ADDITION: Warner - Region FREE - Blu-ray - September 2010: The paler contrast of the 2006 DVD package transfer has been replaced by a much thicker, and richer, image on the Blu-ray. Hence, detail doesn't crisp up as much as one might expect but the image has a very textured, darker look that seems more faithful to the original appearance. Less slick - but more... film-like. Noise still exists in monochromatic darker scenes but it was never impinging. I actually love the way this looks - a shade grittier and 'down-and-dirty' - rather than glossy and flat. This looks different than the 'pure' appearance of Warner's  The Treasure of the Sierra Madre - but I'm convinced it is authentic. I really felt this was a viable representation of a theatrical viewing being more film-like than the SD-DVD - that, to be fair, did very well for that medium. This, however, is quite different.  

Incidentally this is only the second film noir from our 'essential listing' HERE to make it to Blu-ray - and actually the very first if you are only considering 'American' films. The other is UK-produced The Third Man (Criterion OOP - or Studio Canal).

We get a lossless DTS-HD Master in original mono at 1069 kbps. It represents the track about as well as possible. It is essentially flawless - consistent and clean - some perceived depth. The disc includes includes an option of 3 foreign language DUBs and a list of subtitle options including English identifying the Region FREE disc as the international Blu-ray. 

Extras are duplicated from the 3-disc DVD package (accessible on the lone Blu-ray disc), and described below (including Anthony's description of The Gay Parisian) EXCEPT we lose the previous film versions of the classic Hammett caper - namely The Maltese Falcon (1931) with Bebe Daniels and Recardo Cortez and Satan Met a Lady (1936) with Bette Davis and Warren William. Notably the half hour featurette entitled The Maltese Falcon: One Magnificent Bird, a 40 minute Turner featurette The Trailers of Humphrey Bogart and there is a vintage blooper reel - about 12 minutes called - Breakdowns of 1941: Studio Blooper Reel, Warner Night at the Movies, 2 cartoons, and three audio broadcasts.

This is, by far, the most I have ever enjoyed The Maltese Falcon. The texture of Bogie's pinstripe-suit alone, on Blu-ray, created a powerful aura. The dual-layered 1080P rendering produces a remarkably different tone from the SD presentation. I found it, truly, enchanting. This film is overflowing with 'cool' and 'style' that never seemed matched again in Hollywood. It's a great price for under $20. We give a HUGE recommendation!

****

ON THE DVD: There was a snapper case single disc version that we hoped to compare this to, but circumstances prevented it. Regardless it can't hold a candle to this package.

The film, a recognized classic, is worthy of a 3-pack SE release with supplements, commentary and a beautiful restoration. Warner went to town and the result is a must-own DVD package.

The image looks close to being possibly the best in the Bogie Signature 2 collection. Shadow detail is exquisite - sharpness is strong and it appears free of artifacts and any damage. It's a shade faint- not bleached but lighter than some might expect. Audio is likewise rock-solid and the optional subtitles are at Warner's usual high standard. On Disc 1 there are also extras - Anthony (from our ListServ) says:

I thought I should highlight the 22-minute special short on Disc One, which is about the best of these little features I've seen Warners give us yet. It's the 1941 Oscar-nominated complete film version of The Ballets Russe, featuring Leonid Massine, of the ballet arrangement of Offenbach's music, 'Gaite Parisienne'. Sensational Technicolor; the film marred somewhat by Jean Negulesco's over-active direction, but what he lets you see of the ballet is sensational.

Eric Lax gives an excellent commentary expounding on his vast knowledge of Bogart and the film. He does such a good job that you only consider that he could have had some support in a few brief moments. Regardless it was excellent! Warner jams the 3 DVD set with multiple supplements - the most notable being on disc 2 with two full features - the 1931 version of The Maltese Falcon and Bette Davis in Satan Met A Lady. Both paling in comparison to Disc 1's film, it was still nice to see although they had not seen the same diligent restoration process that the main feature has had. If you have the time, either would make for a good B-film starter evening - warming you up for the Huston's debut film.

On the third DVD - is a half hour featurette entitled - The Maltese Falcon: One Magnificent Bird, a 40 minute Turner featurette entitled - The Trailers of Humphrey Bogart. There is another vintage blooper reel - about 12 minutes called - Breakdowns of 1941: Studio Blooper Reel, some makeup tests with Mary Astor and three audio broadcasts.

The Bogart Signature Collection 2 is great but this is really the whole set in this film - the others are certainly worthy but John Huston transformed Hammett's novel into the stuff of legend - making this an essential DVD.

Gary W. Tooze