Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941) {Warner Archive Blu-ray Review}

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

In 1886 Robert Louis Stevenson wrote the classic tale The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Ever since that time readers have marveled at the tale and film makers have adapted it to the silver screen.

In 1941 Oscar Award winning actor Spencer Tracy would take on the duel role of the benevolent Dr. Jekyll and the treacherous Mr. Hyde. Now the good folks at Warner Archive have given this classic horror tale a much deserved Blu-ray release.

The film follows the ambitious Dr. Jekyll (Spencer Tracy) who experiments with human nature. He believing that each person has both good side and an evil side and that they can be brought forth through a chemical. Jekyll produces a serum and tests it on himself thus releasing his vicious alter ego, Mr. Hyde, on 19th-century London. The evil Mr. Hyde prowling like a lion seeking it's prey. When he finds Ivy (Ingrid Bergman), whom he forces to be his mistress. When the serum's effects wear off, Jekyll vows never to take it again. But Hyde is not gone for good.

This is one of the best adaptions of this classic tale I have seen. Joining Spencer Tracy is a stellar cast including, Lana Turner, Ingrid Bergman, Donald Crisp (How Green is my Valley), Sara Allgood (Juno and the Paycock), C. Aubrey Smith (Prisoner of Zenda) and the original Dr. Jekyll Fredric March (A Star Is Born), returned for this remake. And the transformation of Tracy between Jekyll and Hyde is subdued but effective!

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde on Bluray from Warner Archive

The screenplay is a well rounded one, with drama, horror and romance. The cinematography is a thing of beauty, no wonder it was nominated for a Best Cinematography Oscar. Now some may say The Fredrich March 1931 version is a superior version. And that case could be made. But this version is a real spectacle.

Now Warner Archive has released this film on Blu-ray for the first time. It is presented in 1080p in it's original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. This transfer is from a new 4k scan. And I must say this picture looks nothing short of stunning! There is no signs of damage to the print it is a crisp and clean as the day it was produced.

Now in addition to a absolutely stunning looking transfer. Warner Archive added English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. These are bright yellow subtitles that show up nicely in contrast to the black and white picture. Than there is also the Theatrical Trailer of this horror classic.

Watch The Trailer Below:

I really enjoy Spencer Tracy on film. He is a legend! And to see his horror film get a chance to thrive on Blu-ray I can say nothing else but thank you Warner Archive for giving this film a chance to live in HD.

If you are a fan of Spencer Tracy, classic horror or Robert Louis Stevenson film adaptions this new Blu-ray is a must own! Head over to Amazon and order your copy today before they are all gone.