NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Kino Blu-ray (July 2024): Kino have also transferred Daniel Mann's The Rose Tattoo to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from a "2021 HD Masters by Paramount Pictures – From 4K Scans". It is, likewise, in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio (theatrically 1.85:1), on a dual-layered disc but has a max'ed out bitrate. There is not a lot of difference but the Kino seems to handle the contrast in a sharper fashion - blacks somewhat darker and whites a bit brighter. I will give a small edge to the Kino 1080P. We won't do additional 'Bonus Captures" as the image quality is quite similar.

On their Blu-ray, Kino use a DTS-HD Master dual-mono track (24-bit) in the original English language. This is a bump over Imprint's 16-bit LPCM. The Rose Tattoo has no violence. There is a occasionally playful or somber score by Alex North (The Rainmaker, Man With the Gun, Under the Volcano, Viva Zapata, Spartacus, Man With the Gun, A Streetcar Named Desire) with the audio transfer adding a bit more to the bass. There is other music; The Sheik of Araby via Serafina's player piano, Marisa Pavan partially singing Come le rose behind the credits and at dance Johnny Green's Out of Nowhere. It all sounds clean with audible, consistent dialogue in the uncompressed transfer. Kino, also, offer optional English subtitles on their Region 'A'-locked Blu-ray.

Kino include a new commentary by historian / writer Julie Kirgo (author of Becoming John Ford) and writer / filmmaker Peter Hankoff (Producer of The Cold Blue.) They discuss the many attributes of this exceptional film lauding Anna Magnani (winning Best Actress Oscar) Burt Lancaster, Tennessee Williams three-act play which was originally written for Magnani to play on Broadway in 1951, Hal B. Wallis - best known for producing Casablanca and large production with Bogart, John Wayne, Bette Davis, and Errol Flynn. The Rose Tattoo had cinematography by James Wong Howe, costume design by Edith Head, a score by Alex North - all receiving Oscar nominations. So there is a lot to talk about and Julie and Peter do a fine job filling the almost 2 hours. There is also a low-res trailer.

The most glaring disparity in the two Blu-ray releases (Imprint and Kino) of Daniel Mann's The Rose Tattoo is the Amazon price. The Kino is significantly more reasonable and does have the slightly superior a/v plus a, different, commentary. Imprint has the appealing LE slipcase. Anna Magnani is infectious in the role of Serafina Delle Rose, the proud Sicilian seamstress living in the South of the US, coping with her husband's death and a subsequent miscarriage. Enter Alvaro (Burt Lancaster) full of enthusiasm for life, positive-ness and seeking a reciprocating passion. It's a brilliant adaptation with a stellar cast. There is no justifiable reason that it seems the least discussed of the Tennessee Williams film adaptations. It's full of joy and human frailty. Probably not worth a double-dip if you own the Imprint, but cinephiles should nab one of these Blu-ray editions. Essential 'Golden Age' Hollywood cinema at its finest.    

***

ADDITION: Imprint Blu-ray (December 2022): Imprint have transferred Daniel Mann's The Rose Tattoo to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from a "NEW 4K scan by Paramount Pictures". It is in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio (theatrically 1.85:1), on a dual-layered disc with a very high bitrate and looks extremely pleasing in 1080P. Light on grain, and a shade glossy - the image quality is consistent with pleasing contrast layering. Any digitization is imperceptible in viewing. A highly enjoyable HD presentation showcasing plenty of depth.  

NOTE: We have added 64 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Imprint use a linear PCM mono track (16-bit) in the original English language. The Rose Tattoo has no aggressiveness. It all sounds clean with audible, consistent dialogue in the uncompressed transfer. Imprint offer optional English subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The Imprint Blu-ray offers a new commentary by film historian Alan K. Rode. He tells us about producer Hal B. Wallis (Casablanca), Daniel Mann (Come Back, Little Sheba, The Revengers, I'll Cry Tomorrow, Lost in the Stars, Our Man Flint) who had also directed the stage play of The Rose Tattoo, DoP James Wong Howe - who won the 'Best Cinematography' Oscar, Anna Magnani (Rome, Open City, The Golden Coach, The Fugitive Kind) - the actress Tennessee Williams had in mind when he wrote The Rose Tattoo, Burt Lancaster and many of the other cast and crew. He informs us the that exteriors were all filmed in Key West, he observers about the increasingly darker lighting relating to Serafina's moods, and significantly more. It's at Alan's usual informative and well-researched standard. We recommended indulging. There is also a 7-minute interview with filmmaker Rob Nilsson on Anna Magnani. He tells us about the uniquely personal performances of his favorite actor. There is also a theatrical trailer for The Rose Tattoo.

Daniel Mann's The Rose Tattoo is full of Tennessee William's charm with colorful, romantic and damaged characters. The Imprint Blu-ray has a worthy presentation, excellent new commentary, and Magnani appreciation. A big keeper for me.

Gary Tooze