Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

Abe Lincoln in Illinois Blu-ray Movie Review

Log cabin lite.

Reviewed by Randy Miller III September 4, 2022

John Cromwell's Abe Lincoln in Illinois, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Robert E. Sherwood, is a somewhat surface-level but still hugely entertaining historical drama that traces the life of future 16th President Abraham Lincoln (Raymond Massey) from his early adulthood all the way to the White House. It's the kind of straightforward production you'd expect from this time period, passing all of the main signposts during its mostly well-paced 110-minute lifespan. Unassuming and uncomplicated, Abe Lincoln in Illinois makes for an easy weekend watch with a career-best role for its lead actor, who is otherwise perhaps best known for his turn in Frank Capra's excellent Arsenic and Old Lace.

Although a synopsis is kind of unnecessary for this type of by-the-numbers historical drama, Abe Lincoln in Illinois' narrative path does include a few less-traveled back roads. It opens just as Abe sets off for a new job under Denton Offutt (Harlan Briggs) that involves the transport of a boatful of pigs to New Orleans -- far from a more modern burger-flipping gig, and possibly more difficult. When boat trouble leads to a meeting with lovely Ann Rutledge (Mary Howard), Abe is over the moon for her and soon secures a more permanent job nearby at a local general store. Despite Ann's commitment to another man, Abe is determined to win her heart but at least waits until her beau's extended absence to make a move. Unsure of her feelings, she tragically dies soon after from "brain fever" and heartbroken Abe pours himself into his work, even parlaying his local popularity into a position in the State Assembly. Turning to law study due to his initial dislike of politics, Abraham soon meets Mary Todd (Ruth Gordon) at a social gathering and, after a bond is formed, she again sees what others did several years before -- a natural leader -- and gently prods Abe into a political career that would blossom into one of the most enduring Presidential legacies in American history.

Well-acted and durably enjoyable from start to finish, Abe Lincoln in Illinois is predictable in its structure and overall flow: there's memorable events we all remember from history books -- some obviously embellished or at least slightly sweetened, as well as more than a few patriotic montages and dramatic speeches that likely reminded viewers of the previous year's Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. But Abe Lincoln in Illinois doesn't just succeed in spite of its familiar format; it excels due to the strong support of Robert E. Sherwood's source play, which was later co-opted by Sherwood and prolific screenwriter Grover Jones, whose life was cut short only a few months after the film's theatrical release. Then of course there's the lead performance by Massey, who looks to have been born for the role, as well as a fine roster of supporting players that also includes Gene Lockhart, Clem Bevans, and even Charles Middleton, who played Ming the Merciless on several early Flash Gordon serials. On all counts, it's one of those they don't make 'em like they used to productions that are easy to take for granted but hold up perfectly well more than 80 years later.

Warner Archive's welcome Blu-ray edition of Abe Lincoln in Illinois easily succeeds their 2007 DVD-R release, a burn-on-demand disc that was single-layered with no extras and featured rather dubious A/V merits (for a Warner Archive release, at least). While its new 1080p restoration isn't among the boutique label's best, any perceived shortcomings may very well be traced back to the source material which may have impacted earlier releases as well.

Abe Lincoln in Illinois Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

It's true that Abe Lincoln in Illinois doesn't look as immediately outstanding as most Warner Archive Blu-rays which, as mentioned before, might be traced back to issues with its source material. No details regarding its new restoration were spelled out on the studio's press release which, by the look of things, was likely a 2K or 4K scan of an interpositive or perhaps even multiple sources in various levels of condition. The first reel or two is certainly not as impressive with an overall soft image that leans heavy on contracts with limited shadow detail and harsh writes, although the film settles into a reasonably comfortable groove for most of its running time. During its best moments Abe Lincoln in Illinois looks almost as crisp, detailed, and beautifully textured as most films in Warner Archive's library from this specific era and, at the very least, the overall image obviously hasn't been scrubbed with excessive amounts of noise reduction. As usual, "what you see is what you get" as this review's screenshots paint a very accurate portrait of what WAC's Blu-ray should look like on a properly calibrated display, with the tiny caveat that some of its softer or more contrast-heavy moments aren't quite as troublesome in motion. As usual, though, it's a fine effort that easily beats previous releases and, given the boutique label's sterling track record, likely the best possible outcome under the circumstances.

Abe Lincoln in Illinois Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Likewise, the DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mix sounds about as good as possible under the circumstances with mostly clear dialogue, well-balanced background effects, and enough room left over for Roy Webb's rousing score, which of course includes a few patriotic staples. Not surprisingly, some damage is present including mild hiss and, of course, some rather thin distortion and straining in the upper register, but absolutely nothing out-of-bounds for a release from this era. Again, a perfectly fine presentation and likely the best this film will even sound on home video.

Optional English (SDH) subtitles are included during the main feature only.

Abe Lincoln in Illinois Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This one-disc release ships in a keepcase with poster-themed cover artwork and no inserts. Its lone bonus feature is exclusive to this disc, as Warner Archive's own 2009 DVD-R was a barebones release.

• Lux Radio Theater Broadcast (59:57) - This old-time radio broadcast -- audio only, but at least it's in DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mono -- originally aired on 4/22/1940 and was directed by Ted Bliss and produced by Cecil B. DeMille, who also provides a short into. Raymond Massey reprises the lead role, with a mostly different roster of supporting players filling out the rest of the cast including Fay Bainter as Mary Todd Lincoln.

  The film's theatrical trailer, oddly not included on this disc, can be seen here.

Abe Lincoln in Illinois Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

John Cromwell's Abe Lincoln in Illinois is a pretty predictable and somewhat by-the-numbers historical drama; if it'd been George Washington in Virginia, for example, we'd probably see our main character fervently chopping down a cherry tree. But it's also hugely entertaining thanks to its sturdy source material -- a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Robert E. Sherwood -- and the lead performance by Raymond Massey, who looks to have been born for the role. Much like the previous year's Young Mr. Lincoln, this enduring slice of cinema can still be enjoyed more than 80 years after its original release. Warner Archive's Blu-ray improves improves upon their earlier DVD-R release in all departments, making this a recommended upgrade (or first purchase) for established fans and newcomers alike.