- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,420
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
The incomparable William Powell, probably best known for his turn at bringing detective Nick Charles to the screen, opposite Myrna Loy, seemed to be bringing his film career to a slow fade, as 1950 neared. With his greatest work in the 1930s-'40s, he ended with a bang in 1955, playing the doctor on board James Cagney's ship, as directed by John Ford.
Speaking of Mr. Roberts, a Blu-ray would be appreciated.
As someone who has always had an love of deep sea fishing (generally catch and release) I'm not certain what my reaction would be if I ever hauled Ann Blyth aboard.
With just a few appearances on her CV, Ms Blyth, whose first major appearance was as Veda Pierce, Mildred's daughter in 1945, took a definite change of pace by playing...
well, you know.
I've always loved Mr. Peabody, and have always considered it a companion piece to Mrs. Muir. Both beautifully filmed in the wonders of black & white. Mr. Peabody by Russell Metty, and Mrs. Muir by Charles Lang.
As an aside, Mr. Peabody was both produced, as well as written for the screen by Nunnally Johnson, mentioned in another few words earlier today. His is another monumental CV worth researching, when readers have a moment.
I began to view Mr. Peabody, which has arrived on Blu-ray from Olive with a bit of trepidation, and came away displeased by so many problems that could have been so easily digitally repaired -- and for not a great investment.
It appears that the film has been taken from a fine grain master, which in itself appears to have been beautifully prepared. At least as far as exposures and densities are concerned.
The problem is with great honking gobs of minus density, aka dirt on the original negative, which does not appear to have been properly cleaned before use. With our digital toolbox, these just shouldn't be a problem.
Meaning those who purchase a Blu-ray should never know that they existed.
When film elements are original, the image takes on a beautifully graded appearance, with proper gray scale, grain structure and black levels. It's all there.
This Blu-ray could have garnered a 5 rating, with just a tiny investment, and a bit of TLC.
Image - 3.5
Audio - 5
Recommended.
RAH