The Lavender Hill Mob Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Lavender Hill Mob" on Blu-ray is nothing short of impressive, showcasing a meticulous restoration of this classic film. The 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer, framed in the 1.37:1 aspect ratio, is sourced from the original 35mm finegrain elements, scanned at 2K definition on a Spirit 4K Film Scanner. This restoration process utilized HD-DVNR and MTI tools to effectively remove dirt, scratches, and warping, as well as replace damaged or missing frames, yielding an overall stable and clean image. The contrast levels are well-balanced, delivering a crisp black-and-white visual that significantly surpasses previous washed-out TV prints. While minor specks and negligible scratches are still present, they do not detract from the impressive visual quality.

The fine object detail and clarity in this Blu-ray release are commendable, with consistent contrast levels that enhance the film's vintage charm without degrading its filmic feel. Grain is unobtrusive, maintaining the film’s pleasing organic look without any noticeable edge-enhancement or sharpening adjustments. Compared to pre-restoration conditions, as evidenced by a comparison featurette included on the disc, the improvements are stark and commendable, with thorough noise correction that stands up to the standards of Criterion’s best releases. Although a light grain layer persists throughout the film, it aligns well with the film’s aesthetic.

Furthermore, the Blu-ray has been extensively cleaned up; however, a few minor scratches and blemishes remain, which are expected given the film's age. Stability issues are minimal with only minor inherited frame skips. The end result is a high-caliber presentation that honors “The Lavender Hill Mob” and is likely to satisfy aficionados of classic British cinema, ensuring that this release stands out as a definitive version of the film.

The audio presentation on "The Lavender Hill Mob" Blu-ray features an English LPCM 2.0 soundtrack that authentically captures the film's original mono sound. Transferred from a preservation 35mm print, significant digital restoration efforts have minimized intrusive pops, clicks, hiss, and distortion. While the dynamic range is inherently limited due to the LPCM 2.0 format, the overall balance and clarity are commendable. Dialogue, a crucial element given T.E.B. Clarke's sharp writing, remains crisp and generally easy to follow, though it may be slightly challenging during fast exchanges. Hence, the inclusion of optional English SDH subtitles by Optimum Home Entertainment is a valuable addition for clearer comprehension.

Although the audio is largely free of major flaws such as harmful pops or audio dropouts, there are moments where the soundtrack exhibits minor issues. Notably, in scenes involving the Eiffel Tower, the music reveals some 'wow' effects—a fluctuation that might be reminiscent of an issue with an optical projector's flywheel. This phenomenon occurs sporadically but does not significantly detract from the listening experience. Given the film's age and the constraints of the original source material, the soundtrack does an admirable job of maintaining fidelity without offending auditory sensibilities.

Overall, the soundtrack for "The Lavender Hill Mob," though not perfect, provides a faithfully restored auditory experience. It honors the original audio's character while delivering a clean and serviceable listening experience that should satisfy most viewers and audiophiles alike.

The Blu-ray edition of "The Lavender Hill Mob" provides a rich treasure trove of extras that deepen appreciation for this classic film. Martin Scorsese offers an engaging introduction, encapsulating the plot and featuring behind-the-scenes anecdotes from Tibby Clarke and Charles Crichton. Despite some audio quality issues, the BECTU History Project interview with Crichton offers invaluable insights into his filmmaking journey. The restored trailer, while missing a few shots, provides an authentic 1950s cinematic experience. The "Good Afternoon" interview with Clarke is particularly noteworthy for its depth and reveals many fascinating details about his career and creative process. The restoration comparison effectively illustrates the dramatic improvements made to the film, showcasing the remarkable efforts invested in the Blu-ray release. Additionally, the behind-the-scenes stills gallery offers a rare glimpse into the film’s production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Martin Scorsese: The director summarizes the story and mentions Tibby Clarke’s research and Charles Crichton’s background.
• Excerpt from BECTU History Project interview with Charles Crichton: An insightful yet muffled audio interview detailing Crichton's ascent in the film industry.
• Restored trailer: A trailer showing the best restoration possible given original quality constraints.
• Good Afternoon: Mavis interviews T.E.B. Clarke: An informative interview revealing anecdotes from Clarke’s career.
• Restoration comparison: Side-by-side comparison illustrating the Blu-ray restoration's impact.
• Stills gallery: Behind-the-scenes black-and-white photographs from the film’s production.

