Blu-ray Movie Reviews

The HMS Bounty sails its way to Tahiti with the tyrannical Captain Bligh (Charles Laughton) leading the way with first mate Fletcher Christian (Clark Gable) and midshipman Roger Byam (Ranchot Tone) on board. After witnessing the captain's brutal treatment of the crew, Christian leads a mutiny on the homeward voyage and returns to the tropical paradise of Tahiti. Although Byam takes no part in the mutiny, he's forced to defend himself against the charges when the captain makes a surprising return.

Based upon the true story of the HMS Bounty, the film went on to win Best Picture in 1935 and solidified Clark Gable as Hollywood's #1 male star. The performances are outstanding and the Academy agreed; for the only time in movie history were three stars from the same film were nominated for Best Actor!

Video Highlights

• VC-1/1080p encode on a BD-50 disc
• Occasional age related print damage
• Film-like presentation with preserved grain
• Occasional softness
• Excellent contrast

Audio Highlights

• DTS-HD MA 1.0 soundtrack
• Front-heavy presentation
• Dialog occasionally strained
• Weak dynamics

Given the age, the presentation is quite good although it won't compete with other films from Warner such as Gone With the Wind and The Wizard of Oz for best restoration.

Bonus Materials

• Pitcairn Island Today
• 1936 Newsreel: Mutiny on the Bounty wins 1935 Award
• Trailers
• Digibook packaging

When they say they don't make them like they used to, this is the type of film they mean. Even in the middle of the Great Depression the studio spent a boatload of cash to shoot on location and gave birth to some of the most memorable performances in film history. Highly recommended.

Release Date: November 16, 2010
Studio: Warner

Movie: 9/10
Picture: 8/10
Sound: 7/10

Review System

Source
Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray player

Display
JVC DLA-RS1 projector
Stewart FireHawk screen (76.5" wide, 16:9)

Electronics
Onkyo Pro PR-SC885 pre/pro
Anthem PVA-7 power amplifier
Panamax M5400PM power conditioner

Speakers
M&K S-150s (L, C, R)
M&K SS-150s (LS, RS, SBL, SBR)
SVS PC-Ultra subwoofer

Cables
Monoprice HDMI cables (source to pre/pro)
Best Deal analog-audio cables
PureLink HDC Fiber Optic HDMI Cable System (15 meters) from pre/pro to projector

Acoustical treatments from GIK Acoustics