‘The Spencer Tracy Collection’ Blu-ray Review (Warner Archive)
Hollywood legend Spencer Tracy starred in countless iconic films over the course of his remarkable career, earning two Academy Awards along the way – one for Captains Courageous (1937) and another for Boys Town (1938). Warner Archive Collection has been releasing actor-spotlight Blu-ray sets that bring together previously issued individual discs into a single collection focused on a specific performer. Now, it’s Spencer Tracy’s turn to shine, with his work celebrated in a four-disc Blu-ray set, including:
- Libeled Lady (1936) – When a socialite sues a big paper for libel, the editor responsible calls in the help of his ignored fiancée and a former employee to frame her and make the false story seem true. ***
- Northwest Passage (1940) – Langdon Towne and Hunk Marriner join Major Rogers’ Rangers as they wipe out an Indian village. They set out for Fort Wentworth, but when they arrive they find no soldiers and none of the supplies they expected. ***
- Fury (1950) – When a wrongly-accused prisoner barely survives a lynch-mob attack and is presumed dead, he vindictively decides to fake his death and frame the mob for his supposed murder. ***
- Bad Day at Black Rock (1955) – Following World War II, a one-armed stranger arrives in a tiny California desert town, but finds the residents hostile and protecting a terrible secret they want to keep hidden, by violent means if necessary. ****
Each of these films was previously released individually on Blu-ray by the Warner Archive Collection, and those discs are brought together here in this set. All of the films have been restored and presented in 1080p, with original aspect ratios of 1.37:1 and 2.55:1. Audio options include English DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono and 2.0 Stereo, alongside English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. The restorations themselves are simply gorgeous. There’s little reason to seek out these films in any other format, as you won’t find better-looking presentations than those offered on these Blu-rays. As ever, Warner Archive has also included a selection of welcome bonus features, adding extra value to an already impressive collection. Below is a breakdown of what’s included on each disc:
Libeled Lady Bonus Features:
- Leo is on the Air
- Trailer
Northwest Passage Bonus Features:
- Northward Ho! The making of Northwest Passage
- Theatrical Trailer
Fury Bonus Feature:
- Audio Commentary by Peter Bogdanovich that has an audio interview excerpt with director Fritz Lang.
- Theatrical Trailer
The Bad Day at Black Rock Bonus Features:
- Audio Commentary track by film historian Dana Polan of the University of Southern California
- Theatrical Trailer
To be perfectly honest, I do wish the Spencer Tracy Collection included more of his award-winning performances. That said, it’s easy to understand the intent here: this set brings together previously released Blu-rays into a single, space-saving collection designed with physical media fans in mind.
***** 5/5
If you are a fan of classic Hollywood, this Warner Archive Collection Blu-ray of The Spencer Tracy Collection is a good mix of films from comedy to action, drama to thriller. You can order a copy of this 4-movie Blu-ray set by heading over to Amazon now.
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