I have to wonder after watching the Maltese
Falcon if there is really an original plot here. It seems there are a lot of similarities
in the story, which are expanded on in a different way. The Big Sleep is based on the
novel by Raymond Chandler.
Humphrey Bogart plays private eye Philip Marlowe, who is engaged to investigate a case
of blackmail. This turns out to be a lot more than he bargained for and spends most of his
time trying to decipher the lives of two dazzling sisters Carmen Sternwood (Martha
Vickers) and Vivian Rutledge (Lauren Bacall). It is revealed that the sisters have many
secrets that neither wishes to be uncovered by the detective and they try everything to
keep him from the truth. Including many sizzling attempts to win his affection.
Between the two girls you encounter gambling, murder, blackmail and some certain
intrigue as to their extra curricular activities.
The character portrayals in this film are simply stunning and both Bogey and Bacall
seem to be a screen match made in heaven.
So How Does This Transfer Hold Up?
VIDEO
The full frame transfer format is again in dire need of some restoration.
I can only wonder with films of such stature why there wasn’t a bigger effort made to
produce some awesome quality here.
There are little signs of MPEG artefacts, and not too many film artefacts, which is
pleasing.
However there are some very significant problems which I would attribute to the source
material. The film shows quite often a difference in the clarity of the left side of the
image to the right side. The left side being clearer, There are any number of reasons for
this but given the age of the film I wouldn’t attribute it to a transfer problem.
There are some instances of noticeable grain but generally the better areas of the film
are quite good.
Shadow detail was acceptable and once again contrast in the grey scale was acceptable
in the better sections of the film.
The other areas of the film suffer greatly in the use of the grey scale and contrast is
sadly lacking here in a big way.
AUDIO
The Dolby Digital mono soundtrack wasn’t too bad. Dialogue was clear
and easy to understand through out and there didn’t seem to be any sync problems.
As a mono transfer I do tend to find it a little flat and lifeless but I guess I
can’t expect too much.
The score from Max Steiner is surprising given the age of the film and brings out drama
and emotion to a good level without being too cliché’ish.
EXTRAS
Theatrical Trailer
OVERALL
Not a bad film. Bring your mum!
