The Maltese Falcon Blu-ray Review

Warner’s Blu-ray presentation of "The Maltese Falcon" via its conventional VC-1 encode on a 1080p transfer brings the film's original 1.37:1 aspect ratio to life with stunning clarity and authenticity. The contrast and blacks of this transfer are commendably deep, echoing the artistic sensibilities of film noir. The film maintains its monochromatic brilliance, rendering the intricate interplay of shadows and highlights flawlessly. Noteworthy details, such as facial features, textures in clothing like fedoras and coats, and the finely detailed paraphernalia of office spaces and lobbies, are all perceptibly crisp. This release is a significant upgrade from previous SD-DVD versions, showcased well in scenes where Sam Spade scrutinizes the oddments in Gutman's room, revealing reflections and sharp details previously unseen in any home video version.

The film’s grain structure has been retained consistently and naturally, avoiding unwanted digital noise reduction (DNR) artifacts. While there is a slight gauziness noticed by some reviewers that may lack the razor-sharp clarity achieved in other restorations by Warner, it stays clean and crisp without major artifacts or edge enhancements. Occasional minor print damages and frame shifts are present, such as when Bogart’s body shifts or some frames appear missing near the film's end. However, these issues pale in comparison to the overall quality. Black levels and shadow delineation are notably impressive, ensuring depth and clarity in darker scenes. Scenes that were once murky and indistinct, like Archer’s death scene, now bristle with previously hidden details. Overall, despite some minor imperfections, this Blu-ray represents a substantial visual improvement from previous releases, appreciating the noir aesthetic in exquisite 1080p detail.

The DTS-HD Master Audio mono mix of "The Maltese Falcon" on Blu-ray is impressively restored, accentuating the film’s vintage charm while ensuring a clear and crisp auditory experience. Despite its age, the track maintains a fine level of clarity, especially notable in the clear articulation of dialogue and the fidelity of Adolph Deutsch's score, which plays a crucial role in the overall atmosphere. While the ambient noises and gunshots are minimal, they are well-presented, with effects such as door slams and glass shattering providing a satisfying level of realism. The occasional background hiss is present but does not detract significantly from the overall experience.

One of the standout characteristics of this audio transfer is the well-balanced presentation of dialogue, music, and effects, ensuring none dominate at the expense of another. Deutsch’s musical cues, particularly around pivotal scenes, benefit from the restored fidelity, showcasing commendable dynamics that enhance the tension and transitions within the film. The mono track manages to avoid sounding overly boxy or tinny, offering a robust bass response that contributes to a richer listening experience. Despite the inherent limitations of a mono setup, the Blu-ray’s audio delivers a surprisingly engaging and effective sonic environment.

Older elements include some persistent yet minor hiss throughout the film, but this remains unobtrusive. Atmospheric sounds, such as elevator doors opening to reveal groups of chattering people or the sound effects during confrontations, come through with a sharp clarity that prevents them from melding into indistinct noise. Every sound effect, no matter how minor, is given due attention in this transfer, adding to the overall authenticity and immersive qualities of this classic film’s soundscape.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Maltese Falcon" present a comprehensive and engaging package for fans and cinephiles alike. Highlights include a commentary track by Eric Lax that offers a meticulous, scene-by-scene analysis filled with anecdotes and trivia. The featurette "The Maltese Falcon: One Magnificent Bird" is particularly notable, combining informative interviews with historical insights and behind-the-scenes footage. "Breakdowns of 1941" presents humor through a compilation of on-set gaffes, while "Makeup Tests" provide a rare glimpse into character preparation. "Becoming Attractions: The Trailers of Humphrey Bogart" examines Warner Bros.' marketing strategies, and "Warner Night at the Movies" recreates an authentic 1941 theater experience, complete with newsreels and cartoons. Additionally, three radio show adaptations offer a nostalgic audio experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary Track: In-depth scene analysis by biographer Eric Lax.
• The Maltese Falcon: One Magnificent Bird: A historical featurette with extensive interviews.
• Breakdowns of 1941: A collection of humorous on-set bloopers.
• Makeup Tests: Footage of Mary Astor's character preparation.
• Becoming Attractions: The Trailers of Humphrey Bogart: A study on Warner Bros.' marketing.
• Warner Night at the Movies: A featurette replicating a 1941 theater night.
• Audio Vault: Three radio show adaptations of "The Maltese Falcon".
• Trailers: Previews for "The Maltese Falcon" and "Satan Met a Lady".

