The Song of Songs Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "The Song of Songs" presents an impressive high-definition transfer, encoded in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC, maintaining its original 1.37:1 theatrical aspect ratio. The initial window-boxed opening credits sequence transitions seamlessly to a full-frame presentation, which remains consistent throughout. Although not derived from a new 4K or 2K scan, the transfer appears remarkably detailed, surpassing expectations for a film of its age. The black and white cinematography is elegantly preserved with a naturalistic fine film grain. Minor print damage, such as occasional scratches and small marks, exist but are not disruptive. There are no significant defects such as telecine wobble or severe print damage, which enhances the viewing experience.

The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer captures a robust grain structure, faithfully retaining the film's original celluloid essence without overwhelming the image. The picture quality is distinguished by excellent contrast and clarity, featuring deep black levels and bright whites that avoid blooming. The grayscale is varied and finely detailed, with background details easily discernible. Shadow delineation is well-executed, and the lush close-ups of Marlene Dietrich remain visually stunning. Minor imperfections, including speckling and a few faint vertical lines, are evident but not pervasive. Dietrich's presence is especially intoxicating in the high-definition format.

Moreover, the transfer holds up admirably under scrutiny, barring some occasional stray hairs and slight scratches primarily near the frame's edges. Grayscale contrast is commendable, enabling both lush blacks and pristine whites to coexist harmoniously. While certain glamour shots of the star appear softer, the overall picture sharpness remains pleasing throughout the runtime. Despite the absence of scene selection in the main menu, the film has been divided into 10 chapters, enhancing navigation. This Blu-ray release should be a delight for fans and maintains a high standard of visual fidelity for an 87-year-old classic film.

The audio presentation of "The Song of Songs" on Blu-ray boasts a DTS-HD Master Audio mono track that is truly impressive given the film's age. Dialogue is crisp and clear, ensuring each spoken word is easily comprehensible, which is crucial for a film from this era. The lossless audio mix retains the core foundations of the soundtrack, presenting the lilting music score with pleasing depth and fidelity. Although there are occasional instances of slight hiss, they are neither overbearing nor distracting. This is a well-preserved and effective mono track that enhances the viewing experience.

Noteworthy is the robust quality of Dietrich's vocals, which sound rich and authentic, filling the room with ease. The mix balances dialogue, classical music, and sound effects seamlessly, creating an immersive audio environment despite being a single track mix. While minor age-related artifacts like hiss are present briefly, they have been significantly mitigated, preventing any harshness or unpleasantness. Classic movie enthusiasts will appreciate the scrubbing away of typical pops or crackles associated with early 1930s cinema, leaving a warm and engaging sound profile. Optional English subtitles are provided, adding further accessibility without compromising the auditory experience.

The Blu-ray release of "The Song of Songs" features a selection of extras that provide value for enthusiasts of classic cinema. The highlight is an engaging audio commentary by film historian David Del Valle, whose thorough analysis of Marlene Dietrich's performance and her partnership with director Josef von Sternberg is both enlightening and captivating. Del Valle's commentary, while occasionally repetitive in its praise, offers unique insights into the craftsmanship and screen presence of Dietrich, as well as fascinating behind-the-scenes information on the casting and production. Additionally, the disc includes the well-preserved original theatrical trailer along with an array of previews for other Kino Lorber releases, enriching the historical context for viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Film Historian David Del Valle: Insightful analysis of Dietrich and Sternberg's collaboration and production notes.
• The Song of Songs Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer presenting the film's highlights.
• The Blue Angel Trailer
• The Flame of New Orleans Trailer
• The Spoilers Trailer
• Pittsburgh Trailer
• A Foreign Affair Trailer
• No Highway in the Sky Trailer
• Love Me Tonight Trailer
• The Mark of Zorro Trailer

"The Song of Songs" presents Marlene Dietrich at her most magnetic, spearheaded by Rouben Mamoulian's astute direction. This lush black-and-white pre-code film leverages its risqué narrative to delve deep into the themes of love and sensuality. Dietrich shines as Lily Czepanek, an innocent German farm girl who ventures to Berlin after the death of her father. Her transition from naïveté to worldly sophistication is deftly portrayed, forming the emotional backbone of the film. The compelling chemistry between Dietrich and Brian Aherne, who plays Richard Waldow, adds depth to the romantic plotline, even as Aherne's character chooses art over love, forcing Lily into the arms of the morally compromised Baron von Merzbach, played with lecherous aplomb by Lionel Atwill.

Technically, the film excels in several areas. Victor Milner's cinematography is particularly noteworthy, delivering visually arresting black-and-white imagery that enhances both the mood and narrative. The wide artistic shots create a vivid portrayal of Berlin, giving the film a noir sensibility that makes it visually captivating. The art direction by Hans Dreier further reinforces this mood, while Travis Banton's costume design ensures Dietrich's beauty is accentuated in every scene. Meanwhile, Karl Hajos and his co-composers provide a serene musical score, balancing the film’s intrinsic sensuality with tranquil melodies.

However, the screenplay by Leo Birinski and Samuel Hoffenstein falters by being somewhat thin and disjointed. This lack of narrative depth could have hampered lesser films, but Mamoulian’s direction and Dietrich’s mesmerizing performance overcome these shortcomings to deliver a poignant, albeit flawed, cinematic experience. Despite its narrative inconsistencies, "The Song of Songs" remains a pre-code gem, offering a fascinating glimpse into Marlene Dietrich's early career and showcasing Rouben Mamoulian's sophisticated directorial touch.

Rouben Mamoulian's "The Song of Songs," although not one of Marlene Dietrich's most celebrated films, stands as a fine example of her star power. This pre-code romance, released between the actress's renowned works, "Blonde Venus" and "The Scarlet Empress," is a tantalizing showcase for Dietrich's magnetic personality and unmistakable glamour. The film's explicit treatment of adult themes—remarkably risqué for its time—renders it strikingly contemporary, even amidst the Golden Age classics. Complemented by an appealing leading man and a memorable antagonist, Dietrich's performance is enriched by a stylish production approach that aligns with her more notable collaborations with director Josef von Sternberg.

Technically, Kino Lorber has outdone itself in preserving the essence of this cinematic piece. The Blu-ray transfer is stellar, providing an excellent video-audio presentation that respects the film's advanced age. The picture quality is impressively sharp and clear, with well-managed grain levels that enhance the viewing experience. The sound mix, while inherently limited by the period's technology, is well-balanced, ensuring that Dietrich's dialogue and the musical score are both vivid and engaging.

In conclusion, "The Song of Songs" is not a masterful film but it is a commendable one which is highlighted by a great performance by Marlene Dietrich. Dietrich delivers a strong performance and her beauty radiates throughout the film. The script could have used more work, but the directorial approach is solid. Featuring an excellent video-audio presentation, "The Song of Songs" will satisfy fans of the leading actress. Worth a look.