7.4 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
At a big city Catholic school, Father O'Malley and Sister Benedict indulge in friendly rivalry, and succeed in extending the school through the gift of a building.
Starring: Bing Crosby, Ingrid Bergman, Henry Travers, William Gargan, Ruth DonnellyDrama | Insignificant |
Family | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.37:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.37:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (locked)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Leo McCarey's "The Bells of St. Mary's" (1945) arrive son Blu-ray courtesy of independent distributors Olive Films. The supplemental features on the disc include new audio commentary by author and critic Gary Giddins; new video program with film historian Steve Massa; vintage radio adaptations; and more. The release also arrives with an 8-page illustrated booklet featuring an essay by Abbey Bender. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-A "locked".
Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.27:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, The Bells of St. Mary's arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Olive Films.
Olive Films' first release of this film appeared 2013 and I actually liked the technical presentation quite a lot. (For what it's worth, I would have given the old transfer at least a 4.25/5.00 as it boasts very solid organic qualities). However, this upcoming release is sourced from a new 4K restoration, and I like it even better. Here's why:
There are two areas with noticeable improvements, and the bigger your screen is, the greater your appreciation of them will be. The first is quite predictable -- density levels are better. However, I immediately wish to point out that the density fluctuations that are present on the previous transfer are also retained on the new master. The difference here is that they appear minimized and 'tighter'. (I took screencaptures #12 and 13 to illustrate the difference). So, to be perfectly clear, these drops in density are not a byproduct of digital work, but inherited source limitations. Most close-ups also reveal better delineation, and you don't have to have a big screen to recognize the difference. The second area is stability and overall health of the visuals. For example, virtually all transitions appear smoother and 'tighter', which means that you should expect an overall superior fluidity. Obviously, the age of the elements that were used to produce the new master still shows, but now the visuals are healthier. Other small but meaningful improvements are present in the grading, but the previous release was also done really well. All in all, if you enjoy the film you should consider upgrading because the new presentation is superior. My score is 4.75/5.00. (Note: This is a Region-A "locked" Blu-ray release. Therefore, you must have a native Region-A or Region-Free player in order to access its content).
There is only one standard audio track on this Blu-ray release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Optional yellow English subtitles are provided for the main feature.
The audio is clear, stable, and easy to follow. Dynamic intensity is also very good for a film from the 1940s. There are no distortions or dropouts. However, if you turn up the volume high enough, form time to time some extremely light background buzz/hiss can be heard. It is never distracting, but people that like to turn up the volume a bit higher than usual will likely notice its presence.
If you already own Olive Films' first release of The Bells of St. Mary's and have been waiting to hear if the label's upcoming Signature Edition is worth picking up, the answer is yes. It is sourced from a very nice new 4K restoration that offers meaningful improvements. This upcoming release also has a good selection of exclusive new bonus features, including a nice audio commentary by Bing Crosby biographer Gary Giddins. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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1986
2007
Limited Edition to 3000 - SOLD OUT
1943
Limited Edition to 3000 - SOLD OUT
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1984
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1932
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1940
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1987
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2012
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2003
2013
2006
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1995