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

ADDITION: Network Blu-ray (February 2021): Network have transferred Thorold Dickinson's The High Command to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from a "High Definition remaster from original film elements in its as-exhibited aspect ratio". Like most Network transfers, this sems true to the source without digital embellishment. The image has some surface scratches and speckle marks that are generally frame-specific. The superiority over SD would be the film's natural textures showing through and more layered contrast. Approaching 85-years old the is not without its production limitations but the 1080P image exports those and the attributes adeptly. It looks pleasing in-motion. 

NOTE: We have added 54 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Network use a linear PCM mono track (16-bit) in the original English language. Like the video the audio is at the mercy of the original production values and the sounds is, predictably, a bit weak - hollow and scattered with some bass-less gunfire. The score by Ernest Irving (Kind Hearts and Coronets, Whiskey Galore!) supports the film well but sounds fairly unremarkable in the uncompressed transfer. Network offer optional English subtitles (see sample below) on their Region 'B' Blu-ray.

The Network Blu-ray offers a 10-minute introduction by Philip Horne. he discusses Thorold Dickinson's career and how he got into film direction and sound editor. Notable as a 'surgeon of celluloid', Dickenson has a highly interesting history. Horne discuiss Lionel Atwill who had a scandal in his career - regarding sex orgy and perjury that basically blacklisted him from all except minor roles. There are also image galleries (Image - 3:53, Behind the Scenes - 3:32, Publicity - 2:50.) In the Blu-ray disc's root is a folder with a campaign sheet for The High Command in PDF format.

Thorold Dickinson's The High Command is full of wit. I loved the 30's fashion and deco-ish props.  There are some impressive scenes that carry a subtext (the playing of God Save the King and the wind dramatically picking up.) Some may recall Atwill from the serial Lost City of the Jungle playing the mastermind criminal. He died during its filming and was replaced by a double for his character's remaining scenes. Nice to see 28-year old James Mason in The High Command. Fans of vintage cinema and Thorold Dickinson's (Gaslight, The Queen of Spades, The Arsenal Stadium Mystery) debut feature, will find much to appreciate about the film and the Network Blu-ray presentation as well as the Philip Horne introduction. Recommended to that group.

Gary Tooze