The Navigator Blu-ray Review

Kino's Blu-ray presentation of "The Navigator" boasts a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode sourced from a 35mm print from the Raymond Rohauer Collection. The transfer, while not extensively restored, offers a pleasing balance between historical authenticity and visual quality. Various age-related artifacts such as white specks, vertical scratches, and slight deterioration around edges are present, but they impart a certain nostalgic purity to the viewing experience. Notably, film grain is preserved without any DNR smoothing or edge enhancement, keeping the clarity superior to previous DVD editions.

Color aspects remain true to the film's original tints—blue at night, green underwater, and sepia during other scenes—which lend an authentic feel to the viewing experience. The contrast balance is expertly managed, with deep blacks, bright highlights, and excellent shadow detailing enriching each frame. Despite occasional visibility of sprocket holes and minor brightness fluctuations, such imperfections do not detract significantly from the overall quality. This high-def transfer brings out newly appreciable details in costumes and set designs, making "The Navigator" look better than ever for a film nearly 90 years old.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "The Navigator" is a standout feature, thanks to an exceptional new score by Kino's go-to composer, Robert Israel. This score thoughtfully combines maritime motifs with ragtime syncopation and provides a balanced mix of piano riffing complemented by occasional strings and horn accompaniment, augmented by the rat-a-tat of martial snare drums. It adeptly enhances the on-screen action without ever overwhelming it. The audio quality is top-notch, featuring both a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound version and an uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 stereo track.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track spreads the music throughout all channels, creating a more immersive soundfield without sacrificing fidelity or clarity. On the other hand, the Linear PCM 2.0 stereo track offers an impeccable recreation of the film's original exhibition sound, with superb clarity and presence when the volume is slightly elevated. The mid-range is highly detailed, presenting a broad sense of spatial presence, and the low bass remains natural and well-suited to the musical accompaniment. Both tracks exhibit exceptional fidelity, with the music spreading evenly across the soundstage.

Overall, this Blu-ray's audio options provide an outstanding listening experience that complements the film beautifully. Whether you prefer the enveloping surround sound of the DTS-HD MA track or the authentic stereo mix offered by the PCM track, each delivers excellent sound quality with clear, highly detailed notes and a strong sense of presence. It's an inviting auditory experience that significantly enhances the enjoyment of "The Navigator."

The Blu Ray of "The Navigator" includes highly commendable extras that enrich the viewing experience with scholarly insights and historical appreciation. Robert Arkus and Yair Solan's audio commentary is particularly notable, offering a thorough examination of the film's production and valuable tidbits about the cast and the ship. Bruce Lawton's featurette delves into Keaton's unique use of boats and water-based comedy, connecting this film to his broader cinematic oeuvre. Additionally, the “Asleep in the Deep” piece brings musical context with Wilfred Glenn's song, accompanied by film footage and textual context. Finally, a still gallery provides a visual walkthrough of sixteen well-selected publicity photos.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussion on the film’s production by historians Robert Arkus and Yair Solan.
• Featurette: In-depth piece by Bruce Lawton on Keaton’s comedic use of boats.
• Asleep in the Deep: Wilfred Glenn's song with accompanying film footage.
• Gallery: Sixteen publicity stills showcasing the film's promotion.

"The Navigator" (1924) highlights Buster Keaton's remarkable ability to blend physical comedy with nuanced storytelling. Post the cerebral yet underappreciated "Sherlock Jr.," Keaton aimed for a more accessible approach. Utilizing the 500-foot S.S. Buford, a decommissioned military liner, Keaton crafts a slapstick adventure on the high seas which cemented his reputation and aligned him with the comedic elite like Charlie Chaplin. The narrative follows Rollo Treadway (Keaton), a clueless heir who decides on a whim to propose and honeymoon the same day. Rejected by his neighbor Betsy (Kathryn McGuire), a series of miscommunications land both on the Navigator, leading to a brilliant sequence of narrowly missed encounters as they roam the decks finally leading to laugh-out-loud scenarios.

The film cleverly juxtaposes their upper-class naivety against the backdrop of survival on an abandoned ship, forging moments of domestic parody. For instance, a memorable kitchen debacle sees Betsy using seawater for coffee and giant utensils, while Rollo struggles with tin cans using oversized tools. These scenes, combined with Keaton's deadpan humor and McGuire’s lively antics, form the core of the film's charm. The genuinely eerie atmosphere aboard ship, complemented by subtle camera movements and relatable sight gags, enriches the narrative without overshadowing the comedic undertone.

Keaton's flair for grandiose stunt work culminates in an underwater escapade featuring an iconic diving suit sequence, underscoring both technical ingenuity and comedic genius. Ending in a thrilling confrontation with cannibal natives on a hostile island, Keaton's playful swordfish duel and underwater mechanics amplify the film's climax. Though "The Navigator" eschews complex storytelling for broad, accessible humor, its vibrant energy and smart gags ensure it remains a timeless classic, exemplifying Keaton's unparalleled mastery in blending visual comedy with poignant subtleties.

Buster Keaton's "The Navigator" stands as a definitive example of his unparalleled comic genius, capturing the hearts of silent film aficionados and casual viewers alike. This Blu-ray release by Kino comprehensively showcases Keaton’s artistic brilliance, punctuated by his vaudevillian charm. From the unforgettable swordfish duel to the quirky deep-sea diving escapades, this film consistently delivers a blend of absurdity and adventure. Cinematic elements like the haunted ship and comic mishaps with cannibals only enhance its timeless appeal. For enthusiasts of silent cinema, this high-definition transfer, paired with a stellar score by Robert Israel and an insightful commentary track, makes it an indispensable addition to any collection.

Although "The Navigator" might lack some of the deeper dramatic elements found in Keaton’s other masterpieces, it remains a monumental work in the comedy genre. The plot centers on two spoiled adults, portrayed by Keaton and Kathryn McGuire, who are marooned in the ocean and must navigate their way to survival. The wealth of zany gags and laugh-out-loud moments ensure a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The Blu-ray's audio and video quality are exceptional, significantly enhancing the viewing experience and making every visual gag and musical note stand out.

In conclusion, Kino has masterfully revived "The Navigator" on Blu-ray, granting it a new life for modern audiences while preserving its historic charm. The combination of impressive technical presentation, engaging extras, and Keaton’s timeless comedy makes this release highly recommended for silent film lovers and those new to the genre.