The Thin Man Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive Collection's release of "The Thin Man" on Blu Ray boasts an impressive 1080p transfer, a commendable feat achieved through a meticulous remastering process. This high-definition update was derived from the finest available sources, including a fine-grain master positive and a dupe negative for certain shots, originally captured on a now-lost nitrate negative. The restoration involved a precise 4K scan coupled with an exhaustive digital clean-up effort, aimed at eradicating years of accumulated damage such as dirt, debris, and scratches. This dedicated approach has significantly elevated the image quality beyond previous DVD editions by Warner Bros, delivering clarity and detail that accentuates textures and interior scenes with remarkable fidelity.

The visual presentation of the film is further enhanced by the careful attention to detail, showcasing fabric textures, background wallpapers, and nuanced shadow details with unparalleled clarity. Nighttime scenes and dimly lit interiors benefit from improved shadow delineation and contrast, maintaining depth without succumbing to blooming or crush artifacts. Nevertheless, the darkest sequences unveil some noise and graininess, an expected consequence of the source material's age and condition. Despite this minor quibble, black levels are consistently deep throughout, contributing to an overall image that is as close to the director's original vision as currently possible.

In sum, "The Thin Man" on Blu Ray represents a significant upgrade from past releases, mirroring Warner Archive Collection's commitment to preserving cinematic history. The end result is an exceptional viewing experience that likely represents the pinnacle of home video quality for this classic film. The transfer not only succeeds in breathing new life into the charming details and atmospheric elements but also sets a high benchmark for future restorations.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track on the Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Thin Man" is noted for its commendable fidelity to the film's original mono audio. This track excels in delivering clean and distinct dialogue, maintaining an appropriate balance with the background sounds. The technical quality is impressive, considering the age of the film, with minimal hiss, pops, or auditory signs of deterioration. This polished audio transfer ensures that the iconic dialogue and intricate sound cues of the era are presented with clarity, without any notable synchronization problems. The meticulous preservation of audio quality achieves a remarkable standard for films released in the mid-1930s, a time when the industry was transitioning away from silent movies.

However, while the audio track itself has received praise for its clarity and preservation of the film's original sound design, the presentation of the subtitles is less commendable. The choice to use ALL CAPS and bright yellow for the optional English (SDH) subtitles might detract from the overall viewing experience for some. This design choice is argued to be visually unappealing and could potentially distract from the film's visual and auditory presentation. It reflects a minor oversight in an otherwise meticulous restoration process, emphasizing the importance of not just preserving but also enhancing the accessibility of classic films for modern audiences through thoughtful subtitle formatting.

Overall, the audio presentation can be summed up as a technically sound achievement that faithfully delivers "The Thin Man's" auditory essence to contemporary viewers. Yet, the execution in subtitle presentation leaves room for improvement, hinting at a slight misstep in an endeavor to modernize this classic for today’s audience. Despite this, the audio section of this Blu-ray stands as a testament to the enduring quality and historical significance of the film’s sound design.

The Warner Archive's release of "The Thin Man" on Blu-ray brings a modest yet appreciated selection of extras, enhancing the charm of this classic film for fans and new viewers alike. While it might not boast an extensive array of special features, the inclusion of the Lux Radio Theatre broadcast, which features William Powell and Myrna Loy reprising their iconic roles from the original 1936 broadcast, offers a delightful auditory throwback. The broadcast, complemented by an interview with Theda Bara, provides insightful entertainment beyond the film itself. Additionally, the second-season premiere episode of "The Thin Man" TV series, although not directly related to the movie's sequels or available on Blu-ray, signifies an intriguing nod to the franchise's broader universe. The theatrical trailer adds a touch of nostalgia, despite its availability elsewhere. It's a bit disappointing that trailers for the sequels were omitted, perhaps missing an opportunity to further excite fans for potential future releases of the film's successors.

Extras included in this disc:

Lux Radio Theatre Broadcast: An audio program guest-hosted by director W.S. Van Dyke, featuring William Powell and Myrna Loy.

