Arch of Triumph Blu-ray Review

Olive Films' Blu-ray presentation of "Arch of Triumph" features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The transfer showcases impressive contrast and black levels, which significantly enhance the noir-styled cinematography by Russell Metty. The depth and detail are commendable, particularly in scenes with adequate lighting. However, the presentation is marred by considerable variances in clarity, grain, and contrast, pointing towards the use of composite elements. The inconsistencies are notable with backgrounds occasionally turning excessively black, increased fuzziness, and pronounced grain levels. These discrepancies are coupled with age-related damage, making portions of the film look visibly battered.

Sourced from the UCLA Film Archives, the material retains a degree of visual integrity with naturally structured grain and stark contrasts in select scenes. At its finest moments, the transfer exhibits strong blacks, crisp whites, and a diverse grayscale enhancing background details like wallpaper and rain patterns. Yet, these strengths are frequently overshadowed by issues such as specks, blotches, scratches, and contrast fluctuations. Crushing is particularly evident in wide shots, alongside moments where key details appear washed out or noisy. Despite the glamour of close-ups featuring Bergman and Boyer, they fail to completely counterbalance the negatives. Ultimately, while this Blu-ray edition affords a newer generation access to a classic film, the inconsistent transfer quality detracts from what could otherwise have been a superior viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "Arch of Triumph" on Blu-ray, delivered via a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track, embodies both the strengths and weaknesses typical of its vintage. The score and some sound effects exhibit a noticeable high end, which can render them slightly shrill at times. However, dialogue remains comprehensible throughout, avoiding significant distortion. The track suffers from a certain boxiness, consistent with the era's limitations but devoid of deal-breaking issues.

Despite the string-laden music score holding fine presence and a full-bodied sound, the DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track is marred by age-related imperfections. Frequent crackles, underlying surface noise, and hiss detract from the listening experience, accentuating the film's age. Although the dynamic scale is reasonably wide, providing clarity and avoiding significant distortion, there is limited sonic impact to enhance the on-screen atmosphere. Elements like the persistent rain are well rendered and dialogue clarity is maintained. Nevertheless, the overall listening experience may be underwhelmed by the apparent disrepair, suggesting a missed opportunity for more comprehensive audio restoration.

The Blu-ray release of "Arch of Triumph" is notably lacking in supplemental content, offering no additional features to enrich the viewing experience. The absence of extras is disappointing for fans and collectors who may have hoped for behind-the-scenes insights, interviews, or even a simple trailer. This bare-bones release might deter those who appreciate behind-the-scenes content and deeper dives into the film's production and historical context.

Extras included in this disc: There are no supplements on this Blu-ray disc. There are no supplements whatsoever on this disc, not even a trailer.

Lewis Milestone's 1948 adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque’s novel, Arch of Triumph, exhibits the era's intricate interplay of war-induced romanticism and psychological turmoil. Despite its ambitious origins and distinguished cast—Ingrid Bergman, Charles Boyer, and Charles Laughton—the film unfortunately succumbs to a fragmented narrative and excessive length. Boyer portrays Dr. Ravic, a German refugee doctor illegally practicing in Paris, who is haunted by the trauma inflicted by Nazi officer Von Haake (Laughton). Ravic’s encounters with Joan Madou (Bergman), a damaged chanteuse, anchor the film's melancholic exploration of loss and survival during the prelude to World War II.

Early sequences imbue the film with atmospheric dread, featuring poignant visual motifs of a rainy, shadowed Paris. Yet, the film is plagued by an overlong runtime—cut down from an initial four hours to over two—resulting in a meandering pace that dilutes its dramatic potential. The relationship between Ravic and Joan, intended as an emotional cornerstone, often feels overwrought and lacking in genuine chemistry. Milestone's effort to capture the essence of Remarque's dense novel leads to episodic storytelling that fails to coalesce into a robust narrative.

Despite these shortcomings, certain aspects stand out. The incomparable discomfort of Ravic's revenge scene against Von Haake showcases unflinching brutality, providing a stark contrast to the film's otherwise languid progression. Boyer's portrayal of Ravic, albeit inconsistently German in nature, lends an intensity that affirms the character’s anguish and determination. However, not even Bergman's natural charm can fully engage with her character’s perceived artificial edginess. Overall, Arch of Triumph falters under its own gravitas, overshadowed by better-executed contemporaries like Casablanca, and remains a testament to what might have been.

The Blu-ray release of "Arch of Triumph" from Olive Films has provoked a significant divide among classic film enthusiasts. Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Lewis Milestone, the movie stars Ingrid Bergman, Charles Boyer, and Charles Laughton. Despite this stellar cast, the film suffers from a plethora of issues that detract substantially from its overall impact. The narrative is bogged down by a sluggish, overstuffed second act, making it a meandering, unfocused story rather than a riveting tale of World War II refugees.

The technical aspects of this Blu-ray presentation also leave much to be desired. The video transfer is marred by numerous flaws, presenting a scarred and aged picture that does little justice to the film’s storied history. Audio quality fares marginally better but still falls short of providing an immersive or engaging auditory experience. Notably, the release is bereft of any supplementary materials, making it an unappealing choice even for those who might purchase it for nostalgia or completism.

In conclusion, though the rain is relentless in "Arch of Triumph," unfortunately lightning doesn't strike twice, and this World War II refugee romance starring Ingrid Bergman can hardly be placed in the same category as the immortal "Casablanca." If the seriously overstuffed second act had been aggressively trimmed, letting the film focus on the revenge angle earlier, "Arch of Triumph" would at least have been an agreeable enough effort. Still, fans of the stars may want to check this out, but they should be prepared for less than optimal video and (to a lesser extent) audio.