Blu-ray Review: Border Incident (1949)

When you say Ricardo Montalban most will think of Fantasy Island or Star Trek. My first time watching him was in The Battle for the Planet of the Apes. But before any of historic roles in TV and films he was a film star that debuted in the 1940s. 

In 1949 Ricardo starred with Esther Williams and Red Skelton in Neptune's Daughter and the classic film noir Border Incident. Now just after releasing Neptune's Daughter on Blu-ray it is time for Warner Archive to release another Blu-ray featuring Richardo Montalban and that one is 1949's Border Incident.  

Federal agents Pablo Rodriguez (Ricardo Montalban) and Jack Bearnes (George Murphy) go undercover to overturn the organization that smuggles illegal Mexican farmworkers across the California border and kills the immigrants before they can return home. But when they encounter the leader, Owen Parkson (Howard da Silva), they soon find out this is going to be a struggle for survival.

Many of the classic films feel old or outdated. The issues of illegal immigration and border control presented in here is just as fresh as it was back in 1949. Ricardo Montalban is spectacular as the federal agent Rodriguez and the rest of the cast is just as good. The film is expertly directed by Anthony Mann who is probably best known for his western classics Winchester '73 and The Naked Spur.

Warner Archive presents Border Incident in 1080p in it's original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The soundtrack is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. The transfer is tremendous! The picture is crisp and sharp with no real signs of damage to the print. The audio is clear devoid of any hiss or pops. 

Now in addition to a great looking transfer Warner Archive added the Theatrical Trailer and a tremendously insightful audio commentary featuring film historian Dana Polan. These are really nice bonus features. The only thing that could have made this better would be the inclusion of a classic cartoon and Pete Smith short.

Border Incident is a fine mix of classic film noir and contemporary storytelling that makes for an exciting and entertaining cinematic experience. Once you finish this film it trully will make you think long after the film is over.

If you enjoy film noirs as much as I do, I highly recommend this new Blu-ray of Ricardo Montalban in Border Incident. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.


Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) Warner Archive's Blu-ray of Border Incident receives...