‘For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943)’ Blu-ray Review
Stars: Gary Cooper, Ingrid Bergman, Akim Tamiroff, Arturo de Córdova, Vladimir Sokoloff, Mikhail Rasumny, Fortunio Bonanova, Eric Feldary | Written by Dudley Nichols | Directed by Sam Wood
Ernest Hemingway’s work has been adapted for the screen countless times, but few films capture his depth as powerfully as 1943’s For Whom the Bell Tolls. In almost any other year, it could easily have taken home the Best Picture Oscar. It’s hard to believe this film is now 82 years old, yet it still feels timeless. Thanks to a newly restored 4K master from Kino Lorber’s KL Studio Classics line, this classic drama arrives on Blu-ray looking better than ever. Cinephiles can finally experience the film in its finest presentation to date.
The story follows expatriate American demolition expert Robert Jordan (Cooper) who aids anti-fascist freedom fighters of Spain. Assisting him is a band of warriors including the strong-willed Pilar (Katina Paxinou in an Academy Award®-winning performance), the dangerously undependable Pablo (Akim Tamiroff, The General Died at Dawn) and the lovely, innocent Maria (Bergman). As danger mounts, Robert and Maria develop a closeness that blossoms into one of the silver screen’s greatest love stories.
Hemingway always had a gift for emotionally charged storytelling, and director Sam Wood translates that power beautifully to the screen, crafting a sweeping, heartfelt cinematic experience. Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman are phenomenal together, their chemistry carrying the film with ease. At nearly three hours, the runtime might sound daunting, but the pacing is so strong that it never drags — you’ll hardly notice the length at all.
For Whom the Bell Tolls has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is an English DTS-HD Master Audio 20, and there is the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. The transfer comes from a brand-new HD Master from a 4K Scan of the UCLA Film elements. Now, I have seen this film before and the print was okay, but watching this film now on this new Blu-ray is a real pleasure – the quality of this new 4K scan brings this film to life!
In addition to this new wonderful-looking 4k scan. Kino Lorber added some nice bonus features to this Blu-ray release, including:
Special Features:
- The Roadshow Edition with Overture and Intermission
- NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historian David Del Valle and Film Historian/Producer Dan Marino
- Theatrical Trailer
A roadshow edition refers to where a film is shown in a small number of theatres in major cities before it is released to a wider audience – these formats include overtures, intermission and even an extended runtime. I think it is so cool that Kino Lorber added the bonus of the For Whom the Bell Tolls Roadshow overture and intermission. Plus the bonus of a wonderful commentary? Great Stuff!
***** 5/5
If you love classic Hollywood movies as much as I do, this 1943 classic drama is a must-have for your collection. Head over to Amazon and buy your copy of For Whom the Bell Tolls now.
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