The Hurricane Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

The Hurricane Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 6, 2015

While far from being the first disaster movie, 1937’s “The Hurricane” is a great example of the subgenre’s early years. Directed by John Ford, the feature is a slow build-up to spectacle, issuing a star-crossed lovers plot and vile villainy to work viewers up before slamming them back into their seats with a climatic storm. It’s a colossal undertaking, and one that retains intimate encounters, capturing passions and catastrophe with equal concentration.

Starring Jon Hall and Dorothy Lamour, “The Hurricane” takes its time with story, carefully arranging interests from a number of supporting characters, identifying motivations and determination within a tropical setting that’s created with a mix of studio magic and locations. Ford doesn’t linger anywhere for too long, maintaining interest in pace and excitement, masterminding shoot-outs, escapes, and survival to keep the story in motion before it’s trapped under sheets of water and wind. Personalities are impressively defined, along with relationships and challenges to honor, but “The Hurricane” is also effective as a love story, arranging a divide between the leads that develops a level of feeling required to lead the way to a satisfying payoff. Ford knows adventure, but he’s also mindful of heart and soul, making “The Hurricane” satisfying on multiple levels.

The Hurricane Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation carries obvious age, with scratches, debris, and mild flicker detected, but there's nothing that distracts. Soften remains throughout, but detail is passable during the viewing experience, surveying special effects techniques and actor particulars, finding limited use of close-ups the most appealing. Contrast is secure and delineation handles well. Grain is fine and filmic.

The Hurricane Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix delivers what's expected of a movie this old, though it manages to supply a rather defined listening experience. Dialogue exchanges are relatively clear and meaningful, capturing varied performances and accents. Scoring hues are bolder but supportive, carrying the dramatic urgency of the effort with power, only lacking precise instrumentation. Atmospherics with native celebrations and oceanic life are comfortable, isolating group activity. The climatic storm is a swirl of winds and property damage, offering intended chaos. Hiss is present throughout.

The Hurricane Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Joseph McBride.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:42, HD) is included.

The Hurricane Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The final act is devoted to the deadly storm, showcasing raging winds and pounding rains, while the island setting is torn to shreds. It's harrowing work, watching the actors endure punishing elements and still deliver performances, but it all comes together superbly, blending harsh set conditions with special effects. "The Hurricane" saves its most marketable elements for the grand finale, but the appeal of the picture isn't saved for last. The production preserves suspense and heartache throughout, working to hold attention before blasting the screen with a grand display of nature's (and Hollywood's) fury.