The Damned Don't Cry Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive delivers a stellar video presentation of "The Damned Don't Cry" on Blu-ray, treating audiences to a high-quality visual experience derived from a meticulous 4K scan of the original nitrate camera negative. This transfer presents an exceptionally clean and detailed image, characterized by outstanding fine detail, textures, and authentic grain. The rich, ink-deep black levels and velvety-smooth appearance enhance its noir atmosphere significantly. The film’s aesthetic appeal is thoroughly preserved, showcasing moody lighting and exquisite details in scenes such as Nick Prenta's palatial estate, all encapsulated in a reliably strong 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer.

The upgrade from previous editions is substantial, offering sublime clarity and contrast that elevates the drama and faithfully reproduces three-time Oscar nominee Ted McCord’s cinematography. With pristine details, the presentation boasts excellent shadow delineation and an enticing gray scale that enhances the noirish settings. Close-ups reveal intricate facial details—even under makeup—that enhance the visual depth. This transfer effectively eliminates any nicks, marks, or scratches that affected earlier DVD editions, marking a significant improvement. Altogether, Warner Archive's meticulous restoration ensures the Blu-ray is a highly recommended upgrade for aficionados of Joan Crawford, film noir, and classic cinema.

Warner Archive's DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track for "The Damned Don't Cry" successfully revitalizes the film's original one-channel audio elements, delivering a restored and remastered experience. While the soundtrack isn't as immediately striking as the visual components, it still provides a purist-friendly audio presentation. The dialogue is largely clean, crisp, and well-prioritized, making it easy to comprehend throughout the film. Mild amounts of hiss and crackle may occasionally be detected, but these are not significant enough to distract from the overall auditory experience, especially for dedicated fans of film noir.

The revitalized score makes effective use of atmospheric cues, driven by Ray Heindorf's direction and Maurice De Packh's orchestration. It features a wide dynamic scale, allowing Daniele Amfitheatrof's music score to flourish with a rich presence and solid dynamic range. Despite slight strain at the high end, the audio maintains clarity without age-related imperfections such as pops or excessive hiss. Sonic details, including gunfire, facial slaps, sirens, and revving car engines, come through distinctly, enhancing the film's melodramatic atmosphere.

Additionally, English (SDH) subtitles are available for the main feature, although they are not provided for the extras. Overall, this audio mix presents a significant improvement over previous home video editions, catering well to both purists and casual viewers alike.

The Blu-ray release of "The Damned Don't Cry" impeccably resurrects the bonus features from previous DVD editions, offering a rich historical and cinematic insight. The audio commentary, recorded with director Vincent Sherman at age 98, stands out for its liveliness and rare firsthand perspectives, despite relying on on-screen narration. Sherman's insights into technical aspects, casting choices, and Crawford’s career span enrich the viewing experience for cinephiles. Meanwhile, "The Crawford Formula: Real and Reel" featurette provides engaging commentary on the film's themes and Crawford's life, though it's somewhat concise in its exploration. Additionally, the vintage radio adaptation from The Screen Director's Playhouse delivers an audio gem with Joan Crawford reprising her role. Finally, the compelling theatrical trailer rounds out these extras, making this collection indispensable for enthusiasts of classic cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insights by director Vincent Sherman on production highlights and casting.
• The Crawford Formula: Real and Reel: Featurette analyzing key aspects of the film and Crawford's career.
• Vintage Radio Adaptation: A 1951 radio broadcast featuring Joan Crawford and Frank Lovejoy.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material showcasing the film's dramatic appeal.

Vincent Sherman’s “The Damned Don’t Cry” presents a deftly directed film noir, showcasing Joan Crawford in a role that capitalizes on her star persona and distinctive acting prowess. In this briskly-paced narrative, she portrays Ethel Whitehead, a woman resiliently climbing the social ladder to become Lorna Hansen Forbes, in a world filled with danger and deceit. The movie is a fascinating character study framed by its atmospheric visuals, captured with intricate noir cinematography by Ted McCord. Its narrative unfolds through extended flashbacks—a classic noir device—tracing Ethel’s evolution from a distressed housewife to an influential socialite deeply intertwined with organized crime, paralleled by the tantalizing mix of sex and danger orchestrated by Sherman.

The film essentially belongs to Crawford. Her nuanced performance anchors the spectacle, leveraging her years of experience to project Ethel’s transformation convincingly. She maneuvers between the worlds of glamor and grit with an adept balance of poise and audacity, underpinned by her unmatched star power and signature assertiveness. The charismatic performances by David Brian and Steve Cochran as George Castleman and Nick Prenta, respectively, add depth to the storyline as they interact within Ethel’s manipulated world. Despite Crawford being beyond the age typically associated with onscreen seduction, her portrayal captivates through subtle expressions and innate confidence, underscoring her enduring appeal as a leading figure in Hollywood’s Golden Age.

While not matching the acclaim of Crawford's iconic films like “Mildred Pierce,” “The Damned Don’t Cry” is an engaging film marked by sharp dialogue, high-stakes drama, and vivid imagery. Its Warner Bros pedigree shines through its production quality and tightly woven storytelling. This Blu-ray release further elevates the viewing experience with excellent 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video quality and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono sound, complemented by Warner Archive's impeccable restoration work, making it a definitive version for both enthusiasts and newcomers.

Vincent Sherman's "The Damned Don't Cry" stands as a compelling entry into the film noir genre, remarkably carried by Joan Crawford's powerful performance. Following the tumultuous rise and fall of Ethel Whitehead, a character that blends determination with intrigue, the film captivates with its engaging narrative momentum. Despite minor pacing issues around the two-thirds mark, both newcomers and seasoned viewers will find themselves engrossed in this tale marked by Crawford's commanding on-screen presence. Ably supported by a talented ensemble cast and Sherman's steady hand at direction, the film's allure extends beyond its engaging story to its atmospheric portrayal of ambition and consequence.

Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of "The Damned Don't Cry" is a testament to high technical standards. The breathtaking 4K scan of the original nitrate camera negative reveals a depth of detail previously inaccessible, making this a superior offering compared to the 2005 DVD version. Accompanied by remastered audio that elevates every scene with clarity and impact, this edition is further enriched by a robust collection of supplementary materials. These insightful additions contribute a valuable layer of understanding and appreciation for both the film and its historical context, ensuring an immersive viewing experience for cinephiles and genre enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, "The Damned Don't Cry" is an exhilarating dive into film noir's rich tapestry, with Joan Crawford delivering one of her most memorable performances since "Mildred Pierce." Warner Archive's Blu-ray edition enhances this classic with impeccable restoration work, making it an essential acquisition for fans and collectors. With captivating performances, outstanding technical restoration, and insightful bonus features, this release is highly recommended for all seeking to explore the enticing depths of classic cinema.