Went the Day Well? Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 and encoded with VC-1, the Blu-ray release of Alberto Cavalcanti's "Went the Day Well?" by Optimum Home Entertainment delivers an impeccable 1080p transfer. The film clearly benefits from a thorough restoration, evident in the remarkable stability, depth, and fluidity of the image. Fine object detail, particularly in darker scenes, is impressively rendered. Contrast levels and color reproduction are significantly improved from earlier DVD releases; blacks are lush yet natural, while grays and whites appear gentle. The presence of a fine layer of grain maintains the film's authentic texture without notable edge-enhancement or overzealous denoising.

Considering the film's vintage, occasional softness is expected but does not detract from the overall quality. The 1.33:1 frame showcases excellent detail in the architecture and surrounding foliage of the quaint village. Textures in clothing and actor's faces are distinct and visible even in dimly-lit sequences. Contrast remains crisp with rich blacks, providing appreciable depth and dimensionality. Despite minor damage marks that occasionally appear, these artifacts do not compromise the integrity of the image. The result is a clean and detailed presentation that honors this classic war film.

Note: This Blu-ray disc is Region-B locked, requiring a compatible Region-B or region-free player for access.

The Blu-ray of "Went the Day Well?" features a solitary English LPCM 2.0 audio track. The restoration of the audio is notable, offering a significant improvement over earlier releases of similar vintage British films. As a result, viewers will notice the absence of common auditory imperfections like hiss, pops, and crackles, thanks to precise stabilizations and removals. This clarity enhances the dynamism of speech and effects, making for an engaging auditory experience. The optional English SDH subtitles provided by Optimum Home Entertainment add further accessibility to the main feature.

The audio track delivers exceptionally well-prioritized and precise vocals, maintaining a consistent clarity throughout. Only during some intense sequences do a few lines become slightly muddled, but these instances are inconsequential in the grand scope of the presentation. The dynamic range, though narrow and unsurprising for a recording of this era, remains effective. Higher frequencies tend to clip and distort slightly, most noticeably during explosive sound effects, and there is a discernible absence of lower-end frequencies. Despite these minor shortcomings, the uncompressed PCM mono track maintains an impressive sense of presence and clarity, making it a well-executed complement to the high-definition visual restoration of this classic film.

The Blu-ray edition of "Went the Day Well?" includes a limited but notable selection of bonus features. Despite their brevity, these extras provide informative and entertaining insights that enhance the viewing experience. The included short film, directed by Alberto Cavalcanti, showcases the filmmaker's adeptness at satire, while the BBC audio featurette offers an in-depth exploration of British cinema during the 1940s, adding valuable context to the main feature. Both supplemental materials are presented in English without subtitles, making them accessible to a broad audience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Yellow Caesar: A comedic short film by Alberto Cavalcanti lampooning Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.
• Audio Featurette: A BBC essay on British Cinema of the 1940s, originally broadcast in 2010, providing historical context on Ealing Studios and "Went the Day Well?"

"Went the Day Well?" (1942), directed by Alberto Cavalcanti, remains a remarkable piece of British wartime cinema. The film begins with an intriguing portrayal of the quiet village of Bramley End, later unveiled to be infiltrated by German soldiers disguised as British troops. This deceptive tranquility sets the stage for an intense narrative where ordinary villagers demonstrate remarkable courage and unity against the invaders. Based on Graham Greene's short story, it combines elements of comedy and drama while maintaining a steady pace that effectively builds suspense.

Cavalcanti's direction is both inventive and efficient, complemented by Wilkie Cooper's compelling cinematography that balances light and shadow to heighten tension. The film’s use of graphic violence, unusual for its time, advances the plot into nearly gothic horror territory, enhancing its impact. Performances by the cast, including Leslie Banks and Valerie Taylor, are robust and credible, anchoring the film's emotional core amidst the peril. Despite some minor narrative stumbles towards the end, particularly in the portrayal of the German characters' transformations, the film holds its ground as a potent piece of propaganda aimed at bolstering British morale during the war.

Technically, "Went the Day Well?" achieves a high level of craftsmanship. Cavalcanti's adept storytelling through efficient camerawork keeps the viewer engaged, ensuring that the film's political undertones do not overshadow its primary mission of capturing human resilience and solidarity. It is also noteworthy for its flashback narrative structure that adds depth to its war-time message. This Blu-ray edition from Optimum Home Entertainment offers a Region-B locked release with additional features like a BBC audio essay on British Cinema of the 1940s and Cavalcanti's short film "Yellow Caesar" (1941). Overall, it's a fascinating cinematic experience that would greatly benefit from rediscovery by contemporary audiences.

Optimum Home Entertainment's Blu-ray release of Alberto Cavalcanti's "Went the Day Well?" is an exemplary restoration and a highly significant addition to any classic cinema collection. This 1942 Ealing Studios film, which portrays a small English village infiltrated by Nazi soldiers, masterfully intertwines wartime propaganda with artistic direction. The movie effectively captures the paranoia and resilience of Britain during World War II, exemplified by the work of cinematographer Wilkie Cooper.

The Blu-ray benefits from a meticulous remastering process, resulting in sharp, vibrant video quality that does justice to the film's historical and visual integrity. The audio presentation is also notably enhanced, offering a crisp and immersive experience. However, it is worth mentioning that the Blu-ray lacks substantial supplementary materials. While the extras may be minimal, they do not detract significantly from the overall value of this release.

Fans of early British cinema will undoubtedly be delighted with this Blu-ray edition. The combination of its historical significance and outstanding restoration makes "Went the Day Well?" an essential acquisition. This release sets high expectations for future Blu-ray announcements from Ealing Studios by Optimum Home Entertainment. Highly recommended for collectors and enthusiasts of classic war films.