The black and white film element used for the transfer is in marvelous shape, or has been digitally cleaned up for this presentation. The image is crisp and very highly detailed, displaying the pores in the actors faces, as well as the richness of fabrics and set dressings. Blacks are a perfect velvety black and are shown off to astonishing effect during a sequence in the film that is played completely in silhouette. Contrast is excellent and the image faithfully renders all of the shades of gray up to bright white. Digital compression artifacts never distract one from the beauty of this presentation.
Dialogue is crisp and is reproduced with absolute clarity.
Frequency range has the expected age limitations, however the track is well worth amplifying for Max Steiner s truly delightful musical score. Unless one turns up the volume up to an excessive level, background hiss remains relatively unperceivable. Subtitles are provided on the DVD in English and French. The basic interactive menus provide access to the standard scene selection and set up features, as well as some modest extras, which include production notes on the film s journey from stage to screen.