The Kiss Before the Mirror Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "The Kiss Before the Mirror" showcases a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition presentation, derived from a new 2K master, remaining true to the film’s original 1.37:1 full frame aspect ratio. This restoration admirably revitalizes Karl Freund's atmospheric cinematography, capturing the essence of this 88-year-old film. The black levels are notably solid for a 2K master, supporting a vivid and well-balanced picture with richly rendered blacks, vibrant whites, and a varied gray scale. Despite minor instances of jitter and faint vertical lines, these imperfections are minimal and do not detract from the overall quality.

The high-definition transfer preserves a suitable amount of grain, maintaining the film's authentic celluloid texture and enhancing its pre-Code ambiance. This presentation impressively highlights fine details in close-ups, such as facial features and costume textures, contributing to an engaging visual experience. While occasional specks and signs of light wear appear, the restoration is commendably smooth, ensuring viewers appreciate the excellent contrast and clarity, especially in mood-setting scenes like dank prison cells.

Overall, although a 4K restoration might have further enhanced the visuals, this 2K scan significantly upgrades the film's presentation. The balance between vivid imagery and historical authenticity provides an exceptionally pleasing viewing experience that will captivate fans of James Whale's work and film enthusiasts alike.

The Blu-ray release of "The Kiss Before the Mirror" comes with a DTS-HD Master Audio mono track that attempts to balance the limitations of early sound recording. While it does bring some clarity, the audio presentation unfortunately falls short in certain aspects. The track exhibits moments of being muffled, lacking overall clarity, and exuding a slight background hiss that can be intrusive. Despite increasing the volume significantly, these issues persist, revealing the need for a more extensive restoration effort to enhance its presence.

Nevertheless, the track does offer intermittent strengths. The mono track manages a fair dynamic range, maintaining distinction between highs and lows without noticeable distortion. Sound effects such as gunshots and glass breaking are delivered with a commendable punch, adding depth to specific scenes. While faint surface noise and occasional pops are present, these imperfections don't overly detract from the listening experience. Dialogue clarity varies, yet remains comprehensible for the most part, with only occasional instances of muffling.

Optional English subtitles are included, providing assistance where audio clarity may falter. Overall, while there are commendable efforts to preserve the audio's integrity, it does not entirely meet the expectations set by its video counterpart.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Kiss Before the Mirror" are limited but substantial in quality. A significant highlight is the audio commentary by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, a film historian with expertise in gender politics. Her insightful commentary delves into themes such as the moral decadence and constricting sexual roles portrayed in the film. She draws comparisons with the 1938 remake "Wives Under Suspicion," directed by the same director, James Whale, and explores Jean Dixon's character for potential lesbian undertones, offering intricate analyses of Karl Freund's cinematography. Additional content includes a suite of trailers for Kino Lorber's other releases, reflecting the studio's broader catalog offerings.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Film Historian Alexandra Heller-Nicholas: Insightful analysis on societal morals and gender roles.
• Trailers: Promos for "Supernatural," "The Undying Monster," "The Lodger," "The Spiral Staircase," and "The Queen of Spades."

"The Kiss Before the Mirror" is a pre-code Hollywood production that manages to intrigue through its exploration of infidelity, gender roles, and justice, despite some narrative shortcomings. Directed by James Whale, this psychosexual drama unravels as a thriller infused with European flair, set against a Noir-like backdrop meticulously captured by cinematographer Karl Freund. The storyline follows a vengeful husband, played by Paul Lukas, whose suspicious demeanor toward his wife leads to murder. Frank Morgan's portrayal of the conflicted lawyer, Paul Held, adds layers to the film’s exploration of moral dilemmas.

While the screenplay by William Anthony McGuire ambitiously tackles social themes, its lack of compelling character development and over-the-top melodrama leave a bit to be desired. Nonetheless, the film holds a feminist slant, challenging the traditional expectations of women and men during that era. Despite its far-fetched elements, the film resonates by addressing marital dynamics in an engaging, albeit flawed, manner.

Technically, the movie is elevated by Charles D. Hall's art direction and Whales' directional prowess, marked by innovative camera movements and expressive stylistic choices. The use of extreme close-ups and mirror imagery effectively heightens the tension. The supporting cast, featuring Gloria Stuart and Nancy Carroll, add depth to the film's potent narrative. Despite its pacing issues and some lackluster performances, particularly from Lukas, "The Kiss Before the Mirror" offers an engaging cinematic journey worth rediscovering for its thematic boldness and Whale's artistry in a genre that transcends his more renowned horror works.

"The Kiss Before the Mirror" presents itself as a pre-Code Hollywood thriller that navigates themes of murder, jealousy, and infidelity. While the screenplay itself may not stand out as particularly inspired, the film compensates with artistic direction by James Whale, known for his distinctive filmmaking style. This is reflected in the performances, which are notably strong and imbued with an energy that enhances the otherwise simplistic narrative.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release delivers a technically impressive package with its 2K scan derived from a new restoration. This meticulous attention offers a crisp visual experience that aligns well with Whale's artistic flourishes. However, the audio track presents a mixed bag. While some reviews note it as solid and engaging, others critique it as muffled and below average. An added commentary track provides value for those interested in delving deeper into the film's context.

In conclusion, "The Kiss Before the Mirror" may not match the acclaim of Whale’s more celebrated works, but its thematic richness and stylish direction afford it a degree of allure for classic cinema enthusiasts. Despite the notable discrepancies in audio quality, the combined allure of the film’s performances and its polished 2K transfer make this Blu-ray a worthy consideration for viewers interested in exploring less-heralded projects within Whale's oeuvre.