Alaska Seas Blu-ray Review
Score: 76
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Kino Lorber's Blu-Ray release of the classic Alaska Seas, with its solid albeit slightly rough master, is an unmissable treat, especially for fans of Ryan and Keith.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 80
Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of 'Alaska Seas' presents a 1080p transfer in a 1.67:1 aspect ratio, with a nicely organic appearance despite minor surface imperfections. The film displays convincing grayscale with stable density levels, making it visually strong in high-definition.
Audio: 85
Alaska Seas' Blu-ray delivers a solid audio experience with an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, noted for its remarkable clarity and stability, without any noticeable hiss or pops, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles.
Extra: 54
The Blu Ray of 'Alaska Seas' offers engaging extras including an insightful new audio commentary by critic David Del Valle and film archivist Stan Shaffer, complemented by a reversible cover featuring vintage poster art, enhancing both the auditory and visual experience for film enthusiasts.
Movie: 79
Jerry Hopper's Alaska Seas (1954) emerges as a compelling remake, enriching the original story with nuanced characters and authentic drama, masterfully conveyed by Robert Ryan and Brian Keith's performances despite a modest budget and heavy use of stock footage. Though shot in black-and-white amid the rise of Technicolor, its machismo-filled narrative captivates, offering a gritty contrast to A-movie contemporaries.
Video: 80
The Blu-ray release of "Alaska Seas" by Kino Lorber presents the film in an aspect ratio of 1.67:1, utilizing MPEG-4 AVC encoding with a 1080p transfer. The video presentation showcases a genuine and organic appearance, despite minor surface imperfections such as blemishes, scratches, and nicks. These minor flaws are minimal and do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. The delineation and clarity of the film range from good to very good, and depth perception is consistent, contributing to a strong visual presence.
Notably, the grayscale performance is convincing, with density levels remaining stable throughout most of the film, though stock footage introduces some expected fluctuations. Impressively, there are no observable traces of problematic digital work, ensuring a smooth and faithful representation. Image stability is commendably maintained across the board. Despite room for cosmetic improvements, the high-definition rendering is satisfactory and enhances the overall viewing experience.
It is important to note that this Blu-ray release is Region-A locked, which necessitates the use of a native Region-A or Region-Free player to access the content. Overall, "Alaska Seas" on Blu-ray delivers a visually impressive experience, underpinned by thoughtful technical execution that respects the original film's aesthetic while showcasing remarkable stability and clarity in its high-definition format.
Audio: 85
The audio presentation of the "Alaska Seas" Blu-ray features a single English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, which delivers an unexpectedly robust and engaging listening experience. Despite initial expectations of detecting mild hisses or pops, the audio emerged with remarkable clarity, sharpness, and stability, providing an impressive sonic backdrop to the film’s visuals. The track adeptly captures the dynamic range necessary to convey scenes with crashing ice and other environmental sounds with precision, maintaining an impactful auditory atmosphere.
Optional English SDH subtitles accompany the main feature, enhancing accessibility without detracting from the audio fidelity. The balance and detail of the 2.0 mono track effectively immerse the viewer into the film’s narrative without noticeable distortion or flaws—an indicator of careful mastering and high-quality sound reproduction.
In summary, Kino’s Blu-ray release of "Alaska Seas," encoded for Region “A,” showcases not only a visually crisp transfer but also an audio experience that surpasses expectations for a film of its vintage. The attention to maintaining audio integrity ensures that audiences are treated to a soundtrack that is both faithful to the original presentation and elevated through modern technological refinement.
Extras: 54
The Blu-ray extras for "Alaska Seas" exhibit a commendable blend of historical enrichment and collector-focused features, appealing to both film enthusiasts and aficionados of classic Hollywood films. The new audio commentary by critic David Del Valle and film archivist Stan Shaffer provides an informative layer, delving into the film's context and production nuances, making it an essential addition for viewers seeking deeper insight. Also, the reversible cover with vintage poster art stands out as both a nostalgic nod and a unique collectable, enhancing the physical presentation of the disc. These elements demonstrate a thoughtful curation aimed at enhancing the viewer's experience and appreciation of this cinematic piece.
Extras included in this disc:
- Commentary: An exclusive new audio commentary by critic David Del Valle and film archivist Stan Shaffer.
- Cover: Reversible cover with vintage poster art for "Alaska Seas."
Movie: 79
Jerry Hopper's "Alaska Seas" (1954), now restored on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, presents a compelling narrative elevated by robust performances, despite its modest production scale. This early remake of Henry Hathaway's "Spawn of the North," resonates with emotional authenticity thanks to the expert portrayals by Robert Ryan and Brian Keith. Their ability to inject genuine drama transforms this medium into an engrossing film, much like an authentic film noir. The film deftly captures the tension among Alaskan fishermen as they are divided by the government's imposition of salmon fishing quotas, resulting in a gripping story of loyalty, rebellion, and survival.
