Captain from Castile Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Captain from Castile" on Blu-ray showcases Fox's admirable effort in restoring this Technicolor classic using the AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. Despite the limitations of the Eastmancolor elements at hand, the transfer emerges as one of the better-looking restorations of a Technicolor film from the era. While it doesn't achieve true Technicolor vibrancy, colors like yellows, blues, and reds resonate commendably well. However, many scenes exhibit a slight brownish tint, altering skin tones and transforming Technicolor reds into more of an orange hue. Furthermore, some outdoor scenes carry a green-yellowish undertone, and night scenes tend to lean towards bluish tones.

The overall image quality is impressive, with sharpness and detail levels being particularly notable in close-ups, highlighting textures on costumes effectively. Despite some minor inconsistencies in black levels and occasional shadow crush, the image remains remarkably clean and free from severe age-related damage. The French Blu-ray offers a visually appealing film experience that respects its historical context while bringing the classic to contemporary audiences with earnest fidelity. The valiant effort to maintain the integrity of the original theatrical experience through limited elements is evident and highly commendable.

The Blu-ray edition of Captain from Castile offers two DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks, with one often referred to as a DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track. The default track, purportedly stereo, exhibits minimal stereo widening and lower amplitude, which detracts from its overall impact. In contrast, the alternate 1.0 track, though labeled as 2.0 on some systems, delivers a more centralized and robust monaural experience. Both tracks thoroughly support the film's dialogue and Alfred Newman's exquisite score, which remains one of the highlights, injecting substantial vitality into the listening experience.

While the 2.0 track provides a slightly spread-out version of the original mono soundtrack, this results in an anemic sound, less favorable compared to the centered and fuller 1.0 option. The latter's mix is well-balanced, prioritizing clarity in dialogue and fidelity in the vintage sound effects, which possess commendable heft. Notably, Newman's score benefits significantly from this mix, enhancing the overall auditory immersion. Despite some minor hiss during the quieter segments of the film, the sound transfer is excellent with minimal distortion and no significant noise distractions.

Ultimately, the audio presentation on this Blu-ray provides a solid auditory experience, especially with the 1.0 track, which stands out for its superior balance and clarity in dialogue and music delivery. This results in a pleasingly nostalgic soundscape that complements the film's rich visuals.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Captain from Castile" offer a thorough and engaging dive into the film's rich history and Tyrone Power's career. The conserved features from the Cinema Classics DVD add substantial value, though some galleries are notably absent. The Audio Commentary moderated by Nick Redman along with Rudy Behlmer and Jon Burlingame delivers an informative conversation covering production insights and Alfred Newman's score. The Isolated Score Track, available in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, highlights Newman's celebrated music. Both Tyrone Power: The Last Idol and Tyrone Power and His Leading Ladies provide in-depth and personal glimpses into Power’s life and work, adding nuance with actor interviews. Additionally, the Original Theatrical Trailer and a Six-Page Booklet featuring Julie Kirgo's film analysis round out the collection, making it indispensable for classic cinema enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: With Nick Redman, Rudy Behlmer, and Jon Burlingame.
• Isolated Score Track: Alfred Newman’s music in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• Tyrone Power: The Last Idol: Insightful Biography episode.
• Tyrone Power and His Leading Ladies: Interviews with his co-stars.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Presented in black and white.
• Six-Page Booklet: Includes color stills, poster art, and film analysis by Julie Kirgo.

Captain from Castile, directed by Henry King, stands as a visually sumptuous historical epic rendered in glorious Technicolor. The film features Tyrone Power in the lead role of Pedro de Vargas, a Castilian gentleman who flees the Spanish Inquisition and finds himself amidst Hernán Cortes' conquest of Mexico. The grand narrative, based on Samuel Shellabarger's sprawling novel, emphasizes both lush production values and meticulous period authenticity. Filmed across various scenic locations in Mexico, the film draws the viewer into a world of adventure and deceit that is as beautiful as it is perilous.

Power's performance is compelling, capturing a character infused with both charisma and a matured sense of gravitas acquired post his World War II service. Supporting actors like Lee J. Cobb (Juan Garcia) and Cesar Romero (Hernán Cortes) enrich the narrative with their portrayals, although Cobb's unmistakable discomfort in his period costume provides an unintended spectacle. Jean Peters, as Catana Perez, brings vulnerability to her role despite this being her first feature, while John Sutton's Diego del Silva is undeniably sinister.

The screenplay occasionally struggles with pacing and coherence, veering off into numerous subplots that dilute the central narrative—be it Pedro's love affair with Catana or the brutal realities of Spanish colonialism. Nevertheless, despite these narrative hiccups, the direction by King ensures that critical moments are visually arresting and meticulously crafted, culminating in sequences that highlight the expansive extras and terrain of Mexico. Alfred Newman’s rousing orchestral score underscores the emotional highs and lows with its stirring melodies, making this film memorable for both its auditory and visual elements.

Ultimately, Captain from Castile thrives as a cinematic spectacle that may not completely overcome its ambitious narrative sprawl but remains engaging through its robust performances and rich historical tapestry.

Twilight Time’s Blu-ray release of "Captain from Castile" represents a commendable effort to restore this classic adventure film to its former grandeur. Directed by Henry King, the film, set in the early 16th century and starring Tyrone Power and Lee J. Cobb, embarks on a historical narrative that may stray from accuracy but captivates with its sweeping vistas and engaging performances. Though the historical details take a backseat, the allure of the era's grand production values is unmistakable, enhanced significantly by Fox's meticulous restoration despite the suboptimal source materials.

The transfer quality is notable, delivering a robust audio/visual experience that brings new life to sequences such as those set in Mesoamerican pyramids. The Blu-ray’s visual clarity and audio fidelity underscore the film's lush cinematography and rousing score. Special mention must be made of the supplementary content, particularly the well-produced audio commentary, which deepens the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film's context and production background. This release serves not only as a nostalgic journey for existing fans but also a discovery for new audiences.

By the time you have Tyrone Power and Lee J. Cobb skirmishing in a Mesoamerican pyramid, Captain from Castile has probably lost whatever tenuous tether it had to actual history to begin with, but it hardly matters. This is grand moviemaking that may not have much narrative focus but still offers stunning scenery, an interesting (if not exactly accurate) historical setting, and, of course, Tyrone Power. Fox has done what it can with less than optimal elements, and Captain from Castile comes recommended.