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Mob (The) (Blu-ray)
[Blu-ray]
Blu-ray B - United Kingdom - Powerhouse Films Review written by and copyright: Rick Curzon (25th January 2021). |
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The Film
 Our second Columbia Noir box set takes a dive once more into the studio’s archives and the world of film noir – a world of undercover detectives (The Mob) and emotionless hitmen (Murder by Contract), a world where film is inspired by real-life criminal activities (Tight Spot, based loosely on Virginia Hill’s testimony against Bugsy Siegel) and real-life criminal activities are inspired by film (711 Ocean Drive, which attracted the unwanted attention of mobsters), and a world where Glenn Ford finds himself unwittingly embroiled in murder – twice (Framed, Affair in Trinidad). All six films are presented for the first time on Blu-ray in the UK, with The Mob, Tight Spot and Murder by Contract making their world Blu-ray premieres. This stunning collection includes newly recorded commentaries on each film, assorted bonus materials, including six short films starring the Three Stooges, lampooning the tropes and themes of the features, a 120-page book, and is strictly limited to 6,000 numbered units.
Video
Tough-talking cops vs gangsters noir with the amazing Broderick Crawford who has the most wonderful voice and gives an excellent performance, as a disgraced cop, who goes undercover. Gritty and fast-paced; lots of great sharp, salty dialogue snappily delivered. Disc #3 in Powerhouse Film's superlative second volume of Columbia noir films. My favourite of the three films I've seen of this set thus far; great stuff! As I said for 711 Ocean Drive ... Beautifully shot in monochrome 35mm in the Academy aspect ratio (1.37:1). Beautiful deep blacks with bags of shadow detail and no crush; the elements have been kept in good nick. No damage, no digital tinkering and contrast is supportive; highlights also contain as much detail as the blacks. And, perfectly balanced gamma with no colour bias creeping in. As with Framed and 711 Ocean Drive a top notch transfer from a great HD master. 1080/24p / AVC MPEG-4 / 1.37:1 /
Audio
English LPCM 1.0 Subtitles: English HoH This is a typical mono track from the period. Sound design is limited as is the range. It's mainly designed to allow the dialogue to come through loud and clear which it does at all times; music is also well adjusted in the mix. Some tracks of this era can be a little muffled or even tinny, but I noticed none of that hear. It's about as good as it can be for 1.0. Subtitles for the hearing impaired have been provided and re meticulous.
Extras
Audio commentary by Gina Telaroli (2021) Ohio born, New York City-based filmmaker Telaroli in the first commentary I've heard her give and she does a great job; obviously a fan and she's done her research. Lossy Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo. "The Guardian Interview with Ernest Borgnine: Conducted by Clyde Jeavons at the National Film Theatre, London on 21 May 2001" plays as an alternate audio track over the film (78:21) The great man on stage in a lively, interesting screen talk. Lossy Dolby Digital 2.0 mono. "Ernest Borgnine in Conversation Conducted by Adrian Wootton: 21 April 2009 BFI Southbank London" 2009 featurette (48:52) You can't ever have too much Borgnine and the twinkly dude is on fine form. Looks like soft standard definition upscaled to 1080/24p 1.78:1 with lossy Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo. "Hot Stuff" 1956 short film (16:02) 172nd Three Stooges short (out of 190) looks pristine and blemish free in 1080/24p 1.85:1 with a lossy Dolby Digital 1.0 track. Theatrical Trailer (1:44) Vintage promo in 1080/24p with a lossy Dolby Digital 1.0. The Mob Image Gallery: Original Promotional Material (23 images) Decent if limited still gallery in 1080/24p. 120-page liner notes book As of writing, the PDF of this hasn't arrived so will update the review when it does. I'm sure it'll be superb as usual for Powerhouse Films' booklets.
Packaging
Single disc card digipack for each film in a hard card slipcase.
Overall
Another great Columbia noir gets the deluxe treatment in the second of Powerhouse Films' superb Columbia Noir sets (with more almost certainly on the way). Great picture, great sound and fine extras. What's not to love! Get it bought!
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