- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,433
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
If one were to attempt to select the top noir productions, The 1941, John Huston directed Maltese Falcon would be at or near the top of the list. Unless one is going totally woke, and the film is deep-six'd for smoking or hats.
What we have is an essentially miraculous restoration via Warner's MPI for a number of reasons.
As an extremely popular film, the original camera negative was stored at a less then stellar venue until it was moved to the LoC (thank the merciful blood-stained gods there was no fire), was over-printed and abused.
So for a start, the initial miracle is that it survived.
A new 4k scan of that OCN, proper research into densities, and original grain left to range free adds to the perfection you'll see here.
As to the track, it was likewise dealt with to perfection by the studio sound dept, and is presented as DTS-HD MA 2.0.
One of the greatest films ever created, with a superb (and perfect) cast, magnificent cinematography by Arthur Edeson. I often wonder if Mr. Edeson had seen Citizen Kane, which was shot in 1940, but released only a month before Falcon in 1941, when he exposed ceilings on sets.
Regarding John Huston, who wrote the screenplay based upon the novel (serialization) by Dashiell Hammett, he was off to a good start. Falcon was his first directorial assignment, having previously been retained as a writer (Juarez, High Sierra, Sergeant York).
Looking at the early production history, it seems that the project original planned to have George Raft in the titular role of Mr. Spade, and that would have been a far different film, and one might surmise not the classic that was attained.
Sidney Greenstreet's first role, appearing as Kasper Gutman.
A light application of HDR is actually helpful here, as it helps to capture the appearance of original nitrate prints mit lots of silver.
Nominated for three Academy Awards - Best Picture, Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Mr. Greenstreet), Best Writing, Screenplay.
Everything here is perfection, and for those who run in the 4k crowed, this should be a major addition to one's library. Be aware that the two earlier versions of the film, Satan Met a Lady and The Maltese Falcon, are not included other than trailers, so you'll want to hang on to discs 2 and 3 of the original DVD set.
Adding one more ranking today, based upon both personal experience as well as the perception of how a production stands the test of time, with 10 being the top.
Have I used the term "miraculous disc?"
Image – 5 (Dolby Vision)
Audio – 5 (DTS HD-MA 2.0)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors - Yes
Makes use of and works well in 4k - 4
Worth your attention - 10
Upgrade from Blu-ray - Absolutely!
Very Highly Recommended
RAH
Thank you for supporting HTF when you preorder using the link below. As an Amazon Associate, HTF earns from qualifying purchases. If you are using an adblocker you will not see link.
What we have is an essentially miraculous restoration via Warner's MPI for a number of reasons.
As an extremely popular film, the original camera negative was stored at a less then stellar venue until it was moved to the LoC (thank the merciful blood-stained gods there was no fire), was over-printed and abused.
So for a start, the initial miracle is that it survived.
A new 4k scan of that OCN, proper research into densities, and original grain left to range free adds to the perfection you'll see here.
As to the track, it was likewise dealt with to perfection by the studio sound dept, and is presented as DTS-HD MA 2.0.
One of the greatest films ever created, with a superb (and perfect) cast, magnificent cinematography by Arthur Edeson. I often wonder if Mr. Edeson had seen Citizen Kane, which was shot in 1940, but released only a month before Falcon in 1941, when he exposed ceilings on sets.
Regarding John Huston, who wrote the screenplay based upon the novel (serialization) by Dashiell Hammett, he was off to a good start. Falcon was his first directorial assignment, having previously been retained as a writer (Juarez, High Sierra, Sergeant York).
Looking at the early production history, it seems that the project original planned to have George Raft in the titular role of Mr. Spade, and that would have been a far different film, and one might surmise not the classic that was attained.
Sidney Greenstreet's first role, appearing as Kasper Gutman.
A light application of HDR is actually helpful here, as it helps to capture the appearance of original nitrate prints mit lots of silver.
Nominated for three Academy Awards - Best Picture, Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Mr. Greenstreet), Best Writing, Screenplay.
Everything here is perfection, and for those who run in the 4k crowed, this should be a major addition to one's library. Be aware that the two earlier versions of the film, Satan Met a Lady and The Maltese Falcon, are not included other than trailers, so you'll want to hang on to discs 2 and 3 of the original DVD set.
Adding one more ranking today, based upon both personal experience as well as the perception of how a production stands the test of time, with 10 being the top.
Have I used the term "miraculous disc?"
Image – 5 (Dolby Vision)
Audio – 5 (DTS HD-MA 2.0)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors - Yes
Makes use of and works well in 4k - 4
Worth your attention - 10
Upgrade from Blu-ray - Absolutely!
Very Highly Recommended
RAH
Thank you for supporting HTF when you preorder using the link below. As an Amazon Associate, HTF earns from qualifying purchases. If you are using an adblocker you will not see link.
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