The Sign of the Cross Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Sign of the Cross" by Kino Lorber presents a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition transfer, maintaining the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1. Hailing from a print preserved by the UCLA Film and Television Archive, this version includes all previously omitted scenes restored in the 1990s. The result is a naturally filmic presentation, capturing the gorgeous cinematography by Karl Struss, which earned the movie an Oscar nomination. The grain structure is pleasing, reinforcing the celluloid feel without compromising clarity despite predominant soft focus techniques. Superior contrast and grayscale add depth to the visuals, while intricate details on costumes and sets remain discernible.

Rich blacks anchor the image, and bright whites like those in Poppaea’s milk bath are rendered vibrantly. Although occasional nicks and scratches are present, they are not intrusive and do not detract from the overall visual experience. The shadow delineation generally avoids crush, keeping silhouettes well-defined. Despite slight imperfections—such as window-boxed opening credits, moderate softness in some scenes, and minor signs of print wear—the presentation remains impressive, delivering a crisp viewing experience that brings out the historical grandeur of this early sound period film.

Overall, this Blu-ray presentation stands as likely the best home video rendering of "The Sign of the Cross" to date, improving significantly over previous DVD incarnations. With faithful film grain representation and minimal detractors like scratches or dirt, it brings the dazzling elements of DeMille's classic to life with fidelity and elegance.

The Blu-ray release of "The Sign of the Cross" offers an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio mono soundtrack. Dialogue is notably crisp and clear, ensuring ease of understanding throughout the film. No significant issues such as crackle, hiss, warps, pops, or clicks mar the audio presentation, providing a smooth and pleasant listening experience. The quality of this lossless audio presentation aligns seamlessly with the high-quality filmic scan, creating a cohesive audiovisual experience. Optional English subtitles are provided for additional clarity.

Furthermore, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track effectively revitalizes the original 88-year-old audio. Although it necessitates a higher-than-average volume setting for optimal listening, the sound remains clear and well-modulated. Despite the film’s limited musical score, the moments that do feature music exhibit a rich tone that effortlessly fills the room. The essential sound elements, including dialogue, animal growls, and gladiator grunts during the intense Colosseum scenes, are distinct and immersive.

Incorporating a meticulous cleaning of age-related artifacts such as hiss, pops, and crackle, this soundtrack showcases an early talkie era film in its best auditory form. The uncredited Rudolph Kopp's modest but effective score gains solid strength and fidelity in this remaster. This release undeniably represents the pinnacle of how the movie can be experienced on home video, marking a significant upgrade over previous DVD releases.

The extras for the Blu-ray release of "The Sign of the Cross" are incredibly robust, providing significant enhancements to the overall viewing experience. The inclusion of two newly recorded audio commentaries stands out, offering comprehensive, expert insights into Cecil B. DeMille's creative process and the production nuances of this classic film. Mark A. Vieira delivers an engaging historical perspective, delving into DeMille's artistic style, influences, and the film's journey through censorship and restoration. In contrast, David Del Valle's commentary offers an enthusiastic and slightly more casual exploration, enriched with personal anecdotes and gossipy details. Both commentaries are informative and compelling, catering to different preferences for scholarly analysis versus conversational discussion. Complementing these are the original theatrical trailer and a selection of enticing trailers from other Kino Lorber releases, which round out a thoroughly satisfying extras package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Mark A. Vieira: Comprehensive background on production, artistic style, and film history.
• Audio Commentary by David Del Valle: Enthusiastic discussion with personal anecdotes and additional insights.
• The Sign of the Cross Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer offering a glimpse into the film's promotional strategy.
• Bonus KLSC Trailers: Previews of other Kino Lorber releases including "Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife," "Since You Went Away," and more.

The Sign of the Cross remains a paramount example of pre-Code Hollywood filmmaking, offering an extensive, richly woven narrative that combines the splendid opulence of Ancient Rome with the salacious and brutal elements often sanitized by later production codes. Directed by Cecil B. DeMille, the film plunges viewers into the turbulent reign of Emperor Nero (Charles Laughton), who masks his manipulative schemes behind a façade of regal indifference, as highlighted in unforgettable sequences such as Rome set ablaze. Supporting the gripping narrative is a stellar cast with Fredric March as Marcus Superbus, whose complex portrayal of a love-torn prefect adds a level of emotional depth amid glaring debauchery. Claudette Colbert as the seductive Empress Poppaea and Elissa Landi as the devout Christian, Mercia, both enrich the storyline with their compelling performances.

The technical achievements in The Sign of the Cross are exceptional, particularly in its production design and orchestration. Mitchell Leisen's art direction and costume design add striking visual authenticity to the lavish sets and grandeur attire, enhancing the movie's atmosphere significantly. The cinematography by Karl Struss, an Oscar-nominated effort for this film, captures strikingly fluid visuals through pioneering use of camera cranes, lending an unprecedented dynamism to the scenes. Anne Bauchens' adept editing maintains narrative clarity and pace, a testament to her frequent collaboration with DeMille. The evocative musical score, composed by Jay Chernis, Rudolph G. Kopp, Paul Marquardt, and Milan Roder, complements the grandeur on screen with sweeping themes that elevate key moments of drama and romance.

DeMille's direction shines through in his ability to balance intense character interactions against the backdrop of Rome’s gaudy excesses—alluding to more than just spectacle. The film persists in depicting early Christian perseverance against tyrannical oppression with graphic honesty uncommon for its era—most memorably during Claudette Colbert's notorious milk bath scene or in gut-wrenching sequences within the gladiatorial arena. At once provocative and reverent, The Sign of the Cross delivers both visual splendor and weighty storytelling, solidifying its status as a quintessential cinematic epic that brilliantly withstands the test of time.

"The Sign of the Cross" Blu-ray release is a masterclass in preserving cinematic history. The film, directed by Cecil B. DeMille, emerges as a provocative and artistically impressive epic. Set during Nero’s reign in first-century Rome, the movie delves deeply into Christian persecution with notable performances by Fredric March, Elissa Landi, Claudette Colbert, and Charles Laughton. Its notorious pre-Code content, including scandalous scenes and shocking violence, sparked considerable controversy but also garnered immense audience appeal, rejuvenating DeMille’s career.

Kino’s Blu-ray edition honors this historical classic with a stellar HD transfer that flaunts Karl Struss's Oscar-nominated cinematography. The video presentation is crisp and visually captivating, thereby ensuring that the grandiose pageantry and meticulous production details are vividly preserved. The audio quality is commendable, balancing dialogue and the musical score seamlessly. Notably, the release includes two enriching commentary tracks that offer valuable insights into the film's production and historical context.

In conclusion, "The Sign of the Cross" is a sweeping epic that has withstood the test of time as a true Hollywood classic. The sheer scope and spectacle of the filmmaking are downright fantastic; such magnificent work was done behind the scenes to make the film an essential gem of cinema. The performances are fantastic, the direction is superb, and the Blu-ray release features a strong video-audio presentation with some extras to round out the package. Cinephiles would do well to pick up this classic for their collections. Highly recommended.