King Kong Blu-ray Review

Warner Bros’ Blu-ray presentation of the 1933 film "King Kong" exhibits a meticulous restoration that, while not entirely free of imperfections, sets a new gold standard for classic film transfers. Encoded via VC-1 and presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, the new 1080p high-definition master reveals a striking improvement in visual quality. The restoration effectively removes nicks, tears, scratches, and other print damage, providing a cleaner and more stable image. Fine details, such as textures in costumes and the intricacies of the stop-motion animation, come through more vividly than ever before. However, keen eyes might still spot occasional instances of softness and pulsing native to the original negative, particularly in sequences involving intricate optical effects and rear projections.

Black levels and contrast have been balanced meticulously, enhancing the film’s depth and dimensionality. Although the transfer is noticeably darker in some scenes, this doesn't detract from the overall visual integrity but instead enriches shadow details. One notable aspect is the grain structure, which remains natural and unobtrusive, adding to the film’s authentic cinematic texture. Instances of thick and heavy grain occur infrequently, mainly during foggy sequences, but these moments are faithful to the original source material and do not diminish the viewing experience. Moreover, no digital noise reduction or edge enhancement has been applied, ensuring that the image retains its natural filmic appearance.

The Blu-ray also benefits from enhanced grayscale balance and a sharper depth of field in live-action scenes, enabling viewers to appreciate previously obscured elements in the frames. Background details, like separate hairs on Kong's coat or the foliage in jungle settings, are now clearly visible. Despite minor artifacts and occasional visual noise, these are so minimal that they do not pose significant distractions. Overall, Warner Bros’ high-def treatment of "King Kong" elevates the viewing experience by offering appreciable improvements in clarity and resolution while honoring the film's historical and artistic integrity. This Blu-ray represents the best version of "King Kong" available to home viewers.

The restored monaural audio track of "King Kong," now presented in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio, delivers an impressive and vibrant sound experience despite the limitations inherent to the period's technology. The film's complex sound design, overseen by RKO's Murray Spivack and accompanied by Max Steiner's thunderous score, handles a wide array of effects—from snarling creatures to crashing timber and sputtering biplane engines—with surprising dynamism and clarity. The dialogue is generally clear and well-prioritized, free from the typical high-pitched shrillness of its time, though occasionally voices may still sound thin and pinched. However, the vibrant orchestral range of Steiner's score ensures it remains the dominant force within the mix without ever becoming overwhelming.

While contemporary viewers might lament the absence of a 5.1 surround sound remix or noticeable low-frequency effects (LFE), the track impressively maintains an authentic audio experience. Dinosaur roars, toppling trees, and other effects are rendered with a decent presence given the lack of LFE support. Notably, the sounds of splintering wood, dislodged boulders, and sirens in New York are detailed enough to compensate for any missing heft in Kong's footsteps or other impacts. The lack of significant age-related hiss or distortion contributes to a fresh and clean audio presentation, making it one of the most faithful renditions of the original sound design.

The restored audio's performance provides a balanced stage presence and superb fidelity for a film from this era. Despite some instances of high-pitched voices, the mid-range frequencies remain sharp and stable throughout. The mix excels in delivering detailed background motion and precise dialogue, whether amidst Skull Island's jungles or New York City's bustle. Overall, this DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack breathes new life into a landmark film soundtrack that was revolutionary for its time.

The Blu-ray edition of "King Kong (1933)" carries forward the impressive range of extras from its 2005 DVD release, providing fans with a portfolio of detailed and engaging supplemental material. This disc lacks new additions unique to the format but remains packed with extensive and absorbing content. The commentary track offers a dynamic mix of pieced-together interviews and dialogues primarily featuring visual effects legends Ray Harryhausen and Ken Ralston, along with archive clips of Merian C. Cooper and Fay Wray. The seven-part documentary remains a cornerstone of this collection, providing a profound exploration into the creation and legacy of the film. While most materials are presented in standard definition, the quality and depth of content more than compensate for the lack of Blu-ray exclusivity.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Compiled from interviews with Ray Harryhausen, Ken Ralston, Merian C. Cooper, and Fay Wray.
• RKO Production 601: The Making of Kong, The Eighth Wonder of the World: Comprehensive seven-part documentary.
• The Lost Spider Pit Sequence: Recreation of the notorious deleted scene.
• Creation Test Footage: Animation tests with commentary by Ray Harryhausen.
• I'm King Kong! The Exploits of Merian C. Cooper: Biography narrated by Alec Baldwin.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical preview.