"The Maltese Falcon" on Blu-Ray offers a riveting exploration of classic noir complexity, under the skilled direction of John Huston. The film anchors itself in Humphrey Bogart's iconic portrayal of Sam Spade, whose tough, witty exterior permeates every scene. The plot launches with a simple hired-tail mission that spirals into an intricate maze of murder and betrayal. Mary Astor's performance as Ruth Wonderly/Brigid O'Shaughnessy provides a duplicitous yet intelligent femme fatale, while Sydney Greenstreet's Kasper Gutman and Peter Lorre's Joel Cairo add layers of sinister depth, making for an unmissable ensemble cast.

Huston's adaptation maintains a fine balance between subtle provocation and narrative complexity, steering deftly through the era's moral codes while presenting characters with multifaceted motivations. The legendary "stuff that dreams are made of" line epitomizes not just the film's elusive MacGuffin but its enduring allure and psychological depth. Each character, from Elisha Cook Jr.'s Wilmer to Jerome Cowan's Miles Archer, contributes distinctly to the plot’s twists, keeping viewers engaged while never straying into superfluous arcs.

Technically, Warner Brothers delivers on this Blu-Ray release with crisp, period-authentic visuals and sound, ensuring that the noir atmosphere and intricate dialogue—the hallmark of Dashiell Hammett’s writing—retain their original impact. The supporting commentary by Eric Lax elucidates how the studio system synergized to produce such remarkable results, demonstrating why "The Maltese Falcon" remains a prime example of the hard-boiled detective genre. Each viewing continues to reveal new layers of cinematic mastery, solidifying its place as an indelible classic in film history.

"The Maltese Falcon" on Blu-ray is a definitive release that sets the standard for classic noir films in high definition. John Huston’s masterful direction debuts with compelling clarity, showcasing the intrigue and complexity of Dashiell Hammett’s narrative. Humphrey Bogart delivers a career-defining performance as the hard-edged, cynical private detective Sam Spade. The film’s ensemble cast, including Mary Astor, Peter Lorre, and Sydney Greenstreet, adeptly supports Bogart, creating an atmosphere thick with tension and moral ambiguity. The 1941 film's dark themes and sharp dialogues remain provocatively engaging, defying the relative constraints of its era.

Technically, this Blu-ray transfer is superb. Warner Brothers has meticulously handled the restoration process, maintaining the film’s vintage look while enhancing its visual and auditory clarity. The black-and-white cinematography is exceptionally crisp, with deep contrasts and fine details that underscore the movie's gritty, atmospheric tone. The audio track is impressively clean, preserving the dialogue's sharpness and the score's richness. Although some enthusiasts might notice minor imperfections inherent to the original source material, these do not detract significantly from the overall experience.

In conclusion, "The Maltese Falcon" on Blu-ray stands as a stellar representation of early Hollywood noir, complemented by a remarkable restoration effort. Whilst this is perhaps not as enjoyably dark as The Big Sleep, or as incredibly vivid as The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre, John Huston’s clever interpretation of Hammett’s gumshoe trials and tribulations hits the mark as one of the classic and, indeed, pivotal moments in the coming of Hollywood noir and one of the greatest showboating, own-every-scene Bogart performances that isn’t Casablanca. A fabulous transfer seals the deal on this old bird, and The Maltese Falcon comes extremely highly recommended.