The film's technical aspects reveal its era's cinematic constraints, featuring black-and-white visuals at a time when Paramount was pioneering Technicolor and VistaVision. It was originally showcased in a 1.66:1 widescreen format and maintained a modest budget of around $700,000, marking it as small-scale by mid-1950s standards. The use of stock footage and process shots, such as rear-projection and studio-tank sequences, demonstrates a creative approach to circumvent budgetary limitations. Despite these, William C. Mellor's cinematography adds depth, aligning well with his distinguished work on films like "Bad Day at Black Rock."
Despite these technical constraints, "Alaska Seas" stands out due to its raw machismo and nuanced character interactions. Ryan and Keith's performances channel this with compelling conviction, overshadowing any limitations presented by the film’s budget or script. While Gene Barry provides a solid portrayal of the poacher leader, his role doesn't allow him to shine as Ryan and Keith do. This film is an emblematic piece from early Hollywood, showcasing the classic themes of conflict and camaraderie in a rugged setting, augmented by intense acting talent and masterful yet restrained direction.
Total: 76
Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Alaska Seas" effectively delivers an engaging experience for fans of classic cinema. Sourced from a slightly worn yet adequately restored master provided by Paramount Pictures, this version ensures that the viewer is transported to the rugged Alaskan coastlines of its narrative, with the stellar performances of Robert Ryan and Brian Keith enhancing its appeal. The film is a commendable remake of "Spawn of the North," imbuing film noir qualities that captivate audiences, reminiscent of the acclaimed TV series "Deadliest Catch," albeit with a more cinematic and vintage flair.
The technical quality of the Blu-ray offers a relatively stable visual and audio presentation, though some minor imperfections remain in the transfer. Despite these constraints, the immersive aura of the storyline is retained, allowing the leads' chemistry and the dramatic, tension-laden atmosphere to shine through. It provides a rewarding viewing journey for aficionados of the era and genre, who are likely to appreciate both its nostalgic value and its cinematic accomplishments.
In conclusion, Kino Lorber's release of "Alaska Seas" is an unmissable offering for those interested in classic film remakes. It combines atmospheric storytelling with robust performances, ensuring an enjoyable experience that is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Although the initial distribution encountered a unique defect, Kino displayed commendable customer service by promptly rectifying this issue. This release confidently encapsulates the allure of its original narrative and characters, making it an essential addition to any classic film collection.
Blu-ray.com review by Dr. Svet AtanasovRead review here
Video: 80
All in all, while there is some rook for minor cosmetic improvements, the film looks very nice in high-definition....
Audio: 90
Because of the few nicks and blemishes that pop up here and there, I would not have been surprised if the audio had a few spots with mild hiss and/or pops....
Extras: 40
Commentary - this exclusive new audio commentary was recorded by critic David Del Valle and film archivist Stan Shaffer....
Movie: 80
Unaware of recent developments, Kelley reunites with his best friend, Jim Kimmerly (Brian Keith), also a veteran fisherman with a record who has gone straight to survive, and learns from him that the only...
Total: 80
The popular TV show Deadliest Catch works with a lot of the same material and channels the same machismo that you will discover in Alaska Seas....
The Digital Bits review by Stuart Galbraith IVRead review here
Video: 90
Audio: 90
Extras: 75
Movie: 85
It probably cost around $700,000 to make, a modest budget for the time; it’s rife with stock footage of salmon fisherman in (presumably) Alaska, with the bulk of the film shot with a heavy reliance on...
Total: 85
The disc had a dent in it, as if someone fired a BB gun at it, or maybe an Andromeda Strain-like mini-meteorite hit it....
Director: Jerry Hopper
Actors: Robert Ryan, Jan Sterling, Brian Keith
PlotIn a rugged Alaskan fishing town, longtime friends and partners Jim Kimmerly and Matt Kelly find their camaraderie tested by conflicting ambitions and emerging threats. Jim, an honest and hardworking fisherman, owns a thriving fish cannery and is committed to the prosperity of his community. Matt, in contrast, harbors ambitions of financial success at any cost. As Matt becomes entangled with criminal activities, he faces pressure from King, a local smuggler who tempts him with promises of wealth in exchange for cooperation in a dangerous scheme. The plot thickens as jealousy stirs between the friends, particularly over the affections of Nicky Jackson, an attractive and independent woman who has sparked emotions in both.
The tranquil equilibrium of the town is upset as Jim struggles to save both his business and the morals of his friend from the spiral of greed and corruption. With tensions escalating and personal loyalties strained, Jim must navigate treacherous waters—figuratively and literally—to protect his community from unscrupulous smuggling operations threatening their livelihood. Meanwhile, Matt faces difficult choices between loyalty to his friend and his own misguided desire for prosperity. As the narrative advances, the brewing conflict forces each of them to confront their true motivations and the consequences of their actions, putting at stake not only their friendship but also the very future of the town itself.
Writers: Barrett Willoughby, Walter Doniger, Daniel Mainwaring
Release Date: 27 Jan 1954
Runtime: 78 min
Rating: Approved
Country: United States
Language: English