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All That Money Can Buy AKA The Devil and Daniel Webster: The Criterion Collection
[Blu-ray]
Blu-ray A - America - Criterion Collection Review written by and copyright: Noor Razzak (7th April 2024). |
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The Film
 "All That Money Can Buy," also known as "The Devil and Daniel Webster," is a cinematic gem that continues to captivate audiences with its timeless exploration of greed, temptation, and the indomitable spirit of humanity. Directed by William Dieterle and based on Stephen Vincent Benét's short story, this 1941 classic delves deep into the moral complexities of a Faustian bargain, showcasing the eternal struggle between good and evil. At its core, "All That Money Can Buy" presents a cautionary tale, warning against the allure of material wealth at the expense of one's integrity and soul. The narrative revolves around Jabez Stone, a struggling farmer portrayed with poignant sincerity by James Craig, who makes a pact with the devil, played with devilish charm by Walter Huston, in exchange for prosperity. The film masterfully portrays Jabez's gradual descent into moral decay as he succumbs to the temptations offered by Mr. Scratch, the devil incarnate. The film's most compelling aspect lies in its portrayal of the titular character, Daniel Webster, a legendary orator and defender of justice, brilliantly portrayed by Edward Arnold. Webster's courtroom showdown with Mr. Scratch serves as the film's climactic moment, showcasing a battle not only between two individuals but between the forces of good and evil themselves. Arnold's performance is commanding and imbued with gravitas, effectively capturing the essence of a man fighting for the soul of another against insurmountable odds. Furthermore, the film's visual aesthetics, characterized by its atmospheric lighting and evocative cinematography, lend an air of eerie mystique to the proceedings. From the haunting landscapes of rural New England to the ominous interiors of Mr. Scratch's domain, each frame is meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of foreboding and unease, mirroring the moral ambiguity at the heart of the story. Despite its age, "All That Money Can Buy" remains remarkably relevant in its thematic exploration of the human condition. The film's central themes of greed, redemption, and the power of moral integrity continue to resonate with audiences across generations. Moreover, its nuanced portrayal of complex characters and moral dilemmas elevates it above mere allegory, inviting viewers to reflect on their own ethical choices and the true value of wealth and success. However, it is essential to acknowledge the film's limitations, particularly in its portrayal of gender and race, which reflect the biases and attitudes prevalent during its time of production. Female characters are largely relegated to peripheral roles, while racial stereotypes are regrettably present in certain scenes. While these aspects may detract from the film's overall impact, they serve as a reminder of the need for critical engagement with historical texts and the importance of contextual understanding. "All That Money Can Buy" stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and cinematic artistry. Its exploration of timeless themes and memorable characters continues to enthral audiences, offering profound insights into the human psyche and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. Despite its age, the film's relevance remains undiminished, ensuring its place as a classic of American cinema for generations to come. The film is presented in its original runtime of 106:59 with original "All That Money Can Buy" title card, the film had previously been edited down to 85 minutes at one time.
Video
Presented in 1.37:1 high definition 1080p 24/fps using AVC MPEG-4 compression and features a recently restored master by UCLA in an effort led by archivist Scott MacQueen. Previously released on DVD by Criterion back in 2003, this edition is a new 4K master and the resulting image is a decent improvement over the now 21-year-old DVD. Black levels look good, sharpness is consistent with some inherent grain still active and part of the image, grey and whites look good. The picture is clean of dirt, debris, scratches, and other imperfections that normally plague films from this era. Overall a solid upgrade.
Audio
A single audio track is included in English LPCM 1.0 mono, the film's original audio, dialogue is clear and the score sounds good. There's nothing much else to say other than it's a perfectly suitable audio track despite the limitation and lack of depth from being a mono track, but that's mostly due to the film's age more than anything else. Optional subtitles are included in English for the hearing impaired only.
Extras
Criterion has released this upgrade with the older extras from the previously released DVD and a new extra is also included, below is a closer look. First up is the audio commentary by film historian Bruce Eder and Steven C. Smith, biographer of composer Bernard Herrmann, recorded in 2003, this track takes a closer look at the film's history, the source material, on the director, the score, and overlal impact the film has had since it's release. Next up is a "Restoration Demonstration" a new 2024 featurette (4:38) that takes a look at the process of restoring the film for this new edition. A reading by actor Alec Baldwin of the short story by Stephen Vincent Benét on which the film is based (33:43) is an audio recording. Next is an episode of the Criterion Channel series "Observations on Film Art" about the film’s editing (13:05). Comparison of the differences between the July 1941 preview version of the film, Here Is a Man, and the film’s 1943 re-release as The Devil and Daniel Webster (6:59) takes a look at the significant differences between these two versions of the film. The Columbia Workshop’s radio adaptations of Benét’s short stories “The Devil and Daniel Webster” and “Daniel Webster and the Sea Serpent,” both featuring music by Herrmann (29:52 and 29:47) are original radio programs. The film's original theatrical trailer (0:49) is included. The packaging includes a booklet with an essay by author Tom Piazza and a 1941 article by Benét.
Packaging
Packaged in a standard clear Criterion keep case.
Overall
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