6.5 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Sexton Blake and Tinker foil criminal plot connected with the Tongs, and master-minded by "famous stamp collector" and millionaire.
Starring: George Curzon, Tod Slaughter, Greta Gynt, Tony Sympson, Charles Oliver (I)Crime | 100% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
English: LPCM Mono (48kHz, 16-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 3.0 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Though perhaps not as well known in all corners of the world as Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary Sherlock Holmes, Henry Thomas Blyth's (as Hal
Meredith) Sexton Blake has demonstrated significant popularity and longevity in his own right. Since making his literary debut in 1883, Blake has gone
on to appear not only in print, but in radio plays, stage plays, comic strips, on television, and in film in what amounts to thousands of adventures
penned by hundreds of authors. Given the character's popularity at the time, it's altogether fitting and appropriate that Tod Slaughter would confront
the hero in 1938's Sexton Blake and the Hooded Terror. George Curzon returns to the titular role of Blake, paired with the fabulous Greta
Gynt's Mademoiselle Julie, a secret agent who's never quite the anticipated damsel in distress. As most would expect based on the title, Curzon and
his
affiliates monopolize the screen time here, with Tod Slaughter performing the villainous chores in an understandably supporting role.
Different from the other films in this set, Sexton Blake and the Hooded Terror was scanned in 4K and restored in 2K from a 35mm dupe positive. Black levels are more satisfying here, but crush is an issue. Softness is occasionally pops up as well, and density fluctuations are noticeable as well. There are occasional issues with image instability and some damage is evident. None of these issues are significant enough to detract from the entertainment value of the film, however, and fans should be happy with the work that was done here.
Sexton Blake and the Hooded Terror has a more than adequate English Linear PCM 1.0 soundtrack. Dialogue is typically handled very well, though some slight distortion is noted when lines are shouted (such as Tinker's exchange with a cab driver), but such instances are rare. Music is handled well, though bass is somewhat lacking. Sound effects are in line with other films from the era.
The on-disc supplemental content located on Disc Three includes:
Clocking it at just 70 minutes, Sexton Blake and the Hooded Terror doesn't move as briskly as one would think, and Slaughter's subdued performance, while fitting for his role, doesn't inject his trademark energy and crackle to the film. Still, the film entertains with Julie and Tinker picking up the slack and keeping audiences engaged. While perhaps not Slaughter's most memorable performance, this mysterious adventure is notable for granting him entry into the Sexton Blake universe. Recommended.
(Still not reliable for this title)
1977
L'ambizioso | Special Edition
1975
Indicator Series
1937
Indicator Series
1936
1980
1997
Il cinico, l'infame, il violento
1977
1971
Gli occhi freddi della paura | Indicator Series | Limited Edition
1971
Sekkusu hantâ - sei kariudo
1970
La morte risale a ieri sera
1970
La polizia ha le mani legate
1975
Abwärts / Slipcover in Original Pressing
1984
1973
Standard Edition | Coto de caza
1983
Blood Reckoning / Con la rabbia agli occhi
1976
1999
1968
Brigade of Death | Brigade des moeurs | Standard Edition
1985
La polizia è sconfitta / Elimination Force
1977