Northwest Passage Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive's 2011 DVD edition of "Northwest Passage" showed its age with a 480p transfer from likely older composite negatives, which lacked clarity. The new Blu-ray iteration is a significant upgrade, derived from a recent 4K scan of the original Technicolor negatives. This source delivers an impressive, film-like visual experience deeply rooted in authenticity. Location footage is stunningly crisp and richly detailed, contrasting with a few obvious set pieces. The accuracy of color representation is another highlight, particularly given the film’s setting of unshaven men in green uniforms navigating dense wilderness. The Blu-ray excels in maintaining the film’s texture, depth, and stability, with film grain supported capably and varying naturally in density with different lighting conditions.

Presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1, rendered flawlessly in a 1080p transfer utilizing the AVC codec, the image exhibits lush Technicolor hues and remarkable sharpness. This consistent visual fidelity remains unobstructed by intrusive artifacts. Warner Archive's Blu-ray appears capable of handling the visual demands placed upon it, notwithstanding a few minor blips in clarity during challenging scenes like sudden downpours or extreme nighttime darkness, which show slight macro-blocking. Overall, the transfer does justice to the film's historical and cinematic value, and represents a considerable win for Warner Archive and fans alike.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono audio track for the Blu-ray release of "Northwest Passage" provides a robust and faithful rendition of its original one-channel source material. The presentation excels in delivering crisply recorded dialogue with superb clarity, ensuring that every spoken word is distinctly audible. Moreover, the mix of background effects with Herbert Stothart’s stirring score is handled with excellent precision, showcasing a well-balanced aural landscape. Notably, the audio fidelity remains uncompromised, preserving the dynamic range essential to this older film.

While slight amounts of hiss are present, these traces are minor and unlikely to detract from the viewing experience. Such elements appear to have been intentionally left to maintain the authenticity of the sound. In comparison to previous lossy DVD tracks, this DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track represents a noticeable upgrade, offering a richer and more immersive audio experience that holds up well for its time. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are available for the main feature, but not for the extras, further enhancing accessibility for viewers.

The Blu-ray release of "Northwest Passage" offers a modest selection of extras, leaving fans of the film with mixed feelings. The lack of era-specific cartoons is notable, but the included materials offer intriguing insights into the film's production challenges and promotional efforts. The highlight is "Northward, Ho!," a black-and-white behind-the-scenes featurette directed by Harry Loud and written by Herman Hoffman, which, despite not undergoing full restoration, maintains decent visual and audio quality. The theatrical trailer provides a rousing, albeit rough, glimpse into the movie's epic scale.

Extras included in this disc:

• Northward, Ho!: A 1940 behind-the-scenes featurette directed by Harry Loud and written by Herman Hoffman, documenting the production challenges of filming on location in Idaho.
• Theatrical Trailer: A vintage promotional trailer showcasing the epic nature of "Northwest Passage."

King Vidor's "Northwest Passage" is a competent historical drama set during the French and Indian War. Despite the film's failure to spawn a sequel, the 126-minute Technicolor production, subtitled "Book 1: Rogers' Rangers," captures the essence of Kenneth Roberts' novel's first half. The story follows Major Robert Rogers (Spencer Tracy) and his men on their arduous journey towards raiding a Native American settlement in Quebec. Although the film doesn't depict the discovery of the titular waterway, it excels at chronicling the day-to-day rigor and hardships encountered by Rogers and his elite Rangers. From the beginning in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where Langdon Towne (Robert Young) escapes legal troubles and aligns with Rogers, to their complex trek through hostile territory, the film delivers intermittent thrills and character-driven moments.

The movie boasts remarkable production values, particularly in its Technicolor cinematography filmed in various Pacific Northwest locations standing in for upstate New York. Such visual grandeur compensates for the film's somewhat episodic momentum and narrative incompleteness. Highlights include the meticulous setup of the historical context, serene yet treacherous wilderness sequences, and gripping action scenes like boat carries over craggy hills and human chains across rivers. Despite period-specific views and violent sequences that might feel outdated today, the film remains engaging due to its robust technical achievements and genuine ambition. Notably, Spencer Tracy portrays Major Rogers with an ideal blend of leadership and camaraderie, while Robert Young convincingly morphs through his character's developmental arc, from naivety to maturity.

The film’s fine balance of action-adventure and coming-of-age makes "Northwest Passage" a distinguished piece from Hollywood’s Golden Age. King Vidor's direction vividly stages diverse challenges faced by Rogers’ Rangers, including natural adversities and the combative Abenakis tribe. The strong supporting cast, direction, and period-authentic screenwriting by Laurence Stallings and Talbot Jennings further enrich the historical tapestry. The dangerous mission's depiction—drenched in natural perils like mosquito-infested swamps and raging rivers—ensures there isn’t a dull moment in this visually stunning and narratively absorbing adventure.

Northwest Passage Blu-ray Review

King Vidor's "Northwest Passage" stands as a remarkable cinematic endeavor, presenting the first half of an adaptation of Kenneth Roberts’ historical novel. Despite the inevitable disappointment stemming from the unresolved subplots—owing to the incomplete two-part objective—the film remains captivating. However, it faces minor critiques related to its somewhat uneven pacing and the juxtaposition of brutal subject matter softened by Hays Code restrictions. Nevertheless, these aspects are overshadowed by the film's stunning three-strip Technicolor cinematography, beautifully restored in Warner Archive's new Blu-ray release.

The film captures an exhilarating and engaging old-school adventure, underscored by Spencer Tracy's compelling performance and dynamic direction. The historical context and drama are brought to life with remarkable visual fidelity, thanks to the meticulous restoration work on the Blu-ray. The restored visuals breathe new life into the narrative, making it accessible and enjoyable for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, "Northwest Passage" is a quintessential piece for aficionados of classic cinema. While prospective viewers might need to brace themselves for some narrative incompleteness, the film’s visual splendor and adventurous spirit make it a worthy addition to any collection. The Warner Archive Blu-ray release stands as a testament to the enduring allure of golden-age filmmaking, earning our firm recommendation.