Devil's Doorway Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive's Blu-ray presentation of "Devil's Doorway" achieves near perfection while navigating the inherent limitations of source material preservation. Stemming from a meticulous 1080p transfer produced from a 4K scan of the best available elements—a second-generation preservation safety fine grain—this release stands as a testament to the restoration team's dedication, particularly considering the loss of the original camera negative in the tragic 1978 George Eastman House fire. The resulting visual fidelity is a significant improvement over previous editions, capturing John Alton's exquisite cinematography with an impressive balance of fine details, black levels, and image depth. Although absolute perfection remains elusive due to the historical circumstances surrounding the film’s negatives, the consistent quality and stability of this encode mark a commendable effort. The enhancements bring to light both merits and minor flaws, such as the unavoidably more noticeable makeup on Robert Taylor, yet these aspects do not detract from the film’s visual appeal.

The Blu-ray edition not only revitalizes the film's stunning visuals but also respects the original aesthetic intentions, displaying a filmic grain structure that quickly stabilizes, leading to an organic-looking image rich in detail and contrast. Deep blacks, bright whites, and a nuanced grayscale enhance the cinematic experience, with no significant damage or digital anomalies marring the pristine presentation. Fabric textures and facial details are rendered with remarkable sharpness, further immersing viewers in the narrative and setting. Exceptions of slight softness in certain shots are minor and do not compromise the overall superior quality of this high-definition transfer.

This restoration effort underscores Warner Archive's commitment to preserving cinematic history with a keen eye for technical precision and respect for filmmaking craftsmanship. By offering a richly detailed and stable image that closely mirrors original theatrical presentations, this release not only serves as a tribute to John Alton’s legendary cinematography but also provides a compelling viewing experience that both honors and transcends its source materials. Despite the challenges posed by the film's preservation history, this Blu-ray edition presents "Devil's Doorway" with an unprecedented level of clarity and depth that will surely satisfy cinephiles and collectors alike.

The Warner Archive's presentation of "Devil's Doorway" on Blu Ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track that shines with quality, possibly even outperforming the video in terms of consistency. Originally derived from a safety track positive created from the nitrate negative, the audio has been thoughtfully polished for this release. The mix exhibits a commendable dynamic range, particularly notable during the explosive sequences in the film’s second act, where the lower frequencies impress with their depth. Dialogue remains clear and intelligible across the board, despite a few scenes where audio fidelity slightly wanes, mirroring the corresponding visual quality. This track evidently aims to stay true to the film's original sonic footprint, achieving a balance that respects its historical context while delivering a potent auditory experience.

Furthermore, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 configuration not only elevates the film's thrilling score by Daniele Amfitheatrof but also lends extraordinary clarity to various sound effects. From the barking of dogs and the clopping of horse hooves to more intense sounds like gunfire and explosions, each element is rendered with remarkable distinction. The bass frequencies add a needed weight to the audio, ensuring that every sound feels grounded and impactful. Dialogues cut through with precision, free from any detracting hisses, pops, or crackles — a testament to the meticulous restoration effort that spares listeners from the common ailments of age-related wear. The audio track masterfully supports the narrative, providing an immersive Western ambiance that is as audibly engaging as it is visually compelling. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are available for the main feature, enhancing accessibility without extending to the extras.

This one-disc release of "Devil's Doorway" Blu-ray edition presents a modest collection of extras, encapsulated in a visually appealing package featuring vintage-themed cover artwork. The primary highlights include two era-specific MGM cartoon shorts, offering a delightful contrast to the film's heavier themes. "The Chump Champ" and "Cue Ball Cat" are both presented in stunning 1080p HD, bringing classic animation characters Droopy, Spike, Tom, and Jerry to life with vibrant clarity and detail that will appeal to both new audiences and nostalgic fans. Additionally, the original theatrical trailer gives a peek into Robert Taylor’s unique role in the film. Despite the limited range of bonus features, these inclusions serve as a welcome palette cleanser, enhancing the overall viewing experience with a mix of humor and historical charm.

