The Hurricane Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer of "The Hurricane," resulting from a meticulous 4K restoration, demonstrates commendable clarity and an engaging visual presentation. The film's age is evident, with occasional speckles, scratches, and mild flicker, yet these imperfections do not detract from the overall experience. The AVC encoded image in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio effectively balances the contrast and handles delineation well. Fine grain adds a authentic filmic texture which maintains the original cinematic feel. The close-ups, notably of C. Aubrey Smith's distinct eyebrows and Thomas Mitchell's rugged cheeks, highlight fine facial details, showcasing the film's nuanced visual storytelling.

The restored transfer beautifully captures the South Seas setting, utilizing a blend of location shooting, interior sets, and miniature work that creates a cohesive and immersive atmosphere. Night scenes exhibit rich black levels with sufficient gray scale variance to provide depth, despite some scenes appearing overly bright, likely a deliberate artistic choice by director John Ford. Noteworthy is the handling of bright scenes, where the contrast remains white-hot without being overly washed out. Furthermore, no digital anomalies or unnecessary artificial enhancements mar the picture, ensuring that the integrity of the original film is preserved. For a film approaching its 80th anniversary, "The Hurricane" offers a visually engaging experience that should please both classic film aficionados and new viewers alike.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix for "The Hurricane" delivers commendable audio quality, reflecting the film's age while providing a defined listening experience. Dialogue exchanges are relatively clear and meaningful, accurately capturing the varied performances and accents. The scoring hues, although bolder, complement the dramatic urgency with noticeable power albeit lacking precise instrumentation. Atmospherics, including native celebrations and oceanic life, are comfortably isolated, supporting group activity and creating a rich aural environment. The climactic storm sequence is particularly compelling, with winds and property damage effectively communicated to provide an intended chaos. However, a persistent hiss can be heard throughout.

The DTS-HD Master Audio mono track honors the film's Oscar-winning sound recording and Best Musical Score nomination well. The intense sounds of howling wind, crashing waves, and churning surf during the climactic storm sequences envelop the listener, while Alfred Newman's South Seas music extravagantly fills the room, perfectly complementing the tropical setting. Though the omnipresent score occasionally risks overshadowing the dialogue, conversations remain clear and comprehensible throughout the film. Surface noise, including hiss and occasional pops and crackles, intrudes at times but never distracts significantly. No distortion is evident even during the typhoon's height, attesting to the quality of the mix. Subtle audio details come through effectively, enhancing the varied tones and set pieces of the film.

The extras on the Blu Ray of "The Hurricane" are engaging and informative, albeit limited in quantity. Joseph McBride's audio commentary is the standout feature. McBride, an authority on John Ford, delivers a thorough analysis filled with themes central to Ford’s filmography, including justice, community traditions, and underlying homoerotic elements. He discusses how this adaptation of "The Hurricane" surpasses the original novel and elaborates on the impressive storm sequence. McBride also makes intriguing comparisons to F.W. Murnau's "Taboo" and provides detailed background information on the cast and crew, though the commentary itself occasionally lacks energy. Additionally, the original theatrical trailer, while short, captures the essence of the film's dramatic scope and production quality.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth analysis and historical context by film historian Joseph McBride.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original preview showcasing key highlights of the film.

The Hurricane (1937), directed by John Ford and based on the novel by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall, is a quintessential early example of the disaster movie genre. Starring Jon Hall and Dorothy Lamour, the narrative builds slowly but methodically, weaving a story of star-crossed lovers and an unyielding tyrant, Governor DeLaage (Raymond Massey). The film excels in capturing personal passions and moral conflicts, primarily centered around the protagonist Terangi's (Jon Hall) enduring struggle for freedom against a brutal colonial regime. Ford masterfully balances relationships and dramatic tension within a meticulously crafted tropical setting, combining studio artistry with selective location shots.

The script by Dudley Nichols emphasizes themes of justice versus law, vividly illustrating the often cruel rigidity of societal regulations. The film's drama, punctuated by action scenes and Terangi's numerous escape attempts, maintains interest but truly culminates in the climactic storm sequence, engineered with remarkable technical prowess by special effects artist James Basevi. Filming this sequence took four months and required sophisticated techniques involving airplane engines for wind, fire hoses for rain, and thousands of gallons of water to recreate a colossal tidal wave. This meticulous craftsmanship creates a visually compelling depiction of natural disaster that set new benchmarks for the genre.

Performance-wise, Jon Hall brings athletic vigor to Terangi, while Dorothy Lamour exudes charm in her role as Marama. Raymond Massey's portrayal of the draconian governor oscillates between intense and slightly exaggerated, but is engaging nonetheless. Thomas Mitchell's role as the island doctor stands out, earning him a deserved Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Ford's direction blends macho bravado with tender moments, rendering The Hurricane a well-rounded adventure that manages to avoid racial caricatures typical of its era, instead invoking deep empathy for its characters' plight. This amalgamation of human drama and cataclysmic spectacle makes The Hurricane an enduring cinematic experience.

"The Hurricane" (1937) delivers a compelling blend of drama, action, and atmosphere, brought to life by the directorial expertise of John Ford and an ensemble cast. The narrative, which revolves around themes of injustice, longing, and the indomitable human spirit, is engaging, even if it occasionally pales in comparison to the film's technical prowess. The remastered Blu-ray presentation features exceptional video quality and solid audio that enhances the viewing experience. The informative commentary track adds depth to the viewing, providing valuable insights into the film's production and historical context.

The highlight of this Blu-ray is undeniably the thrilling storm sequence in the final act. This special effects marvel, showcasing raging winds and pounding rains, remains impressive even by today's standards. The combination of practical effects and performances under harsh set conditions creates a harrowing yet mesmerizing spectacle. The film manages to preserve suspense and build heartache throughout its runtime, maintaining viewer engagement and delivering a grand display of nature's fury in the climax.

Filled with eye-catching spectacle and cinematic craftsmanship, "The Hurricane" stands as an admirable achievement from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Its high-quality presentation on Blu-ray ensures that fans of disaster films and classic cinema alike will find much to appreciate. This release earns a strong recommendation not just for its technical brilliance but also for its enduring narrative and impeccable performances, cementing its place as a valuable addition to any film enthusiast's collection.