The Roaring Twenties 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Roaring Twenties" presents a meticulously restored masterpiece that stands as a testament to the enduring power of classic cinema in the modern age of ultra high-definition. From the granular detail of the original 35mm nitrate film, scanned and restored at 4K resolution, to the embracing of Dolby Vision HDR, this release showcases a visual feast that both purists and cinephiles will appreciate. The native 4K (3840 x 2160p) resolution, utilizing the HEVC (H.265) codec, brings out textures in the film never seen before, from the intricate weaves of clothing to the lively yet sometimes grim settings of the 1920s, all while maintaining the organic grain structure that aficionados cherish.

The film’s grayscale benefits immensely from HDR's expanded contrast and brightness range, delivering deep blacks and luminous whites with a subtlety of grays that add depth and dimension to each frame. This dynamic range ensures that both the lavishly detailed nightclub sequences and the more somber moments in misty boat decks or grimy foxholes are rendered with clarity, highlighting the cinematography's brilliant interplay of light and shadow. Despite the incorporation of stock footage, which introduces minor fluctuations in image quality, the overall presentation remains remarkably consistent, preserving the film’s historical integrity without compromising on visual fidelity.

Viewers have the option to experience the film in either its breathtaking 4K presentation or the slightly less dazzling but still commendable 1080p version. The restoration work effectively erases minor imperfections that were present in previous releases, leaving behind a pristine image free of compression issues or digital artifacts. Criterion's dedication to quality ensures that whether one is revisiting this classic on a state-of-the-art home theater system or a more modest setup, "The Roaring Twenties" appears as vibrant and immersive as ever, inviting audiences to experience the allure and tragedy of an era gone by with unprecedented clarity and detail.

The audio presentation of "The Roaring Twenties" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is served by an English LPCM 1.0 mono track that delivers a surprisingly dynamic experience, given its single-channel limitation. The track, meticulously remastered from the 35mm composite fine-grain by the Criterion Collection, showcases clear, well-modulated sound across the board. Dialogue emerges clean and clear, ensuring that every line is intelligible without overpowering the film's vibrant musical numbers or its tense, dramatic moments. The layering within the mix is notably efficient, allowing the score and lyrics of musical performances to command attention without compromising the clarity of dialogue or the impact of sound effects.

Sound effects in the film, from the sharp crack of gunfire to the resounding boom of explosions, benefit from a degree of bass that adds weight to their presence on screen, even if true subwoofer rumbles are absent. These elements are crisp and well-defined, enhancing the film's shootouts and action sequences without any trace of age-related imperfections like hiss or crackle—a testament to the audio restoration's quality. The mix also gracefully handles more subtle sounds, such as ambient nightclub noises or the gentle tinkling of a piano, adding depth and texture to the film's atmospheric scenes.

Despite the inherent challenges of a mono soundtrack, this LPCM 1.0 track impressively manages to offer a rich auditory experience. Musical performances have room to breathe thanks to a wide dynamic scale, ensuring that Priscilla Lane's vocals and the film's instrumental ranges are conveyed with vibrancy and clarity. This audio presentation underscores a significant technical achievement in restoring a classic film for contemporary audiences, with no discernible need for further improvement. The track stands as a fine example of how vintage films can be revitalized for modern home theaters, offering listeners an engaging sonic experience that complements the visual restoration.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extra features of "The Roaring Twenties" offer a rich yet concise selection of material for film enthusiasts and historians alike. A highlight is the archival audio commentary by Lincoln Hurst, which delves into the film's production history, character dynamics, and its epochal significance. Though some may find Hurst's approach a bit methodical, the insights into James Cagney's performance nuances and the behind-the-scenes tension between Hal Wallis, Raoul Walsh, and Cagney are illuminating. The exclusive interview with Gary Giddins provides a fresh perspective on the film's place within the gangster genre and its historical context, enriched by Giddins' analysis of character development and narrative depth. The inclusion of a 1973 interview with director Raoul Walsh adds a personal touch, shedding light on his collaborative efforts with iconic stars Cagney and Bogart. The package, however, might feel somewhat slender to some due to the omission of Warner’s vintage content and retrospective featurette from previous releases. An essay by Mark Asch rounds off the offering, providing critical reflections that complement the visual content. Criterion’s effort to blend archival material with new contributions creates a worthwhile package for both newcomers and seasoned fans of this classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful narration provided by film historian Lincoln Hurst, covering production details, analysis, and anecdotal information about "The Roaring Twenties."
• Gary Giddins on 'The Roaring Twenties': An engaging featurette with critic Gary Giddins discussing the movie's significance, character arcs, and its place in the evolution of gangster films.
• Vintage Interview with Raoul Walsh: A short but poignant excerpt from a 1973 interview, offering a glimpse into Walsh's experiences working with James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart.
• Theatrical Trailer: The film’s original trailer narrated by columnist Mark Hellinger, providing historical context and introduction to the story.
• Leaflet: An accompanying leaflet featuring an essay by film critic Mark Asch alongside technical credits for the Blu-ray disc.

