearts and Coronets" offers an exceptional presentation of one of Ealing Studios' most celebrated films from the postwar era. The film, known for its droll, sophisticated, and underplayed British humor, epitomizes the delicate balance between wit and subversive elements that characterize classic British comedy. While Kino Lorber's release was anticipated to introduce StudioCanal's 4K restoration in the United States, it instead uses an earlier 2K restoration, previously made available in the UK in 2011. Despite not being the latest restoration, the 2K transfer presents the film with considerable clarity and detail.

The visual quality of the Blu-ray is commendable; it represents the era's cinematographic nuances well without over-polishing the image, thereby preserving the film’s authentic feel. Kino Lorber has also included several intriguing bonus features that delve into the making and legacy of this Brit-com classic, adding significant value for collectors and historians alike. Both casual viewers and cinephiles will appreciate the attention to detail that marks this release, from its faithful color grading to cleaned-up audio tracks that enhance the overall viewing experience.

If you look around you will realize that there are a lot of different opinions on the qualities that define classic British humor and the films that best represent them. 'Classic' is a term that is largely irrelevant to me, so I will just say that I find British humor most effective when it is witty and gently subversive, if the occasion justifies it unabashedly naughty as well. All of these qualities are on full display in Kind Hearts and Coronets, which is precisely the reason why I consider it one of its best of its kind.

Kino Lorber's release was supposed to introduce StudioCanal's recent 4K restoration of the film in the United States, but it is actually sourced from an earlier 2K restoration. (This older restoration was released on Blu-ray in the United Kingdom in 2011). I like the 2K restoration quite a lot, but I can't recommend this release because it does not offer what it was supposed to. I don't like speculating, but I am fairly certain that the 4K restoration will reach U.S. shores, and again via Kino Lorber.