The Mortal Storm Blu-ray Review

The Blu-Ray release of "The Mortal Storm" showcases an impressive 1080p transfer sourced from a meticulously executed 4K scan of the film's finest extant elements. This restoration ensures a visually striking representation of the movie's classic black-and-white cinematography. Details such as deep, rich black levels, well-defined whites, and nuanced grayscale variations capture the essence of the original nitrate prints. The transfer also maintains a natural film grain, enhancing the sense of authenticity and depth in the visuals. Fine details and textures are consistently realized, though a few interior scenes and rear-projection effects exhibit minor softness. Overall, the image presentation remains remarkably clean and stable, devoid of intrusive artifacts, edge enhancement, or banding.

Although some occasional nicks and the artificial nature of miniatures and painted backdrops are mildly accentuated by the enhanced sharpness, these issues are infrequent and do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. The high bit rate and skillful authoring of Warner Archive’s dual-layered Blu-ray further ensure that this presentation stands out, matching if not exceeding other top-tier vintage catalogue releases. With excellent contrast, clarity, and shadow delineation, this Blu-Ray edition represents a significant upgrade over the previous MOD DVD-R release. Enthusiastic praise is deserved for this transfer which brings "The Mortal Storm" to life with a fresh and vibrant visual quality that is a joy to behold.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track on the Blu-ray of "The Mortal Storm" is commendable for its clarity and robustness. This presentation is free of any distracting source defects, ensuring a smooth auditory experience from beginning to end. The dialogue is consistently clean and easy to follow, capturing the essence of the original one-channel roots without any feeling of narrowness or cramping. This holds true across varied acoustical settings within the film, like smaller dining rooms or crowded pubs. The dramatic score, credited to Bronislau Kaper, Eugene Zador, and Edward Kane, is well-balanced with strong dynamic range, effectively coexisting with the dialogue without fighting for attention. Additionally, the optional English SDH subtitles are in perfect sync with the audio, adding to the fluidity of the overall presentation.

Noteworthy is the absence of age-related hiss, pops, or crackles in the DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono track. The sound profile remains vibrant, with sonic accents and atmospherics delivered crisply. Highs and lows in the musical score are managed adeptly without distortion, although the audio does exhibit slight thinness compared to contemporary recordings. Nonetheless, the dialogue remains clear and consistently discernible throughout the film. Only minimal and momentary hints of hiss are present, primarily at the beginning of the film. Furthermore, any minor sync issues have been meticulously addressed, contributing to a coherent and engaging audio experience consistent throughout.

The Blu-ray release of "The Mortal Storm" offers a compelling suite of extras that augment the main feature's thematic resonance. The vintage supplements include an Oscar-nominated animated short, "Peace on Earth," which presents an anti-war message through engaging storytelling and features the voice of Mel Blanc. Additionally, "Meet the Fleet" is a Technicolor propaganda short from 1940, designed to bolster U.S. Navy recruitment efforts, starring actors like Robert Armstrong and George Reeves. The original theatrical trailer is also included, providing historical context and emphasizing the film's literary foundations. Each supplement is presented in HD, with upgraded audio tracks enhancing the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Peace on Earth: Animated 1939 short with an anti-war message.
• Meet the Fleet: 1940 propaganda short featuring future stars.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview emphasizing the film's themes.

"The Mortal Storm," directed by Frank Borzage, is a seminal anti-fascist narrative that chillingly portrays the rise of Nazi ideology through the lens of a German family. The movie opens on January 30, 1933, Hitler's appointment as Chancellor, shaking a tranquil small town and igniting a political turmoil that rips apart the family of Jewish professor Viktor Roth, played by Frank Morgan. His daughter Freya (Margaret Sullavan) finds herself caught between her love for Martin Breitner (James Stewart) and her fiancé Fritz Marburg (Robert Young), who succumbs to Nazi fervor. The film's impactful depiction of Roth's persecution underscores the ominous encroachment of anti-science, racist ideologies masquerading as nationalism.

Borzage’s direction juxtaposes intense family bonds against the backdrop of Nazi brutality, fostering a palpable sense of dread. The narrative avoids directly naming "Jews," instead using the term "non-Aryan," a strategic yet diluted effort to evade then-present German censorship. This linguistic vagueness may slightly undercut its protest value but does not diminish its historic and emotional resonance. Frank Morgan anchors the film with a nuanced performance, supported by Sullavan and Stewart's understated yet compelling portrayal of resistance and moral clarity amidst pervasive hate. The pub altercation scene where Martin defends a Jewish man epitomizes the film's moral courage, reflecting broader socio-political dynamics, paralleling contemporary issues of ideological extremism.

The Mortal Storm's poignant storytelling remains relevant today, mirroring modern socio-political fractures. Produced before the U.S. entered WWII, it boldly challenged American neutrality with its stark anti-Nazi message, despite potential market repercussions. The film's striking visual language and earnest emotionality have allowed it to age remarkably well, reaffirming its status as a critical piece of cinema history that unflinchingly confronts the perils of unchecked authoritarianism.

Frank Borzage's "The Mortal Storm" is a dramatically powerful portrait of the rise of Naziism in pre-World War II Germany, with an acute focus on the devastating impacts of radical ideology on family and friends. The stirring performances by Margaret Sullavan, James Stewart, and Robert Young anchor this historically significant WWII film. The film explores themes of bigotry, bullying, and authoritarianism with surprising brashness, providing an unflinching look at how opposing political viewpoints can sever personal ties.

Warner Archive's new Blu-ray edition represents a noteworthy upgrade from the previous MOD DVD, benefiting greatly from a brand-new 4K restoration. This restoration brings unparalleled clarity and depth to the visual presentation, preserving the film's stark cinematography. The audio quality is solid, complementing the compelling narrative with clear sound reproduction. Additionally, the Blu-ray includes a selection of vintage supplements that contextualize its historical relevance.

In conclusion, "The Mortal Storm" remains chillingly pertinent in today's socio-political climate. Warner Archive's Blu-ray release is characterized by top-tier audio/visual presentation and is enhanced with valuable extras. This package is an essential purchase for both historical and cinematic reasons, even as a blind buy.