In Old Arizona Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "In Old Arizona" by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment showcases an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 1.19:1 aspect ratio. It is important to note the historical context and the condition of the film's elements. The original elements were not available for this transfer, leading to reliance on a secondary, significantly damaged source. This decision results in an image marred by constant scratches, print through, and other damage. Frequent warping and occasional missing frames further compound the issues. Contrast variances and a heavy grain coating are omnipresent, resulting in an overall very soft picture.

Despite these considerable challenges, the transfer remains surprisingly stable, and although fine detail is middling at best, it is still a significant improvement over previous versions of the film. The film does not seem to have undergone extensive restoration, contributing to the rough but authentic visual experience. Viewers will notice streaking vertical lines, specks, dirt, scratches, and tears throughout, along with persistent contrast pulsing and stabilization issues. The grayscale rendering is balanced with natural whites and solid blacks, but the image often appears blurry and flat.

Consequently, while "In Old Arizona" resembles a before shot in many classic film restoration demonstrations, the video transfer is adequate given its inherent limitations. Though clearly problematic, it remains watchable and offers an appreciably superior experience compared to past iterations of the film.

The Blu-ray release of "In Old Arizona" offers both a restored DTS-HD Master Audio mono track and a historical original mono track in Dolby Digital. The restored DTS-HD MA track benefits from a clean presentation virtually free of pops, crackles, and hissing. However, it suffers significantly from extremely muffled dialogue, making some sequences nearly indiscernible. This track also exhibits a narrow ambiance with a brittle, flat sound and limited dynamic range, which detracts from the overall listening experience.

On the other hand, the lossy Dolby Digital historical track, while burdened with more noticeable background hiss, static, and occasional crackles and pops, surprisingly presents clearer and more precise dialogue. Despite these imperfections, it offers better audibility, particularly in the upper registers, which are poorly handled by the restored track. Fidelity remains middling for both tracks, appropriate to this early talkie period, but neither option provides a fully satisfactory audio experience. Viewers may find the trade-offs of the historical track more palatable despite its flaws.

The "In Old Arizona" Blu-ray edition unfortunately lacks any special features, leaving viewers without additional content to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the film. This omission is a significant drawback for collectors and enthusiasts who often seek detailed behind-the-scenes insights, interviews, and other bonus materials to complement the main feature. Despite this shortcoming, the Blu-ray's quality presentation remains commendable. However, the absence of extras means there's no opportunity to delve deeper into the film’s production or historical context, which could have enriched the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• None: No bonus materials are provided.

"In Old Arizona," directed by Irving Cummings in 1928, holds a significant place in cinematic history as the first talkie western and the first sound film shot on location outdoors, specifically in Utah. The film is notably associated with advancements in synchronized sound technologies, featuring a soundtrack directly on the film rather than on synchronized discs. This technical achievement underscores its historical importance, making it a must-see for devotees of film history. However, the movie has not aged gracefully, with its storytelling and visual elements appearing dated by modern standards.

The narrative revolves around the infamous Cisco Kid, portrayed by Warner Baxter in an Academy Award-winning performance. Baxter's embodiment of the charming rogue infuses the character with a charismatic swagger and a playful disposition. These qualities render him the film's most engaging element. On the other hand, Edmund Lowe's portrayal of Sergeant Mickey Dunn and Dorothy Burgess as Tonia, the Kid's duplicitous lover, are less compelling and suffer from the theatrical acting style characteristic of early talkies. The tale of romantic betrayal forms the core of the plot but feels lackluster due to insufficient chemistry among the leads.

Visually, "In Old Arizona" oscillates between impressive outdoor shots and staid, stage-like interior scenes. While the Utah landscapes lend a scenic grandeur to the film, much of its runtime consists of static, dialogue-heavy sequences that feel sluggish and uninspired. Despite these shortcomings, there are moments of pre-code innuendo and some intricate camera work that provide fleeting bursts of intrigue. Ultimately, "In Old Arizona" remains an interesting historical artifact rather than an enduring piece of cinematic art, valued more for its pioneering technical contributions than its storytelling prowess.

"In Old Arizona," the first sound Western produced outdoors, holds an indelible place in film history due to its pioneering technical achievements. However, its entertainment value for contemporary audiences appears limited. This Blu-ray edition attempts to bring the classic film to today's viewers but falls short in several technical aspects, which may disappoint both purists and casual movie enthusiasts.

The visual transfer of "In Old Arizona" showcases a reasonably acceptable level of detail given the film's age; however, it is marred by noticeable damage and inconsistent quality throughout. While some scenes glimpse clarity, others suffer from varying degrees of grain and deterioration. Similarly, the audio presentation struggles between restored and unrestored mixes, both of which exhibit significant flaws. The discrepancies in sound quality contribute to a challenging viewing experience, emphasizing the limitations of this Blu-ray release.

Despite its shortcomings, "In Old Arizona" remains a critical piece of cinematic history, particularly for those interested in the evolution of sound films and outdoor productions. Yet, the lack of supplementary materials further detracts from the appeal of this release. Devoted fans of early cinema might still find worth in this Blu-ray for its historical significance, but it will likely fail to captivate a broader audience.

"In Old Arizona" is one of those films that film theory teachers love to foist off on their students, knowing that the film may bore everyone to tears but that there will still be things to discuss in class the next day. Without trying to sound overly didactic, I have to agree with those professors who may actually admit that this film doesn't have a ton of redeeming entertainment value for modern-day audiences but who insist the film's technical achievement override any of those concerns. That said, this high-definition presentation simply hasn’t been able to work much magic with extremely problematic elements.