What's new

A few words about…™ Safe in Hell – in Blu-ray (1 Viewer)

Robert Harris

Archivist
Reviewer
Senior HTF Member
Joined
Feb 8, 1999
Messages
18,311
Real Name
Robert Harris
Safe in Hell, a 1931 very pre-code production from filmmaker William Wellman is supposed to look like this.

For decades, this gorgeous black and white production from the lens of Sidney Hickox, whose later work included some of the best known Warner productions - All Through the Night, Gentleman Jim, To Have and Have Not, The Big Sleep, White Heat... you get the picture - was unknown outside of a 16mm print.

A 35 nitrate was located at the LoC, and that is the source of this new Blu-ray, which fortunately still retains its gorgeous black & white palette.

At only 74 minutes, it's a down and dirty tale of prostitution without being told through a filter.

Mordaunt Hall notes in his NY Times review of 19 Dec 1931, "The most accurate criticism, pro and con, was delivered by a couple in the adjoining seats. The young woman wept piteously and the young man reassured her: "It's only a motion picture."

A gift from Warner Archive, starring Dorothy Mackaill and Donald Cook.

Image – 4 (with occasional missing frames)

Audio – 4

Pass / Fail – Pass

Plays nicely with projectors - Yes

Worth your attention - 8

Upgrade from DVD - Yes

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.

 
Last edited by a moderator:

Robin9

Senior HTF Member
Joined
Dec 13, 2006
Messages
7,649
Real Name
Robin
I've never seen this film but it sounds interesting. Many thanks RAH. I might well buy this disc.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Latest Articles

Forum statistics

Threads
356,814
Messages
5,123,697
Members
144,184
Latest member
H-508
Recent bookmarks
0
Top