Thunderbolt Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.0

Thunderbolt Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov August 20, 2021

Josef von Sternberg's "Thunderbolt" (1929) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber. The only bonus features on the disc is an exclusive new audio commentary by critic Nick Pinkerton. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-A "locked".

Critiquing a film like Josef von Sternberg’s Thunderbolt is a very tricky business because it has to be done with the clear understanding that the main attraction in it is the innovative use of sound, which by modern standards seems quite primitive. But why would the rough audio quality of a film shot in 1929 make it difficult to evaluate it? After all, the audio can only be as good as the equipment that was used to record it, correct? Yes, it is very much so, but there is more. In Thunderbolt, there is a lot or material whose progression is actually determined by the innovative use of sound, which isn’t how sound typically functions in film. (Ironically, one could very easily argue that this exact practice is once again prominent in many contemporary big-budget blockbusters where the advanced use of sound is the main attraction as well). In other words, the organic relationship between moving images and sound that will soon become the norm isn’t present in Thunderbolt, and this is the reason why critiquing it becomes a tricky business.

Despite being easy to encounter throughout the city, for years the notorious gangster Thunderbolt (George Bancroft) has managed to remain a few steps ahead of the local authorities. But now an ambitious detective has finally figured out how to get him. He will put a tail on Thuderbolt’s old girlfriend, Ritzie (Fay Wray), who has secretly started going out with him again, and at the right time force him to surrender.

During a big raid on a popular night club the detective and his partners nearly get the job done, but during the chaos Thunderbolt once again disappears into the shadows of the night. Realizing that with the authorities constantly hunting down her former lover nothing could be as it once was, Ritzie then begs Thunderbolt to let her walk away and rebuild her life. However, not only he rejects her plea, but immediately vows to destroy any man that attempts to replace him. When Bob (Richard Arlen) decides to give it a shot and love Ritzie the right way, Thunderbolt goes after him and sets him up to be the key suspect in a serious crime case. Then fate finally intervenes and Thunderbolt gets caught as well. In prison, while waiting to be sent to the electric chair, Thunderbolt and Bob realize that they have plenty in common, and eventually conclude that one of them needs to get out to save Ritzie from destroying herself.

In the second half there is a very heavy dose of melodrama that essentially destroys the film’s credibility. There is a lot of ridiculous moralistic messaging as well, which often does even greater damage. (Here’s a sample of it: “You are a killer, but a good man”). Of course, the resolution of the drama is entirely predictable, so it really is only a matter of time before the main characters complete their inevitable transformations.

The sound is boxy and thin. However, plenty of material highlights crucial statements and speeches where the sound is clearly used to further enhance the drama. Again, this should not be surprising given the then-current advancements in recording technology. On the other hand, it is also quite easy to tell that with a toned-down emphasis on the audio the entire film could have looked a lot more authentic.

Thunderbolt Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.32:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Thunderbolt arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber.

The release is sourced from a pretty rough master that was supplied by Universal Pictures. I am not surprised that the film looks as it does considering its age, but on the other hand it is quite easy to tell that a proper makeover would make it look substantially better. So, expect to see plenty of small and larger marks, blemishes, scratches, and even some cuts. There are some small but noticeable stability issues as well. The grading is decent, but a proper makeover will introduce plenty of meaningful improvements. Delineation and depth are acceptable. However, ideally the film should look quite a bit better. (An ideal scenario, however, could mean a lot of different things because the surviving elements for this film are obviously problematic). There are no traces of problematic digital work. My score is 3.25/5.00. (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).

Thunderbolt Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There is only one standard audio track on this Blu-ray release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature.

The audio is boxy and thin. In a few areas, the backgrounds are quite shaky as well. (You can hear a few uneven noises followed by complete silence). However, these are inherited limitations, so the only improvements that can be made are likely cosmetic in nature. It is hard to tell because it obviously the recording equipment was quite primitive. The important point to underscore here is that the very dated audio is in fact authentic.

Thunderbolt Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary - critic Nick Pinkerton shares plenty of interesting information about the history and technical merits of Thunderbolt as well as the careers of the people that made the film.

Thunderbolt Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

What makes Thunderbolt an interesting film is its historical value. Its entertainment value is far from impressive because the melodrama that is chronicled in it is instantly forgettable. I can't say that I disliked it, but its characters did not engage me as I hoped they would. Kino Lorber's release is sourced from a rough but rather decent master that was supplied by Universal Pictures.