Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.0

Golden Earrings Blu-ray Movie Review

Golden Earrings is an old-school thriller in the adventure-comedy threshold. Based on the novel by Yolanda Foldes, the film features strong lead performances by Ray Milland and Marlene Dietrich. Produced by Harry Tugend (Road to Bali, Take Me Out to the Ball Game), classic cineastes will be enormously pleased with the quiet charms of Golden Earrings.

British Col. Ralph Denistoun (Ray Milland) escapes from the grasp of the Nazis and decides to set out to steal the poison gas formula belonging to Hitler. While on his journey, Ralph meets the beautiful gypsy Lydia (Marlene Dietrich). Determined to help Ralph, Lydia makes sure to prevent him from entering harms way. Can Lydia help him steal Hitler’s plans and can the mission make him a hero?

Ray Milland and Marlene Dietrich give wonderful performances in the film. These terrific actors provide the film with great on-screen chemistry. Dietrich is particularly great in her role in the film. Indeed, she remains one of the most essential and important of classic Hollywood stars. There is simply something special about her performances and the manner in which she commands the screen. Her presence is captivating and compelling.

Milland is impressive in his role opposite Dietrich and he provides a solid performance that captures the essence of the character. When these two stars unite on screen, the results speak loud and clear – the dynamic wonder of their performances shine. Without Milland, the contrasting elements of these performances wouldn’t stand out as well.

The production design on Golden Earrings is noteworthy and it is certainly a compelling element of the production. There is a lot to appreciate about these design elements. The art direction by Hans Dreier (Double Indemnity, Sullivan’s Travels) and John Meehan (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Sunset Blvd.) provides great fundamentals to the filmmaking. These aspects of the design are similarly enhanced by the set decorations by Sam Comer (Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Vertigo) and Grace Gregory (White Christmas, The Country Girl).

The costumes by Mary Kay Dodson (Alias Nick Beal, Fancy Pants) are worthwhile, too. The costumes add some sense of flair to the filmmaking. Dodson is a compelling costumer and the results are worthwhile. Dodson has a good understanding of the craft and the results are excellent.

The cinematography by Daniel L. Fapp (West Side Story, The Great Escape) is impressive as well. The cinematography provides some fantastic visuals for the filmmaking. An outstanding effort and one showcasing a creative visual tapestry for the production.

The score composed by Victor Young (Around the World in 80 Days, The Quiet Man) adds some fun charm to the production as well. Young made a solid score and one that provides some exciting elements to the viewing experience. The music bursts with creativity.

Edited by Alma Macrorie (The Trouble with Harry, To Each His Own), Golden Earrings is well paced and there aren’t any wasted sequences. The production has a good sense of scale. There is plenty worth appreciating about the rhythm of the editing.

The screenplay by Abraham Polonsky (Body and Soul, Force of Evil), Frank Butler (Wake Island, Going My Way), and Helen Deutsch (The Unsinkable Molly Brown, The Glass Slipper) might not be the best of the classic Dietrich productions but the screenwriters do have fun with the concept and add some nice humor and intrigue to the adventure. There is enough charm in the script to keep the filmmaking relevant and exciting.

Directed by Mitchell Leisen (Death Takes a Holiday, Hold Back the Dawn), Golden Earrings is a solid production. The direction is often stirring. Leisen has fun with the storyline and does a solid job in exploring the film alongside the cast. Golden Earrings might not be top-tier but it is a solid and entertaining classic.

Golden Earrings Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Golden Earrings is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. The presentation on the release is certainly pleasing overall. Though the release is not sourced from a brand- new restoration, this is a compelling and worthwhile scan of the film. The encode is generally solid and there isn't much in the way of print damage or wear to the image.

Golden Earrings Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono. The lossless audio encoding on the release is respectable. The audio quality sounds clear and engaging overall. Dialogue has been well reproduced. The track doesn't suffer from any egregious hiss, crackle, pops, or clicks during the audio presentation. A solid encode from Kino.

Golden Earrings Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Film Historian David Del Valle

Golden Earrings – Trailer (SD, 2:17)

Desire – Trailer (HD, 2:50)

Seven Sinners – Trailer (SD, 1:45)

The Flame of New Orleans – Trailer (HD, 2:08)

Arise, My Love – Trailer (HD, 1:45)

The Lost Weekend – Trailer (SD, 2:08)

So Evil My Love – Trailer (SD, 1:59)

Death Takes a Holiday – Trailer (SD, 2:23)

No Time for Love – Trailer (SD, 2:12)

Golden Earrings Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Golden Earrings is an entertaining slice of old-school adventure. The filmmaking also works well as a thriller and has some nice genre elements. The best reason to see the film? The performances by Marlene Dietrich and Ray Milland. The film ends up being an entertaining classic with these two charming stars.

The Blu-ray release includes a worthwhile video and audio presentation. Fans of the film who are wanting to own a nice edition will be pleased with the release. It even sports a beautiful cover (showcasing classic artwork). Recommended.