Charles Crichton's The Lavender Hill Mob manifests its charm and wit with a seamless 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer framed in the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio on this UK Region-Free Blu-ray edition. The black-and-white cinematography is presented with remarkable contrast and sharpness, all while maintaining a nostalgic, filmic texture. Persistent minor imperfections, such as slight scratches and occasional sparkles on the far right of the screen, do arise but are easily overshadowed by the overall visual satisfaction. The LPCM 2.0 audio engenders clear dialogue through an enhanced mono mix, albeit marred slightly by some music distortions. Supplemental features are robust, including a Restoration comparison, a short film introduction by Martin Scorsese, and significantly unpolished but insightful interviews with director Charles Crichton and writer T.E.B. Clarke.

The narrative follows Alec Guinness as Henry Holland, an unassuming bank clerk dreaming of wealth. The plot gathers momentum with Holland teaming up with Stanley Holloway’s Alfred Pendlebury, an equally disillusioned artist. Adding complexity and humor to the heist are Sid James as safe-cracker Lackery and Alfie Bass as Shorty, each bringing their own set of skills. The plan to transform gold bullion into Eiffel Tower models for smuggling into Paris straddles between whimsical creativity and calculated risk. The stakes heighten dramatically when a promotional twist jeopardizes Holland's involvement, leading to an expedited and thrilling heist.

Guinness and Holloway’s dynamic on-screen partnership drives the film's humorous yet gripping progression. The Eureka moment in Paris and subsequent sequences are seamlessly edited to maximize both suspense and satire. Audrey Hepburn's early cameo as Chiquita adds an unexpected delight. With its impeccable script by T.E.B. Clarke and impressive stylistic choices encapsulating post-war British cinema’s essence, The Lavender Hill Mob remains a testament to Ealing Studios' comedic genius and innovation, recognized by its Oscar win for Best Writing in 1953.

The Blu-ray release of Charles Crichton's "The Lavender Hill Mob" impresses with its superb restoration, which breathes new life into this classic British film. The image quality is outstanding, showcasing remarkable clarity and vibrant colors that enhance its visual storytelling. The transfer handles darker scenes well, preserving the nuanced grayscale while maintaining minimal grain. The meticulous attention to detail in the restoration process ensures audiences are treated to an experience that closely resembles the original cinematic presentation.

The audio quality does not disappoint either. The film’s mono track has been cleaned up effectively, presenting clear dialogue and a balanced soundstage that complements the visuals perfectly. The ambient sounds and score are equally well-preserved, providing a rich auditory experience that immerses viewers fully into the post-war London atmosphere. Additionally, the Blu-ray comes packed with supplementary features, including insightful commentaries, historical context on the film’s production, and rare archival footage. These extras are invaluable for film enthusiasts and provide a comprehensive understanding of the film's significance.

If you consider yourself a fan of classic British Cinema, you absolutely have to have Charles Crichton's magnificent "The Lavender Hill Mob" in your libraries. The film has been recently restored and looks simply terrific on Blu-ray. Indeed, this is yet another fantastic package from the folks at Optimum Home Entertainment, who are bringing a number of Classic British films to Blu-ray this year (amongst them Kind Hearts and Coronets, Whisky Galore, Went The Day Well?, The Cruel Sea, Ice Cold in Alex, and Brighton Rock). Also, if you are in the UK, or will be visiting, see the film theatrically. Optimum Home Entertainment have arranged to have The Lavender Hill Mob screened in selected theaters across the country. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.