It is hard to believe that this films in October 2024, will celebrate it's 91st anniversary of it's original theatrical release. So because of this epic anniversary Sony Home Entertainment have released a new restored longer version of this film on Blu-ray!
Synopsis: Deep into the Great Depression, homeless Trina (Loretta Young) meets the handsome, sharply-dressed Bill (Spencer Tracy) in a public park. After treating her to an expensive meal that he cannot pay for, Trina realizes that he too is down on his luck. The two decide to share Bill's derelict home, paving the way for a budding romance surrounded by the colorful friends and neighbors of Hoover Flats. A showgirl, pregnancy, and Bill's wandering tendencies are sure to test the strength of their relationship -- not to mention the financial hardships of the Depression.
Man's Castle was directed by Frank Borzage. He was the first person to win the Academy Award for Best Director for his film 7th Heaven (1927) at the 1st Academy Awards. Frank also directed such classics as A Farewell to Arms (1932), History Is Made at Night (1937), The Mortal Storm (1940), and Moonrise (1948).
This is an engaging raw look at the depression era world. Spencer Tracy is great as he is in everything and Loretta Young really shines here as well! It is sad that this film is for the most part, has been forgotten in time. That is why I am glad Sony decided to give this film a chance to live in HD on Blu-ray!
Man's Castle has been mastered in High Definition and have been transferred in 1080p in 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The audio is an English mono DTS-HD Master Audio. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. This new HD master really is beautiful! Crisp and clean with no digital artifacts.
Now as for Blu-ray bonuses, there are none! Sadly Sony didn't even produce a main menu for this Blu-ray! When you put the disc in the Blu-ray the movies starts. When you press the "Title Menu" button and the movie simply restarts. For a film that is over 90 years old I feel this release could have been better.
Now Man's Castle was released in 1933 pre-code to pretty "dismal" ticket sales. In the years that followed Spencer Tracy's popularity grew leaps and bounds. So Columbia Pictures would reissue the film in 1938. But by this time the Production Code was in place, thus the Hays Office ordered cuts to the film resulting in a 66-minute version instead of the almost 80 minute original film. I am pleased to say that the original ore-code version of this film is on this release!
In the final analysis of this release. The lack of bonus features and the lack of even a Blu-ray menu seemed lazy. But I am so pleased that Sony have given us the restored pre-code version of this film. So there is at least that!
So if you are a fan of pre-code dramas, Spencer Tracy or Loretta Young this new Sony Blu-ray of Man's Castle is a must own for your collection. Head over to MovieZyng and order your copy today.
Out of 4 Films Reels (4 Being the Best) The Blu-ray release of Man's Castle receives.....
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