Zenobia Blu-ray Review

"Zenobia" is presented on Blu-ray by ClassicFlix using an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The restoration work notably enhances the overall visual quality, providing a clean and stable presentation. The improvement in contrast is evident, though whites can still occasionally appear slightly overexposed. The grayscale performance is impressive, featuring deep blacks and crisp whites, ensuring a balanced and visually pleasing experience. Grain remains natural throughout the film, contributing to an authentic filmic texture without noticeable compression artifacts.

A restoration comparison feature included provides insight into the remarkable salvage work achieved. The original elements were in a significantly deplorable state, plagued with various forms of damage, including speckles and scratches. However, the restored transfer minimizes these imperfections effectively, making only minimal residual scratches visible, such as the subtle hairline scratch down Hattie McDaniel in specific scenes. The film is divided into 17 chapters, aiding navigation within this exceptional restoration.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track for "Zenobia" offers a solid representation of the film's original audio. While the recording's era imposes certain limitations, such as a somewhat boxy sound particularly noticeable in the musical segments, the overall delivery remains undamaged and intact. Dialogue is clear and well-recorded, and Marvin Hatley's background score is seamlessly integrated. Occasional sound effects, like Zenobia's elixir mishap, are competently rendered, providing a satisfactory auditory experience for this predominantly dialogue-driven film.

Despite minor age-related artifacts such as momentary scratchiness, the audio mix has managed to eliminate most common issues like pops, hiss, crackle, and flutter. The resulting soundscape is coherent and performs effectively within the given mono format. Optional English subtitles are available, enhancing accessibility without detracting from the auditory experience. In summary, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track suffices well for this classic film, preserving both clarity and authenticity.

The Blu-ray extras for "Zenobia" are both visually enlightening and historically enriching, providing a deep dive into the restoration process and promotional materials from ClassicFlix. The Restoration Comparison feature showcases the meticulous efforts involved in refurbishing the film, presenting both side-by-side and before-and-after views that highlight the transformation from the original degraded prints to the currently vibrant and detailed presentation. This is highly recommended for enthusiasts keen on understanding the technical accomplishments behind film restorations. Additionally, a series of ClassicFlix Trailers are included, offering a glance at other classic titles that cater to fans of vintage cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Restoration Comparison: Side-by-side and before-and-after views of the restoration.
• ClassicFlix Trailers: Includes trailers for Merrily We Live, Africa Screams, Casanova Brown, The Noose Hangs High, Out of the Blue.

Zenobia, directed by Gordon M. Douglas, is a charming Hal Roach-produced farce that features Oliver Hardy in a rare sound film without his iconic partner, Stan Laurel. Set in 1870 Mississippi, the movie showcases Hardy as Dr. Tibbett, a kindly country doctor whose compassionate nature puts him at odds with the town’s upper crust, led by the haughty Mrs. Carter, played by Alice Brady. Hilarity ensues when Dr. Tibbett befriends an ailing elephant named Zenobia, owned by carnival huckster Professor McCrackle (Harry Langdon). Hardy’s adeptness in delivering slapstick and double takes shines through, though his more reserved and grounded character deviates from his traditional on-screen persona. Billie Burke, portraying his flibbertigibbet wife, adds to the chaos with her breezily humorous antics, while Langdon captures some of the sad sack quality reminiscent of Stan Laurel but lacks the chemistry to produce the same comedic synergy seen in Laurel and Hardy films.

The film's screenplay by Corey Ford may lack a robust plot but compensates with numerous comic interludes that allow its ensemble cast to shine. Notable scenes include a slapstick-filled welcoming sequence involving a slamming door, kitchen shenanigans driven by Mrs. Tibbett’s capricious behavior, and a methodical examination of Zenobia by Dr. Tibbett and McCrackle. The courtroom drama that follows Zenobia's antics offers both comic and dramatic moments, culminating in a surprise ending that nearly disrupts the anticipated nuptials but leaves the film on a delightful note. Alice Brady's portrayal of the snobbish Mrs. Carter adds a layer of villainy, although her inconsistent Southern accent and last-minute character reversal undercut her performance's authenticity. Supporting roles from Step’n Fetchit and Hattie McDaniel add comic relief, albeit through period-specific representation that might chafe against modern sensibilities.

Zenobia navigates themes of class distinctions and social mores with luxurious production design for a Hal Roach film, contrasted with its somewhat oblivious handling of racial representations. While its treatment of black characters played by Step’n Fetchit and Hattie McDaniel, who manage some laughs from their potentially objectionable material, reflects the era's social attitudes, the film remains engaging through its lively antebellum ambiance, often juxtaposing comic foolishness with societal commentary — albeit unironically at times. Despite these complexities, Zenobia provides an amusing glimpse into a different comedic pairing for Hardy and offers enough humorous vignettes to entertain fans of classic comedy.

Gordon Douglas’ "Zenobia" is an engaging and quaint comedy from the illustrious cinematic year of 1939. Starring Oliver Hardy, this film diverges from the traditional Laurel and Hardy formula, inviting audiences to see Hardy in a different, yet commendable light. The plot, while novel, revolves around the humorous and romantic inclinations of an elephant, which blending well with a narrative that shifts away from standard comedic interactions. Given this deviation, some staunch fans may find the humor not as seamless due to preconceptions around Hardy’s usual characters. Furthermore, the film’s portrayal of black characters often reflects the period’s dated sensibilities, which may provoke some critical reflection from contemporary viewers.

From a technical perspective, ClassicFlix’s Blu-ray presentation of "Zenobia" is exemplary, offering a pristine visual and auditory experience. The high-definition transfer accentuates the film’s historical charm, providing clarity and depth to the cinematography. The audio track is equally impressive, maintaining the integrity of the original sound design while enhancing its clarity for modern audiences. These technical enhancements make the viewing experience superior, preserving the film's classical comedic essence while delivering a touch of modern prowess.

It's maybe a little unfair that Oliver Hardy was so famous for being Oliver Hardy that it can be downright disconcerting to see him in a different context. In that regard his quite commendable work in this film might strike some Laurel and Hardy fans as never quite working, I think at least in part because of preconceptions about how his characters usually behave. But there are some other issues here, including the very fact that the film features a romantically inclined elephant and a plot that doesn't allow the ostensibly focal comedians a chance to interact that much. The depictions of the black characters may well strike modern day eyes as intermittently objectionable as well. This is certainly a historical curio, though, with a certain weird charm at times, and ClassicFlix has provided a nice looking and sounding presentation, for those who are considering a purchase.