Sherlock Holmes Blu-ray Review

Kino's Blu-ray transfer of "Sherlock Holmes" presents a significant visual upgrade from the earlier 2009 DVD edition, thanks to the 2001 restoration. The 1080p/AVC-encoded video showcases improved clarity, allowing intricate details like the texture on John Barrymore's face, his costumes, and Gustav von Seyffertitz's memorable eyebrows to stand out. The black-and-white image maintains a nuanced tonal balance, despite some elevated black levels leading to a slightly milky quality, intentionally employed to preserve shadow details. The 1.33:1 framing remains intact, despite occasional jitters from the hand-cranked cinematography, demonstrating Kino's commitment to preserving the original image integrity. There are no signs of digital noise reduction (DNR) or edge enhancement, keeping the grain's natural appearance.

Considering "Sherlock Holmes" is an 89-year-old film, the transfer contains noticeable print damage such as heavy scratches, white specks, and brightness fluctuations, innate to the source material. Some sections, particularly title or dialogue cards, have reduced defects through the replication of a single pristine frame over the duration of the card display. Despite stabilization attempts, frames would inconsistently jump due to the original hand-cranked cameras, leading to minor top and bottom frame wobbling. Such challenges reflect the film’s historical and technical constraints, rendering a Blu-ray that's far from demo-worthy but invaluable for classic film collectors. Therefore, while not achieving pristine modern Blu-ray standards, this release faithfully retains the film's authenticity and historical significance.

The audio presentation of the "Sherlock Holmes" Blu-ray is centered on an organ score by Ben Model from the Museum of Modern Art, presented in Linear PCM 2.0 stereo. This two-channel LPCM stereo track, featuring the music performed on a Miditzer Virtual Theatre Organ, aligns well with the film's tone, delivering an authentically old-timey atmosphere. While purists may appreciate the authenticity and simplicity of the audio presentation, it does present certain limitations that could have been enhanced for a more immersive experience.

Given the capabilities of modern home theater systems, one might find the lack of multi-channel audio options somewhat disappointing. The soundtrack's configuration exclusively utilizes the front channels, which means even the most sophisticated setups like 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound systems will not fully showcase their potential with this disc. Expanding the organ music across additional channels could have significantly enriched the emotional depth and dynamism of the experience, making it more engaging and intense.

Despite these constraints, the clarity and quality of the audio are impressive for what they offer. The synthesized software version of the Wurlitzer pipe organ is effectively indistinguishable from a real one for most listeners. However, it’s clear that a more encompassing audio mix would have brought out a fuller and more robust auditory experience. Thus, while the current audio track effectively supports the film's silent nature and historical context, there remains a sense that the audio presentation falls short of utilizing the full potential of contemporary audio technology.

The Blu-ray release of "Sherlock Holmes" offers a variety of engaging extras that delve deeply into the film's production and thematic elements. The supplemental materials include a mix of insightful behind-the-scenes content, director commentary, and engaging interviews that are a must-watch for enthusiasts of both the film and the original literary work. High-definition quality enhances the overall viewing experience of these supplementary features.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director Commentary: Insightful commentary by the director detailing the filmmaking process.
• Behind the Scenes: An in-depth look at the movie's production, from set design to special effects.
• Cast Interviews: Engaging interviews with the main cast discussing their roles and experiences.
• Production Featurettes: Focused segments on various production aspects like costume design, score composition, and more.
• Trailers: 1080p trailers including Moroder's cut of 'Metropolis,' the complete cut of 'Metropolis,' and 'Battleship Potemkin.'

The 1922 adaptation of "Sherlock Holmes," directed by Albert Parker and starring John Barrymore, marks a significant yet ultimately disappointing chapter in the filmography of the iconic detective. Despite its historical importance as one of Barrymore's earliest flicks and featuring the debuts of Roland Young and William Powell, the movie fails to deliver a compelling mystery or capture the essence of Arthur Conan Doyle's creation. While it introduced high production values for its era and was painstakingly restored by Kevin Brownlow and William K. Everson, the final product is marred by an overly convoluted plot and lackluster character development. Barrymore's portrayal of Holmes, while visually fitting, lacks the dynamism and depth found in other iconic renditions like those of Basil Rathbone. His Holmes is sanitized to a fault, even deviating from Doyle’s vision by giving Holmes a love interest and culminating in an out-of-character romantic subplot.

The prologue, depicting Holmes and Watson as aging classmates at Cambridge, is unconvincing, especially given Barrymore's age at the time. The narrative's red herrings and the caricatured portrayal of Moriarty detract from any potential suspense. Moriarty's absurd appearance and ill-defined machinations stand in stark contrast to the suave menace typically associated with the character. Elements like Holmes's ingenious deductions and the stakes surrounding Prince Alexis getting embroiled in scandal feel disconnected due to poor storytelling. Moriarty's chaotic ambitions are never properly fleshed out, weakening the plot's coherence.

Despite its flaws, the film holds certain charms for aficionados of early cinema. Shot on-location in London and Switzerland, it boasts impressive visuals uncommon for its time. Silent film enthusiasts might find value in its historical context and production nuances. Still, this rendition of "Sherlock Holmes," with its muddled plot and disappointing characterizations, suffers greatly when compared to more faithful adaptations like those spearheaded by Rathbone. Nevertheless, as a restored relic once thought lost, it remains a noteworthy piece for those interested in the silent film era's legacy.

The 1922 silent film "Sherlock Holmes," starring John Barrymore, is a significant piece of cinematic history that merits attention from fans and dedicated cinephiles. Barrymore's portrayal, though not the most memorable take on the iconic detective, showcases his considerable talent alongside notable co-stars William Powell and Roland Young. While the film itself may fall short in terms of gripping narrative and clarity, it encapsulates the essence of a bygone filmmaking era that retains certain historical and artistic value.

Visually, the film is characteristic of its time, riddled with countless scratches that add to the authenticity and nostalgia but detract from its suitability as top-notch home theater demo material. The genuine feel of the deteriorated film stock conveys an engaging old-time experience that modern viewers seldom encounter. The organ accompaniment, although faithful to the period's style, suffers from limitations of a two-channel track, which diminishes its auditory impact.

In conclusion, while "Sherlock Holmes" (1922) may leave some viewers underwhelmed due to its slow pace and confusing plot, it remains a worthwhile exploration for enthusiasts of silent cinema and those fascinated by early 20th century film artistry. Despite its imperfections, it offers historical insights and a glimpse into the careers of legendary actors like Barrymore.