The Eagle and the Hawk Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "The Eagle and the Hawk" presents the film in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition with a theatrical aspect ratio of 1.35:1 full frame. The transfer exhibits notable strengths but is not without some flaws typical for a film of this vintage. Though the scan could be sharper, and black levels occasionally fall to a grayish tone, the presentation maintains a level of quality that should satisfy most viewers. The print retains light scratches and dirt, particularly during wartime sequences, yet these imperfections are not overly distracting and fail to diminish the overall viewing experience.

The 1080p transfer is commendable, offering excellent clarity, contrast, and a pleasing film-like grain structure. Despite signs of age-related damage, including some persistent vertical lines and a few missing frames, the Blu-ray delivers a vivid picture with rich blacks and varied grays that balance the imagery well. Shadow detail in darker scenes is respectable, with minimal crush, and several close-ups showcase remarkable detail. Highlights include breathtaking extreme close-ups that capture the nuances in performances by March, Grant, and Lombard, emphasizing their compelling screen presence.

In essence, while not hitting the pinnacle of high-definition transfers like those in 4K or utilizing HDR technologies, this Blu-ray edition stands out for its strong rendering of an early 1930s film. It successfully brings out the subtle details that enhance the storytelling, ensuring that "The Eagle and the Hawk" continues to captivate audiences and earns high marks when compared to other contemporaneous transfers.

The Blu-ray release of "The Eagle and the Hawk" delivers an impressive DTS HD Master Audio mono soundtrack. This near-century-old track excels, providing a clear and well-modulated sound experience. Dialogue reproduction stands out as particularly crisp, clear, and articulate, ensuring that every spoken word is easy to comprehend from start to finish. The audio track adeptly handles the complexity of various sound effects, from the whirring of airplane engines and propeller sounds to the sharp rat-a-tat-tat of machine gun fire and explosive scenes, maintaining a seamless auditory experience devoid of distortions.

In addition, the lossless audio encoding elevates the overall listening experience by eliminating any potential issues like hiss, crackle, pops, or clicks. The unobtrusive musical score complements the sound effects and spoken dialogue perfectly, adding a full-bodied tonal presence without overshadowing critical audio components. Given the age of the original recording, the meticulous work done to erase any age-related artifacts results in a remarkably clean and efficient track. Optional English subtitles are also provided, ensuring accessibility and enhancing the overall presentation quality for users.

The Blu-ray release of "The Eagle and the Hawk" offers a commendable selection of extras, with a focus on a rich audio commentary and accompanying trailers. The audio commentary by renowned author and film historian Lee Gambin stands out as a significant highlight. Gambin delves deeply into the themes and character dynamics of the film, praises March's standout performance, and analyzes the relationships between key characters. He also covers behind-the-scenes details, including rumors of Mitchell Leisen's directorial involvement, an on-set accident, and Lombard's role alterations. Additionally, he provides insights into the aircraft featured in the movie and references some contemporary critiques. These additions enrich the viewing experience, providing both historical context and an engaging analysis of the film's production nuances.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by author/film historian Lee Gambin: Comprehensive analysis of the film's themes, performances, production details, and contemporary reactions.
• The Eagle and the Hawk Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical trailer in standard definition.
• Wake Island Theatrical Trailer: Promotional trailer for another Kino Lorber release.
• Fixed Bayonets! Theatrical Trailer: Another promotional trailer for a Kino Lorber release in high definition.

"The Eagle and the Hawk" is an exemplary pre-code war drama, produced by Bayard Veiller and based on a story by John Monk Saunders. The film stars Frederic March, Cary Grant, and Carole Lombard, with direction by Stuart Walker and associate director Mitchell Leisen. The narrative dives into the lives of Jerry Young (March) and Henry Crocker (Grant), pilots of the Royal Flying Corps during World War I. The film offers a compelling exploration of their emotional struggles against the backdrop of harrowing aerial combat and the devastating toll of war. Cary Grant's performance stands out, infusing the film with his trademark charisma and making significant contributions to its gravitas alongside notable contributions from Frederic March and a supporting role by Lombard.

Technically, "The Eagle and the Hawk" excels with classy art direction by Robert Odell and impactful cinematography by Harry Fischbeck, whose aerial shots add excitement and authenticity to the film. The costumes designed by Travis Banton further enhance the period authenticity, especially highlighting Lombard's striking wardrobe. However, the score by John Leipold falls short in reinforcing the dramatic tension, while editor James Smith's fast-paced editing leaves the 73-minute film feeling somewhat abrupt in parts. Nonetheless, the screenplay by Seton I. Miller and Bogart Rogers captivates despite occasional thinness in plot, supported by visceral anti-war themes that remain potent even today.

Ultimately, "The Eagle and the Hawk" distinguishes itself within its genre not through action-packed aerial confrontations but through its intense scrutiny of the psychological impact of war. March's portrayal resonates deeply, delivering powerful dialogues that address the futility and destruction inherent in wartime. This nuanced examination of the human psyche amidst relentless conflict confirms the film's status as an undersung classic of its era, with its recent Blu-ray release promising to introduce this poignant cinematic experience to new audiences.

"The Eagle and the Hawk" is a compelling anti-war film from the early 1930s, emphasizing the senselessness of conflict and the psychological toll on soldiers. Featuring powerful performances from Fredric March, Cary Grant, and a memorable appearance by Carole Lombard, the narrative thoughtfully examines the traumatizing experiences of World War I aviators. The film's direction skillfully marries intense aerial combat sequences with more intimate moments of emotional strain, creating a balanced and gripping cinematic experience.

Technically, the Blu-ray release by Kino impresses with its quality. The transfer is vibrant and clean, bringing renewed clarity to the historical visuals. The audio is solid, delivering clear dialogue and immersive soundscapes, which enhance the overall ambiance of the film. Additionally, the Blu-ray’s commentary track proves engaging and insightful, providing depth and context to a film that may not be widely known but is undoubtedly impactful.

The Eagle and the Hawk is not a perfect film but it is an entertaining one which is highlighted by a great performance by Cary Grant. The production is terrific and has a number of impressive merits. Throughout the film, I was impressed by how tense the aerial sequences were. Some of these scenes were downright breathtaking. The action is truly fantastic at times. The Blu-ray features a decent video-audio presentation and comes recommended.