Gentleman's Agreement Blu-ray Review

Fox has meticulously restored "Gentleman's Agreement," delivering a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that preserves the integrity of its original 35mm film grain with no digital noise reduction or edge enhancement. The print is impressively clean, with damage and debris effectively removed, apart from a few minor white specks that are scarcely noticeable. The black-and-white gradation stands out for its excellence, sporting robust but not overpowering blacks and flawless highlights. Arthur C. Miller's exemplary cinematography is beautifully showcased, with the transfer capturing his masterful use of light and shadow. Close-up shots reveal a remarkable level of detail, from the facial nuances of Gregory Peck to the textures of mid-century attire.

The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer highlights intricate details with commendable sharpness, though some scenes exhibit a slight softness. Grain levels provide a warm, film-like experience, enhancing the authenticity of the visual presentation. Rich and inky blacks deliver depth throughout, though there are rare instances of crush. The image maintains excellent stability, resisting shimmer in detailed patterns. Rear projection in exterior scenes is discernible but serves to emphasize the era-appropriate techniques. The overall clarity and contrast remain consistently strong, ensuring a compelling visual experience that remains true to the original material.

No digital artifacts or enhancements mar this pristine transfer, making it a faithful and natural rendering of the source material. The attention to detail in this video presentation not only does justice to Arthur C. Miller's cinematographic artistry but also reinforces the timeless quality of this Best Picture winner, ensuring it remains a visually engaging experience for contemporary audiences.

The audio presentation of the "Gentleman's Agreement" Blu Ray is handled by a DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track, which provides a remarkably clear and dynamic soundscape for a film originally released in the 1940s. This lossless mono mix excels in delivering perfectly balanced dialogue that remains comprehensible even during emotionally heightened exchanges between characters. Impressively, the track is free from high-end crackles, muffling, pops, and other unwelcome artifacts—issues that are often intrinsic to recordings from this era. Furthermore, Alfred Newman's orchestral score is presented with a full-bodied richness, avoiding the tinny quality that can plague older soundtracks.

Listeners will appreciate the meticulous effort put into eliminating age-related hiss, making it noticeable only in the quietest scenes. The ambient noises, such as typewriters and traffic, come through with pristine clarity, adhering closely to the original audio while offering an engaging experience. Although the audio is anchored up front consistent with mono soundtracks, Newman's string-laden score impressively achieves a pseudo-stereo feel that enriches the auditory experience by filling the room with a pleasing purity of tone. All dialogue remains clear and literate, unobstructed by score or background elements. While the track does not offer significant bass or dynamic range, its unobtrusive and polished nature serves to anchor the film's audio excellently.

The additional presence of Spanish and French Dolby Digital mono dubs and optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles adds further value and accessibility. Overall, this DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track delivers an exemplary representation of the "Gentleman's Agreement" soundtrack, maintaining historical authenticity while ensuring contemporary clarity and enjoyment.

The Blu-ray extras for "Gentleman's Agreement" provide a robust and insightful addition to the main feature, offering both critical analysis and historical context. The audio commentary by Richard Schickel is particularly noteworthy, providing a balanced critique of the film while offering behind-the-scenes insights about director Elia Kazan and the era. Co-stars June Havoc and Celeste Holm contribute with personal anecdotes, making the commentary enriching. The AMC Backstory is an essential featurette that delves into the making of the film, highlighting the socio-political climate of the time. Additional features include vintage Movietone newsreels and the original theatrical trailer, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the film’s initial reception.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Patchwork commentary featuring co-stars and critic Schickel.
• AMC Backstory: Gentleman's Agreement: Mini-documentary exploring historical context.
• Movietonews: Newsreel clips from 1947.
• Theatrical Trailer: Post-Oscar promotional preview.

Review of 'Gentleman's Agreement'

Elia Kazan's 'Gentleman's Agreement' is a crucial cinematic examination of the ingrained anti-Semitism in post-war America. Released in 1947, the film bravely confronts the unspoken and institutionalized discrimination prevalent at the time, using the narrative device of a Gentile journalist, Philip Schuyler Green (Gregory Peck), who pretends to be Jewish to write an exposé on the subject. Supported by a cast that includes Dorothy McGuire as his conflicted love interest and Celeste Holm, who won an Oscar for her role, Gregory Peck delivers a nuanced performance that reflects both simmering indignation and resolute perseverance as he navigates personal and professional challenges.

Based on Laura Z. Hobson's novel and adapted by Moss Hart, the screenplay occasionally veers into preachiness with its forthright depictions of anti-Jewish sentiment—incidents ranging from casual prejudice to overt discrimination cloud Green's everyday life. His relationships become strained, particularly with McGuire’s Kathy, who suggests the article but balks when confronted with her own latent prejudices. The episodic structure further emphasizes the pervasiveness of bigotry, from whispered warnings against Jewish doctors to children absorbing and replicating societal biases. While these scenes might seem heavy-handed by contemporary standards, their blunt-force honesty was necessary to shatter the silence surrounding such issues in the era.

'Gentleman's Agreement' won the Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director in 1948. Although some elements of Kazan’s film feel dated today, its core message remains resonant. The black-and-white cinematography by Arthur C. Miller heightens the film's dramatic tension, and the performances, particularly Peck's solid portrayal, lend credibility and depth. Despite moments of didactic dialogue, the film’s exploration of subtle bigotry—expressed through hesitant stammers and raised eyebrows—adds layers of complexity often missing in straightforward moral narratives. This classic retains its place in American film history, not only for its bold storytelling but also for spotlighting the moral imperative to confront prejudice head-on.

Elia Kazan's "Gentleman's Agreement," the director’s first major cinematic issue endeavor, remains a notable study of post-war America's pervasive anti-Semitism, confronting the topic head-on by candidly exposing the baseless prejudice. While the film’s didactic nature may feel a tad heavy-handed to contemporary audiences, this approach was necessary during an era when Americans tended to deny such racial and ethnic biases. Despite not being Kazan’s finest work, it garnered Best Picture and Directing Oscars in 1947, bolstered by strong performances from Gregory Peck and Dorothy McGuire.

Although "Gentleman's Agreement" may not stir the same level of controversy as it did upon its release, the film effectively conveys a meaningful message with intelligence and sensitivity. Its portrayal of enduring and insidious prejudice offers a sobering reflection on how deeply-rooted discrimination can flourish. The movie’s earnest presentation sometimes feels overly weighty, but its construction and the powerful acting from its cast keep it engaging and significant.

20th Century Fox's Blu-ray restoration of "Gentleman's Agreement" shines with an impressive transfer that enhances the film's visual and auditory aspects, along with a well-curated selection of supplements. This Oscar-winning drama may have dulled slightly over the years, but its potent message still resonates. The Blu-ray edition makes it an easy recommendation for both enthusiasts of classic mid-century cinema and those interested in memorable social commentary.

In conclusion, "Gentleman's Agreement" serves as an important reminder of past societal issues while continuing to offer valuable lessons today. The Blu-ray release ensures that Kazan’s bold narrative and the remarkable performances are preserved and presented exceptionally well, making it a worthwhile addition to any classic film collection.