Scarlet Street 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber’s 4K UHD presentation of "Scarlet Street" leaps far beyond previous home video incarnations, benefiting from a pristine 16-bit 4K scan of the original 35mm nitrate composite fine grain, courtesy of Universal Pictures and UCLA. This meticulous process has borne fruit in offering a crisp and lush 2160p/HEVC H.265 transfer, even as the print shows its age with various speckles, scratches, and occasional faint vertical lines noticeable primarily during the opening titles but diminishing as the film unfolds. Despite these artifacts, which perhaps hint at the movie's tumultuous preservation journey, the visual presentation remains profoundly striking. Grain is tactfully managed, preserving a natural film-like texture that complements Milton Krasner's original cinematography with superb contrast, inky blacks, and a nuanced grayscale that enhances the visual depth dramatically.

The HDR/Dolby Vision grading on the 4K disc elevates the viewing experience significantly, achieving a balance in lighting that makes both shadows and highlights pop without overemphasizing either. Darker scenes showcase improved gamma levels, revealing details previously muddled or lost in lower resolutions, especially when viewed with Dolby Vision's enhanced dynamic range capabilities. Fine details in costumes and set pieces are now vividly distinct, and close-ups reveal an impressive depth of texture in characters' hair and skin. This release does not shy away from its heritage, proudly displaying its filmic grains while managing not to let age-related blemishes distract from the storytelling.

Although the Blu-ray version is included and offers remarkable clarity and contrast for a 1080p presentation, it inherently falls short of the 4K UHD’s visual fidelity. The Blu-ray is commendably cleaned-up but inevitably showcases the technological gap, particularly in grain management and depth portrayal. Essential to note, irrespective of the chosen viewing format, is that neither version suffers from detrimental digital corrections—preserving the organic feel of the visuals. However, true cinephiles will appreciate the native 4K's superiority in delivering a more balanced, immersive experience, despite some persistent but non-intrusive signs of wear. This edition undeniably ascends as the definitive visual presentation of "Scarlet Street," warranting recognition for both its technical accomplishment and commitment to historical fidelity.

The audio presentation of "Scarlet Street" on its 4K UHD Blu Ray release is served by a singular English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, offering an aural experience that is both clear and well-prioritized, ensuring that dialogue remains front and center. With optional English SDH subtitles available, viewers have the added convenience of following the narrative closely. Despite the film's vintage, the audio track is remarkably free from the kinds of age-related imperfections one might expect, such as hiss, pops, or crackle, making for a clean listening experience. However, the track is not without its limitations, as there are moments of unevenness and a noticeable lack of dynamic intensity that could have benefited from stabilization enhancements.

In terms of technical specifications, it's evident that care has been taken to preserve the film's original auditory essence without introducing modern encoding anomalies like dropouts or distortions. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 configuration effectively captures the subtleties of "Scarlet Street's" soundscape, from the whispered threats that permeate Chris Cross's world to the nuanced highs and lows of Hans J. Salter's commendable music score. The audio track manages to integrate effectively sonic elements such as subway rumbles, adding depth to the film noir's atmosphere without overwhelming the dialogue or leading to distortion.

Though "Scarlet Street" may not feature an expansive dynamic range typically associated with contemporary films, its audio presentation achieves a balance that respects the cinematic quality of this 1940s classic. The preservation of clean, well-modulated sound alongside careful prioritization of dialogue and significant sound effects ensures that the film's audio component supports its storytelling effectively. While there's an acknowledgment of slight unevenness and modest dynamic intensity, these aspects do not significantly detract from the overall auditory experience, highlighting both the challenges and successes inherent in presenting classic cinema in modern formats.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Scarlet Street" elevates the classic film with meticulously crafted extras that cater to both cinephiles and scholars. The disc features two insightful audio commentaries. The first, by film historian Imogen Sara Smith, provides a comprehensive exploration of "Scarlet Street" as an indispensable noir, weaving connections to other films like "The Woman in the Window" and "La Chienne," while delving into themes of entrapment, societal critique, and the nuances of its characters and their real-life parallels. The second commentary by David Kalat, a revered Fritz Lang scholar, offers a deeper dive into Lang's directorial technique, the film's superiority over its peers, and its uncensored elements, augmented by a rich thematic analysis and historical context. Although the package misses an opportunity by excluding a featurette with noir experts like Eddie Muller or Alan K. Rode and lacks a trailer for "Scarlet Street" itself, it compensates with these compelling commentaries and a selection of trailers that augment the understanding and appreciation of this noir classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary One (4K BLU-RAY DISC & BLU-RAY DISC): Archival audio commentary by critic David Kalat.
• Commentary Two (4K BLU-RAY DISC & BLU-RAY DISC): Exclusive new audio commentary by critic Imogen Sara Smith.

