Only Angels Have Wings Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original 1.37:1 theatrical aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Howard Hawks' "Only Angels Have Wings" has received a stellar 1080p transfer on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion. Leveraging a 4K resolution scan from the original 35mm camera negative, this digital transfer was meticulously restored by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, with further enhancements by the Criterion Collection. The superb clarity resulting from this painstaking process is evident, showcasing nuanced blacks essential to Hawks' stylistic vision, while preserving fine film grain that adds a rich, authentic texture. Large debris and age-related imperfections have been carefully excised, ensuring that the film's visual integrity remains intact.

Image stability is excellent, with no perceptible jitter or edge flicker during transitions. The grayscale is particularly noteworthy, delivering deep blacks and pure whites with consistent contrast for an immersive viewing experience. Superior contrast, gray scale variance, and shadow delineation not only preserve but enhance the film's original visual style. Fine details are immaculately preserved in close-ups, highlighting Cary Grant's dashing appearance and Rita Hayworth's striking allure without any undue sharpening or digital enhancements. Overall, fans of classic cinema will be thrilled with this flawless restoration, which breathes new life into Hawks' revered film.

The audio presentation of "Only Angels Have Wings" on Blu-ray features the English LPCM 1.0 track, remastered at 24-bit from the original 35 mm soundtrack negative. This monaural track, operating at 1.1 Mbps, delivers a clean and precise auditory experience without any age-related artifacts like hiss, pops, or crackles. Notably, the remastering efforts render the dynamic intensity quite remarkable, enabling depth and clarity in sequences involving airplane flights and bustling cantina scenes. This track ensures no balance issues, with dialogue remaining stable, clean, and exceptionally easy to follow.

One of the standout aspects of this audio mix is its impressive handling of both atmospheric sounds and dialogue. Despite the absence of a dedicated music score, various elements such as the hum of airplane engines and the occasional raucousness of a cantina are reproduced with high fidelity and precision. Tense moments benefit from pin-drop silence without errant surface noise interrupting the experience. The PCM 1.0 sound mix showcases a wide dynamic range that effectively keeps distortion at bay, making the rapid-fire dialogue—a hallmark of Howard Hawks films—sharply comprehensible. This well-curated audio track immerses viewers into the film's exotic settings and thrilling action sequences, maintaining a high engagement level throughout.

The Blu-ray extras for "Only Angels Have Wings" offer a rich examination of the film through various insightful features. Primarily, the disc includes archival and contemporary interviews that delve into director Howard Hawks' unique creative process, highlighting his experiences in aviation and his collaboration with notable actors. Film critics and historians provide detailed analyses on the film's technical elements, its thematic depth, and Hawks' filmography. A notable inclusion is the Lux Radio Theatre adaptation, lending a nostalgic audio rendition featuring the original cast. Each featurette is meticulously crafted, making it indispensable for cinephiles and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for "Only Angels Have Wings."
• Lux Radio Theatre: Archival radio adaptation featuring the original cast.
• Hawks and Bogdanovich: Audio conversation between Howard Hawks and Peter Bogdanovich.
• David Thomson on Only Angels Have Wings: Interview with film critic David Thomson.
• Howard Hawks and His Aviation Movies: Featurette discussing Hawks’ passion for aviation.
• Leaflet: An essay by Michael Sragow on Howard Hawks’ directorial genius.

Howard Hawks’ Only Angels Have Wings (1939), a notable entry from the golden year of Hollywood, is deftly captured on Blu-ray by Criterion. Set against the exotic backdrop of Barranca, Peru, the film centers on the perilous life of mail pilots managed by the stalwart Geoff Carter (Cary Grant). Bonnie Lee (Jean Arthur), a showgirl who wanders into this rugged world, brings complications, including rekindled feelings between her and Carter. The arrival of disreputable pilot Bat MacPherson (Richard Barthelmess), alongside his estranged wife Judy (Rita Hayworth), adds further tension among the veteran crew, notably Kid Dabb (Thomas Mitchell).

The film excels in blending action and emotion, with Hawks' signature touch providing a vivid portrayal of camaraderie and courage amidst hazardous aviation feats. The authenticity of the aerial sequences is striking, showcasing exceptional cinematography by Joseph Walker and special effects that merited Oscar nominations. The absence of a traditional music score enhances the naturalistic feel, relying on ambient sounds, which firmly grounds the viewer in the immediacy of each flight.

Performance-wise, Grant’s portrayal balances charm with a hardened edge, embodying the burdened yet resolute leader. Arthur complements him as both an independent spirit and a romantic interest, while Hayworth makes a memorable impact in her early role. Mitchell’s affable yet poignant performance stands out, adding depth to the ensemble. Hawks' personal connection to aviation imbues the narrative with authentic insight, making Only Angels Have Wings not just an exhilarating drama but also a heartfelt tribute to the daring aviators of yesteryear.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Only Angels Have Wings" utilizes a 4K restoration initially introduced by the TCM Vault Collection, delivering what is arguably the definitive presentation of this classic film. The restoration is nothing short of magnificent, ensuring the visual fidelity and detail meet the highest standards. The video and audio transfers are top-notch, complemented by a selection of both new and archival supplemental features. These features delve deeply into Howard Hawks' life and legacy, making this release as informative as it is entertaining.

The film itself, though sometimes overshadowed by other 1939 classics, remains an essential piece of cinema. Director Howard Hawks crafts an exciting and emotionally resonant aviation drama filled with thrilling aerial sequences, lively atmosphere, camaraderie, and romance. The performances from the first-rate ensemble cast, including Cary Grant, add depth and charm, encapsulating the style and entertainment value of good old-fashioned cinema. Criterion's treatment of the film with careful restoration and absorbing supplements solidifies its place in any serious collection of Hawk's work or 1930s cinema.

In conclusion, Criterion's new release of "Only Angels Have Wings" is an exemplary Blu-ray that not only preserves but enhances Howard Hawks' visionary work. The high-definition presentation combined with valuable context provided through supplemental features ensures it will remain a definitive version. Highly recommended for all classic film enthusiasts and collectors.