Edge of Darkness (1943) {Warner Archive Blu-ray Review}

Errol Flynn and Ann Sheridan in Edge of Darkness now on Bluray from Warner Archive
Reviewed by Jason Lockard

In 1930 director Lewis Milestone won an Academy Award for best director of his film All Quiet on the Western front. One of two of his Oscars for best director.

Thirteen years later Lewis Milestone would go back to the war for another picture. This time it would star the Hollywood heartthrob Errol Flynn and silver screen beauty Ann Sheridan in Edge of Darkness.

Now the fine folks at Warner Archive Collection have released this classic on Blu-ray. Complete with some nice bonus features as well.

Just a short two years after the Nazi's invasion of Norway, a German headquarters are camped 
in a small fishing village. The villagers have had enough of these German soldiers and some eight hundred locals are waiting for a supply of arms so they can revolt. Leading the revolt is Karen Stensgard (Ann Sheridan) and Gunnar Brogge (Errol Flynn). The Nazi's cruelty is only matched by the townspeople's resolve.

The film's script was adapted by Robert Rossen from the 1942 novel The Edge of Darkness by William Woods. Lewis Milestone directs a masterpiece of intrigue and drama. Along with Ann Sheridan and Errol Flynn is a great supporting cast highlighted by some familar faces. Walter Huston (The Treasure of Serra Madre), Judith Anderson (Rebecca), Helmut Dantine (Casablanca) and Richard Fraser (The Picture of Dorian Gray). 

The films show no restraint when it comes to the bullish tactics of the Nazi soldiers. But the just as remarkable is the strength of Karen Stensgard. Edge of Darkness is a remarkable drama, with exciting battle scenes and surprising realistic violence for 1940s. Edge of Darkness will transport you right in the middle of the war and have you rooting for the townspeople. 

Errol Flynn and Ann Sheridan fight off Nazis in Edge of Darkness from 1943 now on Blu-ray from Warner Archive


Now for this Blu-ray release. The film is presented in 1080p in it's original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a DTS Master Audio 2.0 mono. There is also an option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. While watching this film I looked for imperfections in this print and I really couldn't find any. The picture is crisp as a new 100 dollar bill and the sound is as clear as a bell. It is a stellar looking transfer.

Now with this Blu-ray Warner Archive didn't stop at a stunning looking movie, not at all! They added some very cool bonus features to this Blu-ray. Take a look at what is included on this Blu-ray.

* Vintage WB Short “Gun to Gun” (1944)
Don Diego, the owner of ranch, just found out that he must pay the crooked local tax commissioner, Harkness, a fine for unpaid taxes.

* Vintage WB Cartoon “To Duck or Not To Duck” (1943)
Daffy challenges Elmer to a boxing match.

* Original Theatrical Trailer

I am really enjoying what Warner Archive is doing with their Blu-ray adding with their restored features a short film a cartoon and a trailer. It takes you back to the early years of cinema (Which I only heard about.) when you got all this entertainment before the featured presentation. 

Watch The Trailer Below:


If you love war pictures, Errol Flynn or Ann Sheridan than Edge of Darkness is a film you are going to want to see. And this new Warner Archive Blu-ray release is the perfect way to see it! Head over to Amazon and get your copy today.


Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) Warner Archive's Blu-ray of Edge of Darkness receives...


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