Beau Geste Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Beau Geste" by Kino Lorber, presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, is a marked improvement over previous home video versions, thanks to a new 4K master supplied by Universal Pictures. This 1080p transfer exhibits a strong organic visual quality that captures the essence of the original film. Despite not undergoing a comprehensive restoration, the retained cosmetic imperfections, such as minor age-related anomalies and some stability issues, do little to detract from the overall viewing experience. The film showcases very good to excellent delineation, robust clarity in both daylight and darker scenes, and fluid motion. While the grading could have been better managed to preserve nuances in shadowy areas, this seems more a limitation of the current elements rather than a flaw in the transfer.

In terms of visual fidelity, the transfer excels with excellent clarity, contrast, and grayscale. The grain structure enhances the rugged, outdoorsy aesthetic of this action epic while maintaining the celluloid feel. Rich and deep blacks contrast well with crisp whites, providing marvelous definition to the desert sand dunes. Sharp close-ups reveal intricate details such as sweat, facial hair, and the actors' textured skin tones. Detailed backgrounds and costume textures further enhance the film's visual appeal, underscoring its Academy Award-nominated Art Direction. Despite a prominent vertical line at the 36:00 mark and occasional nicks and scratches, this remastered transfer significantly elevates "Beau Geste" above its predecessors, making this release potentially the definitive home video edition of this classic film. Note that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release requiring a Region-A or Region-Free player for access.

The Blu-ray release of "Beau Geste" features a singular audio track: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. The audio presentation is distinguished by its clarity and stability, providing a seamless listening experience. While there are minor instances of unevenness, attributed to the film's age, the track is free from audio dropouts or distortions, ensuring there are no transfer-specific anomalies.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track requires a slight increase in volume to fully appreciate the dialogue clarity. This track manages to deliver a robust score by Alfred Newman, with dynamic handling of rowdy extras and intense battle scenes. The wide dynamic range ensures each element is prioritized effectively, providing excellent fidelity and a well-balanced audio environment. Age-related artifacts such as hiss, pops, and crackle are absent, resulting in a clean and engaging audio experience that complements the film’s historic value.

The Blu-ray extras for "Beau Geste" demonstrate an impressive depth of film scholarship and historical context. The audio commentary by William Wellman Jr. and film historian Frank Thompson is a standout feature, offering a deep dive into the film's production nuances, casting choices, and adaptations, along with personal anecdotes and trivia that enrich the viewer's understanding. This exceptional commentary covers aspects ranging from the conceptualization at Paramount to health issues faced during production, making it invaluable for cinephiles and historians alike. Additionally, the disc includes a re-release trailer for "Beau Geste" and a robust collection of trailers for other classic films, adding further value for collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage trailer for "Beau Geste".
• Commentary: Detailed insights by William Wellman Jr. and Frank Thompson.
• Additional Trailers:
  • The Lives of a Bengal Lancer
  • The General Died at Dawn
  • Man of the West
  • Reap the Wild Wind
  • Panic in Year Zero
  • Junior Bonner
  • Rawhide
  • Canyon Passage
  • The Ox-Bow Incident
  • Yellow Sky

William A. Wellman's 1939 adaptation of "Beau Geste," presented in stunning Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, is a quintessential cinematic experience embodying adventure, mystery, and dramatic intrigue. The narrative, adapted from P.C. Wren's classic novel, initiates with a gripping sequence in the Sahara Desert, where all appears lost amidst a beleaguered fort. Major Henri de Beaujolais (James Stephenson) uncovers an illusory defensive tableau, setting off a compelling flashback to the origin of the narrative — a Victorian estate in England. Here we meet the Geste brothers: Beau (Gary Cooper), John (Ray Milland), and Digby (Robert Preston). The plot thickens with the theft of a cherished gem, the Blue Water sapphire, leading the brothers to join the French Foreign Legion and confront turbulent trials under the tyrannical Sergeant Markoff (Brian Donlevy).

"Beau Geste" thrives owing to Wellman's masterful direction and a stellar ensemble cast. Gary Cooper, Ray Milland, and Robert Preston provide compelling performances, embodying fraternal bonds with charm and authenticity. Remarkably, Brian Donlevy’s portrayal of Markoff earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, vividly bringing to life one of cinema’s most memorable antagonists. Rich production values elevate this adaptation, including sublime cinematography by Theodor Sparkuhl and Archie Stout, capturing stunning desert landscapes. Noteworthy too are the period-accurate costumes designed by Edith Head, amplifying the film's visual allure.

The movie adeptly combines action and emotional depth, enriched by Alfred Newman's evocative score and Robert Carson's adept screenplay. Extensive location shoots in Yuma, Arizona, further authenticate its exotic setting, juxtaposing the romanticism and brutality of the Foreign Legion experience. Battle sequences are meticulously staged, adding visceral excitement and historical gravitas. Despite any perceived lack of substance, "Beau Geste" remains a cinematic gem that effortlessly engrosses its audience through lively storytelling and timeless themes of honor and brotherhood.

The Blu-ray release of "Beau Geste" offers a pristine viewing experience, courtesy of a new 4K master sourced by Universal Pictures. This restoration breathes new life into the film, allowing modern audiences to experience the same cinematic thrills that captivated viewers in the late 1930s. The film, a cornerstone of Golden Age Hollywood, features Gary Cooper, Ray Milland, and Robert Preston in roles that effortlessly blend action and intrigue. Brian Donlevy and Susan Hayward add to the dynamic ensemble, making for a gripping adventure set in the exotic climes of the French Foreign Legion.

Kino Lorber's release does justice to this classic with top-notch video and audio transfers that maintain the film's original integrity. The Blu-ray is further enhanced by an exclusive audio commentary from William Wellman Jr. and film historian Frank Thompson. This added feature enriches the viewing experience, providing valuable insights into the film's production and its historical context. The blend of action, mystery, and high-stakes drama remains engaging and vibrant even after eight decades, proving the timeless quality of "Beau Geste."

In the late 1930s, "Beau Geste" must have delivered the type of exotic cinematic thrills that many decades later the Indiana Jones films produced. There are some social themes in it that are unique for its era, but it is so easy to tell that it was conceived to be that kind of a huge crowd pleaser. Hollywood always had the right talent for these genre films, but for different reasons it no longer makes them -- or at least not as they should be made. I had a great time revisiting "Beau Geste" on Blu-ray, and I am sure you will as well. Kino Lorber's release is sourced from a good 4K master that was supplied by Universal Pictures. It also features a very nice exclusive new audio commentary by William Wellman Jr. and film historian Frank Thompson. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.