A Tale of Two Cities Blu-ray Review

Sourced from a brand-new master, likely a 2K scan of the interpositive, the Blu-ray presentation of A Tale of Two Cities is nothing short of exceptional. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer displays a rich, silvery appearance that enhances the outstanding production design. The image maintains a very strong and film-like quality with plenty of natural grain, deep black levels, and nicely-resolved textures. From shadowy nighttime sequences to sunny days and neutral, overcast skies above the climactic guillotine scenes, the transfer supports a wide array of shadow details and exhibits remarkable depth due to the deep-focus cinematography and excellent lighting used throughout.

The 1.37:1 aspect ratio is faithfully reproduced, ensuring an authentic viewing experience. Sharpness is acute, with notable clarity in close-ups that finely render facial features and blemishes. Superior shadow delineation highlights the impact of dimly-lit interiors and intricate nocturnal scenes. The grayscale spectrum produces crisp whites and profoundly deep blacks, enhancing the film's cinematic feel. Absent are any signs of compression artifacts, edge enhancement, or noise reduction, providing a pristine viewing experience free of distracting anomalies. There are occasional fluctuations in black levels, but they do not detract from the overall striking presentation.

Overall, A Tale of Two Cities on Blu-ray strikes an impressive balance between epic scope and intimate moments. The storming of the Bastille, crowded courtroom scenes, and throngs of citizens during public executions are delivered with memorable and precise cinematographic detail. Despite minor issues such as slightly hot whites in rare instances, the presentation is stellar. Fans and new viewers alike will appreciate this masterful restoration that preserves the original film's integrity while revealing its visual grandeur with modern clarity.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track for "A Tale of Two Cities" effectively conveys the film's timeless narrative while balancing its technical limitations. Despite occasional instances of faint hiss, the audio remains crisp and clean, especially considering the film's age. Dialogue reproduction is consistently clear and intelligible, even with the occasional strong English or French dialect. The mix adeptly positions dialogues alongside Herbert Stothart’s evocative score, maintaining clarity and ensuring that neither element overshadows the other. Stothart’s compositions deliver rich atmosphere to the film, though they exhibit a slightly thin high end during crucial moments, such as the storming of the Bastille.

The restoration has eliminated pops and crackles, benefiting from a wide dynamic range that adds depth to atmospheric elements like ambient crowd noise, chirping birds, and distant thunder. The sound effects—ranging from gunfire and barking dogs to the dramatic crash of the guillotine—add significant impact without becoming overwhelming. Optional English (SDH) subtitles help to further clarify dialogue but are unfortunately not extended to bonus features. Overall, this mono mix aligns well with the period feel of the film, providing an auditory experience that, while not perfect, effectively enhances the cinematic presentation.

The Blu-ray extras for "A Tale of Two Cities" are a notable collection of vintage and era-specific content, carried over from previous DVD releases. The focal point is the 1942 Lux Radio Theatre broadcast featuring Ronald Colman and Edna Best. This adaptation, hosted by Cecil B. DeMille, delivers a cinematic style in audio format. Additionally, the disc includes a trio of classic MGM Happy Harmonies cartoons—namely "Hey-Hey Fever," "Honeyland," and the Oscar-nominated "Audioscopiks" short documentary exploring early 3D film technology. The reissue trailer is also part of the package, adding a nostalgic touch to the collection. All extras are presented in standard definition except where noted.

Extras included in this disc:

• Lux Radio Theatre Broadcast: 1942 radio adaptation with Ronald Colman and Edna Best.
• Hey-Hey Fever: Classic Happy Harmonies cartoon featuring Bosko.
• Honeyland: Happy Harmonies cartoon involving bees and a spider.
• Audioscopiks: Oscar-nominated short on 3D film technology.
• Re-Release Trailer: Brief promotional piece for the film's reissue.

The 1935 adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, directed by Jack Conway and produced by David O. Selznick, is a remarkable achievement that remains a strong contender as the definitive film version of this classic novel. Ronald Colman delivers a career-best performance as Sydney Carton, the bibulous British lawyer whose unrequited love for Lucie Manette (Elizabeth Allan) drives his noble sacrifice. The film successfully captures the intimate drama set against the vast historical backdrop of the French Revolution, transitioning seamlessly between tender personal moments and the large-scale turmoil of revolutionary France. While aspects such as some text-heavy exposition breaks slightly disrupt the pacing, the narrative regains its momentum towards a memorable finale.

Technically, A Tale of Two Cities excels with grand production values that elevate it above many of its contemporaries. The storming of the Bastille, coordinated by future notable filmmakers Val Lewton and Jacques Tourneur, stands out with its massive sets and numerous extras, creating an authentic sense of chaos that today's CGI struggles to match. The performances range from Colman's nuanced Carton to Basil Rathbone’s sinister Marquis de St. Evremonde, and Blanche Yurka’s chilling Therese Defarge. Despite Donald Woods’s rather wooden portrayal of Charles Darnay, the supporting cast bolsters the film's overall impact, with standout performances from Edna Mae Oliver and Isabelle Jewell.

Conway’s direction ensures a balanced narrative that remains faithful to Dickens' dense source material while embracing its emotional and thematic richness. The film’s visual storytelling impresses, particularly through well-crafted set pieces and the meticulous recreation of period atmospheres. The cinematography and production design have been preserved immaculately on Blu-ray, showcasing the film’s enduring appeal and technical prowess. This adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities is a testament to mid-1930s filmmaking, capturing the inimitable Dickensian tone and combining it with high production values to create an engaging and impactful historical drama.

Jack Conway's 1935 adaptation of "A Tale of Two Cities" is a durable and timeless rendition of Charles Dickens' cherished novel. This MGM production skillfully brings the turbulence of the French Revolution and Dickens' colorful characters to life, capturing the essence of the original text. The performances are wonderfully captivating and maintain a generally brisk pace, though there are moments where the pacing falters slightly past the halfway point before recovering splendidly in its emotional and memorable conclusion.

Warner Archive's Blu-ray release is impressive, offering a new HD master that significantly revitalizes this classic film. The picture quality is solid, paired with excellent lossless audio that enhances the viewing experience. Although the film dates back to 1935, the Blu-ray transfer elevates the visual and auditory aspects, making it an engaging watch for contemporary audiences. A collection of era-specific bonus features, carried over from the 2006 DVD edition, adds value and historical context to the package, appealing strongly to both die-hard fans and new viewers with fond memories of the book.

In conclusion, Jack Conway’s "A Tale of Two Cities" Blu-ray edition by Warner Archive is highly recommended for classic film enthusiasts. Its blend of timeless storytelling and technical improvements makes it an essential addition to any collection. Whether revisiting this film as a long-time fan or experiencing it for the first time, this release ensures it remains impactful and resonant, standing as a testament to its enduring legacy in cinema.