Dragnet (1954) Blu-ray

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S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r

(aka "The Original Dragnet" )

directed by Jack Webb
USA 1954

Dragnet, one of TV’s most famous and innovative series from the 1950s, comes to colorful life in a classic full-length feature. As Sgt. Joe Friday, Jack Webb (-30-) recreates his memorable portrayal of a Los Angeles cop—“Just the facts, ma’am”—in this action-packed tale. A mysterious gangland slaying has taken place and it is up to Joe Friday and the Los Angeles Police Department to put together the pieces. With the help of his partner, Officer Frank Smith (Ben Alexander, Man in the Shadow,) they enlist the services of a pretty and daring policewoman to trap the devious mobsters and bring them to justice. Directed by Jack Webb (Pete Kelly’s Blues), written by Richard L. Breen (A Foreign Affair) and beautifully shot by Edward Colman (Mary Poppins). The top-notch cast includes Richard Boone (Hombre), Ann Robinson (The War of the Worlds) and Dennis Weaver (Duel).

Posters

Theatrical Release: August 18th 1954 (Chicago, Illinois)

Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews

Comparison:

Universal (Universal Vault Series) - Region 0 - NTSC vs. Kino - Region 'A' - Blu-ray

Big thanks to Gregory Meshman for the DVD Review and screen captures!

Box Cover		CLICK to order from: Bonus Captures:
Distribution	Universal Region 0 - NTSC	Kino - Region 'A' - Blu-ray
Runtime	1:29:06	1:29:06.341
Video	1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 6.32 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s	1.37:1 / 1.75:1 1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 45,399,409,985 bytes Feature: 22,363,385,856 bytes Video Bitrate: 29.93 Mbps Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate DVD:
Bitrate Blu-ray:
Audio	Dolby Digital Mono (English)	DTS-HD Master Audio English 1555 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 1555 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 16-bit) Commentary: Dolby Digital Audio English 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps
Subtitles	None	English, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Universal Aspect Ratio: Fullscreen - 1.33:1 Edition Details: • None DVD Release Date: January 11th, 2010 Keep Case Chapters 9	Release Information: Studio: Kino 1.37:1 / 1.75:1 1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 45,399,409,985 bytes Feature: 22,363,385,856 bytes Video Bitrate: 29.93 Mbps Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video Edition Details: • NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historian Toby Roan (on 1.75:1 version only) • Includes both the 1.75:1 and 1.37:1 Versions • Theatrical Trailer (1:21) Blu-ray Release Date: November 17th, 2020 Standard Blu-ray Case Chapters 9

Comments:

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

ADDITION: Kino Blu-ray (October 2020): Kino have transferred Jack Webb's Dragnet to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from a "Brand New 2K Master" and offers both 1.37:1 and 1.75:1 aspect ratio presentations, with very similar technical transfer qualities and bitrate. It is quite a bump from the DVD of 10-years ago with richer, far deeper colors (WarnerColor system) and more consistent grain support. However, this 1080P also looks very rough (blotchy) throughout the majority film. It seems more a function of the source that also had this issue with the DVD. It may have dye or alignment issues. There are sequences that are 'smoother' but they seem the exception. It, probably, didn't look exceptionally different theatrically but, regardless not all films transfer well to HD. The two ratios, 1.37:1 and 1.75:1 , can look a bit different with the widescreen being negligibly paler. These differences are vastly less noticeable than those of the SD to HD.

NOTE: We have added 50 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Kino use a DTS-HD Master dual-mono track (16-bit) in the original English language. For a crime-thriller there is little aggressive audio after the initial rifle fire focusing more on the procedural side of the investigation. The film's notable theme (Danger Ahead) score is by Walter Schumann (notable for composing for the film The Night of the Hunter and The Noose Hangs High) - there is also Herman S. Saunders' Foggy Night in San Francisco. Some bass that isn't apparent ion the lossy DVD. Kino offer optional English subtitles on their Region 'A' Blu-ray.

The Kino Blu-ray offers a new commentary by Toby Roan (on 1.75:1 version only.) He's enthusiastic, initial describing himself by stating; "My name is Roan. I'm a Film Historian." He covers much on Webb - his start in He Walked By Night, many of the bit performers and their links to Dragnet the TV series, the Schumann score and fills the running time with exceptionally prepared information. Really good stuff, Toby! There is also a trailer.

Jack Webb's Dragnet is iconic... spawning appeal for the already popular TV series (1951–1959,) a second series (1967–1970,) Made-For TV movies, the shorter-lived 2003 series, plus countless similar procedural cop dramas as well as the hilarious 1987 movie with Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks that pays homage to this, the original film and its 'stayed' Sergeant Joe Friday character. The Kino Blu-ray is highly rewatchable and has the invaluable Toby Roan commentary. Absolutely recommended!

Gary Tooze

ON THE DVD (2010): Dragnet: The Movie was the first feature film based on a very popular TV series. Unlike a TV episode of the time, the film is nearly 1.5 hours and in color. Another big difference is we know who the killer is in the pre-credit sequence, so the film becomes more of a how they get him and why he killed. An interesting procedural we come to expect from Jack Webb based on his hugely influential TV series.

Despite being released theatrically by Warner Brothers, the film is now owned by Universal (as they also own all the TV episodes of Dragnet and Dragnet 1968-1970). The film was released as part of their made-on-demand service "Universal Vault Series", first as an Amazon exclusive and now available at other on-line stores as well. There are no menus on the discs, and no extras. An old tape sources master was used for a transfer, marred with interlacing. The colors look washed up and some scenes look worse than others (as in first capture). This is a very disappointing release for this price, especially comparing to any given recent Warner Archive release. We hope the whole 1951-1959 series gets rescued from public domain by Shout! Factory (they already released 1967-1970 series after Universal gave up on it after Season 1) and this movie will be remastered and included as a bonus.

- Gregory Meshman