Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.0

Peter Ibbetson Blu-ray Movie Review

A decent film with solid performances by Gary Cooper, Ann Harding, and Ida Lupino.

Peter Ibbetson is a classic drama based on the novel by George L. Du Maurier. The feature-film is adapted from the play penned by John Nathaniel Raphael. Produced by Louis D. Lighton (Captain Courageous, Home, Sweet Homicide), Peter Ibbetson stars Gary Cooper, Ann Harding, and Ida Lupino.

Peter Ibbetson (Gary Cooper) is an eligible bachelor looking for love. Yet Peter finds he has no interest whatsoever in one of his best options: Agnes (Ida Lupino). Despite his personal success, Peter has had no luck with love. Longing for his childhood sweetheart, Peter hopes to become reacquainted with Mary (Ann Harding). Can Peter find true love and be reunited with Mary?

The drama has solid performances. Gary Cooper is especially good in the lead role. The performance is commendable and carries the film well-enough throughout. Ida Lupina and Ann Harding also deliver strong supporting performances.

The cinematography by Charles Lang (The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, Some Like It Hot) is one of the strengths of the filmmaking. The black-and-white visuals provide the film with some uniquely compelling attributes. The lighting is especially vital as well – with some scenes being quite mysterious, even dream-like.

"Ready for bingo?"

The music score by Ernst Toch (The Cat and the Canary, Ladies in Retirement) helps the film excel as well. The score fits the mood of the production. The characters are highlighted by the music and that feels essential to the score backdrop.

As far as production merits are concerned, the art direction by Hans Dreier (Frenchman's Creek, Sunset Boulevard) and Robert Usher (The Jungle Princess, Hold Back the Dawn) is top-notch. The production looks expansive throughout. There is a solid sense of creativity on display. The sets look remarkable.

Alas, the screenplay by Vincent Lawrence (Playboy of Paris, Good Dame) and Waldemar Young (The Girl of the Golden West, The Lives of a Bengal Lancer) isn't up-to-the-task in the same way the other production merits on Peter Ibbetson are. The storytelling is often cookie-cutter and underwhelming. Despite impressive performances and solid aesthetics, the script underwhelms.

The direction by Henry Hathaway (How the West Was Won, The Trail of the Lonesome Pine ) makes the most of the script but isn't as impressive as expected. The editing by Stuart Heisler (Klondike Annie, Hard to Get) is likewise underwhelming. Peter Ibbetson feels over-long and could have used tighter storytelling.

Peter Ibbetson Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Peter Ibbetson is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. The film was given a modest-at-best scan and has not received a thorough 4K or 2K restoration. The print looks inconsistent.

Black levels were moderate looking and often appear gray. Grain structure was also inconsistent. There were occasional scratches to the print and debris as well – nothing so detrimental as for the print to not be watchable but its a far cry from a pristine source.

Peter Ibbetson Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in DTS HD Master Audio mono. The release sounds decent throughout. The audio does have some parts that sound slightly muffled but most dialogue sounds clear enough to be easily distinguished. The audio simply sounds "average" at best and never makes a big impression. While the audio on Peter Ibbetson could have been restored better, its a acceptable audio presentation.

Optional English subtitles are provided.

Peter Ibbetson Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Film Historian David Del Valle, Moderated by Producer Miles Hunter

Peter Ibbetson Theatrical Trailer (HD, 1:56)

The release also includes a selection of trailers promoting other releases available from distributor Kino Lorber: The Lives of a Bengal Lancer (SD, 1:42), Desire (HD, 2:50), The General Died at Dawn (SD, 1:28), The Plainsman (SD, 2:21), Bluebeard's Eighth Wife (SD, 3:08), Beau Geste (SD, 1:28), Unconquered (HD, 2:41), The Shepherd of the Hills (SD, 2:19), Rawhide (SD, 2:27), and 23 Paces to Baker Street (SD, 2:15).

Peter Ibbetson Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Peter Ibbetson is a decent production. The film finds strength in its performances: Gary Cooper, Ann Harding, and Ida Lupino impress. Yet the screenplay by Vincent Lawrence (Playboy of Paris) is a bit underwhelming and the direction by Henry Hathaway (How the West Was Won) isn't as good as expected. The Blu-ray release has a decent if unspectacular presentation. Rent It.