The Clock Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Clock" shines with a remarkable transfer that far surpasses its previous DVD versions. Utilizing a new 2022 master from a 4K scan of the best surviving protection elements, the 1080p presentation marvelously captures the essence of George Folsey’s black-and-white cinematography. The transfer impressively balances clarity and contrast, rendering deep blacks and vibrant whites without any bloom, while showcasing finely resolved grain for that authentic film-like sheen. Superior shadow delineation further adds to the depth, maintaining rich detail in notably constructed nighttime sequences.

Warner Archive's commitment to excellence is evident with this dual-layered disc, employing MPEG-4 AVC encoding, which runs at a high bit-rate and enhances visual integrity significantly. The image is not only crisp and clear but also ensures motion is smooth and filmic, free from digital distortions during rapid sequences. The restoration work meticulously addresses previously bothersome issues found in older releases, eliminating nicks and blemishes for a clean viewing experience. Although a few shots retain inherent softness due to the original source material, the overall clarity and attention to detail have transformed this title into an exemplary showcase of Blu-ray potential.

Facial textures are particularly well-rendered, offering discernible features in close-ups and medium shots. This improvement marks a high point for Warner Archive Collection, establishing "The Clock" as an essential upgrade for cinephiles. This release demonstrates Warner Archive's prowess in presenting catalog titles with visual consistency unmatched in the industry, making "The Clock" not only a must-see for aficionados but a definitive projection of cinematic restoration capabilities at their finest.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track for "The Clock" stands out as a commendable aspect of the Blu-ray release, offering a noticeable improvement over previous lossy DVD audio editions. While it doesn’t entirely escape its original one-channel constraints, and some age-related auditory artifacts such as sporadic hissing and occasional popping noises are present, these minor disturbances do not detract from the overall listening experience. The audio presentation delivers exceptional clarity with crisp dialogue and maintains a reasonably balanced dynamic range. Although some high-end thinness occasionally affects George Bassman's original score, the overall delivery of music and effects is vibrant and possesses a clarity that reflects the efforts of its restoration.

Additionally, the audio track efficiently handles the film's bustling city soundscape. Ambient sounds like subway rattles, car horns, and park seals are rendered with precision, enhancing the film’s atmospheric depth. Notable sequences involving dynamic audio elements—such as a bursting tire or a collapsing pinball machine—are captured with crisp detail and effective spatial differentiation, granting an immersive quality that belies the film's age. Despite requiring a slight volume boost for optimal engagement, the track successfully reproduces dialogue with excellent prioritization.

One notable area for improvement remains in the subtitles department. The Blu-ray includes English SDH subtitles only for the main feature, omitting them from extra content. This oversight might frustrate viewers who appreciated comprehensive subtitle availability in previous DVD releases. Despite this minor shortcoming, "The Clock" on Blu-ray still showcases an impressive auditory presentation that preserves the essence of its cinematic heritage while enhancing accessibility through modern audio technology advancements.

The Blu-ray release of "The Clock" maintains a strong historical connection with its cinematic roots, presenting a selection of extras expertly remastered from the 2007 DVD. These additions offer a deeper dive into the film's era, enhancing its nostalgic allure for enthusiasts. From Pete Smith’s charming short "Hollywood Scout," giving glimpses of showbiz’s quirkier side through animal auditions, to the classic Tex Avery cartoon, which delights with slapstick antics featuring the mischievous Screwy Squirrel. The Lux Radio Theater adaptation remains a fascinating audio endeavor, capturing some of the original charm with Judy Garland reprising her role, though it struggles to convey the film’s visual emotions audibly. Rounding up the selection is the original theatrical trailer, preserving alternate takes in crisp high definition for today's viewers.

Extras included on this disc:

• Pete Smith Specialty Short: Hollywood Scout: A humorous take on an animal talent scout's day.
• Classic Tex Avery Cartoon: The Screwy Truant: Comic antics of Screwy Squirrel tormenting a dog.
• Lux Radio Theater Adaptation: A radio version with Judy Garland and John Hodiak.
• Theatrical Trailer: High-definition original film preview with alternate takes.

"The Clock" emerges as an exemplary piece of cinematic artistry, skillfully directed by Vincente Minnelli and showcasing Judy Garland in her first significant non-singing role. Released during the World War II era, this romantic drama captures Garland's dramatic prowess, as she portrays Alice Mayberry, a New York City professional, opposite Robert Walker's earnest GI Joe Allen. The film deviates from Garland's musical ventures, spotlighting instead her ability to evoke a genuine emotional depth through subtle, yet powerful acting.

Set against the bustling backdrop of 1940s New York City, "The Clock" transcends the conventions of wartime romance films. Its plot evolves from an almost whimsical meet-cute to a deeply affecting narrative exploring themes of love, fate, and the relentless march of time. The film effectively uses its urban setting as both a character and a narrative device, with Minnelli's meticulous set design and seamless visual transitions convincingly simulating New York's iconic landmarks. The city's vastness both unites and separates Alice and Joe, infusing their journey with an urgency that underscores the ephemeral nature of their romance.

Minnelli's direction ensures a tightly woven narrative with rich character development. The chemistry between Garland and Walker is palpable, driving the film's emotional core and enhancing its appeal as a tender, timeless love story. Complemented by standout supporting performances from character actors like Keenan Wynn and James Gleason, "The Clock" balances humor and drama, creating an immersive experience. This visually engaging film remains a significant entry in both Minnelli's and Garland's filmographies, offering film enthusiasts a glimpse into the evolution of romantic storytelling in cinema. The Blu-ray edition provides a high-quality audiovisual restoration, preserving this cinematic gem for contemporary audiences while maintaining its nostalgic charm.

Vincente Minnelli's "The Clock" is a captivating romantic drama that remains a standout piece in the careers of its cast, particularly highlighting Judy Garland in a compelling non-musical role and Robert Walker. This film offers a beautifully crafted narrative set against the backdrop of post-war New York City, distinctly conveyed through Minnelli's expert direction. The Blu-ray release, a part of Warner Archive Collection, offers audiences a meticulously restored visual experience thanks to a new 4K remaster sourced from the finest surviving protection elements, making it a crucial addition to any classic film enthusiast's collection.

This Blu-ray edition not only presents the film in improved audiovisual quality—benefiting from a well-executed audio restoration—but also includes several supplementary features carried over from the 2007 DVD release. While the extras may appear sparse to some, they still offer valuable content for both dedicated fans and newcomers. The restoration effectively brings out the vivid atmosphere of mid-20th century New York City, enhancing the timeless qualities of this sweet and uplifting wartime romance.

In conclusion, "The Clock" on Blu-ray delivers an enriching and nostalgic viewing experience, celebrating a film that perhaps doesn't garner as much attention compared to other wartime romances yet resonates deeply with its poignant portrayal of young love. This release is highly recommended for anyone looking to explore or revisit one of Hollywood’s endearing gems. Whether you're a long-time fan or a first-time viewer, this presentation is sure to leave an impression with its heartfelt narrative and stunning restoration.