Nominated for five Academy Awards® including Best Picture, Best director and Best Actor,The Verdict is “stirring, entertaining cinema” (Us)! This Blu-ray™ release is packed with compelling special features including on-camera interviews with Oscar® winner Paul Newman* and legendary director Sidney Lumet.
The Verdict is presented in the aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and overall was a noticeable step up from the DVD. Colors are natural but a bit bland. Contrast is well balanced. There were instances of specks in the image and some softness. Not too visually stimulating but everything has a filmic look.
Audio was provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 This is a front heavy track with crisp and clear dialogue. No pops or hisses were noticed.
* Commentary by Sidney Lumet and Paul Newman
* The Making of The Verdict (SD)
* Paul Newman: The Craft of Acting (SD)
* Sidney Lumet: The Craft of Directing (SD)
* Milestones in Cinema History: The Verdict (SD)
* Hollywood Backstories: The Verdict (SD)
* Theatrical Trailer (HD)
Robert Redford stars in this potent drama based on the real life story of Tom Murton, the prison superintendent who rocked Arkansas politics when he exposed scandalous abuses and murders in a state prison.
Brubaker is presented in the aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Fox blessed this classic with an all new master and the results are spectacular. Colors were warm with natural skin tones. Black levels were just about perfect and deep. Overall fine detail was excellent with textures and facial close ups looking great. No signs of DNR or Edge Enhancement were noticed.
Audio was provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio. Mostly dialogue driven which is always clean intelligible. There are some moments of intensity and the mix is quite dynamic with some bleeding to the surrounds. Really good listen.
* Theatrical Trailer (SD)
* TV Spots (SD)
The life and times of the legendary Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata are brought to the screen in Darryl F. Zanuck’s powerful production of John Steinbeck’s screenplay. Marlon Brando, fresh from his success in A Streetcar Named Desire, gives a stunning portrayal of the outlaw turned revolutionary leader. The film also boasts Anthony Quinn’s 1952 Best Supporting Actor OSCAR®-Winning performance as Zapata’s brother. Viva Zapata! is one of the classic political movies and another fi ne example of Brando’s genius as a film actor.
Viva Zapata! is presented in the aspect ratio of 1.37:1. A beautifully shot Black & White film that has been given a nice restoration. Contrast was perfectly balanced. Black levels were deep. Fine detail was very good and the interesting faces of the cast were highlighted. No signs of DNR or Edge Enhancement were noticed. A pleasant surprise to see this film looking this good.
Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track. Great clarity and crisp dialogue are the best features of this well done mono mix.
* Theatrical Trailer (HD)
* Spanish Trailer (HD)
Known for his natural and sincere portrayals on the silver screen, Academy Award® Winner Henry Fonda* was equally adept at dramatic, romantic and comedic roles, often playing strong, thoughtful men of integrity. With a career spanning nearly half a century and more than 80 films, he developed a worldwide fan following as one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors...and left a legacy of truly memorable motion picture performances.
The Henry Fonda Film Collection features:
Volume 1:
Jesse James
Drums Along the Mohawk
The Grapes of Wrath
The Return of Frank James
Immortal Sergeant
The Ox-Bow Incident
Volume 2:
My Darling Clementine
Daisy Kenyon
The Longest Day
The Boston Strangler
The Video presentation of the films in this collection are overall solid performers. The best in my opinion was The Grapes of Wrath. A crisp image with no print damage. Some films are in color and the highlight for gorgeous cinematography would be Drums Along the Mohawk. Considering the vintage of these films and most of them being released as single discs nearly 10 years ago the transfers hold up.
Audio is a mix of mono and stereo presentations. Crisp dialogue and some lovely scores are the highlight. No signs of pops, crackles, or dropouts.