King Kong (1933) stands as a cornerstone in the annals of cinematic history, flourishing in high-definition glory on Blu-ray for the first time. This iconic masterpiece, created by Merian C. Cooper and visual effects pioneer Willis O'Brien, not only defined the creature feature genre but also set the benchmark for Hollywood's spectacle-driven narratives. With its premiere during the Great Depression, King Kong offered an escapist narrative that captivated audiences through its unprecedented special effects, courtesy of Willis O'Brien's groundbreaking stop-motion animation. The compelling storyline, revolving around a giant gorilla's infatuation with a human woman, remains rich with symbolism and adventure, embodying themes of unchecked nature versus human civilization.

The film features memorable performances by Robert Armstrong as the courageous film director Carl Denham, Fay Wray as the captive beauty Ann Darrow, and Bruce Cabot as the heroic First Mate Jack Driscoll. Despite its quaint theatrical expressions and dated stagecraft performances, the emotional gravity of Kong’s tale transcends these elements. The scenes are marked by meticulous detail in stop-motion animation and haunting set pieces. Max Steiner's original score—considered the first of its kind—underscores the action with a compelling auditory experience, adding layers to the thrilling narrative and timeless impact of the film. The reanimation of characters through animation and model work allowed audiences to invest deeply in King Kong’s tragic plight and the ensuing chaos he brings upon New York City.

Critics have often emphasized the film's exploration of humanity’s attempts to dominate untamed nature, punctuated by King Kong’s symbolic climb up the Empire State Building. Blu-ray's meticulous restoration brings back every facet of this black-and-white marvel in pristine clarity, rendering it a treasure for both long-time fans and new viewers alike. As today’s audiences grapple with cutting-edge CGI, King Kong's enduring charm and technical wizardry remind us of the innovation that shaped the foundation of modern visual storytelling.

Warner Bros.' Blu-ray release of "King Kong (1933)" stands as a remarkable testament to the film's enduring legacy. Historically significant and captivating, this Cooper/Schoedsack masterpiece has been meticulously restored, offering a video transfer that stays true to the original cinematic experience. The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track presents an audio experience tailored for purists, ensuring that the film sounds as authentic as it did during its initial release. Coupled with an extensive five-hour supplemental package that delves deeply into the film's production and historical context, this edition represents a significant upgrade for fans and collectors alike.

Although it lacks the paper memorabilia from the previous DVD Limited Edition tin packaging, this Blu-ray edition compensates with a thoughtfully designed 32-page DigiBook. This new presentation features stunning production artwork, vintage photos, and insightful liner notes by renowned film historian Rudy Behlmer. For those who own the earlier DVD version, this Blu-ray is a compelling upgrade, particularly given the allure of the Spider Pit reconstruction and the film’s full HD realization. The high-definition video and audio quality, combined with the engaging supplementary content, solidify its place as a must-have for classic film enthusiasts.

In conclusion, "King Kong" isn't just a slice of cinematic history; it's a remarkable, entertaining, and delightful piece of '30s spectacle that deserves to be seen by film fans young and old. Warner Bros.’ Blu-ray release makes owning this stop-motion classic essential. The extensive restoration, faithful video transfer, and impeccable audio presentation, along with its rich supplemental package, make this edition another worthwhile addition to any collection. Truly, it is an indispensable piece for both cinephiles and casual viewers, deserving a spot on your shelves.