Warner Bros seems to have somewhat abandoned the UK when it comes to releasing older titles. They have an archive label that releases many classics in America and to be fair they are all region free so will play on UK Blu-ray players. That said it can be a pain and sometimes impossible to obtain them in the UK. Probably the only way to change this bizarre decision is if enough people ask them to reverse it. I mean don’t they want our money. The film I’m taking a look at today stars the one and only Edward G. Robinson, so on with The Sea Wolf blu-ray review.
- The Sea Wolf (1941) Import
- Genre: Drama
- Directed by Michael Curtiz
- UK Rating N/A
- Discs: 1
- Released By Warner Archive
- Blu-ray Import (Region Free)
Plot
The fate of three people is about to be decided, one is George Leach, a man on the run from the police. He decides the best way to avoid them is to sign up to be part of the crew of the Ghost, a ship run by captain Wolf Larsen (Edward G. Robinson). No sailor in their right mind will work for him so he has to trick of forcibly obtain his crew.
The other two unfortunate souls are Ruth Webster an escaped convict and Humphrey van Wyden an author. Both are onboard a ship which collides with another resulting in both vessels sinking. Fortunately these two are rescued and taken aboard the Ghost, but they are in for a terrible surprise when they meet the ship’s captain.
Style / Direction
The film is directed by Michael Curtiz with the cinematography handled by Sol Polito. Its from 1941 and shot in black and white. The special effects / sets certainly look very good for the time whilst the pacing of the film is perfect as we see a decline in the captain’s mental health.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is composed by Erich Wolfgang Korngold.
Acting / Characters
Edward G. Robinson excels in the role of the nasty sadist captain Wolf Larsen. He’s a man of many contradictions; he sells out any and every one of his crew seemingly for his own pleasure. Maybe this is born out of those terrible headaches he suffers from that also cause him temporary blindness or maybe he’s just not a very nice person. Either way Edward G. Robinson plays him to perfection making this The Sea Wolf compelling viewing.
The support cast all play their roles well ensuring that this is a must see film.
Cast
- Edward G. Robinson as Wolf Larsen
- Ida Lupino as Ruth Webster
- John Garfield as George Leach
- Alexander Knox as Humphrey van Wyden
- Gene Lockhart as Louis J. Prescott
- Barry Fitzgerald as Cookie
- Stanley Ridges as Johnson
- David Bruce as Young Sailor
- Francis McDonald as Svenson
- Howard Da Silva as Harrison
- Frank Lackteen as Smoke
Conclusion: The Sea Wolf (1941) Film Review
For me watching old classic films with actors such as Edward G. Robinson reminds you just how many great actors there used to be. He’s an incredibly distinctive and unique actor that has massive screen presence. In fact I can’t think of another actor that is similar to him, past or present.
The Sea Wolf is a compelling and at times atmospheric drama that should be on every classic film fans list of films to see and own.
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Conclusion: The Sea Wolf Blu-ray Review
Warner Bros have done an excellent job; the picture quality is flawless with no flickers or damage to report. The film is in black and white so seeing it without any annoying and distracting marks is simply a film lover’s dream come true.
On the extras front the inclusion of a 1950’s “Screen Director’s Playhouse Radio Broadcast” is a rather nice little bonus and one I encourage you to listen to.
Extras
- Theatrical Trailer
- Screen Director’s Playhouse Radio Broadcast (1950) – (30 mins)
Popcorn Cinema Rating: The Sea Wolf (1941)
MOVIE RATING: MUST SEE
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
EXTRAS: VERY GOOD
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Purchase The Sea Wolf (1941) On Blu-ray
The Sea Wolf (1941) is available now on Blu-ray if you are prepared to obtain an imported version.
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The Sea Wolf (1941) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip not be representative of the blu-ray version
That’s the The Sea Wolf blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film you can leave them over on our Facebook page.
Summary: The Sea Wolf (1941) Blu-ray Review - Import
Movie title: The Sea Wolf (1941)
Duration: 100 mins
Director(s): Michael Curtiz
Actor(s): Edward G. Robinson, Ida Lupino, John Garfield, Alexander Knox, Gene Lockhart, Barry Fitzgerald
Genre: Drama
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
Edward G. Robinson excels in the role of the nasty sadist captain Wolf Larsen.
Pros
- Edward G. Robinson
- Good Story
- Well Made
Cons
- Not Available on Blu-ray In the UK
