Key Largo Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of Key Largo showcases the excellence of Warner Archive Collection's restoration efforts, exemplified by its thoroughly meticulous frame-by-frame repair process. The 1080p, AVC-encoded image, mastered with an average bitrate of 32.92 Mbps, presents a nearly pristine rendition of Karl Freund's expressive black-and-white cinematography. While some stock hurricane footage remains of lesser quality due to inherent source limitations, the majority of the film benefits from beautifully balanced blacks, whites, and grays. The fine-grain master positive created from the original nitrate negative enables superb detail in both soundstage interiors and select outdoor scenes, rendered with excellent densities and contrast. Moreover, the film's grain pattern is preserved with precision, contributing to an authentic film-like feel.

This transfer excels in several critical aspects. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 rendering delivers superior clarity, contrast, and gray scale variance, enhancing the overall visuals without overshadowing the film's age. Grain is seamlessly integrated, presenting a nostalgic texture that never distracts. Black levels are rich and deep, whites are crisp, and background elements remain distinguishable throughout. Low-light scenes benefit from strong shadow delineation, minimizing crush and often resulting in striking silhouettes. Close-ups are particularly sharp, with remarkable detail allowing viewers to appreciate the intricate features of Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and Edward G. Robinson. Any digital enhancements that may have been applied are invisible, contributing to a clean and authentic viewing experience.

Fans of classic cinema and Bogart-Bacall admirers alike will find this Blu-ray release of Key Largo to be a compelling showcase of Warner Archive Collection's capabilities. This restoration not only preserves the film for future generations but also enhances its visual impact for modern audiences, making it a standout addition to any classic movie aficionado’s collection.

The audio presentation of "Key Largo" on Blu Ray is encoded in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono, with identical left and right channels. The restoration has successfully removed any clicks, pops, or other sonic intrusions, ensuring a pristine listening experience. The track's fidelity and dynamic range reach impressive levels considering the age of the source material. Dialogue is rendered exceptionally clear, and Max Steiner’s expressive score, featuring dramatic highs and lows, is expertly integrated into the mix, adding significant emotional impact to the film. Claire Trevor’s live performance of "Moanin' Low" stands out as a notable highlight, capturing raw emotion without any need for lip-synching enhancements.

The well-balanced mix efficiently handles a variety of sound effects, from the howling wind and driving rain of the hurricane scenes to subtle creaks and shattering glass. Each element is distinctly audible and contributes to the immersive atmosphere, without overshadowing the crisp dialogue. The track remains clear of any distortions or hisses, maintaining audio integrity even during the film's most dynamic sequences. While a multi-channel remix could potentially offer an intriguing enhancement, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track is remarkably robust and adeptly supports the film’s intense narrative and dramatic tension.

The extras for the "Key Largo" Blu Ray are disappointingly sparse, especially considering the film's notable legacy and dynamic cast. The sole supplemental feature is the original theatrical trailer, presented in HD and lasting approximately two minutes. This trailer highlights the film's remarkable cast and explosive narrative, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the movie's release era. Given Warner's prior bare-bones DVD releases in 2000 and 2006, this Blu Ray release continues the trend of minimal ancillary content.

Extras included in this disc:

Original Theatrical Trailer: A high-definition presentation that showcases the film’s notable cast and storyline.

"Key Largo," the final Bogart-Bacall collaboration, offers a standout performance from Edward G. Robinson as Johnny Rocco, a menacing gangster who dominates the screen. John Huston's direction is impeccable, crafting a thriller that marries intense character study with moral and political undercurrents. Unlike typical noir or gangster flicks, the movie delves into the complexities of human nature. Bogart's portrayal of Frank McCloud—a war-weary, introspective hero—is subtle but impactful, keeping viewers questioning his motivations until the climactic end.

Set against the backdrop of a hurricane-ravaged Florida Keys, the film immerses viewers in a pressure-cooker atmosphere. The tension is elevated by Huston and co-writer Richard Brooks's decision to modernize Maxwell Anderson's original play, adding layers of social commentary. Lauren Bacall shines as Nora Temple, offering quiet resilience opposite Robinson's brash malevolence and Claire Trevor's Oscar-winning turn as the tragic Gaye Dawn.

Despite its stage origins, "Key Largo" succeeds in creating a cinematic experience that's both intellectually stimulating and emotionally gripping, establishing it as a cerebral entry in the gangster-film pantheon.

Review of Key Largo on Blu-ray

"Key Largo," the final screen pairing of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, distinguishes itself as a serious and literate piece in their collection of collaborations. John Huston's adept adaptation of Maxwell Anderson's play delivers a gripping narrative set in a seaside hotel during a hurricane, presenting a tense standoff between a brash gangster, Johnny Rocco, and a group of hostages. While Bacall’s role as Nora remains more subdued compared to her other famed roles, the chemistry between Bacall and Bogart occasionally pierces through, suggesting a deeper connection amidst the peril.

The supporting cast, including Edward G. Robinson, Lionel Barrymore, and Claire Trevor, enriches the film with vibrant performances that juxtapose with the more restrained portrayals of Bogart and Bacall. The interplay among the ensemble remains captivating, making "Key Largo" a compelling watch despite its occasionally talky nature. Warner Archive’s Blu-ray release excels with superior video and audio transfers, compensating for the lack of supplementary materials.

In summary, "Key Largo" stands as a timeless example of classic Hollywood gangland cinema. John Huston’s confident direction paired with top-tier performances culminates in a thrilling narrative. Although Bacall’s role is more limited here than in other Bogart-Bacall films, the film maintains its charm and excitement. Highly recommended.

Although Key Largo is a Bogart and Bacall movie, Bacall's role doesn't allow her the range of To Have and Have Not, The Big Sleep or even Dark Passage. Neither a femme fatale nor a love interest, Bacall's Nora is mostly a dutiful daughter-in-law and a potential victim. Only in a few fleeting moments do we catch a glimpse of the married stars' famous chemistry. It’s just enough to create a hint of something good for the future, if the pair can survive the twin threats of nature and Johnny Rocco. Highly recommended.