My Darling Clementine Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of John Ford's "My Darling Clementine" via Arrow Video boasts a meticulously restored 1080p transfer, presenting the film in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. Drawing from a pristine 4K restoration—identical in basic characteristics to the esteemed Criterion release—the video quality is both impressive and authentic, particularly in daylight scenes where depth and clarity truly shine. Despite minor grain management issues, especially noticeable in some of the nighttime footage which tends towards flatness, the overall appearance retains a pleasing, organic quality. The effort to remove debris, scratches, and various marks, while maintaining film's original granularity, contributes to a viewing experience that respects both its historical context and cinematic beauty.

In addition to the Theatrical Version, this release includes a Prerelease Version on a separate disc, derived from a 1946 nitrate preview print, as well as the Frontier Marshall version. Each presents its own unique set of challenges and qualities. The Prerelease Version, despite some inconsistencies in detail and clarity due to its source material, shows an admirable level of preservation effort with light halo effects and some remnants of scratches visible. Frontier Marshall stands out for its natural light scenes and stability but falls slightly short with darker nighttime footage.

Criterion's contribution to this release cannot be overstated; their 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer from a 35mm nitrate composite fine-grain master exemplifies a spectacular viewing experience. Rich contrasts, exceptional grayscale variation, and an immersive depth enhance the iconic vistas of the American West and intimate interiors alike. Fine details emerge vividly against the stunningly preserved backdrop, reflecting Joe MacDonald's impeccable cinematography in what is truly a definitive presentation of this classic film. Notably absent are any artifacts that could detract from the film's original beauty, ensuring 'My Darling Clementine' is seen with the reverence it deserves. This combination of Arrow Video's diligent restoration and Criterion's masterful transfer encapsulates the best of classic American cinema for modern audiences.

The audio presentation of "My Darling Clementine" on Blu Ray, inclusive of both the Theatrical and Prerelease Versions, as well as "Frontier Marshall," offers a captivating auditory experience that respectfully handles its source material. Both versions of "My Darling Clementine" feature English LPCM 1.0 tracks, mirroring "Frontier Marshall," with optional English SDH subtitles for accommodation. Despite originating from an era where mono tracks were standard, the depth and clarity presented here are commendable. The remastering process has evidently paid off; background hisses, pops, and crackles typical of age-related degradation have been substantially minimized across the board, though not entirely eradicated, preserving the film's authentic sound while enhancing its clarity. This meticulous restoration ensures that dialogue is crisp, sound effects—from raindrops to galloping hooves—are strikingly vibrant, and Cyril Mockridge’s score enriches the film without overwhelming it.

The theatrical version stands out for effectively eliminating the background hiss prevalent in previous releases, thus offering a significantly cleaner auditory experience than its predecessors. While minor fluctuations remain, they do not detract from the overall dynamic intensity. The prerelease version, though not vastly different in quality from its theatrical counterpart, maintains a good level of clarity with only occasional background hiss interruptions. Additionally, "Frontier Marshall" impresses with its depth and high-frequency fidelity, managing to keep background hiss to a minimal, non-distracting level.

Of particular note is the source of the original monaural track used for these presentations—the Museum of Modern Art’s 35mm nitrate composite fine-grain—remastered at 24-bit to achieve a balance between historical fidelity and contemporary audio expectations. Despite a couple instances of distortion, the immersive quality of environmental sounds and the nuanced silence during dramatic moments speak volumes of the care taken in this audio restoration. While it's noted that the audio may not reach the breathtaking qualities of the video presentation, it nonetheless significantly contributes to the atmospheric and introspective nature of this classic western, allowing for a refreshed yet authentic viewing experience.

The "My Darling Clementine" Blu-ray releases from Criterion provide an extensive and immersive exploration into the history, production, and legacy of John Ford's revered Western. The supplemental features on both discs offer a comprehensive look at Ford's filmmaking process, the film's historical context, and its narrative design. Highlights include a detailed audio commentary that delves into the film’s themes, Ford’s style, and its historical accuracy. A pre-release version of the film presents an intriguing alternative cut, offering additional atmosphere and nuance. Documentaries and essays explore Ford’s relationship with Monument Valley and the broader thematic underpinnings of his work. Vintage radio adaptations and a silent short directed by Ford’s brother enrich the collection, providing contextual depth. Technical aspects of the restoration and presentation of these extras maintain high standards, preserving historical authenticity while ensuring accessibility for contemporary audiences.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Audio Commentary: In-depth commentary by authors and family.
• John Ford and Monument Valley: Documentary on Ford's use of location.
• Movie Masterclass: Episode deconstructing the film.
• Lost and Gone Forever: Video essay on the film's themes.
• Stills Gallery: Collection of stills from the movie.
• What is the Prerelease Version?: Examination of the film's alternative cut.
• Lux Radio Theater: My Darling Clementine: Radio adaptation with original cast.
• Hallmark Playhouse: Wyatt Earp: Another radio interpretation.
• Frontier Marshal Stills Gallery: Stills from "Frontier Marshal."
• Frontier Marshal Trailer: Trailer for the related film.
• Frontier Marshal (1939): Full-length feature film included.
• 40-PAGE BOOKLET [LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVE]: Includes new writings and interviews.

