The Scarlet Letter (1934) Blu-ray Review

Nathaniel Hawthorne was a novelist whose books focused on history, morality and religion. He wrote such classics at The House of the Seven Gables and The Scarlet Letter. Through the years both of these stories have been made into feature films.

In 1934 Majestic Pictures and director Robert G. Vignola brought to the screen the first sound version of Hawthorne's classic tale. The film was deemed so important that it had been preserved by the UCLA Film & Television Archive.

Now as we are coming upon the 90th anniversary of this film's release. The Film Masters are now releasing the film on Blu-ray featuring a new 4k Restoration.

Hester Prynne (Colleen Moore) has a child out of wedlock and refuses to name the father (who is a respected citizen). For this, she is sentenced to wear a red letter "A" (for adultery). Her husband is long missing and presumed dead. When the husband returns and finds his wife with another man's child, he sets out to torture them.

Now many film fans consider the best film adaption of Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter is 1926's Lillian Gish version. But I think that most don't give this film a chance. Colleen Moore brings a real sympathetic feel to the Hester Prynne character and the direction by Robert G. Vignola I feel is underrated. I think this is a very good adaption to Hawthorne story. 

The Film Masters has transferred this new 4K restoration to Blu-ray in 1080p in 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There are also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

When examining this new 4K restoration to other copies this new restoration is beautiful. Now that doesn't mean it is pristine. There are some mild scratches to the print, but when you look at it beside the previous version it is simply miraculous how good it looks!

Now The Film Masters are known for adding cool bonus features to their releases. We have seen that with The Giant Gila Monster and Beast from the Haunted Cave. Now The Scarlet Letter is no different. Check out the cool bonus features included on this Blu-ray!

* Salem and the Scarlet Letter: Original Production narrated by John Carradine

* Full Commentary track by Professor, Jason A. Ney with contributions from Cora Sue Collins

* Essay in full color inserted booklet, by Professor, Jason A. Ney

* 'A Sin of Passion: Hawthorne in Film,' from Ballyhoo Motion Pictures with interview from author, Justin Humphreys

* 'Revealing the Scarlet Letter,' featuring a new interview with producer, Sam Sherman

* Original, restored, trailer for the film

I must say for fans of classic dramas, this Blu-ray is going to be a dream come true. To see a featurette with the legend John Carradine. A commentary featuring Cora Sue Collins (Pearl in this film) and a Ballyhoo featurette, always a great bonus. You can see a lot of love was put into this release and it shows.

So if you love classic literature adaptions as much as I do this new Film Master's Blu-ray of 1934's The Scarlett Letter is a must own. Now matter where you reside fear not this Blu-ray is region free so anyone can enjoy it! Head over to Amazon and order your copy today



Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) The Film Master's Blu-ray of The Scarlett Letter received...