Broken Lullaby Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.0

Broken Lullaby Blu-ray Movie Review

Broken Lullaby is a beautiful and thought-provoking pre-code classic drama. Produced by Ernst Lubitsch, Broken Lullaby is one of the most renowned films in the filmmaker’s career. Based on the play L'homme que j'ai tué by Maurice Rostand, Broken Lullaby was adapted by Reginald Berkeley. Released by Paramount Pictures, Broken Lullaby stars Phillips Holmes, Nancy Carroll, and Lionel Barrymore.

Paul Renard (Phillips Holmes) has a talent as a French violinist and there is joy in that success. Returning from the turmoil of World War I, Renard is plagued by the memories of a solider who died on his own hands. Not everything is as serene as a beautiful tune played by violin. Wishing nothing more than to find a sense of solace, make amends, and right past wrongs – Renard travels forth to the hometown of the deceased soldier.

Upon arriving in the soldier’s hometown, Renard meets the soldier’s former fiancée, Fraulein Elsa (Nancy Carroll). Renard introduces himself as an old friend. Now finding a surprising solace in meeting Elsa, the possibility of romance buds – but can Renard reveal the troublesome nature of his role in her past lover’s death? Meanwhile, Renard meets the father of the deceased, Dr. H. Holderlin (Lionel Barrymore) and more emotions come to the surface. Can love conquer all?

The film has wonderful performances. Phillips Holmes, Nancy Carroll, and Lionel Barrymore are terrific in their respective roles. Broken Lullaby would not have been such a moving tale without these terrific and engaging performances from the central cast. A solid ensemble effort and each actor delivers a strong performance that taps in to the respective characters.

Perhaps the most complex performance is by Phillips Holmes, who must carry a significant undercurrent of emotional turmoil along the way. The performance by Nancy Carroll is complex and resonant as well (with the character facing some big philosophical questions along the way). These actors perform well together and the results don’t fail to impress.

The production is outstanding. There is a lot to appreciate about this well-produced pre-code gem. The art direction by Hans Dreier (Double Indemnity, Sullivan’s Travels) is an essential element of the film. A wonderful aesthetic is achievement and these elements help the filmmaking find its voice. Dreier is a master of the trade.

The costuming by Eugene Joseff (Gone with the Wind, Camille) adds to the production in equal measure. This is one of the fundamental elements of the film. The results are certainly noteworthy (with the nice costuming playing a good role in the production). Joseff is certainly one of the most regarded costumers from classic-era Hollywood and the results are impressive with this production.

The cinematography by Victor Milner (Reap the Wild Wind, The General Died at Dawn) is one of the best elements of Broken Lullaby. Milner has a sharp understanding of the language of cinematography. The black and white visuals are often quite hypnotic. The photography plays a huge role in the film and it helps the story unfold.

The score composed by W. Franke Harling (The Kiss Before the Mirror, Trouble in Paradise) adds to the experience of Broken Lullaby as well. Harling is a talented composer and the efforts here are engaging. Though this isn’t perhaps a top-tier classic score, the music helps enhance the filmmaking. A nice effort from Harling.

The screenplay by Samson Raphaelson (Suspicion, The Shop Around the Corner) and Ernest Vajda (The Smiling Lieutenant, The Love Parade) is arguably the best component of the production. The script is compelling and thought provoking. The concept that resulted in the script is certainly one that is complex and full or emotional gravitas. The screenwriters enhance the tale and bring it to life.

Directed by Ernst Lubitsch (Heaven Can Wait, To Be or Not to Be), Broken Lullaby is one of the director’s most dramatic and emotional films. The filmmaking is certainly driven from a perspective of emotions: this is a sentimental film in many respects and one that will appeal to those who cherish this type of Hollywood classic. An impressive effort from Lubitsch.

Broken Lullaby Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Broken Lullaby is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the aspect ratio of 1.38:1 full frame. Noted as being a brand new 2K master, Broken Lullaby has one of the more disappointing transfers that I have seen from Kino Lorber recently – especially given that a new master was provided to this particular film. I expected to find a better-looking restoration effort on this title.

There are many moments throughout the presentation of Broken Lullaby that showcase slight print damage and minor imperfections. The print showcases some debris, dirt, and thin scratches. The picture quality is softer than expected as well.

Given the fact that Broken Lullaby was produced in 1932, expectations should perhaps be modest compared to more recent classics, but nonetheless this is a far cry from the better 2K or 4K restorations and scans I have seen. I have seen some new 4K remasters of classic silent era productions that look almost pristine by comparison – as a result, I was a little disappointed by the average at best quality of this remastered presentation.

Broken Lullaby Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono. The audio isn't as crisp on this edition and the audio quality is somewhat disappointing. The track even sounds a bit muffled at times and there is hiss and crackle during parts of the film. Though the audio presentation isn't unlistenable by any means, the presentation also doesn't stand out in any meaningful way. The quality of audio seemed consistent with the transfer (being of a somewhat disappointing quality).

Broken Lullaby Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Film Historian Joseph McBride, Author of How Did Lubitsch Do It?

The release also includes a selection of trailers promoting other releases available from Kino Lorber:

Supernatural – Trailer (SD, 2:04)

Bluebeard's Eighth Wife – Trailer (SD, 3:08)

Since You Went Away – Trailer (HD, 1:40)

Duel in the Sun – Trailer (SD, 2:16)

Four Frightened People – Trailer (HD, 2:04)

The Eagle and the Hawk – Trailer (SD, 1:40)

Broken Lullaby Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Broken Lullaby is a beautiful film and one that showcases great performances by Phillips Holmes and Nancy Carroll. Director Ernst Lubitsch (Heaven Can Wait) is a compelling filmmaker and this classic pre-code production is a nice showcase for their style. Broken Lullaby also benefits from a strong screenplay by Samson Raphaelson (Suspicion) and Ernest Vajda (The Love Parade).

The Blu-ray release features a surprisingly disappointing presentation of Broken Lullaby. Though the release provides a new 2K master, the print quality is disappointing and there are numerous issues regarding the elements – thin scratches and soft picture-quality. The results are not as impressive as expected. Nonetheless, it is nice to see Broken Lullaby and the film itself is well worth seeing. Potential buyers might wish to rent Broken Lullaby first because of the average presentation quality on this release. Recommended.