Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931) {Warner Archive Blu-ray Review}

There have been so many adaptions of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale of The Strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Earlier this year (2022) the good folks at Warner Archive released the Spenser Tracy version on Blu-ray. This lead many classic movie fans to wonder why the one that is considered by many as the greatest version didn't get a Blu-ray release.

Well, now you need to wonder no more. Now just in time for Halloween 2022, the Fredric March 1931 version of the classic tale now gets the full on Blu-ray treatment, complete with awesome bonus features thanks to the great folks at Warner Archive Collection.  

Testing his theory that in every man dwells a good and an evil force, the kind Dr. Jekyll (Fredric March, A Star Is Born) creates a formula that separates the two. When testing it on himself he turns into a violent thug named Mr. Hyde. Thinking he has found the answer to one of life's grandest mysteries, Dr. Jekyll soon realizes he is becoming addicted to his darker self as he unleashes his violent side on earthy dance hall girl Ivy (Miriam Hopkins, Design for Living) and fights Hyde to regain control of his body.

Rouben Mamoulian (Silk Stockings) took to the directors chair and brings an elaborate spectacle to the silver screen. There is really unique cinematography and Fredric March fills the screen with his presence as both Jekyll and Hyde. The make-up is simply amazing and the effects for the early 1930s impressive.

Something that is very interesting in this version is that the kind doctor's name is pronounced (Gee-kill). Which can be a bit hard to get used to after seeing so many film adaptions over all these years. But don't let that take away from seeing this film.

Warner Archive Collection has transferred this 1930s classic horror tale to Blu-ray in 1080p in it's original 1.19:1 aspect ratio. The audio soundtrack is included in English 2.0 mono DTS-HD Master Audio with optional subtitles in English Subtitles. This Blu-ray boast of a new 4k scan of the original nitrate camera negative.

I must say I am quite impressed by this brand new 4K scan. The picture is crisp and clean with no signs of damage that I could see. With older films the picture is known to flutter at times even in the best of prints. Surprisingly there is no flutter whatsoever. The pictures is stable all the way from beginning to the end. This is such a great looking transfer.

Now Warner Archive really went above and beyond with this Blu-ray release. They added some extremely cool bonus features. Take a look at what is included on this Blu-ray.

* Audio Commentary with Steve Haberman and Constantine Nasr

* Audio Commentary with Gregory William Mank

* Hyde and Hare Cartoon Short
Bugs Bunny gets adopted as a pet by a kind man who turns out to be Dr. Jekyll who drinks his evil potion and turns into a monster.

* Theatre Guild on the Air Radio Broadcast (52:06)

A radio drama featuring Fredric March reprising his role. This radio program was recorded on 11/19/1950

Upon it's release Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde  a critical and commercial success. It even was nominated for Academy Awards Oscars for Best Adaptation Writing, Percy Heath and Samuel Hoffenstein; and Best Cinematography, Karl Struss. And Fredric March won the award for Best Actor, but in a rare tie, sharing the award with Wallace Beery for The Champ.

This film is truly something special and the 4K scan brings remarkable new life to this over 90 year old life. This new scan truly must be seen to be believed. It is that remarkable.

If you love classic horror film I can not recommend this release enough. Warner Archive's Blu-ray of 1931's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today. It will make an absolute great addition to anyone's horror movie collection.

Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) Warner Archive Collection's Blu-ray of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde receives...