Peter Ibbetson Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Peter Ibbetson" from Kino Lorber showcases a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition transfer, presented in the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. Leveraging a 4K master created by Universal, this edition boasts a commendable representation of the film's visual elements. The video quality reveals a harmonious blend of organic film grain and striking detail, particularly enhancing Charles Lang’s dream sequence cinematography. However, some inconsistencies surface in the grain structure, and black levels sometimes appear gray rather than deep black.

Although there is occasional presence of scratches and debris, they are not extensive enough to significantly hamper viewing pleasure. In comparison to the previous DVD release in the Gary Cooper Collection, this Blu-ray edition markedly enhances the visual presentation of the film. Despite the lack of a comprehensive 4K or 2K restoration, this release renders an authentic homage to the original material, representing possibly the best home video version available to date. Film aficionados will appreciate the visual fidelity and atmospheric integrity retained in this treatment.

The Blu-ray release of "Peter Ibbetson" features a DTS-HD Master Audio mono track that provides a solid auditory experience. The dialogue is robust and remains clear, ensuring that the narrative is both intelligible and engaging. While the audio presentation is predominantly clean, some instances exhibit a slight muffling that detracts from complete clarity. However, these do not significantly impinge on the overall audio integrity. Optional English subtitles further bolster the accessibility of the content for viewers.

The soundtrack, featuring Ernst Toch’s Oscar-nominated score, is faithfully reproduced, contributing significantly to the film's atmospheric depth. The restoration effort effectively minimizes common issues such as crackling, popping, hissing, or distortion, ensuring that this edition offers likely the best sound quality for "Peter Ibbetson" on home media. Although there are areas for potential improvement in terms of restoration, this release delivers an acceptable and respectful audio presentation, which complements the visual experience of this classic film.

The Blu-ray release of "Peter Ibbetson" includes a set of well-curated extras, offering insightful and comprehensive content. The highlight is the audio commentary by film historian David Del Valle, moderated by producer Miles Hunter. This track provides a rich exploration of the film's production and argues for its status as an overlooked classic—a must-listen for cinema enthusiasts. Complementing this is the film's theatrical trailer in high definition, which effectively captures the essence of "Peter Ibbetson." Additionally, the disc offers a collection of bonus trailers from Kino Lorber's broader catalog, giving viewers a taste of other classic films. These extras serve to deepen appreciation for "Peter Ibbetson" while also showcasing the distributor's diverse offerings.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Film Historian David Del Valle, Moderated by Producer Miles Hunter: Features an insightful discussion on the film's production and its status as a neglected classic.
• Peter Ibbetson Theatrical Trailer: High-definition trailer of the film.
• Bonus KLSC Trailers: Trailers for various classic films, offering a glimpse into Kino Lorber's catalog.

"Peter Ibbetson" presents a compelling narrative enriched by the solid performances of its leading actors, most notably Gary Cooper, who brings depth to the eponymous role. The film's central theme revolves around the enduring, almost metaphysical love Peter shares with Mary, portrayed with grace by Ann Harding. Although Gary Cooper was initially considered miscast, he convincingly portrays the inner turmoil and emotional depth required for this complex character. Ann Harding displays a standout performance capturing the essence of timeless romantic yearning. Ida Lupino, though in a brief role, leaves a distinct imprint on the narrative.

The film excels aesthetically with exceptional contributions from Charles Lang in cinematography, whose ethereal black-and-white visuals create an atmosphere that oscillates between reality and dream-like surrealism. This is further complemented by the convincing art direction by Hans Dreier and Robert Usher, who draw inspiration from George L. Du Maurier's novel illustrations to create a richly detailed world that supports the dream sequences throughout the film. Such visual storytelling enhances the narrative's immersive quality, making it a romantic fantasy rather than a mere period drama.

Yet, the screenplay by Vincent Lawrence and Waldemar Young struggles to match the production's other strengths, presenting a conventional storyline that, at times, dilutes the innovative elements suggested by Heny Hathaway's direction. Still, Hathaway manages to extract maximum emotional impact, revealing the movie’s underlying sublime nature as an overlooked gem of 1930s cinema. While occasionally criticized for its pacing and overextended runtime due to insufficiently tight editing by Stuart Heisler, "Peter Ibbetson" remains an exploration of eternal love that warrants appreciation and re-evaluation by contemporary audiences.

"Peter Ibbetson", presented on Blu-ray, stands as a testament to the hidden gems of classic cinema. The film excels primarily through its compelling performances, with Gary Cooper, Ann Harding, and Ida Lupino delivering standout portrayals that anchor the narrative with emotional depth. Although the screenplay by Vincent Lawrence occasionally falters in its impact, and Henry Hathaway’s direction doesn't reach his later celebrated works, the film maintains a hypnotic charm that resonates with its audience.

Kino’s Blu-ray release offers a commendable HD transfer that breathes new life into this forgotten classic. The meticulous restoration is evident in the visual clarity and audio fidelity, enhancing the viewer's engagement with the film's artistic nuances. The special feature, an engaging commentary track, furnishes insightful details about the production and its historical context, making it a valuable resource for both film enthusiasts and scholars keen to explore its legacy.

In conclusion, "Peter Ibbetson" is a film that rewards viewers with its enduring impact despite some narrative shortcomings. The Blu-ray release by Kino delivers a quality experience that justifies reconsideration of this cult favorite. While the film may not be universally acclaimed, its Blu-ray edition is highly recommended for those who appreciate nuanced performances and classic cinema restoration. Whether you're discovering it for the first time or revisiting it with fresh eyes, this release is worth adding to your collection.