The Thin Man Goes Home Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Thin Man Goes Home" is a testament to Warner Archive's exemplary restoration work, preserving the film's cinematic allure while enhancing its visual quality. The transfer, derived from a new high-def master via a 4K scan of the best available preservation elements, ensures a faithful and vivid portrayal of Karl Freund's cinematography. Utilizing a high bit-rate and dual-layered disc encoding, the transfer excels in maintaining the original filmic texture, evident through the natural grain structure that imbues the image with a captivating film-like character.

The restoration delivers excellent clarity and contrast across its 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer, set within the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, and faithfully reproduces deep blacks and varied grayscale, ensuring striking visual depth and detail. The picturesque small-town settings, along with intricately lit interiors and shadow-rich nocturnal scenes, are rendered with vibrancy and detail. Noteworthy elements include consistently sharp imagery, well-resolved costume textures, and robust shadow delineation, fully avoiding crush, banding, or posterization.

Warner Archive’s meticulous cleanup eradicates any traces of age-related imperfections such as dirt or scratches, ensuring an unmarred viewing experience. Even in instances where minor fluctuations in source quality occur, they are brief and do little to detract from the overall presentation. Overall, this restoration not only revitalizes this 78-year-old classic but also exceeds past video transfers in quality, making it a top-tier effort that will undoubtedly satisfy both aficionados of the series and new viewers alike.

The audio presentation of "The Thin Man Goes Home" on Blu-Ray delivers a satisfying experience through its DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix. The dialogue, as a central component, is executed clearly and professionally, providing ease in comprehension throughout the film. Composer David Snell's background score is subtly integrated, offering an atmospheric accompaniment to the narrative without overshadowing the spoken word.

Despite the film’s single-channel origins, the audio mix capably balances all elements, maintaining an excellent overall fidelity. While some reviewers noted minor hissing due to the age and nature of the source material, this is expected and does not detract from the auditory experience. The sound effects punctuate scenes effectively, with moments like screams and the discharge of a revolver adding dynamic accents to the generally calm suburban setting.

Technical execution ensures that Snell’s score and sound effects are delivered across a wide dynamic range without distortion. The audio track's unobtrusive quality may seem understated but functionally supports the film’s period charm, eschewing any modern sensory overload for a more traditional cinematic soundscape. English (SDH) subtitles are available for the main feature but are notably absent from any additional content, ensuring accessibility where it matters most. Overall, this Blu-Ray audio aligns with series expectations, skillfully converting historical mono sound into a rich home viewing experience.

The Blu Ray extras of "The Thin Man Goes Home" provide a nostalgic dive into mid-20th century entertainment, seamlessly merging comedy, animation, and promotional art. The inclusion of Robert Benchley's “Why Daddy?” is a standout, offering a humorous portrayal of quiz show dynamics from an archive collection, appealing largely to fans of vintage comedy. Tex Avery’s “Screwball Squirrel” brings a spirited animated piece that showcases 1940s animation's energetic style. Lastly, the original theatrical trailer captures the period's promotional flair, adding historical value for those interested in cinematic history. Each extra, originally part of past DVD editions, is presented, maintaining their original quality and strengthening the Blu Ray package’s appeal.

Extras included in this disc:

• Robert Benchley Short: Why Daddy: A comedy short featuring Benchley on a kid-vs-adult quiz show.
• Classic Cartoon: Screwball Squirrel: A Tex Avery-directed animated short involving a mischievous squirrel.
• Theatrical Trailer: A vintage 1944 promotional piece for the film.

The Blu-ray release of "The Thin Man Goes Home" captures the penultimate chapter of the iconic detective series with a nuanced presentation. Directed by Richard Thorpe, this installment marks a departure from the usual directorial helm of W.S. Van Dyke. The absence of Van Dyke’s direction and the reduced presence of typically recurring elements like Nick's alcohol consumption and Nicky Jr. illustrate a notable shift. Set against the backdrop of small-town Sycamore Springs, the film explores familiar themes of whimsy and intrigue, further accentuated by its wartime context which subtly influences aspects like liquor rationing and train travel.

The plot follows Nick and Nora Charles, brought to life once again by the impeccable tandem of William Powell and Myrna Loy, as they visit Nick's parents. The murder of local artist Peter Berton interrupts their visit, setting off a cascade of comedic and suspenseful moments as Nick unravels the mystery. While some reviewers find the story's pacing sluggish compared to earlier films, the vibrant supporting cast—including Anne Revere, Lucile Watson, and Donald Meek—provides engaging performances that compensate for some narrative predictability.

"The Thin Man Goes Home" strays slightly from the franchise's traditional elements, introducing more comedy into the formula while retaining its charm through witty dialogue and character dynamics. The ensemble cast, featuring talents like Harry Davenport and Gloria DeHaven, enriches the film’s texture, despite some critics citing a lack of freshness. Technically, Warner Archive’s restoration impressively offers a sharp 1080p transfer and clear DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono sound. This installment may not reach the highs of its predecessors but remains a worthwhile experience for fans who appreciate its unique mix of humor and detective storytelling.

Warner Archive's Blu-ray presentation of "The Thin Man Goes Home" masterfully showcases this fifth entry in the beloved series. Directed by Richard Thorpe, who capably succeeds W. S. Van Dyke, the film continues to engage with its characteristic clever detective work and charming dialogue, albeit with a noticeable absence of the usual alcohol-fueled antics of Nick and Nora Charles. Set in a seemingly placid small-town New England, the plot delivers a refreshing wartime intrigue laced with subtle satire, ensuring that the dynamic duo's exploits remain as captivating as ever.

The Blu-ray release benefits significantly from an exceptional restoration. A marvelous 4K scan has been utilized, ensuring that the best preservation elements translate into an outstanding visual spectacle. The solid audio complements the visual experience, maintaining clear dialogues and enhancing the overall enjoyment of this mystery-comedy. Furthermore, the inclusion of era-specific bonuses adds significant value for collectors and enthusiasts alike, providing an immersive experience into the historical context of the movie.

In conclusion, while "The Thin Man Goes Home" may not consistently rank in the upper echelons of the series, it remains a delightful viewing experience and an essential pick for collection completers and series aficionados. Warner Archive once again delivers a commendable package that highlights the timeless allure of this modest yet joyful detour in the illustrious Thin Man saga. Recommended for seasoned fans, while newcomers might prefer starting from the beginning to appreciate the full evolution of these iconic characters and their riveting escapades.