The Chase Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Chase" by Kino Lorber showcases a meticulously restored 1080p transfer, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, and presented in a 1.41:1 aspect ratio. This iteration leverages the restoration efforts undertaken by the UCLA Film & Television Archive in conjunction with The Film Foundation. While the new presentation incorporates slightly different gamma levels compared to its earlier release, the improvements are subtle and not uniformly effective across all scenes. The encoding, improved for this edition, is noticeably beneficial when viewed on large screens, particularly in select darker areas where footage appears marginally enhanced. However, the enhancement is inconsistent due to underlying rough spots and surface imperfections that have not been fully addressed.

Despite these technical enhancements, viewers may find the release lacking in terms of comprehensive cosmetic work needed to rectify the visible fluctuations in delineation and clarity. While the grayscale exhibits a convincing tone, minor inconsistencies remain observable to the keen eye. The release maintains an attractive organic appearance that surpasses prior versions in terms of overall presentation quality. Still, there is room for improvement to achieve a more polished and consistent output throughout the film. This version remains the most visually satisfying to date, offering a balanced combination of depth and clarity but does leave enthusiasts wishing for a more seamless and flawless experience. Note that this Blu-ray is Region-A locked, requiring a compatible player for access.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "The Chase" is primarily supported by an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. The absence of noticeable age-related inconsistencies is commendable, particularly given the film’s vintage. There is no detectable background hiss, even at elevated volume levels, signifying a well-executed restoration process. The dynamic intensity is quite impressive, notably enhancing the impact of sequences such as the train crash. This attention to detail establishes a soundscape that effectively contrasts quieter moments and action scenes alike. Additionally, optional English SDH subtitles are available, enhancing accessibility for viewers.

The inclusion of the DTS-HD Master Audio (2.0 mono) track signifies a commitment to maintaining audio fidelity, ensuring that this presentation elevates significantly above older public domain copies, which suffered in audio clarity and quality. The efforts of the UCLA Film & Television Archive, bolstered by international funding, have clearly paid dividends in reinstating the film’s auditory experience to its former glory. Despite being mono, the track delivers clear and immersive audio that complements the restored visual fidelity of this classic film. Region “A” encoding further assures compatibility within principal markets.

Overall, "The Chase" on Blu-ray offers an audio provision that may not feature modern surround sound configurations but achieves excellence within its limitations. The DTS-HD Master Audio track adeptly captures the emotive and atmospheric nuances necessary for an engaging viewing experience, while retaining historical authenticity—a testament to meticulous restoration efforts.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Chase" are meticulously curated, enhancing the viewer's appreciation of this noir classic. Guy Maddin delivers a passionate and intricate audio commentary, diving deep into the film's narrative and visual artistry. His analysis not only illuminates the film's construction but also pays homage to the contributors' enduring cinematic legacies. Particularly notable is the inclusion of two radio adaptations of Cornell Woolrich's "The Black Path of Fear," offering an auditory exploration of the source material that inspired the film. These extras provide critical insights and broaden the understanding of "The Chase."

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Engaging audio commentary by filmmaker Guy Maddin, exploring film narrative and style.
• Radio Adaptations: Two adaptations of "The Black Path of Fear" featuring Brian Donlevy and Cary Grant.

Arthur Ripley's film "The Chase" (1946), presented in this Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber, emerges as a film noir with an intriguingly unorthodox style. Adapted by Philip Yordan from Cornell Woolrich's novel "The Black Path of Fear," the narrative is initially grounded in a classic noir premise: an unemployed veteran, Chuck Scott, gets embroiled in the tumultuous world of gangster Eddie Roman. However, this apparent adherence to genre norms takes an unexpected turn as the film progresses.

The plot defies conventional film noir expectations with a significant and peculiar twist that both fascinates and confounds. This shift in tone transforms what begins as a straightforward fugitive narrative into a film rich with dream-like symbolism, evoking elements of poetic realism reminiscent of Marcel Carne's works. While some may regard this unconventional approach as innovative, others see it as an embodiment of inexperience, leading to narrative inconsistencies.

Despite these potential shortcomings, "The Chase" retains an atmospheric allure through Franz Planer's cinematography, elevating the film's visual storytelling. Planer, known for his work on classics like "Roman Holiday" and "Breakfast at Tiffany's," adds depth and texture to the eccentric narrative. The film excels in creating an environment where characters become entangled in fatalism, echoing themes prevalent in European crime thrillers. By straddling between classical noir and experimental storytelling, "The Chase" offers a unique, albeit divisive, cinematic experience that challenges genre boundaries and invites varied interpretations.

"The Chase" on Blu-ray offers both a captivating plunge into the noir genre and an intriguing exploration of cinematic style. This special edition from Kino Lorber employs the UCLA Film & Television Archive's 2012 restoration, delivering the most refined version available, albeit with some imperfections visible in the source material. Michele Morgan and Jean Gabin's performances evoke a potent atmosphere of fatalism and doomed romance, reminiscent of films like "Port of Shadows." Yet, these films diverge in their distinct genre-bending narratives, rendering "The Chase" a unique piece within the noir tapestry.

The technical presentation is complemented by an impressive array of bonus features, enriching the viewer's experience. Highlights include two compelling radio adaptations of Cornell Woolrich’s story featuring icons like Cary Grant and Brian Donlevy. The new audio commentary by Canadian filmmaker Guy Maddin delves deeply into the film's influences from the silent era, offering an insightful perspective that enhances appreciation for both longtime fans and newcomers to the film.

Overall, "The Chase" Blu-ray edition is a praiseworthy release for film noir aficionados and collectors alike. It brilliantly captures the allure of its era while delivering a nuanced look at its multidimensional characters. Despite some technical limitations, this edition is thoroughly engaging and reveals the layers of cinematic history that make “The Chase” an essential piece in any film library. Highly recommended.