Little Lord Fauntleroy Blu-ray Review

Kino-Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "Little Lord Fauntleroy" boasts a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that is a marked improvement over previous home video versions. Being a public domain film, it has historically suffered from severely degraded presentations. While Kino's edition is comparatively clean and complete, it does not undergo an extensive restoration. Thus, viewers will encounter frequent vertical scratches, white specks, and occasional jitter, along with some brightness flickering. Despite these issues, the transfer from a 35mm print in high definition brings a newfound level of detail that far surpasses the DVD editions.

The black and white gradation is commendably handled, delivering deep but non-crushing shadows and bright but not overblown highlights. Grain is entirely natural without signs of digital noise reduction or edge enhancement, ensuring no visible compression problems. However, the transfer still reveals inherent flaws such as deep scuffs, cracks, and superficial tears which continuously disrupt the image. Fine object and textural details are distinct, especially noticeable in the clothing and interior shots. While this transfer remains problematic, it is a solid all-around improvement for showcasing the film's somewhat troubled visual history.

Ultimately, despite its imperfections, this release of "Little Lord Fauntleroy" is watchable and presents the best possible rendering achievable without a full-scale restoration. The balance in contrast and brightness, coupled with its high-def upgrade, offers a visually more appealing option compared to earlier renditions, albeit with certain persisting nostalgia-driven, faded characteristics of its past.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Little Lord Fauntleroy" utilizes an uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 mono track that, regrettably, does not meet modern expectations. Users will notice a peaky and occasionally cracking dialogue, with music coming off as tinny. An omnipresent low tape hiss further detracts from the overall experience. The need to reduce the volume significantly becomes apparent to mitigate some of the brashness. Unfortunately, subtitles are notably absent, which could be a drawback for viewers who depend on them.

The soundtrack's state reflects a less than meticulous preservation effort, showcasing persistent noise and hissing indicative of significant audio degradation. Vocal clarity is generally decent but inconsistently placed, with noticeable distortions shifting sounds awkwardly across the soundstage. The lossless mix exhibits unfortunate popping and a raspy texture detracting from dialogue coherence. Higher frequencies often clip and distort, which adversely affects Max Steiner's score—a blend that includes a recurring riff off "Auld Lang Syne"—and diminishes its potential emotional impact. Meanwhile, the bass remains faint and largely unremarkable.

Despite these shortcomings, the intelligibility of speech often manages to stay clear enough to follow, but these technical imperfections accumulate to sap enjoyment from the audio experience. Overall, while not entirely unserviceable, the audio presentation demands tempered expectations and might warrant future restoration efforts for proper appreciation.

The Blu-ray of "Little Lord Fauntleroy" includes a modest selection of extras that focus on trailers for various films produced by the illustrious David O. Selznick. These high-definition trailers serve as a historical showcase, reflecting the golden era of Hollywood cinema. The content is limited but adequately curated, offering insight into Selznick's broader work and contributing effectively to the overall value of the package. Despite the restriction to trailers, the quality of the presentation remains high.

Extras included in this disc:

• Nothing Sacred Trailer: High-definition preview.
• A Star is Born Trailer: High-definition preview.
• Pandora and the Flying Dutchman Trailer: High-definition preview.

"Little Lord Fauntleroy," adapted from Frances Hodgson Burnett's celebrated 1886 novel, is a 1936 film directed by John Cromwell and produced by David O. Selznick. Renowned for its enduring charm and heartfelt narrative, it stars Freddie Bartholomew as Cedric "Ceddie" Errol, Mickey Rooney as his companion Dick Tifton, and Dolores Costello as Ceddie's mother. This beloved adaptation tells the story of young Ceddie, who discovers he is the heir to the Earl of Dorincourt's estate, and his subsequent journey from Brooklyn to the English countryside. Bartholomew's performance stands out, capturing Ceddie's altruism and gentility, while Rooney adds a memorable, if brief, New York flair to the cast.

The cast's chemistry contributes significantly to the film's appeal, with Bartholomew delivering an exceptional portrayal of an earnest, polite child navigating newfound nobility. C. Aubrey Smith plays the initially crusty Earl whose heart warms due to Ceddie's unyielding kindness. The screenplay by Hugh Walpole retains the novel's Victorian-era sensitivities, combining an amiable naivety with a subtle critique of class prejudices. This film presents a hopeful vision of a compassionate aristocracy impacted by Ceddie's purity and benevolence.

However, the movie's pacing occasionally falters due to shoehorning dramatic elements that feel extraneous and disrupt the narrative flow. This sentiment echoes critiques of Burnett's original work, indicating inherent challenges in translating the entire plot within a concise runtime. Despite these hiccups, "Little Lord Fauntleroy" remains an enjoyable viewing experience, lauded for its performances that elevate a story marked by sentimental highs and lighthearted moments.

David O. Selznick's production of "Little Lord Fauntleroy" offers a quaintly sentimental adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's beloved children's book. Featuring notable performances by Freddie Bartholomew and Mickey Rooney, the film delivers an engaging rags-to-riches tale imbued with heartwarming themes. While it runs the risk of feeling overly prolonged towards its conclusion, nostalgic viewers and Selznick enthusiasts are likely to appreciate its charm.

The Blu-ray release by Kino-Lorber presents a noticeable improvement over prior DVD versions, although it remains hampered by audiovisual issues due to a print that visibly requires restoration. The disc lacks special features, which diminishes its value significantly, especially for collectors or those seeking comprehensive editions.

In essence, while "Little Lord Fauntleroy" holds a sentimental allure and is a noteworthy part of Selznick's repertoire, modern audiences may find its appeal limited. Kino-Lorber's Blu-ray edition will likely interest only dedicated collectors and fans of the original work, providing a moderate visual upgrade but falling short in supplemental content.