On Approval Blu-ray Review

The transfer of "On Approval" to Blu-ray is an impressive feat, especially considering its origin from a safety negative made from a nitrate fine grain print curated by the British Film Institute. Delivered in 1080p, AVC-encoded format, the presentation stands out with solid and deep blacks, particularly vital for scenes like the ball at Maria Wislack's residence. The shades of grey, managed by cameraman Claude Friese-Greene, are meticulously detailed, offering a rich, visually engaging experience. Minor scratches and some evident damage are present but do not detract from the overall quality, suggesting possible restoration efforts by the BFI to enhance the source material's condition.

Furthermore, while the transfer has retained the natural grain pattern intrinsic to films of this period, it avoids unnecessary digital tinkering. The result is a consistent and high level of contrast that lends considerable depth and resonance to the black and white imagery throughout the film. The general clarity and crispness of the image ensure it does not suffer from the commonly hazy look of contemporaneous films. Fine detail stands out remarkably well, highlighting facial features and textures on costumes and sets, despite occasional softness in some areas. Overall, this Blu-ray transfer demonstrates a meticulous effort to present the film in its best light, celebrating its historical character while leveraging modern technology for an enhanced viewing experience.

The Blu-ray presentation of "On Approval" features an exceptional uncompressed PCM 2.0 track, capturing the essence of the film's original mono soundtrack while enhancing audio clarity for contemporary audiences. The dialogue delivery by the actors is distinct and sharp, ensuring that the articulate, precise lines are always discernible. The track is remarkably clean, devoid of any hissing, clicks, or pops that would detract from the experience. The occasional musical underscores by William Alwyn and even source music, such as Woody Herman's 'At the Woodchopper's Ball,' come through with admirable dynamic range, adding depth without overwhelming the primary audio.

The balance between vocal elements and the musical score is expertly managed. Whether a character is raising their voice or maintaining a flat tone for comedic effect, the pitch remains stable and clear. The PCM track takes great care to ensure that subtle nuances in intonation and dialogue are accurately represented, providing an immersive listening experience. Key sound effects, like the ambiance at Maria's ball or the auditory details of the boat crossing from the Scottish mainland, are distinct and effectively contribute to the atmosphere without sounding obtrusive.

Overall, this lossless audio track demonstrates a commendable effort to preserve the film's historical audio characteristics while ensuring it meets modern standards. It may not boast flashy sound effects or surround features common in more recent movies, but it excels at its core responsibilities: clear dialogue, balanced music integration, and minimal audio artifacts, making it a faithful and enjoyable sonic reflection of its era.

The Blu-ray extras for "On Approval" offer a rich array of supplementary materials that provide deep insights into the film's production, cast, and historical context. Film historian Jeffrey Vance's commentary is a standout feature, offering a comprehensive, scene-specific analysis and a wealth of information on the film's creation, its reception, and the careers of its cast members. Vance's expertise shines through as he skillfully balances academic rigor with engaging presentation. The interview with Googie Withers is another highlight, capturing her candid recollections of working on the film and her interactions with her co-stars and director Clive Brook. The still gallery offers a visual treat with rare photos, including shots from deleted scenes and the original epilogue.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Jeffrey Vance: Detailed, scene-specific analysis and historical insights.
• Interview: Googie Withers Remembers On Approval: Candid reflections on the film’s production.
• Still Gallery: From the British Institute Film Collection: Rare photos from the set and deleted scenes.
• Insert: Essay on the film by critic Scott Eyman.

Clive Brook's 1944 adaptation of Frederick Lonsdale's play "On Approval" is a delightful representation of British high comedy set against the backdrop of the Victorian era. Brook astutely decided to shift the original 1920s setting to a more distant past, distancing the frivolities of the story from the grim realities of contemporary wartime Britain. This epoch adjustment enriched the narrative, adding a layer of genteel absurdity which Brook accentuated through his witty prologue, narrated by the familiar newsreel voice of E.V.H. Emmett. The opening brilliantly sets a mocking yet charming tone that permeates the entire film. Notably, Brook's decision to direct came out of necessity, but his unique vision and understanding of comedic timing turned it into a serendipitous turn of events.

The core plot revolves around two men—George, the Tenth Duke of Bristol (Brook), and his friend Richard Halton (Roland Culver)—and two women—Maria Wislack (Beatrice Lillie) and Helen Hale (Googie Withers). Each character harbors mercenary intentions thinly veiled by societal niceties. George attends a party at his former home, now leased by Maria, to court Helen, while Richard seeks Maria's hand. Maria proposes a month-long trial run on her Scottish island, introducing a facetiously rigid structure to their romantic misadventures. The tension between affluence and moral decay fuels their interactions, leading to uproarious and surreal sequences, such as when rejected suitors attempt to make their former paramours jealous.

Brook's seamless integration of witty repartee with broader physical comedy, exemplified in the double-dream sequence, showcases his knack for blending various comedic styles. The interplay among the cast, including Brook’s portrayal of the bumbling aristocrat and Lillie’s acerbic widow, keeps the narrative engaging and vibrant. Despite its release during wartime—a period when tastes were shifting away from drawing-room comedies—the film gained acclaim in America and retains its charm as a period piece that captures the essence of societal satire through impeccable direction and stellar performances.

"On Approval" remains a timeless comedic masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of British aristocratic wit and social satire. Adapted from Frederick Lonsdale’s play, Clive Brook’s rendition achieves an impeccable balance between sharp, sophisticated dialogue and engaging character dynamics. The film is a quintessential drawing-room comedy, relying heavily on the nuances of language and the biting humor embedded in refined repartee. Notably, it demands viewers' undivided attention to fully appreciate the subtlety of its incisive remarks and the brilliance of the performances, making it the perfect choice for those who cherish the meticulous craftsmanship of face-to-face banter.

The Blu-ray edition from Blackhawk Films, distributed by B2MP and Inception Media, is a standout release. The image quality boasts impressive clarity, with adequately restored visuals that breathe new life into this classic. The audio is equally well preserved, providing a clean and crisp auditory experience that enhances the viewing pleasure. Accompanying the main feature, the disc includes a selection of special features that offer deeper insights into the production, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the film’s historical and cultural context.

In conclusion, avoid watching "On Approval" when you're tired; it requires close attention to every word. The movie's humor derives significantly from the precision of its language, appealing strongly to those who enjoy sharp, well-crafted insults. Few films encapsulate this style of comedy with as much sophistication as "On Approval," making this Blu-ray release highly recommended for both avid cinephiles and enthusiasts of British theatrical wit.