The Proud and Profane Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Proud and Profane" showcases the film in its original 1:85:1 VistaVision aspect ratio, meticulously derived from a 2022 HD scan based on a 4K scan by Paramount Pictures. This meticulous approach allows film enthusiasts to appreciate the rich texture and historical authenticity, as film grain, fine details, and a well-balanced gray scale are expertly preserved. Despite some minor flaws, such as occasional scratches, tears, and dirt on the transfer, these are minimal and do not detract from the viewing experience.

Given that this is the inaugural home video release of the film, this Blu-ray presentation stands as a significant achievement in preserving cinematic history. The lack of any prior official release elevates the importance of the current offering, ensuring it is likely the highest quality presentation that this classic film will receive in a home-viewing format. This restoration effort offers a visually engaging experience that honors the original aesthetic intentions and charm of the film.

The audio presentation of "The Proud and Profane" on Blu-ray is notable for its faithfulness to the original mono soundtrack, presented in a lossless 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track. The sound quality is commendable, maintaining clarity and fidelity across dialogue, sound effects, and Victor Young’s evocative music score. There are only minimal occurrences of distortions like crackling, clicking, popping, and hissing, which is a testament to the meticulous restoration effort.

This release effectively highlights the potential of audio restoration in classic films, ensuring a listening experience that is both authentic to the period and satisfying to modern audiences. The DTS-HD Master Audio track delivers a rich auditory experience, creating a soundscape that complements the visual narrative without overshadowing its historical authenticity. Optional English subtitles are also provided, enhancing accessibility without detracting from the original audio presentation. Overall, this release stands as a superior representation of the film’s audio on home video formats to date.

The Blu-ray release of "The Proud and Profane" features a selection of engaging extras, providing valuable context and insight into the film’s historical and cinematic backdrop. Notably, the commentary by filmmaker/historian Steve Mitchell and author Steven Jay Rubin is a highlight. Their newly recorded commentary meticulously explores the production aspects of the film and its place among the wave of 1950s WWII movies. This offers an excellent blend of historical detail and cinematic analysis. The disc also includes a collection of bonus trailers, enhancing the immersive experience by showcasing other films from similar periods or genres.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Steve Mitchell and Steven Jay Rubin: In-depth analysis of the film's production and historical context.
• Bonus KLSC Trailers: Trailers for "The Turning Point," "The Bridges at Toko-Ri," "The Horse Soldiers," "The Devil’s Brigade," "The Country Girl," "The Counterfeit Traitor," "What’s So Bad About Feeling Good?," "Showdown," "The Chalk Garden" & "Run Silent Run Deep".

"The Proud and Profane," directed by George Seaton, is a wartime drama that ventures into complex emotional territories while navigating cultural taboos of its time. The film, ambitiously modeled after the highly successful "From Here to Eternity," stars Deborah Kerr and William Holden, who are lauded for their individual performances, yet their on-screen chemistry as an unlikely romantic couple falls short of being convincing. Adapted from Lucy Herndon Crockett’s novel "The Magnificent Bastards," the narrative focuses more on the intricacies of human relationships during WWII than actual combat, revealing the emotional scars borne by soldiers and Red Cross personnel stationed in New Caledonia.

A significant strength of the film lies in its production value, with Paramount delivering the impeccable Hollywood craftsmanship expected during its golden era. Oscar-nominated production design by Hal Pereira's team and Edith Head’s costume design contribute significantly to the aesthetic quality, complemented by Victor Young's emotive music score and John F. Warren's striking cinematography. Despite being set in New Caledonia, the filming locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico provide a believable backdrop. The supporting cast features notable turns by Thelma Ritter, who steals scenes as Red Cross leader Kate Conners, injecting vitality and authenticity into her role, further enriching the film's narrative fabric.

Overall, "The Proud and Profane" struggles to reach the narrative and emotional heights of its predecessor but stands as a respectable WWII-era piece under Seaton's direction. It captures a nuanced portrayal of wartime experiences beyond the battlefield while showcasing a commendable ensemble cast. Despite its shortcomings in romantic believability, the film remains an underrated gem from the 1950s cinematic landscape.

Kino's Blu-ray release of "The Proud and Profane" presents an exceptional technical achievement in home entertainment. Photographed originally in 8-perf horizontal VistaVision, the film is notably detailed despite being rendered in black-and-white. Paramount’s 2022 4K scan expertly captures the movie's intricate imagery with only minor imperfections, such as a few horizontal scratches. While some visual inconsistencies are observable, such as the occasional out-of-focus shots and slightly artificial appearance of special effect sequences, these do not significantly detract from the viewing experience. The picture quality is commendable, with sharp details further enhanced when projected with contemporary 4K technology.

Audio fidelity is maintained through a DTS-HD Master Audio (2.0 mono) track, providing clear sound that complements the cinematic visuals. The package includes optional English subtitles which are well-executed and helpful, particularly for enhancing understanding of dialogue within this historical context. Besides the transfer itself, Kino has enriched the Blu-ray offering with an informative commentary track, which adds depth and insight into this WWII romantic drama's thematic and production nuances.

In conclusion, while "The Proud and Profane" may not eclipse iconic war dramas such as "From Here to Eternity," it stands as a worthwhile viewing experience for enthusiasts of classic cinema. Kino’s Blu-ray release significantly enhances the accessibility and enjoyment of this film through its impressive restoration efforts. The thoughtful addition of supplemental content makes this a highly recommended acquisition for collectors and film historians alike.