Faithless Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of "Faithless" showcases an exemplary 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer derived from a brand-new 4K scan of preservation elements. The film, originally shot on black & white 35 mm film with spherical lenses and presented in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio, benefits from the meticulous restoration. The high-definition master retains Oliver T. Marsh's original cinematography, presenting it with remarkable clarity and a silvery sheen that highlights the luxurious sets and costumes, particularly in the film's early scenes. This video presentation is characterized by its excellent contrast levels and vibrant grayscale, while the muted grain maintains the filmic quality of the original.

The transfer exhibits impressive fine detail in the elaborately staged interiors with crisp shadow delineation enhancing the mood of nocturnal scenes. Inky blacks and solid whites produce a visually striking image that faithfully represents the vintage aesthetic. Remarkably free from nicks, marks, and scratches, the Blu-ray transfer is virtually immaculate. Some shots show slight softness or a brighter appearance, typical for films of this age, yet these do not detract from the overall viewing experience.

This Blu-ray edition surpasses previous releases and possibly even the original theatrical presentations. Fans of classic Hollywood cinema will be thrilled by the near-pristine quality achieved here. The absence of distracting surface imperfections like embedded dirt specks or emulsion clouding further ensures an exceptionally clean image rendering. Divided into 23 chapters for easy navigation, this Blu-ray offers a superior visual experience that brilliantly captures the essence of "Faithless" at its finest.

The audio presentation of "Faithless" on this Blu-ray disc features a remastered DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track that strives to preserve the original one-channel source. This mix lightly widens the sound into a split 2.0 mono presentation, achieving a balance that somewhat reflects the vintage quality of the film's original audio elements. While it's clear that the remastering process has improved upon earlier releases, such as the 2012 DVD edition, the audio remains anchored in its historical context, characterized by some persistent hiss and age-related wear. Despite these minor distractions, dialogue clarity is generally maintained throughout.

Some typical challenges of older soundtracks are present, with a noticeable mild hiss during quieter parts, yet no significant issues like pops or crackles interfere with the listening experience. William Axt’s musical score for the opening credits offers a grandeur that contrasts with the more utilitarian background music used throughout the film. The ambient sound design adds to the narrative, subtly blending urban street noises to enhance the atmosphere. Additionally, the dialogue occasionally suffers from a slight echo in studio-shot outdoor scenes, but remains comprehensible overall.

Overall, this audio presentation captures the essence of the original film while acknowledging its aged nature. The inclusion of English SDH subtitles reinforces accessibility, catering to diverse audience needs. Though not flawless, this DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track presents a commendable effort in delivering a clear and engaging auditory experience for die-hard fans and new viewers alike.

The Blu-ray extras for "Faithless" provide a captivating glimpse into early Hollywood with a collection of vintage shorts presented in high definition. These shorts, primarily from the 1930s, are preserved well, displaying impressive picture and sound quality for their age. "Rambling 'Round Radio Row" episodes showcase light-hearted musical and comedic performances, featuring talents such as George Jessel and Shemp Howard. The Vitaphone Shorts deliver intriguing mysteries like "The Trans-Atlantic Mystery" and "The Symphonic Murder Mystery," starring notable actors of the era including Donald Meek and Douglas Dumbrille. These shorts are an essential view for pre-Code Hollywood aficionados, offering a charming journey back in time.

Extras included in this disc:

• Rambling 'Round Radio Row: Musical and comedic performances with notable entertainers.
• The Trans-Atlantic Mystery: A suspenseful short involving jewel smuggling and murder.
• The Symphonic Murder Mystery: A thrilling tale of murder during a concert.

"Faithless," directed by Harry Beaumont and featuring Tallulah Bankhead in a lead role, embodies the classic pre-Code melodrama style, albeit with mixed execution. It presents a narrative well-traveled: a fallen heiress navigating post-1929 financial devastation. While the storyline taps into Depression-era cinema themes, it fails to venture beyond conventional plot developments, rendering some scenes predictably uninspired. Despite this, the film manages moments of intrigue, supported by Bankhead's captivating yet somewhat misaligned portrayal of bankrupt socialite Carol Morgan.

Bankhead, renowned more for her stage charisma than her patchy Hollywood tenure, embraces the role of Carol with palpable enthusiasm. However, her grand theatrical flair lacks the subtlety for cinematic intimacy, leaving her performance oscillating between compelling and unbelievable when portraying life's harsher realities. In contrast, Robert Montgomery's portrayal of Carol's steadfast suitor, Bill Wade, provides a subtle anchor; though not shining over his co-star, he contributes positively to the film’s dynamic. The film ambitiously attempts to capture the fluctuations in Carol and Bill's tumultuous lives but falters at sustaining engagement due to sporadic pacing and a less than cohesive narrative.

Technically, "Faithless" is polished by Beaumont's adept direction and MGM's signature grandeur in set design and costume, which serve to elevate the film’s aesthetic appeal. Nevertheless, Carey Wilson’s screenplay struggles, scattering engaging dialogues amid an otherwise formulaic script. The movie’s depiction of the 1930s socio-economic landscape is credible, portraying the capriciousness of economic ruin and class disparity with reasonable authenticity. Despite its limitations, "Faithless" delivers an emblematic piece of period cinema and highlights Bankhead’s singular screen allure. Collectors or champions of Golden Age cinema may find this Blu-ray release worthwhile for its historical value and Bankhead's rare on-screen appearance rather than its artistic merits.

"Faithless," directed by Harry Beaumont, is a pre-Code melodrama characterized by its exploration of moralistic themes and predominantly highlighted by Tallulah Bankhead's formidable screen presence. The narrative, which touches on infidelity and societal disillusionment, is somewhat conventional and has been addressed more eloquently in similar films such as "Dance, Fools, Dance." While the plot might not excite all viewers, it offers a noteworthy glimpse into Bankhead's early Hollywood work before her extended hiatus. Despite its somewhat antiquated storytelling, the film remains appealing for classic cinema enthusiasts particularly drawn to its lead performances.

The Warner Archive Blu-ray release of "Faithless" is a commendable technical work. It features a high-quality 1080p transfer sourced from a 4K scan of the film's preservation elements, offering a visually gratifying experience. Additionally, the remastered audio enhances the overall presentation, preserving the film's vintage charm and authenticity. The inclusion of several pre-show bonus features and rare vintage content adds value, although these might only appeal to dedicated collectors and classic cinema followers rather than a broader audience.

In conclusion, while "Faithless" may not stand out as a landmark in film history, it remains an essential piece for those interested in early 20th-century cinema and Bankhead's vast fanbase. The Blu-ray edition elevates the viewing experience through its spectacular technical quality, making it a worthy acquisition for those who appreciate pre-Code Hollywood films and the historical perspectives they offer.