The North Star Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The North Star" on Blu-ray, released by Olive Films, stands out for its 1080p/AVC encoded transfer in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio. Esteemed cinematographer James Wong Howe's exceptional lighting work enhances both the serene farm scenes and the intense sequences post-Nazi invasion. The transfer exhibits strong contrast, with impressive bright outdoor shots and well-defined black levels, accommodating dimly lit interiors and nighttime scenes effectively. Fine detail is quite striking in close-ups, revealing lifelike textures in clothing and facial features, contributing to the immersive quality of Howe's deep-focus photography.

Despite the overall high quality, there are notable issues associated with the source material's age and condition. Persistent white specks, dirt, scratches, and occasional frame misalignments or hard edits are evident. These flaws, while not overly distracting, do intrude sporadically on the otherwise crisp and bright picture. Some sequences suffer from mild softness, and contrast occasionally runs hotter than optimal, leading to brief instances of posterization. However, an organic feel to the presentation remains due to the minimal digital interference, in line with Olive Films' typical approach to restoration. These imperfections notwithstanding, the video transfer is commendable for its sharp lines, distinct textures, and overall clarity.

The audio presentation for "The North Star" on Blu-Ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mix. Both the original and the reedited versions exhibit signs of age, with occasional hiss, noise, and some crackling. The shorter, revised version introduces more menacing cues by Angelo Ross compared to the original Copland score, along with added narration. While this version is somewhat cleaner with better background activity, it still suffers from mild hissing and popping. The midrange fidelity generally supports dialogue and action elements well but falls short in extensive dynamic range and acoustic detail.

The longer, original film's soundtrack is less pleasing, characterized by noticeable hissing, noise, and intermittent loud pops. Volume fluctuations further detract from the listening experience. Despite these issues, both mixes provide well-prioritized, intelligible vocals throughout. However, the overall presence of the lossless mix feels narrow, and action sequences are hampered by indistinct bass and some high-frequency noise. While the fidelity is decent and supports dialogue effectively, the audio quality ultimately reflects the age and condition of the source material.

The Extras section of the Blu-ray release of "The North Star" from Olive Films provides a rich and nostalgic experience for viewers interested in the historical and cinematic context of the film. The main highlight is the original cut of the 1947 film as intended by director Lewis Milestone, presented in 1080p HD. Accompanying this is a 1944 radio adaptation featuring several of the film's original stars. Both features offer a comprehensive look at the film’s production and its era. These offerings add significant value to the disc and are essential for any collector or classic film enthusiast.

Extras included in this disc:

• The North Star: The original cut of the 1947 film directed by Lewis Milestone.
• Radio Adaptation: A 1944 broadcast featuring several of the film's stars reprising their roles.

"The North Star," helmed by Lewis Milestone, offers a vivid portrayal of the steadfastness of rural Ukrainians amidst the harrowing Nazi invasion during World War II. Adapted from Lillian Hellman’s screenplay and underscored by Aaron Copland's evocative Americana score, this 1943 production leverages a stellar cast featuring Anne Baxter, Dana Andrews, and Walter Huston. The narrative emphasizes the simplicity and collective values of the villagers, leading to their resolute defense against the oppressors. The film’s propaganda roots are evident as it employs idyllic rural depictions that transition into intense battle sequences, adding an emotional veneer to rouse wartime patriotism. The cinematography by James Wong Howe transforms initially bright and pastoral settings into scenes steeped in wartime shadows and despair, offering a compelling visual narrative.

However, following the onset of the Cold War, "The North Star" faced backlash for its pronounced pro-Soviet sentiments. By 1957, the film had been recast as "Armored Attack!"—a strategic re-editing that excised substantial portions of its original content, shifting it towards a distinctly anti-Soviet narrative. The alterations include trimmed footage of the collectivist village life and the addition of newsreel snippets about the Hungarian uprising to underscore Soviet oppression. This recontextualized version aimed to align more closely with contemporary American sensibilities during Senator McCarthy's Red Scare era, displaying an ironic twist on its initial intent.

While "The North Star" deserves recognition for its historical significance and technical achievements, including remarkable optical effects and seamless special effects for its time, "Armored Attack!" serves as a stark reminder of political reappropriation in cinematic history. The inclusion of both versions on this Blu-ray allows viewers an incisive look into the shifting narratives that reflect the geopolitical dynamics of their respective eras.

Originally titled "The North Star" during World War II, Lewis Milestone's film captures the bravery of inexperienced farm villagers who courageously defend their homeland against the Nazi invasion. This 1943 release was lauded for its sophisticated narrative and emotional resonance. However, in 1957, the film was reedited and retitled "Armored Attack!" to reflect the Cold War era's anti-communist sentiment. The reedited version includes references to the Hungarian revolt against the Soviet Union, but it loses some of the original's narrative impact, making it decidedly the weaker of the two versions.

The Blu-ray release from Olive Films delivers a commendable, though imperfect, audio and video presentation. While the visual quality is generally strong, some minor inconsistencies can be noted, such as occasional grain and a slightly uneven color palette in certain scenes. The audio, though clear and intelligible, also shows minor fluctuations in balance, particularly in more dynamic sequences. These issues, however, do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the film.

Despite these minor technical imperfections, the Blu-ray package offers a well-rounded viewing experience with several pleasing bonus features. These extras provide valuable context and enhance the viewer's appreciation of the film's historical and cultural significance. The dual release of both versions—"The North Star" and "Armored Attack!"—provides an intriguing insight into the political climate of different eras, making this Blu-ray a noteworthy addition to any film collection.

It's hard to know which version of this story to take less seriously, the left-leaning pro-Soviet ultra serious "The North Star," or the right-leaning, anti-Commie ultra serious "Armored Attack!" This is one of those rare instances where neither film is any great forgotten masterpiece, but the two together are such a fascinating example of America's own political dialectic that this release is easily highly recommended.