Jean Renoir's - Swamp Water - Dana Andrews DVD Jean Renoir Swamp Water Dana Andrews DVD

(aka 'The Man Who Came Back')

USA 1941

This is commonly known as Jean Renoir's first American film (1941), although Renoir scholar Alexander Sesonske has established that Renoir's creative role in the project was severely hampered by producer Darryl F. Zanuck and that he didn't regard much of the film as his own. (The ending, for instance, was written by Zanuck and directed by Irving Pichel.) Nevertheless, the film has certain beauties and pleasures. Part of it was shot in Georgia's Okefenokee swamp, and the treatment of the small community living nearby is often pungent and distinctive.

Excerpt from Jonathan Rosenbaum of the Chicago Reader HERE

Lobby Cards

Theatrical Release: November 16th, 1941

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DVD Review: 20th Century Fox - Region 2 - PAL

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	20th Century Fox Home Entertainment - Region 2 - PAL
Runtime	1:26:18
Video	1.33:1 Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 6.0 mb/s PAL 720x576 25.00 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:
Audio	English (Dolby Digital 2.0)
Subtitles	English, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Video Aspect Ratio: Original Aspect Ratio 1.33:1 Edition Details: • none DVD Release Date: April 17th, 2006 Transparent Keep Case Chapters: 20

Comments:

The image falls somewhere in the mid range category. Progressive with acceptable contrast, there may have been some black boosting. It is not overly sharp but gives a good representation of the 65 year old film that shows very little damage but compression artifacts exist. Overall, I would say it is consistent and acceptable. Ditto for the 2 channel audio. As with other of these Studio Classics from Fox we have a single layered disc with no extras. Purchases will rely heavily upon the film and its lack of alternative digital release in Region 1 (or anywhere else?).

As for the film, I enjoyed it. Although not vintage Renoir, his presence is easy to distinguish and the film has some great atmosphere. Sure... we recommend!