The Shining Hour Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive's 1080p transfer of "The Shining Hour" showcases a commendable effort given the challenges associated with sourcing from the best-available preservation elements due to the original camera negative being either lost or partially unavailable. The transfer stems from a recent 4K scan. Despite noticeable fluctuations in visual quality across different scenes, the overall image integrity holds up admirably. Image detail is somewhat soft, and black levels are not profoundly deep, yet this does not significantly compromise subtle gradations or shadow details. Film grain, although ever-present, tends to be somewhat chunky and uneven with occasional macro-blocking, which is atypical for dual-layered discs in the 1.37:1 aspect ratio of black-and-white films.

This 1080p transfer faithfully honors the film’s original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 using the AVC codec. While the black levels aren't at their deepest, the grayscale presentation is generally pleasing, retaining a classic cinematic look. The modest film grain enhances the visual appeal, and there's an absence of major artifacts such as scratches, splices, or missing frames, ensuring a smooth viewing experience. Despite a few minor inconsistencies stemming from the preservation materials, most scenes in "The Shining Hour" benefit from this transfer and look quite good in motion. Overall, while not reaching the pinnacle of Warner Archive’s finest releases, this Blu-ray presentation remains respectable and adheres closely to the technical standards expected by home video enthusiasts.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track for "The Shining Hour" delivers a proficiently rendered sound experience, appropriate given the film's era. Dialogue is generally clear and well-integrated, with only sporadic hiss and crackle following certain lines, which can be considered typical for films from this period. The dynamic range is commendably maintained, ensuring that both high and low-frequency elements are balanced effectively. While the track is not entirely flawless, bearing some remnants of the original audio limitations, these minor imperfections do not detract significantly from the overall listening experience. This restoration offers a noticeable improvement over its standard definition editions.

In terms of musical elements, Franz Waxman’s background score and the Chopin interludes are beautifully preserved, blending seamlessly with the dialogue and occasional sound effects. The mix remains free of aural artifacts other than the aforementioned soft hiss, particularly in quieter scenes. While optional English (SDH) subtitles are available during the main feature for enhanced accessibility, they are not provided for the extras. The technical proficiency of this DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track should satisfy both audiophiles and casual viewers alike, providing an authentic yet polished audio presentation that respects the film's historical context.

The Blu-Ray release of "The Shining Hour" offers a well-curated collection of extras that enhance the viewing experience. The inclusion of both historically significant radio programs and a selection of classic cartoons broadens the appeal and provides a comprehensive look at the era's entertainment landscape. These bonus features are of reasonably high quality, with decent restoration applied to the older animations, displaying commendable preservation efforts. The mix of engaging radio excerpts, entertaining animated shorts, and vintage promotional material offers a balanced and enjoyable pre-show suite. Each feature is presented in a professional format which aligns with the vintage aesthetic of the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• MGM Radio Program: Excerpts from a 1938 episode of MGM's radio show Good News.
• Classic Cartoons: Three Merrie Melodies cartoons from 1938.
• Love and Curses: A short film showcasing an action-filled narrative set in the 1890s.
• Porky's Five and Dime: A Porky Pig cartoon where he opens a nightclub.
• The Sneezing Weasel: A Tex Avery short featuring young chicks defending against a weasel.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original dramatic promotional trailer.

Frank Borzage's "The Shining Hour" is a romantic melodrama that boasts a prominent cast, starring Joan Crawford and Margaret Sullavan, yet struggles to utilize these strengths effectively. Based on Keith Winter's 1933 stage play, the film follows nightclub dancer Olivia Riley (Crawford), who transitions to a more sedate life by marrying affluent farmer Henry Linden (Melvyn Douglas). The plot thickens as she grapples with her affection for Henry’s brother David (Robert Young) and the hostility from Henry’s sister Hannah (Fay Bainter). Despite its concise 76-minute runtime, the narrative tends to feel laborious, predominantly due to its shallow script and contrived plot twists.

The film's screenplay by Jane Murfin, with additions by Ogden Nash, fails to delve deeply into the characters' emotions, often maintaining a superficial tone. The dialogue, though sporadically witty, includes awkward speech patterns where characters repeatedly address each other by name. This becomes particularly distracting. Although the initial 20 minutes are engaging and scenes featuring Margaret Sullavan are compelling, the film still lacks consistency in romantic chemistry and character development. Critics have highlighted Hattie McDaniel’s outstanding performance as Belvedere, Olivia’s maid, though she is given limited screen time.

Visually, "The Shining Hour" benefits from solid cinematography and competent direction by Borzage. Scenes such as David's piano renditions of Chopin's “Waltz in C-sharp Minor” offer a glimpse into potential depth but ultimately fall to the constraints of the Production Code era, which waters down the dramatic conflicts. While attempts at emotional crescendos are evident, including a well-executed climax, the overall narrative feels disjointed and culminates in an unsatisfying happy ending. For aficionados of classic MGM productions, the allure may lie more in the nostalgic value and strong cast rather than in its story execution.

Frank Borzage’s "The Shining Hour" is an intricate 1930s melodrama that leverages a star-studded cast to its advantage. The film boasts commendable performances from its stellar lineup, despite grappling with an uneven screenplay. This complexity introduces a range of twists and turns that, while intriguing, sometimes fail to sustain consistent excitement. Nevertheless, the narrative's depth and period-specific ambiance are enough to hold the viewer's attention, especially for those with an affinity for classic cinema.

Warner Archive’s Blu-ray release of "The Shining Hour" adeptly enhances the film's visual appeal, presenting it in the best possible light given the era it hails from. The high-definition transfer brings out intricate details and textures, enriching the cinematic experience. While there are a few A/V imperfections noticeable to the discerning eye, these do not significantly detract from the overall quality. Audio playback is generally clear, supporting the film’s atmosphere effectively. The disc offers a well-rounded package that supports the main feature, further bolstered by supplementary materials.

In conclusion, "The Shining Hour" on Blu-ray is a notable recommendation for aficionados of classic cinema and fans of Frank Borzage’s directorial finesse. While the film’s screenplay may exhibit occasional weaknesses, its performances and narrative intricacies remain compelling. Aside from minor A/V issues, Warner Archive's Blu-ray edition presents a thoughtfully restored version that honors the film’s legacy. It is a worthy addition to the collections of both enthusiasts and casual viewers interested in early 20th-century melodramas.