The Story of Temple Drake Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of "The Story of Temple Drake" showcases the film with a 1080p transfer, presented in an aspect ratio of 1.34:1 (or 1.33:1). The high-definition digital transfer was meticulously created from a 35mm internegative, with the restoration completed at FotoKem in Burbank, under Twentieth Century Fox's supervision. The outcome is a remarkably vibrant and healthy presentation that maintains the integrity of the original film while enhancing its visual depth and nuances.

The AVC-encoded Blu-ray sustains a rich grain structure, ensuring a film-like quality that underscores the era of its creation. Grayscale is notably robust, even if not achieving the deepest blacks consistently, offering excellent delineation and density levels. Minor blemishes are present but have been toned down to preserve the film’s organic look without any problematic digital alterations. Sharpness throughout is commendable, contributing to the consistent depth and stability of the visuals.

In summary, Criterion’s transfer provides a nuanced and vibrant viewing experience, enabling audiences to fully appreciate the visual storytelling of "The Story of Temple Drake." The attention to detail in the restoration process results in an engaging and faithful representation of this classic film on Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Story of Temple Drake" offers an English LPCM 1.0 track, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. This audio track stands out for its clarity and stability. The sound is clean and surprisingly well-preserved, with no noticeable audio dropouts or distortions, even when the volume is turned up significantly. This ensures that viewers can comfortably hear the healthy upper register throughout the film.

While the PCM 1.0 sound mix may not match the fidelity of modern soundtracks, it performs admirably within its constraints. The dialogue, music, and sound effects are blended expertly, providing a cohesive audio experience. There is a slight presence of light hiss later in the movie, but other common issues such as crackling and fluttering are notably absent. Overall, this Blu-ray audio presentation manages to deliver a robust and clear listening experience, maintaining the integrity of the original film's audio.

The special features of the Blu Ray release of "The Story of Temple Drake" offer a comprehensive and educational look into the film’s historical, visual, and thematic significance. Critic and author Mick LaSalle explores the controversial themes in "Honest Expression," while critic Sara Imogen Smith delves into the visual style and Miriam Hopkins' performance in "Pre-Code Powerhouse." Notably, cinematographer John Bailey and Matt Severson discuss the film's once-deemed 'unfilmable' status and its cinematography in "Casting A Shadow." The production value is high, reflecting Criterion’s dedication to quality supplemental content. Additionally, the included illustrated leaflet by critic Geoffrey O'Brien provides further insight into the film’s notoriety and technical credits.

Extras included in this disc:

• Honest Expression: Critic Mick LaSalle discusses the film's censorship challenges and key themes.
• Pre-Code Powerhouse: Critic Sara Imogen Smith analyzes the visual style and Miriam Hopkins' performance.
• Casting A Shadow: John Bailey and Matt Severson examine the film's cinematography and archival materials.
• Leaflet: Featuring an essay by Geoffrey O'Brien, technical credits, and era publicity posters.

Stephen Roberts’ The Story of Temple Drake (1933) emerges on Blu-ray via Criterion, offering a captivating cinematic experience that plunges into the raw and ambiguous nature of its era. Adapted from William Faulkner’s controversial novel Sanctuary, the film’s narrative portrays Miriam Hopkins as Temple Drake, a frivolous Southern girl thrust into a world of disrepute and brutality after a series of calamitous events. The plot intricately illustrates Temple’s transformation within a brutal, male-dominated society, making her character’s journey both unsettling and profoundly engaging. The screenplay by Oliver H.P. Garrett retains much of the novel’s provocative essence, while Roberts’ direction effectively uses sound and clever cinematography to suggest the violence and degradation without overt visual explicitness.

The film thrives on a complex portrayal of characters, especially Temple, whose multifaceted personality elicits both empathy and discomfort. Her dubious decision to stay with the gang leader Trigger, played brilliantly by Jack La Rue, raises questions about fear, guilt, and rebellion against her privileged background. At the core is Hopkins' nuanced performance that transitions seamlessly from playful to trauma-stricken, underscored by Karl Struss’s Oscar-winning cinematography that employs stark lighting to reflect her psychological turmoil. The standout scene involving Trigger’s ominous presence symbolized by the cigarette glow exemplifies the film’s adept use of visual restraint to heighten suspense.

Supporting performances further enrich the film’s gritty authenticity. Florence Eldridge as Ruby Lemarr provides a counterbalance to Temple’s vulnerability, embodying strength amid male dominance. William Gargan’s portrayal of lawyer Stephen Benbow, although occasionally melodramatic, aligns well within the narrative’s tension between morality and survival. The ensemble cast, including Irving Pichel and James Eagles, adds layers of tragedy and realism to the harrowing storyline. The Story of Temple Drake, in all its roughness and ambiguity, stands as a provocative testament to pre-Code Hollywood’s braver thematic explorations and remains an essential watch for enthusiasts of classic cinema.

Criterion's release of "The Story of Temple Drake" breathes new life into Stephen Roberts' long-overlooked classic with a meticulously restored master that showcases the film's haunting visual and thematic elements. Miriam Hopkins delivers an extraordinary performance, exuding a complexity that resonates deeply across generations. Her portrayal is bold and nuanced, pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable during the film's initial release period. The restoration boasts impeccable detailing and true-to-original textures, highlighting the film’s unique cinematography and storytelling approach.

The Blu-ray edition is complemented by a compelling array of bonus material that delves into the filmmaking context of the era. An engaging program with cinematographer John Bailey offers unique insights, adding significant value to the viewing experience. This release is a treasure trove for cinephiles and film historians alike, offering an enriching exploration of pre-Code Hollywood’s daring narratives. Criterion has ensured that this release not only pays homage to the film’s legacy but also educates its audience on its cultural and historical import.

In conclusion, "The Story of Temple Drake" is a film that deservedly benefits from Criterion's expert touch. The successful restoration and thoughtfully curated extras make this Blu-ray a must-have. The nuances captured in Hopkins' performance and the film’s pioneering spirit are preserved beautifully, inviting both appreciation and critical analysis. This release comes VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for admirers of classic cinema and those interested in the evolution of film art.