Extras included in this disc:

• THE CHUMP CHAMP: Droopy and Spike face off in an animated athletic competition.
• CUE BALL CAT: Tom and Jerry engage in a comedic battle within a pool hall.
• ORIGINAL THEATRICAL TRAILER: Promotes Robert Taylor in a notably unique role.

"Devil's Doorway," directed by Anthony Mann, stands as a pioneering and socially poignant Western within the classic Hollywood era, bravely deviating from traditional narratives to present a story from a Native American perspective. Starring Robert Taylor as Lance Poole (AKA Broken Lance), a decorated Shoshone war hero of the Civil War, the film dives into the systemic racism and legal manipulations he faces upon returning home. Despite his service and adoption of white customs, Lance is met not with honor but with greed and bigotry, his distinguished status as a Medal of Honor recipient doing little to mitigate his community's hostility towards his heritage. The movie astutely captures the struggles of Lance and his people against the corrupt, land-hungry attorney Verne Coolan (Louis Calhern) and a society eager to strip them of their rights and land, highlighting the broader patterns of oppression faced by Native Americans.

Set against the stark and unforgiving landscape of post-Civil War Wyoming, "Devil's Doorway" crafts a narrative deeply entrenched in themes of racism, land theft, and the fight for justice. Its story is propelled by the tension between Lance's unwavering determination to protect his land and the insidious tactics employed by Coolan, who exploits newly enacted homesteading laws to dispossess him. The film finds a semblance of hope in Orrie Masters (Paula Raymond), a lawyer who initially handles Lance's case with reluctance but grows to champion his cause amid escalating violence. The portrayal of these characters against the backdrop of a community rife with prejudice makes for a compelling examination of moral courage and systemic injustice.

While its dramatic force is undeniable, "Devil's Doorway" also benefits greatly from its technical achievements, with John Alton's expressive cinematography amplifying the movie's emotional depth and thematic richness. The film's visual storytelling, coupled with two epic showdowns, not only underscores the personal tragedy of Lance but also serves as a stark reminder of the broader struggles facing Native Americans. Despite casting choices reflective of its time, notably Taylor’s performance in redface, "Devil's Doorway" transcends these limitations through its humanized portrayal of Indigenous characters and its critical take on the historical narrative of the American West. This Blu-ray release represents an opportunity to rediscover an important, if underappreciated, film that resonates with contemporary audiences for its critical engagement with issues of race, land rights, and inequality.

"Devil's Doorway," the pioneering Western directed by Anthony Mann, receives an admirable treatment on Blu-ray, combining historical significance with technical refinement. At its core, this 1950 film remains a potent narrative, thanks to its progressive stance, robust lead by Robert Taylor, and the compelling portrayal of Native American resistance. Mann's direction ensures the narrative’s relevance and vibrancy, further accentuated by a fantastic supporting cast and stunning cinematography. The Warner Archive's release enhances this experience with a new HD master derived from a 4K scan of the best-preserved elements, alongside remastered lossless audio. Such meticulous restoration efforts yield a product that not only respects but elevates the original material.

The technical prowess of this Blu-ray edition cannot be overstated. With its rock-solid restoration and high-quality audio, it presents "Devil's Doorway" in a light that both new audiences and longtime aficionados can appreciate. It's a testament to the care taken in preserving the film's visual and auditory integrity, ensuring that Mann's stylish direction and the emotionally charged performance by Taylor are experienced as intended. This release underscores the film's undiminished relevance, allowing its themes of struggle and resistance to resonate afresh.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray presentation of "Devil's Doorway" is a commendable achievement that showcases the film's enduring significance. With its advanced restoration sourced from the finest elements available and enhanced audio quality, it offers a viewing experience that is both immersive and reflective of the original's impact. This release by Warner Archive stands as a definitive edition, making "Devil's Doorway" an essential addition to the collections of cinephiles and newcomers alike. Its blend of historical import and technical excellence firmly establishes it as Highly Recommended.