‘Dark Victory (1939)’ Blu-ray Review
Stars: Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, Geraldine Fitzgerald, George Brent, Henry Travers, Ronald Reagan | Written by Casey Robinson, George Emerson Brewer Jr., Bertram Bloch | Directed by Edmund Goulding
In this generation, people think of Bette Davis in horror films like Whatever Happened to Baby Jane (1962), Burnt Offerings (1976), and The Watcher in the Woods (1980). But before she had a career in horror films, she was in some of the best films in cinema history. She was nominated 10 times for the Best Actress Oscar and won for her performances in Dangerous (1935) and Jezebel (1938).
In 1939 Bette Davis spread her acting wings to play a terminal patient in Dark Victory. It is hard to believe it, but this film is 86 years old. So, after all these years, this film is deserving of a remaster and a Blu-ray release. In fact, it is long overdue.
A young socialite diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, and must decide whether she’ll meet her final days with dignity. Bette Davis’ bravura, moving-but-never-morbid performance as Judith Traheme, a dying heiress determined to find happiness in her few remaining months remains a three-hankie classic.
Bette Davis really shines in her role. But let’s not discount the rest of the cast in this film. There are a lot of great performances here, Humphrey Bogart (Casablanca), Geraldine Fitzgerald (Wuthering Heights), George Brent (Jezebel), Henry Travers (It’s a Wonderful Life) and a young Ronald Reagan (Knute Rockne, All American).
Dark Victory is an emotional tale that if you don’t shed a tear or two or at least feel like doing so, check your heart. 1939 was quite the year for films. If Dark Victory had been released in any other year, it would have walked away with many awards. But 39 saw films like Gone With the Wind, Goodbye, Mr. Chips, Love Affair, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Ninotchka, Of Mice and Men, Stagecoach, The Wizard of Oz and Wuthering Heights. Talk about stiff competition.
Warner Bros. have transferred Dark Victory to Blu-ray in 1080p, and it is presented in 1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio. There are the options for audio tracks in English a DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0, and a Dolby Digital Audio Spanish. There is also the option for subtitles in English (CC), Spanish, and French.
Watching Warner Bros. Blu-ray of Dark Victory is simply amazing! When you look at the early MGM DVD in comparison to this release, the difference is night and day. The picture quality of MGM’s release is horrendous. Watching that version, the film is filled with specks of dirt and debris and damage. When watching this newly remastered edition, you really can see the beauty of this film. In addition to a wonderful transfer, there are some great bonus features included on this release. Take a look at what is included:
Special Features:
- Commentary by Film Historian James Ursini and CNN film critic Paul Clinton
- New Featurette 1939: Tough Competition for Dark Victory
- “Warner Night at the Movies”
– The Roaring Twenties Trailer
– Newsreel
– Old Hickory cartoon
– Robin makes Good cartoon - 1/8/40 Lux Radio Theater Broadcast starring Bette Davis and Spencer Tracy
- Theatrical Trailer
As you can see, Warner Bros. really added some awesome bonus features here. I love the addition of classic cartoons, newsreels and the featurettes. It really makes it a night at the movies. But as a film fan who works on the radio, I love the addition of the Lux Radio Theater broadcast as well! That is awesome! Honestly, if you are a fan of Bette Davis this Blu-ray release of Dark Victory is a must-own.
***** 5/5
Dark Victory is out now on Blu-ray from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.
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