The Son of the Sheik Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

The Son of the Sheik Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 29, 2017

Facing a dip in his career after the massive success of 1921’s “The Sheik,” star Rudolph Valentino returns to the well with 1926’s “The Son of the Sheik,” which attempts to revive the actor’s “Latin Lover” image with a second helping of Middle Eastern obsession and romance. However, Valentino doesn’t take the challenge lying down, electing to play two roles, father and son, in the feature, which provides a vigorous enough thespian experience to help liven up an otherwise agreeable but unremarkable sequel.

The wilds of untamed women return in “The Son of the Sheik,” which shares a fixation on domination with its predecessor, though sexual assault overtones are more pronounced here, reviving the “pain is passion” message of “The Sheik.” Period romanticism aside, “The Son of the Sheik” is primarily about giving Valentino something more to do than just flare nostrils and look suave. He’s after an acting challenge, which is refreshing, portraying the titular role with aplomb, with the character subjected to all types of betrayals and torture, nursing a scheme of revenge against a woman (Vilma Banky) he fears has done him wrong.

The other side of “The Son of the Sheik” reunites viewers with the man from the previous picture, burying Valentino under a beard and old age make-up, which actually looks convincing. The aging actually liberates Valentino, who’s now free to give a performance, not just pose, giving the effort more emotional firepower than “The Sheik.” It’s not necessarily a better film, but it’s a more stimulating one, getting rape out of the way early to focus on a tale of parental protection, sold with split-screen technology that ranges from incredibly impressive for the age to “oh, come on,” with body parts often merging as the production figures out ways to edit around obvious mistakes.

The Son of the Sheik Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Lacking an expensive, extensive restoration, "The Son of the Sheik" arrives on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded image (1.17:1 aspect ratio) presentation. Wear and tear is constant throughout the viewing experience, displayed through thick scratches, jumpy and skipped frames, chemical damage, and speckling. Softness dominates, easing into blurriness, but a very mild degree of detail survives, trying to clarify expressive faces and set design achievements, and exterior expanse has its moments. Tinting remains appropriate, communicating storytelling intent. Delineation reaches as far as it can considering source issues. Packaging notes that some side cropping was required to maintain a consistent image.

The Son of the Sheik Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix supplies a lively score by Alloy Orchestra, which arrives with pleasingly rumbly percussion and crisp, clean synth stings. Music retains ideal instrumentation and supports dramatic moods as intended, maintaining control of the listening experience.

The Son of the Sheik Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Intro by Orson Welles" (17:35, HD) is a clip from "The Silent Years" television program, with the famous filmmaker and actor taking his time to discuss Rudolph Valentino's appeal and career, giving some insight to the "Latinest of the Latin Lovers." Clips from Valentino's career help pad out the show.

• Newspaper Headlines (1:29) showcase New York City coverage of Valentino's illness and eventual death.

• "Valentino: His Life and Times" (8:37, HD) is a brief biographical short detailing the actor's early years and burgeoning career in front of the camera. Footage is interesting, at one point showing Valentino palling around with Al Jolson, Douglas Fairbanks, and William S. Hart. Also of use to fans is a 1923 sound recording of Valentino singing.

• "Valentino at the Beach" (2:30, HD) is a short, a clip from a longer production, that showcases the actor (with huge pork chop sideburns) lounging on the sand.

• Trailer for "Young Rajah" (2:33, HD) is offered.

• A Theatrical Trailer for "The Son of the Sheik" is not included.

The Son of the Sheik Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Son of the Sheik" represents Valentino's final performance, with the actor dying during a trip to promote the movie, giving the picture immediate notoriety, though it's far from anything special. Much like "The Sheik," it's entertainment, and an endeavor blessed with hindsight, making a move toward broader comedy with clownish supporting characters, and there's a rousing climax that brings on swashbuckling events, with men jumping around the frame swinging swords, while a few horse-based stunts keep the feature racing along. "The Son of the Sheik" will always be remembered as Valentino's farewell, but at least he's terrific in it, prematurely concluding a career on a high note.