Thunderbolt Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.0

Thunderbolt Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov July 22, 2023

Josef von Sternberg's "Thunderbolt" (1929) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Indicator/Powerhouse Films. The supplemental features on the release include new program with critic Tony Rayns; recent audio commentary by critic Nick Pinkerton; archival audio interview with Fay Wray; and vintage promotional materials for the film. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-B "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 1.36:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Thunderbolt arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Indicator/Powerhouse Films.

In the summer of 2021, we reviewed this U.S. release of Thunderbolt from Kino Lorber. This upcoming release is sourced from the same master, but the technical presentation is different. The minor discrepancy in the framing is irrelevant. However, this release handles several dark areas a little bit better. Why? On the U.S. release, these areas look darker and lose some detail. (Unfortunately, this is a common development on Kino Lorber releases). Given the rough nature of the visuals, I doubt that the discrepancy will be spotted by casual viewers, but on good looking masters like the one that was prepared for The Hot Spot I think that the discrepancy cannot be avoided. Delineation and depth gravitate around acceptable. However, Thunderbolt has not been properly restored, so you should expect to see a lot of surface imperfections, like scratches, cuts, blemishes, and dark spots. There are some stability issues as well. My score is 3.25/5.00. (Note: This is a Region-B "locked" Blu-ray release. Therefore, you must have a native Region-B 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 LPCM 1.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature.

The quality of the audio is difficult to evaluate because it has many serious limitations. It sounds boxy and thin, plus it can be quite uneven. I speculate in our review of the U.S. release of Thunderbolt that any future work on the audio will be cosmetic work, and after revisiting the film last night, I am even more convinced that this would be the case. As good as digital technology is, the audio has native qualities that are quite mediocre -- or at least by contemporary standards.

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. The audio commentary was also included on Kino Lorber's release of Thunderbolt.

• The Guardian Interview with Fay Wray - this archival audio interview with Fay Wray was conducted at the National Film Theatre in London on September 3, 1990. Wray discusses her career and the many famous films she appeared in over the years as well as a recent autobiographical book.

• Sound and Vision: Tony Rayns on Thunderbolt - in this new program, Tony Rayns discusses Thunderbolt, its unique qualities, and placement in Josef von Sternberg's body of work. In English, not subtitled. (45 min).

• Image Gallery - presented here is a collection of original promotional materials for Thunderbolt.

• Booklet - limited edition exclusive booklet with a new essay by Pamela Hutchinson, archival articles, an overview of contemporary critical responses, and technical credits.

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. This upcoming release is sourced from the same rough master that Universal supplied for Kino Lorber's U.S. release in 2021. However, there are a few exclusive bonus features on it. If you collect early talkies, consider picking up Thunderbolt. If you are only curious about it, it is probably best to find a way to rent it.