‘Bette Davis Collection’ Blu-ray Review (Warner Archive)
When you think of classic Hollywood, few actresses stand taller than Bette Davis. Over her illustrious career, she delivered countless iconic performances and earned two Academy Awards, cementing her legacy as one of cinema’s greatest talents. Warner Archive Collection has been honouring legendary performers with beautifully curated Blu-ray releases, and now it’s Bette Davis’s turn in the spotlight. Their latest offering is a four-film Blu-ray set celebrating some of Davis’s standout work in a fitting tribute to an actress who defined an era.
- Jezebel (1938) – In 1850s Louisiana, a free-spirited Southern belle loses her fiancé due to her stubborn vanity and pride, and vows to win him back. ****
- Dark Victory (1939) – A young socialite is diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and must decide whether or not she’ll meet her final days with dignity. ***
- The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939) – A depiction of the love/hate relationship between Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex. ***
- The Letter (1940) – The wife of a rubber-plantation administrator shoots a man to death and claims it was self-defense, but a letter written in her own hand might prove her undoing. ***
The films are transferred in 1080p and are presented in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The audio tracks are English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Finally, there is the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
As with other recent Warner Archive Blu-ray releases, all four films receive their own dedicated Blu-ray disc. On top of that, you can rest assured that you are getting the best quality picture and sound anywhere. In addition to great restored picture, Warner Archive added some great bonus features to these Blu-rays, including:
Jezebel Bonus Features
- Commentary
- Jezebel: Legend of the South featurette
- Vintage Musical Short: A featurette with Jimmy Dorsey and his Orchestra
- Vintage Daffy Duck Cartoon: Daffy Duck in Hollywood
- Promotional Featurette: ‘Rambling’ Round the Hollywood Studio with the Candid Cameraman
- Theatrical Trailer
Dark Victory Bonus Features
- Commentary
- 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
The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex Bonus Features
- Warner Night at the Movies
-Intro by Leonard Malton
-“Dark Victory” trailer
-Newsreel
-WB Cartoon: “Old Glory”
-WB Short: “The Royal Rodeo” - WB Featurette: “Elizabeth & Essex: Battle Royale”
- Theatrical Trailer
The Letter Bonus Features
- Alternate Ending
- 4/21/1941 Lux Theater Broadcast with Bette Davis and Hebert Marshall
- 3/6/1944 Lux Theater Broadcast with Bette Davis and Hebert Marshall
- Theatrical Trailer
Bette Davis had a unique way of making you feel the emotion that she was going through in her films. Her performances were more than just acting. You really would get lost in her performances – the gamut of emotions she could run was simply amazing. And that is prevalent throughout this set. If you are a fan of Classic Hollywood or Bette Davis, this collection of 4 of her best films on Blu-ray is a must-own.
***** 5/5
The Bette Davis Collection is out now from Warner Archive. Order your copy on Amazon now.
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