Pocketful of Miracles Blu-ray Review

Kino’s 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray presentation of "Pocketful of Miracles" offers a mixed visual experience, reflecting both strengths and limitations. Filmed in anamorphic widescreen by Robert Bronner, the transfer ensures that the frame is often teeming with activity, which is well-detailed in long shots. However, closer inspection reveals a lack of fine detail, leading to a softened image and a coarsening of grain structure—likely due to the source material being generations away from the original camera negative. This Blu-ray utilizes a BD-25, constrained by an average bitrate of 18.96 Mbps, which could contribute to minor compression noise and a generally softer, grainier texture.

Color reproduction is a highlight, with decently rich and saturated hues bringing out the spectacular wardrobe designed by Edith Head, especially in scenes featuring Hope Lange, Ann-Margret, and Bette Davis. The club scenes are appropriately vibrant, capturing the atmosphere of Queenie's establishment. Black levels are robust, ensuring deep contrast without evident crush, while whites remain well-defined. Skin tones, however, occasionally deviate slightly from natural coloration. Despite occasional specks and marks on the film print, the overall cleanliness and clarity of this transfer stand out amidst some minor flaws. Digital enhancements appear minimally applied, maintaining a look true to the celluloid origins.

Ultimately, Kino’s effort breathes new life into this 1961 classic while exposing some of its archival and transfer constraints. The meticulous detail in costume textures and background elements is praiseworthy, although the presentation might benefit from a higher bitrate for improved texture and grain management. Fans of the film will appreciate the vibrant colors and overall good quality but should temper expectations regarding resolution refinements achievable with higher bandwidth and better source materials.

Kino has skillfully encoded the original mono track for "Pocketful of Miracles" into a lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0 format, characterized by identical left and right front channels. The track is commendable in its ability to render dialogue clearly and maintain a decent dynamic range, offering good fidelity, especially for Walter Scharf’s musical score. The soundtrack is also notable for incorporating Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker Suite and the title song by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen, with Ann-Margret’s a capella rendition of "The Riddle Song" adding a memorable touch.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track stands out for its absence of age-related hiss, pops, and crackles, assuring a clear and nicely modulated sound. Atmospheric elements, such as the hustle and bustle of Broadway and the driving rain in the opening scene, are effectively conveyed. Sonic details like shattering bric-a-brac and machine gun fire are crisp and distinct. Walter Scharf’s score fills the room effortlessly, and despite the quirky dialects of some characters, the colorful dialogue remains easy to understand. This mono mix impresses with a wide dynamic scale that handles highs and lows without distortion, though a stereo track could have provided a more expansive audio experience. Nonetheless, this mix proficiently meets the demands of the film without any significant issues.

The Blu Ray of "Pocketful of Miracles" includes a singular, yet engaging extra: the film's original theatrical trailer. This three-minute trailer is narrated by the legendary variety show host Ed Sullivan, who introduces the movie and extols its virtues. The trailer not only showcases scenes from the film but also features a few alternate takes, providing a nostalgic and intriguing peek into the movie’s promotion at the time. Presented in 480i resolution with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, this trailer adds historical value and insight into the film’s original marketing efforts.

Extras included in this disc:

Original Theatrical Trailer: Features Ed Sullivan introducing and praising the movie, including scenes and alternate takes in 480i resolution.

Frank Capra’s final directorial endeavor, "Pocketful of Miracles", is a remake of his 1933 classic "Lady for a Day," based on Damon Runyon's "Madame La Gimp". Despite its turbulent production history, marked by Capra’s struggle for the rights and misalignment with some cast members, the film retains an endearing charm that overshadows its extended length and dated humor. Glenn Ford, albeit not Capra’s ideal choice, portrays bootlegger Dave the Dude with adequate aplomb, while Bette Davis delivers a spirited performance as Apple Annie. Their contentious behind-the-scenes relationship is palpable but doesn’t hinder the film's optimistic narrative. The standout performance comes from Peter Falk as Joy Boy, earning an Oscar nomination for his role.

The plot centers around Annie, a street vendor who fabricates a high-society persona to impress her daughter Louise (Ann-Margret in her debut), engaged to a Spanish nobleman. Capra injects humor and heart into Annie’s transformation with the help of Dave and his lounge-owner girlfriend Queenie Martin (Hope Lange). However, Capra’s insistence on an overly elaborate story and unnecessary subplots adds forty extra minutes to the original, dampening the narrative pace. The film’s comedic beats are often rushed, losing the sharpness typically expected from Capra's work. Yet, the communal themes of resilience and altruism remain intact.

"Pocketful of Miracles" showcases Capra’s signature sentimentality and moral undertones, despite struggling with pacing and character focus. Arthur O’Connell, Edward Everett Horton, and a robust supporting cast complement the leads’ performances. Though not eclipsing "Lady for a Day," this remake manages to infuse Capra's optimistic spirit, embodying enduring themes of community and integrity. Techniques like transforming Annie's shabby image and orchestrating elaborate social charades highlight Capra’s flair for blending heartfelt moments with light-hearted escapades, making the film an engaging, if imperfect, swan song.

"Pocketful of Miracles" is a sentimental classic from director Frank Capra that, while not his most iconic work, embodies the themes and tone for which he is known. This adaptation of Damon Runyon’s tales features an ensemble cast led by Bette Davis in a heartfelt performance, supported by Oscar-nominated Peter Falk. The narrative centers around a group of Broadway characters uniting to transform a destitute woman, providing a blend of broad comedy and genuine emotion. Though the storyline and pacing have some inconsistencies, the film’s charm ultimately prevails, making it a memorable addition to Capra's oeuvre.

Kino’s Blu-ray release is a commendable effort despite several shortcomings. The video transfer is very good, offering a clear presentation of the film's rich visual elements, while the audio quality remains solid, enhancing the overall viewing experience. However, the Blu-ray lacks substantial supplemental materials, which may disappoint collectors and enthusiasts seeking behind-the-scenes insights or historical context. Nevertheless, this release remains the best version currently available, ensuring that "Pocketful of Miracles" can be appreciated in its most refined format to date.

In conclusion, "Pocketful of Miracles" isn't explicitly a Christmas movie, but its spirit of generosity and festive elements have cemented its association with the holiday season since its 1961 release. This Blu-ray presents the film in a way that respects its legacy, making it a worthwhile consideration for fans of Frank Capra, classic cinema, and heartwarming comedies. Despite its flaws, the film's portrayal of community and transformation retains its ability to charm audiences, offering a nostalgic viewing experience perfect for the holidays.