That's My Man Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "That's My Man" by Olive Films is delivered via an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The black-and-white cinematography benefits significantly from strong contrast and a solid grayscale rendering, without any noticeable banding or crush. However, the film's image quality is somewhat hindered by the presence of consistent grain, which, while authentic to its era, impacts the presentation of fine details and textures. Instances of scratches, dirt, and emulsion damage occasionally surface, though these elements do not significantly disrupt the viewing experience.

Despite these issues, the transfer manages to provide moments of impressive clarity and sharpness. Particularly noteworthy are the horseracing scenes, which exhibit surprising detail and textural depth. Unfortunately, other sections of the film, especially those utilizing stock footage and rear projection, appear soft and ragged. Close-up shots offer better-than-expected detail, yet edge softness is pervasive throughout, contributing to a slightly hazy appearance in several parts.

Overall, while the Blu-ray release of "That's My Man" succeeds in presenting a generally clean and well-contrasted image, it falls short in delivering consistently fine detail due to the inherent grain and various artifacts. Nonetheless, the transfer offers a competent and authentic visual experience that retains the historical charm of the original film elements.

The audio presentation of "That's My Man" features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track. This track, while narrow sounding, impresses with its surprisingly full-bodied lower ranges which provide excellent support for Hans J. Salter's vibrant score. Dialogue is presented cleanly without significant interference or distortion, though some age-related boxiness is apparent. Overall, the clarity of the vocal elements ensures that dialogue remains strong and resonant throughout.

A DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix is a commendable choice and one that ensures dialogue remains the focal point, delivered without any tinny quality or echo. The actors’ voices come through with impressive strength and range. However, the mix falls short in the atmospheric department; sound effects and the score often come across as unbalanced and somewhat lacking in presence. This imbalance leaves the immersive elements of the film feeling somewhat hollow, undercutting the emotional impact of certain scenes that would benefit from a more robust musical highlight.

Despite these limitations, the audio mix is free from any notable distortion, clicks, or scratches, contributing to a clean listening experience. The dialogue, importantly, remains top-notch and stands out above any other elements, making this a generally serviceable mix that prioritizes clarity in spoken elements at the expense of broader environmental soundscapes.

The Blu-ray release of "That's My Man" lacks any supplemental features, placing it at a disadvantage compared to contemporary releases that often include additional content to enrich the viewer's experience. The absence of extras means there are no behind-the-scenes insights, deleted scenes, director commentaries, or other typical add-ons that provide more depth and enhanced engagement for audiences. This omission might be a notable drawback for collectors and film enthusiasts who value comprehensive editions. Despite the high-quality transfer and audio presentation, the lack of extras could dissuade potential buyers who seek a more immersive package.

Extras included in this disc: No supplements are offered on this Blu-ray disc. 'That's My Man' does not contain any special features.

Frank Borzage’s direction in "That's My Man" showcases his signature focus on love and ambition but unfortunately falls short of his earlier masterpieces. Set against a backdrop of horse racing and gambling, the film narrates the life of Joe Grange (Don Ameche), a bookkeeper-turned-racehorse-owner, and his spunky wife Ronnie (Catherine McLeod). Told through the recollections of cab driver Toby Gleeton (Roscoe Karns), the narrative unfolds with a nostalgic hue, distancing the story just enough to romanticize its emotionally charged sequences. Ameche’s stoic portrayal balances the highs of unrelenting optimism with the inevitable lows of chance, while McLeod injects vitality and a touch of snark into her role, reminiscent of earlier melodramatic tearjerkers.

As the plot progresses from Joe's meteoric rise to his imminent downfall, Borzage adeptly contrasts the pursuit of ambition with the often-neglected warmth of family bonds. The film’s central conflict revolves around Joe’s single-minded dedication to his dream, overshadowing the love and support from his wife and child. This examination, while sometimes predictably saccharine, is astutely handled, reflecting Borzage’s expertise in embedding emotional depth within his characters' outward ambitions. However, the film’s overcooked dramatic elements and somewhat uneven pacing ultimately highlight Borzage's decline during his later years.

The restored 99-minute version presented by Olive Films offers an opportunity to experience "That's My Man" in its entirety, bringing an otherwise middling 1947 melodrama into sharper focus. While the Blu-ray lacks additional features, it allows for a renewed appreciation of Borzage’s thematic explorations and the performances that underscore them. Despite its flaws, the film stands as a testament to Borzage's consistent thematic exploration of love and ambition, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of his earlier achievements.

"That's My Man," directed by Frank Borzage, presents a charming narrative exploring the conflicting desires individuals often face in life. Don Ameche delivers an outstanding performance, bringing depth and charisma to his role, while Catherine McLeod shines despite her limited screen time compared to her appearance in “I’ve Always Loved You.” The film compellingly blends romance and personal ambition, offering a unique slant characteristic of Borzage’s work. Its thematic exploration, paired with commendable acting, adds layers to what might otherwise seem a routine story.

Technically, the Blu-ray release of "That's My Man" does justice to its visual and auditory elements. The transfer quality is praiseworthy, encapsulating the original hues and tones with impressive clarity. However, the audio quality, though slightly lower in comparison, remains clear and sufficiently complementary to the visual presentation. This release will particularly appeal to enthusiasts of classic cinema and fans of the lead actors or Borzage himself. The presentation respects the film's era while enhancing its appeal for modern viewers.

In conclusion, "That's My Man" may not race ahead as a modern-day classic but holds its ground with laudable performances and solid technical merits. While it might resonate most with aficionados of Borzage’s directorial style or the film’s stars, it remains a charming and engaging watch.