‘James Cagney Collection’ Blu-ray Review
James Cagney is a true Hollywood legend whose illustrious career produced a run of unforgettable performances across an astonishing range of genres. From hard-boiled gangster classics to dazzling musical turns, Cagney proved time and again that he was one of the most versatile stars of his era. Along the way, he earned three Academy Award nominations and took home one well-deserved Oscar.
During his years at Warner Bros., Cagney delivered many of his most iconic performances, several of which have already been given new life on Blu-ray through the Warner Archive Collection. Now, as part of the label’s ongoing expansion of its Blu-ray line, Cagney is being celebrated with a dedicated release. The James Cagney Collection 4-Movie Blu-ray set is the latest addition and a welcome upgrade for any fan’s collection.
- The Public Enemy (1931) Two young Chicago hoodlums, Tom Powers (James Cagney) and Matt Doyle (Eddie Woods), rise through the ranks of the Chicago underworld, even as a gangster’s accidental death threatens to spark a bloody mob war. ***
- Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) A priest Father Connolly (Pat O’Brien) tries to stop a gangster Rocky Sullivan (James Cagney) from corrupting a group of street kids. ***
- Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) The life of the renowned musical composer, playwright, actor, dancer, and singer George M. Cohan. ***
- White Heat (1949) Gang leader Cody Jarrett (James Cagney) lives for his mother, makes a daring break from prison and leads his old gang in a chemical plant payroll heist. ***
These films have been restored and transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p and are presented in 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The audio tracks are English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Each of the films is presented on its own dedicated Blu-ray disc, and, as with all Warner Archive Collection releases, you can be confident you’re getting the best picture quality currently available. The label’s reputation for strong restorations and faithful presentations continues to hold firm here. While these titles have been released individually in the past, this four-disc collection makes for an impressive package, particularly if you’ve yet to pick them up separately. Better still, each disc comes loaded with a healthy selection of bonus features, making this set a solid value proposition for Cagney fans and classic film collectors alike.
‘The Public Enemy’ Bonus Features:
Commentary with Robert Sklar:
* Warner Night at the Movies 1932
* Introduction by Leonard Maltin
* Blonde Crazy Theatrical Trailer
* Newsreel
* Short Feature: The Eyes Have It
* Cartoon Short: Smile, Darn Ya, Smile!
* Short Feature: Beer and Blood: Enemies of the Public
* 1954 Rerelease Foreword
* Theatrical Trailer
‘Angels with Dirty Faces’ Bonus Features:
Warner Night at the Movies 1938
* Introduction by Leonard Maltin
* Boy Meets Girl Theatrical Trailer
* Newsreel
* Musical Short: Out Where the Stars Begin
* Porky & Daffy
* Audio Commentary by Dana Polan
* Angels with Dirty Faces: Whaddya Hear, Whaddya Say?
* Lux Radio Theater Broadcast (5/22/1939)
* Theatrical Trailer
‘Yankee Doodle Dandy’ Bonus Features
Commentary with Rudy Behlmer
* Warner Night at the Movies 1942 (480i; 1.33:1)
* Introduction by Leonard Maltin
* Casablanca Trailer
* Newsreel
* Patriotic Short Subject Beyond the Line of Duty
* Merrie Melodies Cartoon Bugs Bunny Gets the Boid
* Let Freedom Sing!: The Story of Yankee Doodle Dandy
* John Travolta Remembers James Cagney
* You, John Jones (Wartime Short starring Cagney)
* Looney Tunes Short Yankee Doodle Daffy
* Theatrical Trailer
* Audio Vault
– You Remind Me of My Mother (Outtake)
– You’re a Grand Old Flag (Cagney Rehearsal)
– Give My Regards to Broadway (Cagney Rehearsal)
– Four Cohans Medley (Vocal with Piano)
– Harrigan (Vocal with Piano)
– Lady Esther Screen Guild Theater Radio Show (10/19/1942)
* Song Selection
‘White Heat’ Bonus Features:
Commentary with Dr. Drew Casper
* Warner Night at the Movies 1949
* Introduction by Leonard Maltin
* The Fountainhead Theatrical Trailer
* Newsreel
* Short: So You Think You’re Not Guilty
* Cartoon: Homeless Hare
* Short Feature: White Heat: Top of the World
* Theatrical Trailer
As you can see, there are tons of bonuses on these discs. My personal favourite would have to be the Warner Night at the Movies. Those are just too cool. Warner makes sure to put their best foot forward with their Blu-ray releases, and this collection is no different.
***** 5/5
If you are new to James Cagney or a longtime fan, this 4-disc collection is some of the best of his performances collected together. I cannot recommend this set enough. Head over to Amazon and pick up a copy now.
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