The Bank Dick Blu-ray Review

The Bank Dick arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber, maintaining its original aspect ratio of 1.36:1. The video presentation is encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, featuring a 1080p transfer that, while not derived from a new master, stands out positively. The master supplied by Universal is notably devoid of severe flaws; it shows slightly pronounced grain alongside occasional specks and black marks. Fortunately, no overreaching digital corrections plague this transfer, preserving the film's original charm. The grading effectively balances grayscale, presenting strong blacks and well-calibrated grays and whites, providing a solid visual experience.

Despite minor digital impressions in some scenes, the image quality remains commendable, with appropriate grain and excellent detail throughout. This sharpness allows viewers to discern specifics such as the presence of a stunt driver in pivotal chase scenes. The stability of the image contributes to the preservation of the film's overall quality. The fine grayscale and well-executed contrast inject a renewed freshness into this classic work, making it particularly appealing to longtime fans. It's important to note that this Blu-ray release is Region-A locked, necessitating a native Region-A or Region-Free player for access. Overall, this presentation should satisfy both casual viewers and avid collectors alike.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Bank Dick" features a single English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, which delivers an unexpectedly robust auditory experience. Despite the film's vintage, the mono sound mix excels in clarity and balance, offering a compelling distinction between dialogue, musical cues, and sound effects. This audio track is free from any age-related imperfections such as hiss, crackles, pops, or flutter, indicating a diligent restoration effort to enhance its quality.

Listeners who raise the volume to catch every nuance of Mr. Souse's dialogue will benefit from the clear and stable audio output. The precision in the mix ensures that no dialogue is overshadowed by music or sound effects, resulting in an immersive experience. This level of detail suggests careful optimization was employed during the master preparation to maintain auditory fidelity, which contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment of the film.

Optional English SDH subtitles are available for the main feature, providing accessibility and ensuring that viewers can fully appreciate the wit and humor intrinsic to the film's dialogue. Overall, this audio presentation meets expectations for a film of this era, offering a comfortable and engaging listening experience that complements its visual counterpart effectively.

The Blu-ray edition of "The Bank Dick" offers a thoughtfully curated collection of extras that enrich the viewer's understanding of this classic film. Notably, the audio commentary by filmmaker and historian Michael Schlesinger is a standout. It provides an engaging and informative exploration of W.C. Fields' iconic work, his career trajectory, and his collaborations with notable figures such as director Edward F. Cline and cinematographer Milton R. Krasner. Schlesinger's commentary is both comprehensive and entertaining, delving into the contributions of various cast and crew members with depth and precision. In addition to the commentary, the collection includes a vintage trailer for "The Bank Dick" and other related Kino trailers that further contextualize the film within its era—a valuable resource for both enthusiasts and scholars of classic American cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage trailer for "The Bank Dick" in English.
• Commentary: In-depth audio commentary by Michael Schlesinger.
• Kino Trailers: Includes trailers for "The Old Fashioned Way," "You Can’t Cheat an Honest Man," "My Little Chickadee," and "Road to Zanzibar."

Edward C. Cline’s "The Bank Dick" arrives on Blu-ray through Kino Lorber, bringing with it the comedic genius of W.C. Fields, pure and undiluted. This 1940 film encapsulates Fields' longstanding comedic style, offering him a platform to exhibit his characteristic wordplay, inventive sight gags, and uniquely subversive humor unfettered by the presence of big-name co-stars. Crucial elements of the movie revolve around Fields as Egbert Sousé, a henpecked husband who navigates quirky misadventures in the fictional town of Lompoc, highlighted by an accidental entanglement with a bank robbery leading to an ironically inappropriate job as a bank detective.

Fields' screenplay under the pseudonym Mahatma Kane Jeeves enriches this golden age comedy with a tapestry of eccentric characters, among them a nagging family and colorful townsfolk. The comedic narrative thrives on Sousé’s propensity to meddle in situations, which sometimes eschews the storyline but consistently delivers humor—be it fixing a broken engine or emulating a director. The humor reaches its peak during an uproarious chase sequence, perfectly exhibiting the nuthouse tone that Cline masterfully directs.

Despite Fields moving slower compared to his earlier works due to alleged alcoholism impacts, his portrayal remains indelibly curmudgeonly. The supporting cast—including Shemp Howard as a bartender and Grady Sutton as Og Oggilby—adds richness to the humor. Franklin Pangborn is notable as the meticulous bank auditor cleverly gaslighted by Fields. Slightly imperfect execution aside, Fields’ spontaneous antics and clever dialogue ensure "The Bank Dick" remains a classic in American comedy, further validated by its selection for preservation by the United States National Film Registry in 1992 as culturally significant. This Blu-ray release is an essential testament to Fields' comedic brilliance and cinematic influence.

"The Bank Dick" is a quintessential piece featuring W.C. Fields at his comedic best, offering a delightfully subversive and human portrayal that stands in contrast to the classic styles of Chaplin or Keaton. The Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber extends this timeless humor with an impressive high-definition presentation. Retaining the film's charmingly loose narrative, it captures Fields' unique ability to craft humor that resonates with modern audiences as much as it did upon its original release.

Technically, the Blu-ray transfer maximizes both clarity and fidelity, ensuring that every visual gag and subtle comedic expression is preserved with remarkable detail. The restoration work allows Fields' nuanced performances to shine, providing an authentic viewing experience that is faithful to the film’s original composition. Accompanying audio tracks are cleanly presented, supporting Fields' iconic voice and delivery with clarity that heightens the comedic timing.

In conclusion, "The Bank Dick" on Blu-ray is an essential addition to any comedy aficionado's collection. Offering an enduring and heartwarming glimpse into a bygone era of film, it delivers laughter and nostalgia in equal measure. Its high-quality presentation makes it a significant offering for both Fields enthusiasts and those newly introduced to his work. Highly recommended.