Ladies They Talk About Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Ladies They Talk About" is a testament to exceptional restoration work. Utilizing a new HD master from a 4K scan of the original nitrate camera negative, the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer reveals an image of remarkable clarity and stunning contrast. From establishing shots to soft close-ups, the restoration maintains the film's original texture, preserving silvery grain while providing a thoroughly clean and virtually dirt-free visual experience. The meticulous manual cleanup by Warner Archive ensures that the film, despite the few minutes of footage sourced from secondary elements, sparkles with as much detail as possible for a nearly 90-year-old film.

The film's visual fidelity is apparent in the crispness and precision of minor details, such as newspaper print and background props, which remain easily readable and lifelike. Deep blacks, bright whites, and excellent shadow delineation contribute to an impressive grayscale that captures the film's atmosphere. Black levels are robust with excellent shadow detail, although some whites slightly exceed normal brightness, possibly due to original exposure issues. Despite minor soft spots in occasional process shots, the overall fine detail and textural integrity are top-tier, making this Blu-ray release a standout example of quality home video presentation for historical films.

The vividness of individual elements, such as reflections in windshields and textures in costumes, exemplifies the quality of this restoration. Closeups sharply highlight facial features, further contributing to the film's immersive experience. The absence of visual impurities like nicks or scratches accentuates the pristine condition of the print. This Blu-ray stands as a superb rendering of an early 1930s classic, setting a high bar for catalog releases in home video markets.

The Warner Archives' DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track for "Ladies They Talk About" delivers a commendable audio presentation, particularly when one considers the film’s age and its original one-channel source material. The dialogue is clear and well-positioned, offering a pleasing balance with background effects, which are kept within reasonable volume levels. Although some minor hiss and crackle are intermittently present, they don’t overshadow the overall clean and crisp experience. The soundtrack by the uncredited Cliff Hess, despite sounding thin during louder sequences, fits suitably within the historical context of the film.

The sonic delivery shines through in specific scenes, bringing vitality to the film's action sequences. Elements such as gunshots and physical altercations are effectively depicted with a palpable crispness. The audio track successfully conveys the spatial dimensions of cavernous interiors, enhancing the atmospheric authenticity. Additionally, subtle audio touches like the persistent hum of industrial equipment add depth to the soundscape, making everyday prison life more engaging. While you may notice some faint surface noise typical for films of this era, it remains non-intrusive.

Included English (SDH) subtitles provide further accessibility without synchronization issues, ensuring viewers can fully appreciate the brisk exchanges and nuanced dialogue. This meticulous audio treatment, especially given the primitive recording techniques from when the film was made, delivers an unexpectedly vibrant and enjoyable auditory experience.

The Blu-ray of "Ladies They Talk About" offers a modest selection of engaging extras that enhance the overall experience with a charming glimpse into the era of its initial release. Among the included features is the vibrant Merrie Melodies short, I Like Mountain Music, directed by Rudolf Ising. This 1933 animated short showcases magazine characters brought to life in a delightful escapade, presented in beautifully restored black-and-white high-definition. It highlights cultural caricatures, making it an entertaining historical snapshot. Additionally, the Original Theatrical Trailer provides a nostalgic promotional piece of the main feature. Though not restored to modern standards, it remains in satisfactory condition, offering a captivating if slightly exaggerated preview of the film. These extras collectively serve as a valuable addition to understanding the cultural context and entertainment style of the time.

Extras included in this disc:

• I Like Mountain Music: A 1933 black-and-white animated Merrie Melodies short.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Promotional preview of the film.

"Ladies They Talk About," directed by Howard Bretherton and William Keighley, is a brisk yet spirited pre-Code prison melodrama. Starring Barbara Stanwyck as Nan Taylor, the sassy bank heist decoy, the film draws inspiration from realities tied to its playwright Dorothy Mackaye's own past. With Eastwood charm, Stanwyck fuels the narrative with fiery exchanges and a depth that elevates every scene she graces, crafting a layered character that surpasses expectations for early 1930s films. Evangelist David Slade, portrayed by Preston Foster, adds a complex layer of moral quandaries, although lacking the chemistry with Stanwyck that is critical for the film's climactic crescendo.

While the film's plot contains lapses in pacing and adopts a choppy timeline, its energetic 69 minutes are filled with snappy dialogue and high-paced sequences. Its narrative, punctuated by occasional convolutions including misperceptions and escape schemes, leans on its capacity to hold attention via sharp characterization rather than plausible plotting. The supporting cast—featuring Lillian Roth’s charming portrayal of Linda—consistently match Stanwyck's vigor with engaging performances, although Roth’s promising career was tragically truncated.

Warner Archive’s Blu-ray release of this film boasts a fine 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer alongside DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono sound, providing an authentic viewing experience without distractions. Technically adept and restored to highlight the film’s pre-Code audacity, this package enriches its value with a period-appropriate Merrie Melodies short. Though "Ladies They Talk About" may not rank among Stanwyck’s finest works, it remains a compelling study of its time, offering viewers an exemplar of social commentary through cinematic entertainment. This release serves as an enduring recognition of Stanwyck's prowess and the vibrant energy characteristic of Warner Bros productions of its era.

"Ladies They Talk About," directed by Howard Bretherton and William Keighley, exemplifies pre-Code cinema with its engaging narrative and standout performance by Barbara Stanwyck. While the film faces minor pacing challenges and an unexpected ending, it remains an evocative representation of 1930s Hollywood before the Hays Code era constrained its creative liberties. The film, featuring a compelling story set in a women's prison, showcases Stanwyck as a formidable gangster moll, providing a layered character study within the confines of its brisk runtime.

The Blu-ray release from Warner Archive elevates this cinematic gem with a meticulous restoration from a 4K scan of the original nitrate camera negative, delivering exceptional visual clarity and pristine lossless audio. This technical prowess not only preserves the film's historical authenticity but also enhances its modern accessibility. Accompanied by choice extras from previous DVD releases, this edition offers viewers an immersive and comprehensive experience, making it a valuable addition for collectors and classic film enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, "Ladies They Talk About" is a captivating slice of early Hollywood cinema delightfully restored for modern audiences. With Warner Archive's commitment to quality, this Blu-ray edition serves as both a nostalgic trip to cinema’s past and a tribute to Barbara Stanwyck's indelible screen presence. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to explore or relive the spirited essence of pre-Code filmmaking.