Blackboard Jungle (Warner Archive Collection Blu-ray Review)

Warner Archive Collection has been restoring some of Glenn Ford's best movies and releasing them on Blu-ray. To say I enjoyed The Courtship of Eddie's Father and The Fastest Gun Alive would be an understatement.

When Warner Archive announced the upcoming Blu-ray release of Blackboard Jungle, I was ecstatic, as this is probably my favorite Glenn Ford film. So when it arrived at my studio, I popped this Blu-ray in the player immediately to enjoy this experience.

Synopsis: Glenn Ford and Sidney Poitier star in a gritty urban drama about a high school teacher who will not allow himself to be defeated by his tough inner-city students ... even when he is assaulted and his pregnant wife is threatened.This groundbreaking classic film shocked viewers by exposing the reality of America's schools and by featuring then-controversial rock 'n' rollin the soundtrack.

Now, this is my opinion, but I believe this is Glenn Ford's finest performance in his career. And Sidney Poitier shines as the young troubled teen. The film was perfectly adapted by screenwriter and director Richard Brooks from on the bestseller by Evan Hunter. The film has a perfect flow. And don't forget how cool it is that the main theme song is Rock Around the Clock by Bill Hale and the Comets.

Deservedly, it was nominated for four Academy Awards: Best Screenplay, Best Art Direction – Black-and-White, Best Cinematography – Black-and-White and Best Film Editing. The film is timeless and still holds up to this day.

Warner Archive has restored and transferred this classic film to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in 1.75:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

The HD transfer brings such crispness and clarity to this film. The black and white picture is simply gorgeous. In addition to a wonderful restoration. Warner Archive added some cool bonus features to this Blu-ray release.

Special Features:
* Commentary by actors Paul Mazursky and Jamie Farr, Glenn Ford's son Peter Ford, & Assistant Director Joel Freeman
* Droopy Cartoon "Blackboard Jumble"
* Original Theatrical Trailer

With the addition of an insightful audio commentary and a simply hilarious Droopy cartoon. Blackboard Jungle is one of my favorite Warner Archive Collection Blu-ray releases of the year.

On one minor side note. On the synopsis on the Blu-ray insert the name of Glenn Ford's character is printed as Robert Dadier. But in the film the name is Richard Dadier. So there is a minor printing mistake. But this shouldn't change anyone's desire to own this Blu-ray.

So if you love Glenn Ford and Sidney Poitier and enjoy the film Blackboard Jungle, I can not recommend this film enough. It will make a wonderful addition to your classic film library. Head over to MovieZyng or Amazon and order your copy today.