Thunderbolt Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Thunderbolt" is presented in an aspect ratio of 1.32:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, providing a 1080p transfer. The source material, supplied by Universal Pictures, is notably rough, which is expected given the film's age. While the film's delineation and depth are acceptable, its presentation also features visible imperfections such as marks, blemishes, scratches, and occasional cuts. Despite these issues, the grading is considered decent. Although the stable transfer avoids problematic digital interventions, viewers should manage expectations concerning visual quality enhancements without a complete restoration.

This release tantalizes with an organic film grain that authentically captures the grayscales and the integral fine detailing typical of the era. However, inherent defects like scratches, dirt, and vertical lines persist, reflecting the limitations of the surviving elements used for this master. Although these imperfections are noted, they are largely overshadowed by the novelty of this home video offering. Given that this is the movie’s first availability in home video format, it stands as perhaps the definitive edition for current audiences despite its limitations. This Region-A locked release demands compatible playback equipment but promises to deliver the best possible presentation for "Thunderbolt" within these constraints.

The Blu-ray release of "Thunderbolt" offers a single audio track in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. This release preserves the film's original mono soundtrack, which delivers dialogue with clarity and strength. The mix is faithful, with background music—composed by the uncredited Karl Hajos—represented well throughout, including both opening and end title sequences. However, distinct imperfections are present: occasional crackling, popping, and hissing punctuate the audio landscape but do not overpower the dialogue during pivotal scenes.

The overall audio presentation conveys an authentic experience, characteristic of its era. While some might find the soundscape boxy or thin, these limitations are intrinsic to the film's initial recording technology, which was quite primitive. Despite these fidelity constraints, the release achieves cosmetic improvements, ensuring that the dated audio remains a truthful representation of its original form. It's worth noting this is likely the most refined auditory experience one can expect from this film on home video. Nonetheless, some background elements remain shaky, occasionally inducing uneven noises followed by abrupt silences, inherent to the source material's age.

In conclusion, while the "Thunderbolt" Blu-ray may have audio imperfections due to its vintage nature, this release is arguably the pinnacle of its playback quality. The adherence to authenticity ensures a captivating nostalgic journey for listeners while maintaining historical integrity.

The Blu-ray release of "Thunderbolt" offers a commendable selection of extras that enhance the viewing experience with rich, informative content. The highlight is the commentary by film critic Nick Pinkerton, which is well-researched and recorded specifically for this release. Pinkerton delves into the film's historical context, technical achievements, and provides insightful details about the careers of its cast and crew. His commentary also includes production anecdotes and examines contemporary reviews, offering a comprehensive backdrop to the film. This level of depth and expertise provides both historical appreciation and technical understanding that will intrigue cinephiles and casual viewers alike. In addition, the collection of bonus trailers showcases similar vintage genre films, further enriching the package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Nick Pinkerton: Film critic discusses historical and technical insights, cast and crew details.
• Bonus KLSC Trailers: Includes trailers for Blackmail, Murder!, Supernatural, The Lodger, The Undying Monster, The Spiral Staircase.

Josef von Sternberg’s “Thunderbolt” (1929), now available on Blu-ray via Kino Lorber, represents a pivotal moment in cinematic history with its pioneering use of sound, ushering in a new era for storytelling and audiovisual experience. Despite its period-typical rudimentary audio fidelity, the film is distinguished by its experimental integration of sound and image — a departure from the nascent standard practices of synchronization. The audio track’s crispness may be lacking by today's standards, yet Sternberg's innovative use of offscreen and overlapping dialogue forecasts techniques later associated with filmmakers like Robert Altman. These sound decisions contribute to the film's distinctiveness, although they at times detract from a sense of authenticity due to their dominance.

The narrative unfolds around notorious gangster Jim Lang, aka Thunderbolt (George Bancroft), whose emotional volatility is sparked by jealousy as his former lover Ritzie (Fay Wray) starts anew with banker Bob Moran (Richard Arlen). Thunderbolt’s capture and subsequent imprisonment unravel a suspenseful narrative interwoven with fate’s ironic twists. The plot, penned by Herman J. Mankiewicz, while compelling, is marred slightly by melodramatic elements and moralistic undertones, which limit its credibility and predictability. Despite these story imperfections, the film maintains audience engagement, primarily through Bancroft's compelling performance that earned him his sole Oscar nomination.

Visually, Sternberg’s penchant for atmospheric cinematography is evident throughout, with dynamic framing and visual storytelling amplifying the film's tension and thematic depth. Even though “Thunderbolt” might not surpass the director’s previous work “Underworld,” it remains a significant milestone in early sound cinema. The film not only challenges technical boundaries of its time but also serves as a precursor to Sternberg’s subsequent evolution in “The Blue Angel” (1930), showcasing his quest for narrative and visual innovation during Hollywood’s Sound Era inception.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Thunderbolt" offers cinephiles a rare opportunity to revisit Josef von Sternberg's early cinematic work, which, despite its historical significance, has often been overshadowed by his later accomplishments. The provided master from Universal Pictures captures the essence of the film, albeit with noticeable imperfections indicative of its age. The HD transfer is respectable, though not immaculate, revealing the inherent warts that characterize early cinema. Its strengths lie in the authentic rendition and the nuances of von Sternberg's directorial style, subtly presented for modern audiences.

The release is further elevated by an informative commentary track that deep-dives into the film's context and the directorial nuances of von Sternberg, enhancing understanding and appreciation. Audiences can gain valuable insights into the film's original reception and its gradual fading from public memory, offering a holistic cinematic experience that extends beyond visual storytelling. Despite its somewhat dated melodrama and less engaging character arcs, the film's academic and historical relevance is undeniable, making it an essential addition to any classic film enthusiast’s collection.

In conclusion, "Thunderbolt" stands as a testament to early sound cinema and von Sternberg's exploratory vision. While its narrative may not captivate modern viewers, its release on Blu-ray ensures that this overlooked classic continues to inform and inspire, serving as a crucial piece for both study and enjoyment in film history. Kino Lorber has successfully breathed new life into this forgotten gem, making it a worthy acquisition for historical cinema purveyors.