Man of a Thousand Faces Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of Man of a Thousand Faces on Blu-ray, courtesy of Arrow Academy, is a stellar visual experience that should delight fans and collectors. This release utilizes an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original CinemaScope ratio of 2.35:1, achieved by scanning the original 35mm camera negative at 2K resolution on an Arriscan. The restoration and picture grading were meticulously accomplished using PFClean and Revival software on a Pablo Rio system, ensuring a refined and polished visual output.

Detail levels throughout the transfer are commendably high, offering precise insights into the intricate patterns on the costumes and set designs, as well as the iconic makeup creations of Lon Chaney. The transfer's clarity is so exceptional that even the seams in some makeup can be discerned, adding authenticity rather than detracting from the viewing experience. The contrast remains solid, delivering deep black levels and a well-modulated gray scale that contributes to a natural and textured grain throughout the film.

Moreover, the restoration work has effectively eliminated typical age-related issues such as scratches, dirt, tears, and warping, presenting Man of a Thousand Faces with a pristine visual quality. The film grain is uniformly strong and organic, further enhancing the depth and texture of the image. This Blu-ray release surpasses previous home video editions significantly, marking it as the definitive version for viewers seeking to appreciate the film's visual craftsmanship fully.

The audio presentation of "Man of a Thousand Faces" on Blu-ray is delivered with a fine-sounding DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track. This track effortlessly supports extensive dialogue scenes and the more theatrical, music hall-like performances that character Chaney delivers in his early career. The track's fidelity is commendable, spanning all frequency ranges effectively, with no noticeable issues such as damage, distortion, or dropouts.

Complementing this, the film's original mono soundtrack is also provided on a PCM track. This presentation ensures that dialogue and sound effects remain clear and robust throughout the film. Frank Skinner’s score benefits from significant fidelity and ambiance, seamlessly integrating into the broader sound mix without overpowering the dialogue. This audio track is a marked improvement over the previous Universal DVD release and likely represents the pinnacle of the film's audio quality on home video.

The Blu Ray extras for "Man of a Thousand Faces" present an engaging and informative compendium for any cinephile or Lon Chaney enthusiast. Tim Lucas's commentary delivers an insightful exploration of the film’s production history and the historical liberties taken in depicting Chaney's life, making it a valuable addition for those looking to deepen their understanding of the movie. Kim Newman's featurette, "The Man Behind a Thousand Faces," further enriches this release by examining the extensive career and impact of Chaney with expert precision. The inclusion of high-definition image galleries, segregated into production stills and promotional materials, provides a visual feast that captures the vintage essence of Chaney’s era. The theatrical trailer and an insert booklet featuring Vic Pratt’s essay and original reviews round out the extras, ensuring this disc offers a comprehensive historical perspective.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Tim Lucas: Insightful analysis of production history and anachronisms.
• The Man Behind a Thousand Faces: Kim Newman on Lon Chaney's career.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.
• Image Galleries: Production Stills and Posters/Lobby Cards.
• Insert Booklet: Essay by Vic Pratt and original reviews (1st printing only).

"Man of a Thousand Faces" offers an engrossing, if somewhat glossed-over, depiction of the life and career of silent film icon Lon Chaney, brought to life by the inimitable James Cagney. The film delves into the significant personal and professional trials Chaney faced, such as his tumultuous marriage to Cleva Creighton (Dorothy Malone) and her public suicide attempt, which nearly ended his career. After relocating to Hollywood with new wife Hazel Bennet (Jane Greer), Chaney's ascent in the film industry is portrayed, highlighting his innovative contributions to makeup artistry. The movie does an admirable job in recreating iconic scenes from Chaney's most memorable films like "The Phantom of the Opera" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," despite Bud Westmore's makeup designs falling short of Chaney's original works.

Cagney shines in his role, delivering a magnetic late-career performance that captures Chaney's multifaceted skill set, including his vaudeville dancing talents. Supporting performances are equally commendable, particularly Dorothy Malone's portrayal of Cleva, which fits seamlessly into the film's more melodramatic moments. Jane Greer's portrayal of Hazel Bennet offers a compassionate counterpoint to Malone's emotionally turbulent character. The biopic seeks to highlight Chaney's influence in silent cinema while portraying his personal struggles, although it takes certain liberties with historical accuracy. Noteworthy is Chaney's relationship with his son Creighton, a central theme that could have benefitted from deeper exploration.

Despite some exaggerated melodrama and a sleek Hollywood finish, "Man of a Thousand Faces" remains a compelling cinematic journey. The Oscar-nominated screenplay brings a nuanced exploration of one of cinema's most talented figures, underscored by evocative performances and an affectionate lens on Chaney’s legacy. Whether gritting through adversities or revolutionizing character embodiment through makeup, Chaney's storied career is portrayed with a mixture of earnest homage and dramatic flair, making this a noteworthy watch for classic film enthusiasts and biographical film aficionados alike.

Arrow's Blu-ray release of "Man of a Thousand Faces" is an meticulously crafted homage to the enigmatic Lon Chaney and the golden era of Hollywood filmmaking. Directed by Joseph Pevney, this biographical drama shines with the compelling performances of James Cagney, Dorothy Malone, and Jane Greer, encapsulating the essence of Chaney's illustrious career. Arrow excels in delivering high-caliber audio-visuals that present the film in pristine quality, bolstered by a robust supplemental package that includes insightful special features diving deep into both the film's production and Chaney’s life.

The visual quality is striking, with restored images capturing every nuanced expression that made Chaney the "Man of a Thousand Faces." The soundtrack is equally impressive, enhancing the narrative with crystal-clear audio that brings the era's atmosphere to life. The special features, though not overly abundant, are engaging and informative, adding considerable depth and context for cinephiles and casual viewers alike.

In conclusion, Joseph Pevney's "Man of a Thousand Faces" is recognized as one of his standout films. While it occasionally dips into melodrama and may not fully explore the intricacies of Chaney's personal life, it remains a heartfelt tribute to early cinema's giant. With strong technical prowess and enjoyable extras, this Blu-ray is a must-have for fans of classic Hollywood and is highly recommended.