Rachel and the Stranger Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		0.5
Overall		4.0

Rachel and the Stranger Blu-ray Movie Review

19th century fox.

Reviewed by Randy Miller III April 21, 2020

A surprise hit for RKO pictures and their biggest moneymaker of the year, Rachel and the Stranger (1948) remains an amiable, crowd-pleasing romantic drama that's aged extremely well during the past seven decades. Helmed by prolific actor-turned-director Norman Foster, it's an excellent example of "total package" filmmaking with barely a weak spot from start to finish. Our story follows hard-working pioneers David Harvey (William Holden) and his son Davey (Gary Gray), occasionally joined by David's wandering hunter pal Jim Fairways (Robert Mitchum), who are still getting over the death of David's wife Susan at age 28. As winter thaws and Jim is away on yet another long hunting trip, David is convinced he needs a woman to help work the land and raise Davey. He travels into town and is talked into buying an indentured servant named Rachel (Loretta Young), even marrying her on the spot just for good measure.

David, almost to a fault, keeps Rachel at arm's length during the first few weeks of their new partnership. Nonetheless, the young bride gets right to work and seems eager to fill what seems like a giant void left by Susan's death, even with David's distant demeanor and more than a few nasty comments made by his motherless son. Poor Rachel just can't seem to catch a break, but she soldiers on anyway -- her only apparent fault is she can't shoot a gun to save her life, but even works on that skill when "the boys" are off in the woods. But despite David's gradual softening, we're still left with the notion that his marriage will be platonic at the very most. Things change immediately once Jim rides back into the picture: Rachel swoons at first sight and David seethes with jealousy at the prospect of his wife falling for another man. Soon enough, the stoic and penitent David looks like the third wheel in his own cabin.

Rachel and the Stranger's potentially pitch-black story elements almost thwart the possibility of retaining any kind of wit and charm...yet there's a delicate touch to the proceedings, ensuring that almost every key character falls perfectly within their own reasonable boundaries. At the center is Rachel herself, who remains a strong figure to root for even when there aren't any genuine villains. (Perhaps the closest thing are Native Americans, featured during a climactic battle that isn't necessary but at least doesn't drag the story down with it.) Outside of its character-based strengths, the early 19th century backdrop, which falls almost directly between America's independence and the Civil War, feels like less-traveled territory and also works in the film's favor. It's also aided by top-notch cinematography and a fine score, as well as fundamental strengths like smart pacing and a total lack of narrative hand-holding.

Though well-known in its day, Rachel and the Stranger has been virtually non-existent on the digital home video front; just one more reason why Warner Archive's new Blu-ray is one of the year's best vintage catalog surprises. This disc offers more than just one of the studio's reliably great transfers -- it also adds nearly fifteen minutes of footage back into the film that was hastily trimmed for a 1954 theatrical re-release and subsequent TV airings.

Rachel and the Stranger Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Warner Archive's new 1080p transfer of Rachel and the Stranger includes several long-overdue visual milestones exclusive to this Blu-ray. The studio's press release indicates that nearly 15 minutes of cut footage have been stitched back into the film, bringing its running time up to 93 minutes. Additionally, blacklisted writer Waldo Salt's name has been reinstated, having previously been scrubbed away by RKO for the film's 1954 theatrical re-release. From there, the finished product was given a brand-new 4K scan and the studio's usual meticulous manual cleanup, revealing a largely consistent and nicely upgraded picture that supports the understated but attractive cinematography.

Word has it that this stunning transfer was sourced from two primary elements: the original (cut) nitrate camera negative and a full-length British nitrate negative, so it's no surprise that the bulk of it has a dazzling, silvery sheen that's loaded with natural film grain. Though a great deal of Rachel and the Stranger was filmed indoors under low or natural light, even its most challenging scenes look great while the sunny exterior shots fare even better. Although it's never specified exactly what footage is "new" to this release, there are several wide and establishing shots that look slightly harsher in direct comparison; though certainly watchable and free from most age-related wear and tear, the contrast levels here aren't quite as smooth with less refined shadow detail. But this is still a five-star effort, all things considered: Rachel and the Stranger is another forgotten classic never officially released on Region 1 DVD so, for die-hard fans, this fully restored and uncut Blu-ray will represent a quantam leap forward in video quality.

Rachel and the Stranger Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The default DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mix is likewise a quality effort that delivers consistently pleasing sonic detail. Dialogue and sound effects are well-balanced while Roy Webb's original soundtrack is full and dynamic; both show very few signs of harshness and no major defects including sync issues, drop-outs, or popping. Close-quarter cabin interiors and more expansive outdoor moments sound comparatively natural, even during those stray moments when the video quality dips slightly. Overall, this is another quality effort that purists will appreciate from start to finish.

Optional English (SDH) subtitles are included during the main feature; these are formatted nicely, and though garish yellow at least they aren't ALL CAPS like many recent WAC Blu-rays. Perhaps they've turned the corner again?

Rachel and the Stranger Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This one-disc release arrives in a standard keepcase with poster-themed cover art and no inserts.

• Theatrical Trailer (1:10) - A short but sweet promotional piece that's in extremely rough shape but neat to have for posterity. Watch it here, although it's spoiler-heavy and best left avoided for newcomers.

Rachel and the Stranger Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

I don't use the word "delightful" often, but Norman Foster's Rachel and the Stranger certainly fits the bill. It's a very well-crafted and emotionally engaging film that plays incredibly well more than seven decades after its original release. Featuring top-tier performances all around, fine cinematography, and most importantly a great story, there's still a lot to like about this excellent family drama. Warner Archive Collection's Blu-ray is another outstanding effort, going the extra mile with a new 4K-sourced transfer that reinstates nearly 15 minutes of cut footage back into the film. Although the lack of extras hurts a little more than usual (a restoration featurette would've been more than welcome), die-hard fans and newcomers alike should consider this one of 2020's best "sleeper" releases and a great blind buy.