Body and Soul Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Body and Soul" from Kino Lorber represents a welcome upgrade in video presentation, utilizing a 1080p transfer, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, and preserving the film's original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. Sourced from a 2021 4K restoration by Paramount Pictures, this release vastly improves on the previous high-definition offering from Olive Films. The contrast, clarity, and overall organic appearance of the visuals are significantly enhanced, offering a more authentic cinematic experience. Specific details, such as facial close-ups and shadow nuances, are noticeably more natural due to optimal grain exposure, providing a smooth and convincing look absent in earlier editions.

The meticulous restoration work ensures that image stability and cleanliness are markedly superior. The 2021 master effectively eliminates the persistent dust and dirt specks present in the prior release, resulting in a polished and stable viewing experience. This superior presentation allows subtle elements like Charley's facial marks and intricate environmental textures to emerge with impressive sharpness. The balanced grayscale and excellent contrast enhance the film's visual narrative, allowing for an immersive engagement with James Wong Howe's cinematography.

This high-quality transfer carries no detectable encoding anomalies and adeptly maintains the photographer’s intention across various complex scenes, such as the intimate low angles of the climactic fight or the stylistically dressed studio street scenes. Moreover, the digital maintenance is discreet, ensuring that character and mood are preserved authentically without any distracting digital noise. Overall, Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release offers a definitive version of "Body and Soul," establishing a new benchmark in how classic films should be presented in a contemporary home viewing experience.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Body and Soul" is delivered through an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles. The dialogue is consistently clear and well-articulated, which allows for easy comprehension. While the soundtrack captures the dynamic intensity suitable for a film from the late 1940s, minor background hiss can occasionally be detected at higher volumes, though it remains non-disruptive. This could be considered inherent and purposefully retained to preserve authenticity.

The mono soundtrack successfully showcases the varied soundscapes, from harmless ambient noise to the electrifying sounds of fight sequences. Dialogue during these scenes can become occasionally muffled, with sound effects such as cars, body blows, and enthusiastic crowd noise blending into a somewhat muddled audio experience. Nevertheless, these are isolated cases that don't detract significantly from the overall audio quality.

Featuring Hugo Friedhofer's evocative score, the audio mix delivers a varied auditory experience that mirrors the film's narrative tone — shifting from romantic to intense as dictated by the scenes. Notably, the use of "Body and Soul" by Johnny Green enriches romantic segments between Charley and Peg, while Hazel Brooks' rendition of "Am I Blue?" in a nightclub setting adds further depth to the film’s musical dimension. The expertly balanced mix of dialogue, score, and sound effects provides excellent fidelity, enhancing the dramatic tension intrinsic to "Body and Soul."

The Blu-ray extras for "Body and Soul" provide substantial insights into the film and its historical context, delivered with professionalism befitting such a revered classic. The standout feature is the audio commentary by Alan K. Rode, an esteemed author and film historian, who elucidates the film’s connections to the Hollywood blacklist era and offers a detailed account of Enterprise Pictures’ funding and its appeal to renowned stars of the 1940s. Rode provides in-depth career analyses of pivotal figures such as John Garfield and Lilli Palmer, outlining Garfield’s impoverished beginnings and Palmer’s escape from Nazi Germany. The commentary also delves into production anecdotes, including multiple shoot endings and Robert Rossen’s pressures under HUAC. These extras enrich the viewer’s understanding of the film’s making and its socio-political backdrop.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Detailed analysis by Alan K. Rode on film's cast, production history, and blacklist connections.
• Kino Trailers: Previews for "Force of Evil," "He Ran All the Way," "The World in My Corner," "The Counterfeit Traitor," "They Came to Cordura."

Robert Rossen's Body and Soul (1947) remains a seminal work in the pantheon of boxing films, expertly marrying action with profound character study. The narrative follows John Garfield as Charley Davis, a young boxer from humble beginnings who quickly ascends the ranks to championship status, only to find his moral compass in turmoil as the trappings of wealth and influence take hold. This film set the foundation for future boxing masterpieces, weaving suspense and introspective drama within the confines of the ring and beyond. The screenplay by Abraham Polonsky, which intricately probes the psyches of its characters, has influenced countless boxing films since.

A striking aspect of Body and Soul is its visual authenticity, due in large part to the gripping cinematography. In a climactic sequence featuring Charley's final fight against Jackie Marlowe, cinematographer James Wong Howe showcases his innovative use of a handheld camera on roller skates, delivering a visceral experience that transcends typical fight choreography. Accompanying this visual intensity is razor-sharp editing that earned the film an Academy Award, underscoring its technical prowess and enduring cinematic impact.

The film's compelling performances are driven by an exceptional cast. Garfield delivers a career-defining performance as Davis, whose dual desires for respect and success are convincingly portrayed. Lilli Palmer's chemistry with Garfield is palpable, her character Peg Born offering a nuanced portrayal of love unperturbed by wealth. Hazel Brooks and Lloyd Gough shine in their roles as figures motivated by ambition and manipulation, further enriching the film's exploration of moral complexity. Meanwhile, the supporting performances of Canada Lee and Anne Revere add depth and poignancy, reinforcing Body and Soul as a timeless, multifaceted exploration of ambition, integrity, and redemption in the unforgiving world of professional boxing.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Body and Soul" presents a remarkable restoration, showcasing Robert Rossen’s classic film noir in compelling detail. This edition benefits from a newfound 4K restoration completed at Paramount Pictures, enhancing the viewing experience with improved picture quality that highlights the film's atmospheric textures and engaging storytelling. The movie stars John Garfield in a captivating performance, supported by a strong cast that delves into themes of ambition, greed, and the thirst for power.

The narrative follows Charley Davis, a boxer whose rise to fame is marred by the machinations of those who exploit his talents for their gain. This gritty portrayal of the boxing world examines the tension between personal values and societal pressure. The film is not just a sports drama but offers a critique of human nature, contrasting the corrupting influence of wealth with an eventual redemption through personal integrity. The character development is profound, and the morality tale remains relevant.

In conclusion, while "Body and Soul" may not reflect the harsh realities of the actual 'business', its exploration of ambition and isolation provides an enduring cinematic experience. The Blu-ray release is recommended for those appreciating classic films with rich narratives and for aficionados of film noir. This new release is an indispensable addition to any collection, ensuring that the movie's striking visuals and deep story resonate with modern audiences.