The Front Page Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

The Front Page Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 7, 2015

1931’s “The Front Page” was added to the National Film Registry in 2010, securing its place in cinema history and its preservation for future generations to enjoy. It’s easy to see why the feature was picked, presenting a sharp, incisive look at journalism of the day, finding its depiction of sensationalism and the lure of personal corruption still resonate in 2015.

Bringing a popular Broadway play to the screen, director Lewis Milestone crafts a tightly wound effort that invests in speed, electing a screwball tone to balance out the grim realities in play. It’s a witty picture, with finger-snap timing and shaded but bellowed performances from the cast, including Adolphe Menjou, Pat O’Brien, and Mary Brian, and one that’s aware of journalism as it transforms from a pursuit of justice to demoralizing routine. While the comedy doesn’t play as freshly today, intent is perfectly clear and smartly rendered.

The Front Page Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

One has to believe that this Blu-ray is likely the best "The Front Page" has looked since its initial theatrical release, though expectation for the pristine viewing experience should be tempered. The AVC encoded image (1.32:1 aspect ratio) presentation displays adequate clarity for the most part, delivering welcoming details as cinematography battles with focus issues and period-specific limitations. There's placement of particulars on faces and costumes, and the limited use of sets is open for inspection. Contrast is secure, and filmic textures remain. Delineation is spot-on. Source has its woes, as to be expected with a picture from 1931, with extensive scratches and judder, and a few chemical burn marks are detected. Nothing is distracting, with the overall visual push of "The Front Page" secured with as much care as possible, stopping just short of a meticulous, cripplingly expensive restoration.

The Front Page Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 LPCM mix also shows signs of wear and tear, with pops and hiss carrying throughout the listening experience. Levels are also inconsistent, requiring some volume riding at times. Dialogue exchanges are thin and crispy, but never completely lost, supporting performances with adequate intelligibility, preserving timing and emphasis. Music is on the muffled side, but holds a degree of definition. A few significant damage points are present, but swiftly worked through.

The Front Page Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Lux Radio Theater – 1937" (58:45) is a performance of "The Front Page," featuring actors Walter Winchell and James Gleeson, hosted by Cecil B. DeMille.

• "Academy Award – 1946" (31:44) is a second radio adaptation, starring Adolphe Menjou and Pat O'Brien.

• "On Film Preservation: The Library of Congress" (7:16, HD) is a brief but informative visit to the "cultural institution," where we meet a few of the employees in charge of acquiring and preparing titles for preservation, working on Blu-ray releases. A discussion of "The Front Page" is included, with a print acquired from East Germany in 1970. The conversation carries to the merits of the National Film Registry, where "The Front Page" joined the roster in 2010.

The Front Page Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The source material has been reworked numerous times, including a 1974 Billy Wilder adaptation with Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon, even 1988's "Switching Channels," which ended up becoming more famous for its behind-the-scenes conflicts than its on-screen achievements. The 1931 version of "The Front Page" appears to be the most pure representation of the play, remaining in the era depicted, giving it special insight and realism that's buttered up with a distinct sense of humor.