Rain Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Rain" is a commendable technical achievement, showcasing the film in an AVC encoded 1080p transfer at a 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The significant milestone of its 90th Anniversary is marked by a stunning new 4K restoration, meticulously crafted from the original release. This process draws from film elements provided by the Mary Pickford Foundation’s extensive collection, though details about the use of the original camera negative remain ambiguous. Despite inherent limitations, this edition substantially improves upon prior deteriorated public domain versions, achieving superior detail levels and consistency in contrast that stand out.

However, this restoration isn't without its flaws. Observers will note some lasting scratches and damage, sporadic instances of slightly warped frames, and minor image instability—all remnants of its venerable age that could have been partially addressed. Nevertheless, this version successfully preserves its filmic integrity with a natural grain structure and an organic visual quality. Despite these minor discrepancies, the restoration maintains a captivatingly textured appearance that aptly transposes the film into the modern technological landscape.

The black-and-white photography benefits greatly from this high-resolution transfer, although the grayscale occasionally lacks full depth and emerges as somewhat murky, which does not always allow shadows to breathe. The contrast is improved over previous versions, albeit still somewhat constrained. Yet, the resolution excels in providing exquisite definition, bringing to life the rich details of the island setting—from sand grains to surrounding flora—and softening naturally under 1930s cinematographic techniques. This restoration truly revitalizes "Rain," ensuring its legacy endures for contemporary audiences while paying homage to its original cinematic essence.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Rain" features a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix, albeit with some questionable implementation. The decision to alter the authentic mono soundtrack to a 5.1 configuration has introduced several challenges. Primarily, the omnipresent rain effects and a tendency toward excessive reverberation result in a quasi-phased audio quality. This leaves the soundscape somewhat muddled, exhibiting what can best be described as white noise, especially from the weather effects. Additionally, there is a noticeable lack of discrete channel separation; the audio often feels akin to a pretend 5.1 Mono, primarily feeding through the front channels while the sides and rears remain largely inactive. Dialogue retains clarity but suffers from a phased characteristic, sometimes resonating as if sourced from a significantly deep well.

Furthermore, the audio suffers from age-related wear, with a persistent hiss contributing to the overbearing white noise effect. Occasional cracks and pops detract from the listening experience. For purists, it is worth mentioning that while the back cover promises a PCM Mono track, this format is unfortunately absent on the disc. Given these circumstances, delivering the original mono track in a lossless format might have been a more effective strategy to preserve the historical integrity of the soundtrack. Despite its limitations, the Dolby Digital setup manages to decently maintain the period’s typical foggy dialogue and straining score. Overall, while certain technical choices in this release leave room for improvement, they nevertheless aim to restore the audio to its available fidelity and offer optional English subtitles for accessibility.

The Blu-ray extras for "Rain" are a well-curated mix of historical insights and engaging content, providing great value for enthusiasts and historians alike. The disc features insightful commentary tracks by Mick LaSalle and Richard Barrios, both accessible under the Setup Menu, offering deep dives into the film's context and legacy. However, while the packaging mentions a period-appropriate newsreel, it seems absent in the actual content, which might disappoint some viewers. A standout inclusion is the Alternate Cut Version of the 1938 Atlantic Reissue, presented in HD, showcasing a slightly different narrative angle with its shorter, edited cut. Additional extras round out the offering with a delightful blend of vintage charm in an HD Betty Boop cartoon and a well-appointed booklet that provides further context and visual nostalgia.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary Track by Mick LaSalle: Insightful discussion by the writer/historian.
• Commentary Track by Richard Barrios: Deep dive by the historian.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: The film’s introductory preview.
• Alternate Cut Version of the 1938 Atlantic Reissue: A shorter reissued edit of the film.
• Poster and Photo Gallery: A visual collection presented in HD.
• Betty Boop in Poor Cinderella: A classic cartoon included in HD.
• Insert Booklet: An informative physical addition to the Blu-ray package.

"Rain," a 1932 adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham's tale, offers a stark, provocative deconstruction of religious and social mores of its time. The film centers on the complex interactions between Sadie Thompson, played by Joan Crawford in a career-defining role, and a severe missionary, Alfred Davidson, portrayed by Walter Huston. Set on the tropical confines of Pago Pago, the narrative explores themes of morality and autonomy against a backdrop of societal constraints, exacerbated by the arrival of missionary figures purporting to cleanse an 'earthly paradise.' Crawford's portrayal as Sadie is both vampish and vulnerable, delivering a nuanced performance that contrasts sharply with the stern, unwavering righteousness personified by Huston's Davidson.

The film, shot with the lustrous cinematography of Oliver T. Marsh, employs claustrophobic staging that parallels the oppressive societal forces closing in on its characters. Marsh's work enhances the film's theatrical roots while providing a visual metaphoric backdrop for the psychological tensions at play. Despite its heavy dialogue, this Blu-ray transfer accentuates the atmospheric richness that makes "Rain" stand out as more than just a melodramatic spectacle. Its ability to evoke sympathy for its flawed heroine while presenting its antagonists with nearly hyperbolic zeal is both its strength and its cinematic critique.

In an era marked by strict moral codes, "Rain" fiercely challenges Puritanical hypocrisy with an unapologetically bold narrative that remains strikingly relevant. It refuses to dilute its message concerning body autonomy and social hypocrisy, depicting the religious establishment in stark, albeit slightly caricatured terms. Its cultural criticisms resonate today as it reflects ongoing societal debates surrounding individual freedom versus institutional dogma. "Rain" remains a potent commentary on morality and power, its seemingly dated setting giving way to universal themes still poignant in contemporary discourse.

The Blu-ray release of "Rain" by VCI Entertainment showcases notable improvements in the technical realm, reflecting the label's recent trajectory of enhancing visual quality in their releases. The film, a 1932 classic, receives a commendable transfer, preserving its monochrome elegance and providing a clear cinematic experience. Despite its age, "Rain" is visually compelling on Blu-ray, with decent attention to detail in both picture clarity and historical preservation. However, an absence of a lossless audio track is a noticeable shortfall, which detracts slightly from an otherwise robust presentation.

The film itself is a relentless exploration of Christian political influence and provocative ideologies. While the stagey direction may at times diffuse its thematic vigor, "Rain" succeeds in mounting a fierce discourse on morality for its era. The supplementary additions, including insightful commentaries and a redacted version of the film, enhance the overall value of the Blu-ray package and are likely to engage both new viewers and longtime fans of the film. These features prove to be informative, offering deeper context and enhancing understanding of the film's ambitious narrative.

In conclusion, VCI Entertainment's release of "Rain" marks a step forward for the company in terms of visual presentation and supplementary content, though still lacking in audio options. The Blu-ray offers a reasonably well-executed view into this significant film, maintaining its historical impact while providing value through added features. Minor technical deficiencies aside, this release is recommended for enthusiasts of classic cinema and those interested in the progressive themes "Rain" articulates for its time.