Scene of the Crime: Premiere episode of The Thin Man TV series, offering a glimpse into the franchise's expansion on television.

Theatrical Trailer: A classic trailer giving a sneak peek of the film itself.

W.S. Woody Van Dyke's "The Thin Man" stands as a testament to the director's prolific career, nearly eclipsing a century since its debut yet it retains a fresh vivacity, thanks in no small measure to its impeccable blend of mystery and character-driven narrative. Anchored by the ineffably charming duo of William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles, the film extrapolates from Dashiell Hammett's novel a narrative that entwines a convoluted mystery with the couple's playfully competitive relationship. Despite its deceptively simple plot concerning the disappearance of Clyde Wynant and the subsequent murder intrigue, "The Thin Man" captivates primarily through the lens of its character dynamics rather than the mystery itself—a choice that has undoubtedly contributed to its enduring legacy and the spawning of substantial franchise extensions.

Integral to the film's success are not only the lead performances but also Van Dyke's adept direction which melds brisk pacing with acerbically witty dialogue—imbuing the 1930s pre-Code milieu with an unmistakable dynamism. The movie's release timing played a pivotal role in its reception, straddling the cessation of Prohibition and preceding the enforcement of the Hays Code, thereby allowing for a portrayal that was unabashedly candid in its depiction of social mores, particularly regarding the consumption of alcohol. Such elements, combined with Robert Kern's skillful editing, elevate the narrative's flow and enrich its appeal through rapid-fire banter and memorable quips largely derived from Hammett's original text.

"The Thin Man" emerges not only as a cornerstone of detective cinema but also as a cultural artifact that encapsulates the essence of an era—with Warner Archive Collection’s Blu-ray release serving as a long-overdue homage to Van Dyke's work. The leap to Blu-ray has been met with significant praise, especially for preserving technical movie details and delivering an A/V presentation that enhances the viewing experience for both longstanding fans and newcomers alike, heralding a renewed interest in seeing more of the original series revitalized in similar fashion. This blend of vintage charm with cutting-edge restoration ensures "The Thin Man" remains a relevant and compelling piece of cinematic history, transcending its time to captivate audiences anew.

Warner Archive Collection’s release of "The Thin Man" on Blu-ray breathes new life into W.S. Van Dyke’s classic, masterfully balancing the lines between screwball comedy and detective mystery. The enchanting duo of William Powell and Myrna Loy, underpinned by Dashiell Hammett’s compelling source material, delivers an undeniably charismatic and engaging performance that stands as a cornerstone of 1930s pre-Code cinema. The film's enduring charm and wit, coupled with its innovative blend of genres, ensure its place as a quintessential watch that arguably surpasses its successors in depth and engagement. The Blu-ray edition elevates this experience with a meticulous 4K-sourced restoration, enhancing both the visual and auditory appeal. Adding to the allure are a selection of vintage bonus features that, though modest, enrich the viewing experience by providing context and deepening appreciation for this cinematic gem.

The technical aspects of the Blu-ray release deserve commendation; the 4K restoration work meticulously preserves the film’s original aesthetics while offering clarity and detail that are both impressive and respectful of its source material. This attention to detail ensures that both devotees of the franchise and newcomers are treated to a viewing experience that is as close as possible to the filmmaker’s original vision, with improved picture quality that does not detract from the film's historical charm. The inclusion of vintage bonus features serves not only as a nod to long-time fans but also as an informative gateway for those unfamiliar with the film’s legacy, making this edition a comprehensive package that respects its origins while embracing modern technological advances.

In conclusion, Warner Archive Collection's Blu-ray release of "The Thin Man" represents a significant achievement in preserving and presenting classic cinema for contemporary audiences. It strikes an admirable balance between respecting the film's historical significance and embracing modern restoration techniques. This edition is highly recommended not just for fans of the franchise looking to revisit the film in unparalleled quality, but also for newcomers ready to discover a timeless masterpiece. With its stellar lead performances, exquisite 4K restoration, and thoughtful inclusion of vintage bonus content, this release firmly establishes "The Thin Man" as a must-have for any discerning collector or enthusiast of classic films.