Experiencing The African Queen on its new 4K Blu-ray release feels like uncovering a treasure. John Huston’s 1951 adventure classic, starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, is brought to life with an absolutely gorgeous transfer that gives every lush jungle backdrop and murky river scene new depth. The 4K restoration adds a crispness that wasn’t possible in its original release, with colors more vibrant and a sharpness that enhances the timeless on-screen chemistry of Bogart and Hepburn. This restoration brings out details I hadn’t noticed, and if you’re like me and somehow missed this classic until now, this release offers an ideal way to experience it.
“The greatest adventure a man ever lived…with a woman!”
German East Africa, 1914. Humphrey Bogart is the slovenly gin-swilling Charlie Allnut, while Katharine Hepburn portrays Rose Sayer, the maiden-lady sister of a prim British missionary (Robert Morley). When invading Germans kill the missionary and level the village, Allnut offers to take Rose back to civilization. She can’t tolerate his drinking or bad manners; he isn’t crazy about her imperious, judgmental attitude. However, it does not take long before their passionate dislike turns to love. Together the disparate duo work to ensure their survival on the treacherous waters and devise an ingenious way to way to destroy a German gunboat.
The audio is another high point of this release. The sound is remastered beautifully, allowing the naturalistic jungle sounds and Bogart’s gruff voice to pop, immersing you in the characters’ hazardous journey up the Congo River. Every clinking glass, the boat’s splashing oars, and the crackle of gunfire feel impressively clear, adding a renewed sense of immediacy to each tense moment.
One notable addition is the disclaimer about “views of the time” featured at the beginning, acknowledging some of the problematic themes that may not align with today’s cultural perspectives. While some elements have aged poorly, this cautionary note gives viewers a chance to contextualize the film within its historical framework, making it possible to appreciate the film’s classic storytelling while being mindful of its more dated aspects.
Extras include:
NEW Audio Commentary with Script Supervisor Angela Allen and Ian Christie
– NEW Sir John Woolf on the Making of The African Queen
– Audio commentary by cinematographer Jack Cardiff
– Embracing Chaos: Making The African Queen, a comprehensive documentary about the making
of the film (60 mins)
– A video interview with co-screenwriter Peter Viertel, produced by Eureka Entertainment
– Video interview with critic Kim Newman, produced by Eureka Entertainment
– Video interview with historian Neil Sinyard, produced by Eureka Entertainment
– 2010 NFT Q&A with Anjelica Huston and script supervisor Angela Allen ©BFI
– 1981 NFT / Guardian interview with John Huston ©BFI
– Lux Radio Theatre adaptation from 1952 with Humphrey Bogart and Greer Garson
– Behind the Scenes Stills Gallery
– Original theatrical trailer
Cert: PG / Runtime: 105 mins approx.
Overall, The African Queen is a must-see for any classic film lover, and this 4K release does it justice in every way. With fantastic visuals, immersive sound, and a respectful approach to its historical content, this release is a brilliant way to experience one of cinema’s grand adventures as if it were brand new.
The African Queen is available now on 4K UHD for the first time.
