The Old Fashioned Way Blu-ray Review

Presented in a nearly faithful aspect ratio that hovers between 1.35:1 and 1.37:1, "The Old Fashioned Way" Blu-ray edition employs the MPEG-4 AVC codec for a 1080p display. Kino Lorber's release demonstrates a video quality that reflects both the vintage charm and the limitations of its age. The transfer suggests that the master was prepared some time ago, as indicated by a softness in the image which occasionally loses its sharpness, coupled with minor signs of aging such as small scratches and slight stability issues. While these elements are noticeable, they do not overwhelm the viewer experience.

Crucial to note is the absence of aggressive digital enhancements, allowing the film to maintain an organic aesthetic, albeit one that could benefit from contemporary restoration techniques. Grayscale performance is particularly commendable, presenting a solid spectrum of whites and blacks despite the blacks not being as deep as modern standards might allow. White levels remain impressively bright, enhancing the overall visual appeal amidst the film's subtle signs of wear.

For users with a native Region-A or Region-Free player, this Blu-ray offers a decent presentation of a classic film that evokes nostalgia. While the film's divided 8-chapter structure confirms its practical utility in navigation, the current video quality strikes a balance between respecting its historical context and acknowledging its potential for future enhancement. For enthusiasts of cinema history and preservation, this release presents both an opportunity and an invitation for further digital restoration to achieve a more vibrant rendition of this cinematic piece.

The Blu-ray release of "The Old Fashioned Way" features a well-executed English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, reflecting the typical audio characteristics from its era. This soundtrack showcases a predominance of treble with minimal bass presence, yet it adeptly balances dialogue, music, and sound effects. This careful mixing ensures that conversations remain clear and intelligible, a critical aspect for enjoying the film's narrative elements.

The audio restoration process is commendable, successfully eliminating prevalent issues such as hiss, crackle, pops, or flutter without leaving age-related artefacts behind. However, the dynamic range appears slightly compressed at times, potentially due to the cleanup software employed; this could be more noticeable at higher volume settings. Nonetheless, this is a minor observation that does not detract significantly from the overall auditory experience.

Overall, the audio quality is impressive considering the film's vintage and provides an authentic listening experience devoid of dropouts or distortions. Optional English SDH subtitles are available to further enhance comprehension of the main feature.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Old Fashioned Way" offer a comprehensive and insightful experience, providing both historical depth and entertainment. The highlight is the audio commentary by film historian James L. Neibaur, who is known for his works on W.C. Fields and William Beaudine. Neibaur delivers a detailed and articulate narration, enriching the viewing experience with his expertise. Additionally, the original theatrical trailer gives a glimpse into the film's era, while the inclusion of other related Kino trailers further enhances the nostalgic journey. These supplements contribute significantly to the overall appreciation of the film and its context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: An engaging audio commentary by film historian James L. Neibaur.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for "The Old Fashioned Way."
• Kino Trailers: Includes trailers for "You Can’t Cheat an Honest Man," "My Little Chickadee," and "The Bank Dick."

William Beaudine's "The Old Fashioned Way" (1934) is vividly brought to life in its Blu-ray presentation by Kino Lorber. The film serves as a platform for W.C. Fields' charismatic prowess, portraying him as the charming charlatan, The Great McGonigle. Fields brings a unique flair to this character, diverging from his typical roles by infusing the persona with whimsical cheekiness and cunning, delighting audiences as he outmaneuvers various small-town figures. Although the movie is not without its flaws, as some scenes feel prolonged and others lack seamless transitions, Fields' energetic presence often compensates for such unevenness. Particularly notable are his interactions with the mischievous Baby LeRoy and the affluent but untalented Cleopatra Pepperday, which deliver bursts of comedic brilliance akin to Chaplin-esque encounters.

The narrative weaves through McGonigle's escapades in a traveling troupe, capturing the trials and tribulations of life on the road during America’s past. The plot, co-authored by Fields under the pseudonym Charles Bogle, is ripe with humor and traditional theatrics. Supporting cast members such as Tammany Young and Jan Duggan provide ample opportunity for comedic sparring with Fields, while Joe Morrison delivers musical interludes that enrich the film with songs like “Rolling in Love” and “A Little Bit of Heaven.” However, the romantic subplot remains underdeveloped amidst the primary comedic exploits.

"The Old Fashioned Way" shines particularly during Fields’ stunning on-stage performance, showcasing his vaudevillian roots and emblematic manual dexterity. This element highlights his famed career in theatre, capturing an authentic taste of his long-standing entertainment prowess. Cinematographer Benjamin Reynolds captures these performances with straightforward camerawork that focuses the viewer on Fields' remarkable stage presence. Despite its imperfections, the film offers a charming showcase of Fields’ talents, promising laughter and an appreciation of classic comedic artistry.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "The Old Fashioned Way" highlights W.C. Fields in one of his memorable roles, showcasing his unique brand of comedy and enduring charisma. While the film might not reach the pinnacle of Fields' illustrious career, it remains an engaging piece that offers viewers insights into different facets of the performer's comedic genius. The release is based on an older master supplied by Universal Pictures, ensuring a level of authenticity, though some might find the technical aspects less than optimal by modern standards.

The film’s narrative oscillates between moments where Fields’ characteristic charm and creativity shine brilliantly and segments where choices appear to meet external expectations, potentially affecting the natural rhythm typical of Fields' best work. It raises questions about the influence of director William Beaudine and others during its production, suggesting a cut that possibly diverges from Fields' innate style. Despite these rhythmic inconsistencies, the finale stage performance by Fields captivates, affirming his legendary status in comedy.

In conclusion, "The Old Fashioned Way" may not stand as Fields’ magnum opus, yet it remains a commendable entry in his repertoire. It's fascinating to observe Fields in a role that varies from his other comedies, primarily due to its depiction of his cagey, charlatan demeanor front and center. While there are evident disparities in pacing, the film’s unique elements and Kino Lorber’s dedication to preserving cinematic history make this release an intriguing collection addition. Recommended for enthusiasts keen on experiencing W.C. Fields’ diverse spectrum of comedic expression.