Hangover Square Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Hangover Square" on Blu-ray, utilizing a brand-new 4K restoration, stands as a testament to the power of digital film preservation. Encoded in AVC with a 1.37:1 aspect ratio, the transfer boasts exceptional clarity and contrast, bringing forth the richly detailed cinematography of Oscar-winner Joseph La Shelle. Close-ups, especially those of facial features and intricate costuming, are meticulously handled, revealing textures such as wool suits and dancehall dresses. Shadow delineation is consistently effective, maintaining clear and communicative visuals even in the film's darker scenes.

This stunning 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer maintains a lovely grain structure that echoes the feel of the original celluloid without overwhelming the image. The source material appears immaculate, free from nicks, marks, or errant scratches, thereby preserving the film's aesthetic integrity. The predominating blacks are deep and velvety, enhancing the visual impact, while whites—such as flames captured on screen—are rendered with crispness and precision. Gray tones are varied and add depth to textures and background details, contributing to an overall visually enriching experience.

Artifacting is minimal and infrequent, ensuring the overall viewing experience is unblemished. The Blu-ray restoration not only surpasses previous DVD presentations but is a compelling showcase of modern restoration techniques. This release exemplifies how classic cinema can be revitalized for contemporary audiences, ensuring its cinematic legacy endures in pristine form.

The 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix for "Hangover Square" delivers an intriguing audio experience, albeit with a few limitations. Some scenes of high orchestral fury and violence can compromise the balance, leading to occasional distortive stretches during intense action sequences. However, dialogue exchanges are adequately supported, capturing both hushed performances and refined British sleuthing with clarity. The film's scoring carries loudly and purposefully, effectively sustaining suspense, though there's a mild miss in overall cohesion.

Despite its mono origins and age, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track impressively fills the room with robust tonal depth, superior fidelity, and a wide dynamic range. Bernard Herrmann’s score, particularly the “Concerto Macabre,” is performed with tremendous power and presence. Booming bass, pounding piano, and screechy piccolos emerge without distortion, while sound effects such as piercing screams and the clatter of metal pipes are remarkably distinct. Quieter moments and dialogue are rendered clearly, free from any age-related hiss or pops, creating a hypnotic listening experience that rivals modern 5.1 tracks. Overall, this audio presentation stands out and can be enjoyed with confidence for its exceptional balance and maturity.

The Blu-ray edition of "Hangover Square" provides a robust selection of extras, enhancing the viewing experience with rich, historical context and insights. The disc includes two 2007 audio commentaries. The first, featuring screenwriter and historian Steve Haberman and actress Faye Marlowe, delves deeply into differences between the novel and screenplay, censorship issues, deleted scenes, and the production history of the film, enriched by Marlowe's personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories about her co-stars. The second commentary by critic Richard Schickel explores the film’s noir elements, its artistry, and the industry's psychiatric fascinations. A compelling featurette, “The Tragic Mask: The Laird Cregar Story,” details Cregar's tortured life and career, marked by his struggle with self-image and leading to his early death. Additionally, a vintage radio adaptation of the film stars Vincent Price. Unfortunately, no theatrical trailer is included.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary #1: By Steve Haberman and Faye Marlowe, rich with trivia and production history.
• Commentary #2: By Richard Schickel, focusing on the film's style and noir elements.
• The Tragic Mask: The Laird Cregar Story: A featurette on the actor’s brief, tumultuous career.
• Vintage Radio Show: A radio adaptation starring Vincent Price.

In Hangover Square, Laird Cregar's final film role, director John Brahm crafts a chilling narrative that blends horror and psychological drama. Cregar plays George Bone, a talented composer beset by amnesia and uncontrollable violent acts triggered by discordant sounds. His performance gives the film its emotional core, showcasing a disturbing duality that recalls Jekyll and Hyde tropes. Brahm—returning after his success with "The Lodger"—eschews pure atmospherics for operatic intensity, setting Hangover Square apart while maintaining a shadowy noir style.

Jean Darnell and George Sanders join Cregar in the cast, contributing to the movie's tension and foreboding aura. Darnell's role as Netta Longdon, an unscrupulous singer who exploits George, adds layers to the psychological complexities within the story. The cinematography by Joseph La Shelle and Bernard Herrmann's evocative score enrich the film with visual and auditory depth. The "Concerto Macabre" stands out as a brilliant piece, echoing Herrmann’s later work on "Psycho."

Clocking in at just 78 minutes, Hangover Square is tautly paced, with Brahm skillfully maintaining suspense throughout. The film's technical excellence, from rich imagery to precise editing, compounds its captivating allure. Cregar's portrayal offers a nuanced exploration of villainy and vulnerability, compelling audiences to empathetically engage with his tragic unraveling. This blend of exceptional performances and high production values makes Hangover Square an indispensable classic in cinema's psychological thriller genre.

Hangover Square, a film that may not carry the notoriety of its predecessor The Lodger, distinguishes itself through its gripping and atmospheric storytelling set in Victorian England. This psychological thriller revolves around a troubled composer battling violent blackouts and an obsession with a tempting music hall singer. The final performance of Laird Cregar is nothing short of remarkable, supported by strong performances from Linda Darnell and George Sanders. John Brahm’s direction, combined with Joseph La Shelle’s exceptional cinematography and Bernard Herrmann’s evocative score, elevates the film to new heights.

The Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber features an impressive 4K restoration, significantly enhancing the viewing experience. The transfer does justice to the original cinematography, offering a sharp and vibrant representation of the film. The audio quality also stands out, faithfully reproducing Herrmann’s score in a way that deepens the impact. In addition to the main feature, the disc includes several insightful supplements that enrich the understanding of this classic piece of cinema.

In conclusion, Hangover Square culminates in a magnificent finale characterized by Brahm's sweeping direction and orchestral intensity, bringing unanticipated energy to the story. While some procedural elements may slow its pace, the overall lunacy and grandeur introduced keep it captivating. Laird Cregar’s compelling performance as a haunted gentleman adds depth to this already atmospheric thriller. This Kino Lorber Blu-ray edition is highly recommended for enthusiasts of classic cinema, bringing new life to a timeless film with its superior technical presentation and enriching bonus features.