kal
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Joined: 06 Mar 2006
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Location: Ottawa, Canada
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| Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2012 7:20 pm Post subject: Anatomy of a Murder (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] |
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Another reference disc!
Anatomy of a Murder (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] (1959)
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| Quote: | In these far more permissive times, 'Anatomy of a Murder' has lost some of its titillating sting, but talk of panties and sperm aside, it remains a solid, nuts-and-bolt courtroom drama that chronicles a scandalous homocide from the inside out. Director Otto Preminger's just-the-facts-ma'am style suits the gritty material well, and natural performances from James Stewart, the always lovely Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, Arthur O'Connell, George C. Scott, and the wonderfully acerbic Eve Arden keep us engrossed throughout the substantial running time. Criterion's Blu-ray release is as stunning as the trial, with a sharp as nails transfer, exceptional audio that honors Duke Ellington's thrilling jazz score, and a sizeable dossier of supplements injecting more energy into an already potent film. 'Anatomy of a Murder' may not be the best courtroom flick ever produced, but its no-nonsense presentation keeps it fresh and relevant, and it comes highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'Anatomy of a Murder' is blessed with a spectacular 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer that beautifully renders Sam Leavitt's stark yet elegant black-and-white cinematography. Fine grain supplies essential texture and lends the image a marvelous film-like feel. Taken from a new 35mm master positive struck from the original camera negative, this 4k transfer has been meticulously restored, with only a couple of nicks and errant marks sullying the pristine picture. Clarity and contrast are top-notch, and a high level of gray scale variance provides both depth and immediacy, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in the action.
Details possess significant pop. We can read the spines of Biegler's album collection, drink in the weave of his tweed jacket, and enjoy the defined look of all the spectators' faces in the crowded courtroom. The location exteriors exude a natural appearance, as do the rustic interiors. Strong black levels beef up nocturnal scenes, yet crush is never an issue, while whites are bright, well defined, and resist blooming. Close-ups brim with superior crispness, highlighting all the creases and intense expressions of the principals.
Best of all, no noticeable digital enhancements, such as edge sharpening or DNR, seem to have been applied, and no anomalies, like pixelation or mosquito noise afflict this dazzling effort. This is another stellar effort from Criterion that will certainly please both fans and videophiles alike.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track was created at 24-bit from the original D/M/E tracks and original stereo music recordings, and the results are quite good. Any age-related defects, such as hiss, pops, and crackles, have been removed, leaving a clean, nuanced mix that makes up in clarity what it lacks in multi-channel definition. Almost all the audio is anchored up front, but the fidelity is so pronounced, the sound effortlessly fills the room. Every line of dialogue is crystal clear, from the quietest courtroom asides to the most bombastic and heated exchanges, and atmospherics are well integrated. The courtroom buzz, cacophony at the bar, and hum of engines on the road fit well into the track's fabric, enhancing the action without overpowering it.
Dynamic range is superior, and really comes into play when Duke Ellington's high octane score kicks into gear. The screaming brass flaunts a purity of tone that's breathtaking, while the percussion provides essential weight without adopting a lumbering heaviness. Thankfully, distortion is never an issue, and no other imperfections sabotage this fine aural effort.
A remastered mono track, presented in uncompressed PCM, is also available for those who wish to better replicate the original viewing experience of this film. It, too, sounds great, and nicely complements the restored video, but the new DTS-HD track is the clear winner, especially if you're a Duke Ellington or jazz fan. |
Kal
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