Mr. Lucky Blu-ray Review

The "Mr. Lucky" Blu-ray presentation by Warner Archive offers a commendable video transfer from a new 4K scan of the original nitrate camera negative. Presented in a 1080p resolution using the AVC codec, the film's visuals maintain its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The transfer exhibits remarkable clarity and showcases a well-balanced grayscale, enhancing both the silvery sheen of intimate close-ups and the beautifully-lit interior and exterior scenes. This results in an authentic portrayal that resonates with the historical aesthetic of its time. Although it occasionally struggles with challenging source material, leading to minimal posterization and hints of black crush in darker or foggy scenes, these instances are minor and do not detract significantly from the overall experience.

The video quality reflects a significant improvement over previous home video editions, potentially even surpassing original theatrial presentations. The level of detail preserved is impressive, rendering soft yet sharp imagery that transports viewers through both atmospheric scenes and bustling outdoor landscapes, amplified by finely-done contrasts. Despite the occasional difficulties, both film grain and black levels are rendered artistically without becoming distractions, further contributing to this edition's commendable consistency. Given the transformation from what appears to have been a deteriorated state—the comparative quality of the included theatrical trailer suggests such—this release demonstrates meticulous restoration efforts, ensuring that "Mr. Lucky" shines nearly pristine for contemporary audiences. In summary, this Blu-ray presentation is a must-have for collectors and cinephiles alike.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Mr. Lucky" features an exemplary DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix. This carefully crafted sound mix provides a seamless and clean auditory experience, focusing on clear dialogue that maintains its integrity throughout the film. The integration of Roy Webb's evocative score is skillfully managed, ensuring the music complements rather than overpowers the dialogue and sound effects. Notably, the mix avoids common pitfalls of older films, such as hiss or crackle, presenting a smooth, interference-free listening experience that reinforces the film's engaging narrative.

Furthermore, this audio track demonstrates exceptional fidelity in its ability to balance nuanced sound elements with precision. From word flips to complex sound effects, each component is rendered with clarity and professional ease. This attention to detail ensures the mix does not distract from the viewing experience, but rather enhances it by maintaining consistency and quality without noticeable wear or artifacts typical of films from this era.

Optional English (SDH) subtitles are available, facilitating an inclusive viewing experience, although limited to the main feature only and not extending to supplementary content. Overall, this audio presentation stands out as a testament to the effective restoration and thoughtful engineering that brings out the best in this classic film's soundscape.

The Blu-ray release of "Mr. Lucky" provides an engaging array of extras that finely complement the main feature, offering a nostalgic audio-visual experience for aficionados. The inclusion of two radio adaptations effectively immerses listeners in the golden age of radio, presenting a distinctive perspective on the film's narrative and performances. The Lux Radio Theater broadcast from 1943 features stars Cary Grant and Laraine Day, providing an hour-long condensed reimagining of the movie, skillfully hosted by Cecil B. DeMille. This is followed by the Screen Director's Playhouse episode, broadcast in 1950, where Cary Grant reprises his role alongside insights from director H.C. Potter in a succinct 30-minute format. Additionally, the disc includes a vintage theatrical trailer, serving as a fascinating promotional artifact of its time.

Extras included in this disc:

• Lux Radio Theater Broadcast: 1943 radio adaptation with Cary Grant and Laraine Day, hosted by Cecil B. DeMille.
• Screen Director's Playhouse: 1950 radio episode with Cary Grant and director H.C. Potter.
• Theatrical Trailer: Vintage promotional piece.

H.C. Potter's "Mr. Lucky" is a notable entry in Cary Grant's extensive filmography, exploring a more complex character archetype in Joe Adams, a clever gambler with a morally ambiguous edge. Unlike Grant's typical suave persona, Joe's path from swindler to redemption unfolds against the backdrop of WWII, as he plots to exploit a charity run by heiress Dorothy Bryant (Laraine Day). His schemes revolve around using an illegal gambling ship, showcasing a series of slick tricks and sharp stratagems. The film captivates through its robust character interplay and a narrative that progresses through a compelling flashback structure, rooted in Joe's love affair and personal transformation.

The character dynamics are enriched by a vibrant supporting cast, enhancing the screenplay by Milton Holmes and Adrian Scott. The interactions between Joe and his allies, like Crunk and nemesis Zepp, add depth and color, juxtaposing the charm and deception pervading their world. Notable performances from Day and others like Charles Bickford as the narrator, provide layers to the unfolding drama. The women in Dorothy’s circle, particularly portrayed by Gladys Cooper and Florence Bates, deliver moments of witty engagement, especially during scenes of unexpected hilarity, like Joe's knitting lesson.

Technically, "Mr. Lucky" shines with Warner Archive's restoration that revitalizes this forgotten work with pristine 4K visuals derived from the original negative and complementing lossless audio quality. The film smartly balances light-heartedness with increasing dramatic tension, defined by well-timed humor, poignant social commentary, and unexpected narrative twists. The chemistry between Grant and Day underlines the film’s romantic core, offering a cinematic experience that remains engaging despite its familiar premise. For any fan of classic cinema or Cary Grant’s prolific talent, "Mr. Lucky" is a noteworthy addition to watch and appreciate.

H.C. Potter's "Mr. Lucky" remains a charming testament to classic cinema, with Cary Grant delivering a charismatic performance that is sure to captivate audiences, both old and new. The 1943 romantic drama is lauded for its sharp script, memorable characters, and brisk pacing, all of which contribute significantly to its enduring appeal. Warner Archive’s Blu-ray release is commendable for its rock-solid audio-visual restoration, infusing the film with fresh clarity while preserving its vintage essence. Grant’s portrayal is engaging and quintessential, echoing the sophistication and charm that have made him a timeless icon.

Technically, the Blu-ray restoration excels in enhancing the film’s visual quality, staying true to the era’s characteristic aesthetics while removing minor imperfections. The audio remains faithful to its original charm, allowing dialogue and soundscapes to come through clearly, ensuring an authentic viewing experience. The included extras, though modest, offer a glimpse into the film's historical context, adding value to both the casual viewer and the cinephile.

In conclusion, whether or not Cary Grant's character inspired Ian Fleming's James Bond, "Mr. Lucky" stands strong on its own merits. It might not revolutionize its genre, but it thrives on an engaging premise delivered by a stellar performance from Grant. With a strong narrative backbone bolstered by an admirable Blu-ray release from Warner Archive, this film is recommended for both its historical significance and entertainment value.