Raoul Walsh's 1939 cinematic masterpiece, The Roaring Twenties, leaps from the golden age of Hollywood into the modern era with its recent 4K UHD Blu-ray release. Crafted during a period when the memories of the 1920s were still vivid in the public consciousness, this film skillfully navigates the tale of WWI veterans plunged into the tumultuous world of Prohibition-era gangsterism. James Cagney delivers an unforgettable performance as Eddie Bartlett, a war hero turned bootlegging magnate, supported by a stellar cast including the rising star Humphrey Bogart as George Hally, and Priscilla Lane as the charming Jean Sherman. The narrative’s authenticity is enhanced by its historical backdrop, effectively utilizing musical numbers to capture the essence of the era.

The film’s technical elements have aged remarkably well, bringing to light Walsh’s directorial finesse and Ernest Haller’s exceptional cinematography. Despite being firmly rooted in its time—the 1930s—through contemporary dialogue, makeup, and music, The Roaring Twenties manages to maintain a timeless appeal, thanks to its high-paced storytelling and dynamic character arcs. The 4K restoration underlines the craftsmanship involved in its production, showcasing a visual quality that engages modern audiences while preserving its vintage charm.

Underneath its gangster veneer, The Roaring Twenties delves deep into themes of disillusionment, societal neglect of war veterans, and the relentless pursuit of the American Dream turned sour. The screenplay artfully weaves together Eddie's initially noble intentions with his inevitable descent into crime, highlighting the social commentary on America’s post-war reality and its impact on personal morality. This introspective look at ambition and betrayal parallels with Eddie’s tragic end, which remains poignant even today. This blend of historical nuance with compelling narrative and technological polish ensures that Walsh’s work not only commemorates an iconic era but also stands as a testament to the enduring allure of classic cinema storytelling.

Raoul Walsh’s 1939 masterpiece, "The Roaring Twenties," has long stood as a paragon within the gangster film genre, compellingly mixing elements of action, history, romance, and musical numbers. This film not only showcases exceptional performances by James Cagney, supported with vigor by Humphrey Bogart, Gladys George, and Priscilla Lane but also thoughtfully portrays the epoch of America's evolution. Its timeless appeal is reinforced by innovative production techniques, which continue to draw in contemporary audiences. Criterion UK's 4K UHD release underscores this enduring allure with an outstanding native 4K restoration. The Dolby Vision HDR enhances the visual experience, providing a sharp, detailed greyscale that maintains the essential film grain, offering viewers an authentic feel of cinematic history. In tandem, the LPCM mono audio delivers clarity and depth to the movie's robust soundtrack, rounding off the audiovisual restoration commendably.

Extras accompanying this set are described as plentiful, suggesting that fans and new viewers alike will find much to appreciate in the supplementary materials that accompany this definitive home video release. This upcoming combo pack, available from 11 March 2024, not merely promises a pristine viewing experience but stands as a testament to the film's monumental impact on the gangster genre and its reflection of American societal transformation. The incorporation of varied critiques underscores the film's critical acclaim, positioning this release as "VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED" for enthusiasts of classic cinema and aficionados of American film history.

In conclusion, the Criterion UK’s 4K UHD presentation of "The Roaring Twenties" is poised to be the gold standard for both classic film restoration and for enthusiasts seeking the ultimate home video version of this seminal work. Offering a visually stunning restoration complemented by superior audio quality and engaging extras, it delivers a comprehensive package that honors the film’s legacy. This release not only satisfies long-standing fans eager for a high-definition upgrade but also promises to introduce new viewers to the film’s historical significance and cinematic brilliance. Highly anticipated and undoubtedly deserving of its accolades, this release reaffirms "The Roaring Twenties" as a cornerstone of gangster cinema.