Fritz Lang's "Scarlet Street," a gem from 1945, has been meticulously restored and presented in 4K UHD Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, breathing new life into this classic film noir. The release is bolstered by exclusive audio commentary from critic Imogen Sara Smith and archival insight from David Kalat, ensuring a fulfilling viewing experience for both newcomers and seasoned fans. The movie, accompanied by English SDH subtitles and being region-free, offers a pristine visual treat with its 2160p/HEVC H.265 video codec and Dolby Vision HDR, complemented by a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track that preserves the original auditory landscape.

"Scarlet Street" delves into the bleak life of Chris Cross (Edward G. Robinson), a middle-aged cashier ensnared in a web of deceit, manipulation, and eventual despair at the hands of Kitty (Joan Bennett) and her boyfriend Johnny (Dan Duryea). Lang masterfully chronicles Chris's downward spiral with a blend of irony and noir conventions, leading to an unexpectedly dark denouement. This heartbreakingly nuanced tale of unrequited love and exploitation is highlighted by the performances of Robinson and Bennett, fostering a peculiar yet fascinating on-screen chemistry under Lang's adept direction. The storyline, rich with twists and embedded with a critique of societal norms, retains its punch thanks to Dudley Nichols' sharp script.

The cinematography by Milton Krasner elevates "Scarlet Street" into the classic film noir echelon, with its shadowy visuals accentuating the gloomy narrative. Lang's direction ensures that the film remains a compelling study of despair and delusion, seamlessly blending elements from his European filmmaking roots with the stylistic flourishes of American noir. The restoration work is commendable, presenting the film in unparalleled clarity that enhances both its visual and thematic depth. The additional feature of restored violent scenes pushes the boundary of what was acceptable in its time, offering today's audience a more unfiltered glimpse into Lang's vision. This 4K UHD release is not just a technical upgrade but an essential preservation of cinematic history, underscoring why "Scarlet Street" remains a crucial piece within Fritz Lang's illustrious oeuvre and the film noir genre.

Fritz Lang's "Scarlet Street" occupies a unique position in the film noir genre, transcending into a realm that resonates with the eerie ambiance of German expressionist cinema, especially in its climactic last quarter. Recognizing Lang's comfort in such narrative landscapes lends the film an intriguing layer that could arguably have been explored further. This 4K UHD Blu-ray release underscores its pivotal place within both film noir collections and Lang's directorial repertoire, promising the most refined viewing experience available. Despite this, there's a noted room for improvement in the digital restoration process applied to the original 4K master, indicating a slight missed opportunity for visual perfection.

Crafted with the aficionado in mind, this edition boasts a Dolby Vision HDR master, meticulously extracted from a 16-bit 4K scan of the original 35 mm nitrate composite fine grain. This technical prowess, paired with a refurbished audio track, elevates "Scarlet Street" to its definitive version, making it an essential acquisition for enthusiasts of the genre. The performances by Edward G. Robinson, Joan Bennett, Dan Duryea, and the supporting cast are accentuated by this pristine presentation, ensuring their nuanced portrayals of manipulation and despair are experienced as intended.

In conclusion, while this 4K UHD Blu-ray rendition of "Scarlet Street" highlights its cinematic significance and provides a compelling argument for its inclusion in any film noir or Fritz Lang collection, it does not fully escape critique. The restoration's potential is somewhat muffled by the less-than-ideal cleanup of the 4K master. Nonetheless, its historical importance, coupled with superior video and audio quality, makes this release highly recommended, offering viewers the finest version of Lang's multifaceted narrative to date.