The Man Who Knew Too Much Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Alfred Hitchcock’s "The Man Who Knew Too Much" is presented in an aspect ratio of 1.33:1 and employs a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. This new digital transfer was meticulously crafted at the BFI National Archive in London using a 2K resolution scan on an ARRISCAN film scanner from a 35mm nitrate fine-grain master positive. Spearheaded by the Prasad Group, Criterion Collection, and managed by Lee Kline and Ben Thompson of the British Film Institute, the restoration demonstrates Criterion's exceptional commitment to quality.

The resultant high-definition transfer is nothing short of astounding, especially considering the original negative has long been missing. The clarity and detail obtained from the fine-grain positive are consistently pleasing, showcasing many close-up shots with admirable depth. The balance between blacks, whites, and grays is impeccable, giving the film a robust and well-preserved appearance. Grain, an inherent characteristic of early 1930s cinema, is present but finely integrated, enhancing the celluloid texture and authenticity without excessive degraining measures. Furthermore, there are no post-production sharpening corrections or edge flicker issues detected, contributing to a stable and refreshingly pristine viewing experience.

Though the film is nearly 80 years old, this restoration makes it appear far younger. While some roughness and grain structure remain indicative of its era, the visual integrity holds up remarkably well. Black and white levels are solid throughout; however, black levels lack the noir depth seen in later films, with whites retaining suitable brightness, particularly in early scenes set in St. Moritz. The gray scale’s adaptability enriches the background elements without succumbing to crush. Close-ups show intentional softness but still deliver striking detail. Overall, Criterion’s presentation is a significant achievement that ensures the film will remain a definitive viewing experience for years to come. Make note that this Blu-ray is Region-A locked, requiring a compatible player for access.

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Man Who Knew Too Much" features a singular English LPCM 1.0 audio track, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. Criterion has meticulously remastered this original monaural soundtrack at 24-bit, sourced from a 35mm optical track owned by film preservationist Bob Harris and given to him by producer David O. Selznick. The restoration process involved manual removal of clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum using Pro Tools HD, with crackle attenuation performed via AudioCube's integrated workstation. The resulting audio stands out for its remarkable depth and clarity, despite the inherent limitations of the early talkie recording techniques.

Particularly noteworthy are the atmospheric nuances, such as the vivid and crisp gunshots and the surprisingly robust orchestral performance during the Royal Albert Hall sequence. The dialog generally maintains a high level of clarity—it's crisp, clean, and stable with no significant background hiss or noticeable distortions. However, some dialogue sequences, especially those amidst crowds or ambient noise, do suffer from slight fuzziness, which can obscure speech. This minor drawback is likely due to the primitive microphone technology of the era.

Overall, Criterion’s restorative efforts have significantly enhanced the auditory experience of this classic film. While minor imperfections like a faint hiss in quieter scenes persist, the absence of pops, crackles, or static markedly enhances viewer immersion. Despite some understandable dialogue challenges early in the film, the comprehensive remastering ensures that "The Man Who Knew Too Much" sounds better than most films of its time, rendering a historically and technically faithful audio presentation.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Man Who Knew Too Much" is enhanced by a robust array of supplements, meticulously curated to provide an in-depth exploration of Hitchcock's work. Guillermo Del Toro’s interview offers an insightful analysis of the film’s thematic intricacies and unique cinematic techniques. "The Illustrated Hitchcock" features engaging conversations with the iconic director, offering rare insights into his creative process and career highlights. The excerpts from François Truffaut's 1962 interview delve into the pivotal moments and production challenges of the film, further enriched by a thorough audio commentary from Philip Kemp on production history and socio-political contexts. Additionally, the restoration demonstration showcases Criterion's technical prowess in preserving cinematic heritage.

Extras included in this disc:

• Guillermo Del Toro: Interview discussing the film’s unique qualities.
• The Illustrated Hitchcock: 1972 TV interview revealing Hitchcock’s thoughts on his body of work.
• Hitchcock and Truffaut: Audio excerpts from the famous 1962 interview.
• Restoration Demonstration: Details the technical processes behind the film’s restoration.
• Audio Commentary: Philip Kemp’s extensive discussion on the film’s production and impact.
• Booklet: Illustrated essay by critic Farran Smith Nehme.

Alfred Hitchcock's "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (1934) is a foundational piece that foreshadows the director’s illustrious future. The film opens in St. Moritz, Switzerland, with Bob (Leslie Banks) and Jill (Edna Best) entangled in a conspiracy following the murder of a Frenchman. The plot hinges on the ominous abduction of their daughter Betty (Nova Pilbeam) by a criminal gang. The tension escalates as Bob and Jill combat the villains led by Abbott (Peter Lorre), involving a potentially catastrophic assassination at the Royal Albert Hall. This juxtaposition of intense suspense and interspersed moments of humor creates an engaging narrative that is quintessentially Hitchcockian.

Curt Courant's cinematography adeptly underscores the film's tone, defined by shadowing and chiaroscuro, setting a definitive mood that sustains viewer engagement. Hitchcock utilizes abrupt cuts, subjective angles, and tight close-ups to evoke emotional responses, refining techniques he would perfect in later works. The film’s pacing, though occasionally uneven, aligns with the unfolding drama, culminating in a meticulously executed shootout that breaks away from the dramatic flair typical of the era's thrillers. Notably, "The Man Who Knew Too Much" features Peter Lorre in his first English-speaking role, his performance subtly breaking the fourth wall and enhancing his villainous allure.

Hitchcock's 1956 remake of this film garnered more attention for its polished execution and star-studded cast but lacked the raw energy and grit of the original. Despite some narrative rough edges, the 1934 version is compelling for the seamless integration of suspense and humor, with memorable sequences such as the dramatic climax at Royal Albert Hall contrasting sharply with unexpectedly whimsical moments. The original "The Man Who Knew Too Much" stands as a pivotal work in Hitchcock's oeuvre, illustrating the genesis of his style that would shape the thriller genre in subsequent decades.

Criterion’s presentation of Alfred Hitchcock's "The Man Who Knew Too Much" exemplifies meticulous restoration, transforming this vintage British classic into a visually captivating experience. The film’s restoration leaves a remarkable impression, showing a superior quality compared to some recently restored films with original negatives. Hitchcock's directorial prowess is on full display, despite this being an early work, with suspenseful storytelling and a focused plot that surpasses his later remake. The seamlessly integrated humor and quirks in the narrative add a refreshing distinctiveness.

The restoration brings the 1934 classic to near-pristine condition, making it appear almost like a new release. Criterion provides deeply enriching supplemental materials, offering comprehensive context and historical perspective on the film’s significance. The audio track, albeit weaker by modern standards, is adequate for a film of its era and does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment. This refined balance between picture, sound, and informed extras stands as a testament to Criterion's dedication to preserving cinematic history.

Criterion's presentation of Alfred Hitchcock's "The Man Who Knew Too Much" is guaranteed to please fans of the film. I think that the film actually looks far better than other recently restored films whose original negatives were available to work with. I also feel very comfortable speculating that this will likely be the definitive presentation of "The Man Who Knew Too Much" for years to come. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.