Joan of Arc Blu-ray Review

The 70th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray release of "Joan of Arc" by Kino Lorber Studio Classics features a commendable 2K restoration sourced from the UCLA Film & Television Archive. This transfer employs the MPEG-4 AVC codec on a BD-50 disc, resulting in a mean video bitrate of 33949 kbps, providing a robust digital representation of the film. However, while the color values appear luminous and the Technicolor reproduction mostly receives high praise, the transfer is not without blemishes. Occasional speckling and minor blotches, especially noticeable after the battle of Orleans, detract from what could otherwise be a flawless viewing experience, warranting a video grade of 3.75 out of 5. The main titles and certain elements are pillarboxed for better framing.

The Technicolor in this edition generally impresses, praised for its vibrant and lively portrayal of the film's settings, especially in open-air scenes where color modulation enhances the narrative tone. Gilbert Kanour of The Evening Sun and an anonymous critic from The Gazette highlight the film as a visual spectacle since Technicolor's inception. Rich, elaborate settings and effective use of color tones underscore the film’s visual storytelling. However, not all opinions align; Lew Sheaffer from The Brooklyn Daily Eagle suggests that the Technicolor application in some scenes adds unnecessary glitter, detracting from emotional depth to instead highlight physical attributes, like Bergman's striking eye and lip colors.

Kino’s disc presents some room for improvement, such as offering more than eight chapter stops for easier navigation through the extensive runtime. Despite minor shortcomings, this Blu-ray edition stands as a valuable collection piece for fans and cinephiles, delivering most of what enthusiasts expect from an anniversary release dedicated to classic cinema.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Joan of Arc" offers a DTS-HD Master Audio Dual Mono track with a bitrate of 1560 kbps at 16-bit resolution. This restored monaural track, courtesy of Kino, is clean with no distracting pops, crackles, or audible dropouts, only faint background hiss that remains unobtrusive throughout. The clarity of spoken dialogue is commendable, ensuring all 248 speaking parts and 77 character roles remain distinct and intelligible. However, note the absence of subtitles or closed captions, which might restrict accessibility for some viewers.

The monaural audio is presented in English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio format, optimizing the original mono soundtrack while extending the soundstage to offer a slightly broader auditory experience. Composer Hugo Friedhofer's score, orchestrated by Jerome Moross, adds a richly dynamic layer to battle scenes, effectively bringing them to life. The audio quality benefits from the high bitrate and careful restoration, delivering a clean, distortion-free presentation without any notable defects or auditory flaws.

Across both reviews, it is noted that Kino's restoration retains historical integrity while enhancing audible quality to suit modern expectations. Given that the original audio was mono, the retention of this configuration in high fidelity is appropriate yet leaves room for more immersive modern audio technologies, such as surround sound. The overall audio presentation accurately reflects the film's original cinematic atmosphere with professional attention to detail and authenticity.

The Blu Ray of "Joan of Arc" offers a comprehensive selection of additional material that is both insightful and meticulously curated. Among the highlights are rare archival segments, expert analyses, and production insights that provide a deep dive into the film’s historical and cinematic context. These supplementary features enhance the viewing experience by offering viewers a better understanding of the film's intricate production design and its depiction of historical events. The bonus trailers, albeit generic, add a promotional touch but lack a direct focus on "Joan of Arc." The technical quality of these extras maintains a high standard, with crisp mastering that allows the archival footage to shine.

Extras included in this disc:

• Bonus Trailers: Trailers for several Kino Lorber Studio Classics titles. Unfortunately, there's no trailer for "Joan of Arc."

Victor Fleming's "Joan of Arc" (1948) is an expansive biopic that adapts Maxwell Anderson's 1946 Broadway play into a formidable cinematic production. Starring Ingrid Bergman, who delivers an impassioned portrayal of the titular saint, the film meticulously chronicles Joan’s journey from a visionary teenager to a martyred hero in the medieval epoch of the Hundred Years’ War. The screenplay, spearheaded by Anderson and Andrew Solt, diverges from the original stage play "Joan of Lorraine" to deliver a linear narrative spread across five grand sequences: Domremy, Chinon, Orleans, Rheims, and Rouen. Each segment encapsulates pivotal moments in Joan's life, highlighted by her astounding military leadership and eventual trial for heresy.

As Anderson tailored his earlier play for Bergman’s ideal vision, the film retains an unmistakable theatrical aura, accentuated by its use of matte paintings and dramatized backdrops. This artistic decision has drawn both praise and critique for resembling staged sets rather than authentic locations, particularly during the depiction of the siege of Orleans. Nevertheless, critics have consistently lauded the film’s historical accuracy, its rich pageantry, and Bergman’s captivating presence. The grandeur of the production complements its epic scale, with Joseph Ferrer's commendable debut performance as Dauphin providing a notable ensemble support.

Widely deemed ambitious and emotionally resonant, "Joan of Arc" captivated audiences with its powerful narrative and artistic execution. Critics such as Jane Boulware and Kaspar Monohan commended it for standing among cinema's most magnificent accomplishments. The film's emotive impact was palpable during screenings, drawing profound reactions from diverse audiences, including clergy and laypeople alike. Bergman's role was notably celebrated as one of her finest performances on screen, contributing significantly to the film's standing as a monumental piece in cinematic history.

The Blu-ray release of "Joan of Arc" captures the grandeur and ambition of this period drama through high production values, featuring a three-year exploration of the life of the storied saint. While the film is overshadowed by cinematic masterpieces such as Dreyer's "La passion de Jeanne d'Arc" (1928) and Bresson's "Procès de Jeanne d'Arc" (1962), Ingrid Bergman's performance shines brightly. However, it does not ascend to the pinnacle of her work with cinematic legends like Selznick and Hitchcock. The restoration work, sourced from the UCLA Film & Television Archive, delivers a commendable viewing experience; yet, a more comprehensive 4K scan could enhance the visual crispness further.

The offering falls short in bonus features; only a selection of trailers for other films in the Studio Classics line is available, leaving much to be desired in terms of enriching content like an audio commentary by a film historian, which would have been a valuable addition. Packaging includes reversible cover artwork, featuring iconic imagery of Joan in full armor, which adds a touch of collector appeal.

In conclusion, despite its artistic shortcomings compared to history's finest portrayals of Joan's narrative, and a lackluster selection of extra features, this Blu-ray offers a solid presentation that brings a timeless story to life. For those interested in historical dramas and Bergman enthusiasts, "Joan of Arc" warrants a viewing. Although further improvements in restoration and supplementary content could elevate its appeal, it remains a significant addition to any classic film collection.