Arrow Video's Blu-ray presentation of John Ford's iconic "My Darling Clementine" (1946) embodies a meticulous restoration that cinephiles and Western aficionados alike will cherish. The package boasts not only the film's Theatrical Version but also a Prerelease Version, offering a unique glimpse into the film's evolution before Darryl F. Zanuck's notable re-edits. The Theatrical Version, enhanced with additional close-ups and sequences not initially shot by Ford himself and featuring an altered soundtrack, diverges from Ford's original vision, yet both versions stand as pivotal explorations of the Wyatt Earp legend. Despite historical liberties—the Earps as cattle ranchers and Doc Holliday's fate, to name a couple—Ford's storytelling prowess combined with Joseph MacDonald's cinematography and Cyril J. Mockridge's score encapsulates an era with an unmatched dramatic flair.

Set in the gritty backdrop of Tombstone, Arizona, "My Darling Clementine" explores themes of justice, camaraderie, and love through the lens of Wyatt Earp (Henry Fonda) and Doc Holliday (Victor Mature). The film intricately weaves the personal narratives of these historical figures with the legendary shootout at the O.K. Corral, imbuing the film with a poetic grace that transcends the sheer violence of its climax. This masterwork also shines a spotlight on familial ties and the burgeoning of civilization amidst lawlessness. The performances, particularly those of Fonda and Mature, breathe life into this visually stunning tableau, further enriched by Ford's directorial ingenuity that forgoes musical scoring in the climactic 15 minutes to elevate the tension through diegetic sound alone.

Arrow Video enhances the experience with a trove of supplemental features including an insightful video essay, audio commentary, radio adaptations, and a 40-page booklet with new writings and interviews that contextualize the film within Ford's oeuvre and the Western genre at large. This Blu-ray release is not merely a tribute to "My Darling Clementine" but a comprehensive homage to the Western narrative Ford so adeptly contributed to, preserving its legacy for new generations to explore and appreciate.

John Ford's "My Darling Clementine" receives a splendid treatment in its latest Blu-ray release, encapsulating the enduring appeal of one of Hollywood's most celebrated westerns. More than seven decades on, the movie's retelling of the legend of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and the gunfight at the O.K. Corral stands as a pinnacle of the genre, bolstered by Ford's nuanced storytelling and vibrant depiction of Monument Valley. The Blu-ray edition brings fans two distinct flavors of this classic: a 4K restored Theatrical Version and a longer Prerelease Version. Additionally, the inclusion of Allan Dwan's "Frontier Marshal" offers a compelling bonus for aficionados. The crisp video transfer, robust audio quality, and a comprehensive suite of supplements pay fitting homage to this masterpiece, ensuring that its poetic portrayal of a wild yet honorable society reaches new audiences with unmatched clarity and depth.

Arrow Video's release distinguishes itself by offering versatility for Region-B viewers, providing an alternative to the Criterion Collection's 2014 Region-A release. This ensures that enthusiasts worldwide have access to this pivotal piece of cinematic history. The presentation highlights Ford's skill in weaving emotion, honor, and duty into the fabric of his film, opting for a focus on character development and atmospheric mood over conventional plot-driven narratives. Through stellar performances from Henry Fonda, Victor Mature, Linda Darnell, and Walter Brennan, "My Darling Clementine" stands not just as a film about the Old West, but as an intimate exploration of the complexities of human character.

In conclusion, both Arrow Video and Criterion have contributed significantly to preserving "My Darling Clementine's" legacy through their respective Blu-ray releases. With top-notch video and audio restoration, these editions capture the film's historical ambience and narrative richness, serving as essential additions for collectors and new viewers alike. Despite minor historical inaccuracies, the movie's portrayal of Wyatt Earp's saga remains unmatched in cinematic history, making this Blu-ray release highly recommended for anyone seeking to experience a masterclass in filmmaking and storytelling.