To Have and Have Not Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "To Have and Have Not" is a commendable achievement in film restoration and digital transfer, offering an immersive viewing experience for one of the classic Hollywood treasures. Originally shot by Sidney Hickox in lustrous black-and-white, the film's negative has unfortunately been lost, compelling the use of a nitrate fine-grain master positive archived at New York's Museum of Modern Art. Due to age-related deterioration, special handling was required to generate a new master for this Warner Archive Collection 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray. Supplementary preservation elements were also created, ensuring the film's longevity for future viewers. A dupe safety negative was utilized for certain scenes where the original fine-grain had deteriorated too much to yield satisfactory images. As part of Warner's current scanning policy, the fine-grain master positive was scanned at 4K resolution.

In terms of video quality, "To Have and Have Not" now shines with exceptional clarity and detail. The comprehensive digital repair process has produced a sterling presentation with solid blacks, crisp whites, and a finely rendered grain pattern. Contrast is wonderfully robust, enhancing shadow delineation and a well-varied gray scale that brings forth depth and details with remarkable precision. Sharp close-ups highlight Bacall's expressive eyes and wardrobe, as well as Bogart's rugged features. While stock footage and rear projection occasionally break the illusion with lower quality, these instances are minor distractions in an otherwise impeccably rendered visual experience. Warner Archive's encoding sustains an average bitrate just under 35 Mbps, ensuring that the masterful cinematography by Hickox is presented with the utmost fidelity, making this Blu-ray release a standout in their catalog of classic films.

The audio presentation of "To Have and Have Not" on Blu-ray delivers an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 experience. Despite the original soundtrack recording having disappeared with the negative, WAC's reconstruction from diverse sources culminates in a coherent mono mix. This meticulously massaged mix is free from age-related hiss, pops, and crackles. The dialogue is crisp and clear, while sonic elements like gunfire, rumbling boat motors, and subtle details such as the crinkling of a cigar wrapper are rendered with remarkable clarity. Hoagy Carmichael's intimate bar tunes and Bacall's singing debut stand out, exuding a velvety lushness that complements the film’s ambiance.

Franz Waxman's energetic score, though uncredited, provides an apt musical backdrop to the film's adventure and romance, filling the room with ease. The dynamic range, though limited by the era's technology, is well-balanced, preventing any distortion from creeping into the mix. While the track may not be groundbreaking, it reinforces the action effectively, delivering each musical piece with excellent fidelity and without introducing any flutter or anomalies. Audio options include English and Polish, with subtitles available in English, French, Polish, and Spanish.

The Blu-ray of "To Have and Have Not" comes with a robust set of extras that enhance the viewing experience with historical context and engaging content. These features, ported from the 2003 DVD, are now presented in improved high-definition where applicable. The animated short, “Bacall to Arms,” while amusing and visually entertaining, includes some dated racial humor. The featurette “A Love Story: The Story of To Have and Have Not” provides a detailed account of the romantic relationship between Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, augmented with interviews and behind-the-scenes insights. The Lux Radio Broadcast adaptation allows fans to relive the film through a different medium, featuring Bogart and Bacall's iconic chemistry. The theatrical trailer is also included, preserving the nostalgic promotion of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Bacall to Arms: A 1946 Merrie Melodies cartoon parodying the film.
• A Love Story: The Story of To Have and Have Not: A comprehensive 2003 featurette with insightful interviews.
• Trailer: The original promotional trailer in high definition.
• Lux Radio Broadcast: 1946 radio adaptation featuring Bogart and Bacall.

Howard Hawks' "To Have and Have Not" marks the first on-screen pairing of cinematic legends Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, transforming Ernest Hemingway’s somewhat lackluster novel into a vibrant World War II adventure brimming with romance and intrigue. Relocated to Martinique and repurposed by screenwriters Jules Furthman and William Faulkner, the film parallels Bogart’s earlier hit, "Casablanca," but substitutes its heavy themes with an intoxicating romance. Bogart's character, Harry Morgan, a fishing boat captain, straddles the line of neutrality until financial misfortune coerces him into aiding the French Resistance, encapsulating viewers in a tension-filled narrative bolstered by vibrant supporting performances from Walter Brennan and Hoagy Carmichael.

At the heart of "To Have and Have Not" is the electric chemistry between Bogart and Bacall. Bacall, in her cinematic debut at 19, enthralls audiences with her smoky voice and smoldering demeanor. The titular scene where she utters, "You know how to whistle, don't you Steve? You just put your lips together and…blow," is iconic, both for its sensuality and for marking the beginning of one of Hollywood’s most storied real-life romances. Bogart’s gruff demeanor melds seamlessly with Bacall’s sassiness, culminating in an onscreen relationship that resonates more deeply than the film’s plot itself, a testament to Hawks' astute direction.

Despite its secondary narrative, best described as a diluted "Casablanca" with added sexual tension, "To Have and Have Not" thrives on its lead performances. Hawks leverages their off-screen romance into expanding Bacall’s role, essentially rewriting Hemingway’s skeletal story into an engaging interplay of clandestine activities, rescue missions, and musical interludes. Walter Brennan stands out as Harry's eccentric sidekick Eddie, adding charm and levity to the film. This adaptation isn't about staying faithful to the source material; it's about capturing the raw energy and magnetism of its leading stars, making it a cinematic treasure that endures through decades.

"To Have and Have Not" on Blu-ray is a truly remarkable release, worthy of its legendary status in cinema history. This Warner Archive Collection (WAC) edition offers a splendid new transfer that revitalizes the film's visual and auditory allure, ensuring an optimal viewing experience for aficionados. With political intrigue, romance, propaganda, light comedy, and suspense perfectly blended into its narrative, this film remains an entertaining classic. Although it is often compared to "Casablanca," the undeniable chemistry between Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall infuses a unique charm and dynamism that distinguish it from its peers. The magnetism of Bogie and his Baby seems to transcend the screen, continuing to dazzle viewers more than 70 years after its premiere.

The Blu-ray edition excels in providing an exceptional audio-visual experience. The picture quality is notably enhanced with a crisp, clean transfer that maintains the integrity of the original film. The audio track is equally impressive, delivering clear dialogue and robust sound quality that elevates the overall narrative immersion. Additionally, valuable supplemental features from the 2003 DVD release are generously included, rendering this edition indispensable for both new audiences and long-time fans. This attention to detail ensures that "To Have and Have Not" is not just a valuable addition to any film library but also a testament to Warner Archive's commitment to high-quality preservation.

Conclusion: "To Have and Have Not" is a unique creation, the result of a once-in-a-lifetime moment when art and life imitated each other so closely that it's impossible to tell which came first. Just as Slim and Steve exit arm-in-arm at the film's end, the actors married the year after the film's release and remained a couple until Bogart's untimely death in 1957. One can debate over which of their four films ranks the highest, but TH&HN has a lightness and charm unmatched by any of their subsequent outings. Warner Archive has given it a first-rate presentation, which is highly recommended.