6.8 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 2.0 | |
Overall | 2.0 |
A would-be censor's brother produces a Broadway show with a controversial star.
Starring: Mae West, Victor Moore, William Gaxton, Lester Allen, Alan Dinehart (I)Musical | 100% |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.37:1
English: LPCM Mono
English
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region B (A, C untested)
Movie | 2.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 2.0 |
Note: This version of this film is available on Blu-ray as part of Mae West in Hollywood.
For a star who was perceived to be such a voluptuous female sex symbol, Mae West had, well, swagger. Just look at the way she
gallivants,
even
marauds, physically through
her scenes, walking almost like a prize fighter observing some prey she's just devastated. She frequently has a masculine mien in her gait, hands
on
hips almost threateningly, and with a kind of pugnacious attitude that nonetheless never completely masks a rather unexpectedly sweet and kind
aspect to many of her characters, even if those characters are just as apt to be tough as nails. Specifically in terms of West's memorable saunter, if
none of her
other unforgettable aspects, one of the commentaries included with this set calls West's distinctive stride a "shimmy" that West supposedly
overtly stated was culled from watching black women, though some may jokingly wonder if West was also watching black men for a few
pointers. What is
kind of fascinating about West's ineluctable allure in terms of behaviors and mannerisms, though, is how she manages to be slyly seductive and
ridiculously overheated almost
simultaneously, but it's
instructive to note that this layering of attitudes and demeanors, as well as "mere" physical presence, was part and parcel of West's own writing
and character building acumen, since it
seems only obvious that West was more than aware that she was putting on a show on any number of levels. West's proclivities as "another" kind
of
auteur, one who crafted a series of films that frequently were based on West's own ideas and/or writing, are rather prominently on
display in this handsome new(ish) set from Powerhouse Films' Indicator imprint, which aggregates
together ten features ranging from 1932 to 1943.
The Heat's On is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Powerhouse Films' Indicator imprint with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.33:1. The back cover of this release offers only a generic "high definition remaster" comment. This is nonetheless one of the nicer looking transfers in this set, one which boasts solid contrast and black levels, and generally appealing detail levels. Fine detail on things like fabrics on costumes is typically very good, and close-ups can show some of the "age related wear and tear" on West herself, who was approaching the venerable age of fifty when the film was shot. There's some minor damage on display, but nothing of any seriously distracting import. Grain resolves naturally throughout the presentation.
The Heat's On features a generally boisterous sounding LPCM Mono track. Cugat's latin infused rhythms permeate the musical side of things here, and the battery of percussion instruments utilize sound sharp and nicely defined throughout. There's arguably a bit of anemia in the midrange which can be heard, but on the whole the music sounds full bodied and distortion free. Dialogue is also delivered cleanly and clearly throughout the presentation. Optional English subtitles are available.
West was reportedly less than pleased with The Heat's On, and it's not hard to see why. The film is weirdly flat and uninvolving, with the real excitement generated largely by the manic music of Xavier Cugat's ensemble. Technical merits are generally solid for those who may be considering making a purchase.
(Still not reliable for this title)
1935
1937
1936
1936
1934
1986
1932
1916
1916
BFI Flipside
1968
1916
1929
1916
1969
1917
Charlie Chaplin
1959
Vintage Classics / Digitally Restored
1984
1916
Limited Edition CANCELLED
1987
1916