Odds Against Tomorrow Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Odds Against Tomorrow" by Kino Lorber presents the film in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, utilizing a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. The source of this transfer is the same 2K remaster previously utilized for releases by Olive Films and BFI. Overall, the presentation offers an attractive, organic visual quality, maintaining clarity and depth across varied scenes. The grayscale performance is commendable, achieving rich blacks without boosting and ensuring consistent detail reproduction. While some minor surface imperfections, such as specks and small scratches, persist, they remain largely unobtrusive to the viewing experience.

Joseph C. Brun's cinematography, captured on 35 mm black-and-white film with spherical lenses, is faithfully preserved in this format. The atmospheric New York cityscapes and interior details are well-defined, with high-angle shots and zooms used effectively to focus on key elements like urban settings and character interactions. Grayscale transitions handle light and shadow adeptly, highlighting the film's film noir aesthetic without overwhelming darkness or shadow distractions.

Despite its overall impressive visual clarity, the Blu-ray is not without flaws, which some viewers may find distracting. Notable print damage including specks, blotches, and occasional white vertical lines is more evident during reel transitions. However, these imperfections slightly detract from what is otherwise a vibrant and film-like representation of Brun's esteemed cinematographic work. While some noise in solid backgrounds is occasionally noted, it complements the film's gritty urban essence rather than detracts from it. This Region-A locked release will require compatible playback equipment, ensuring access to its nuanced visual richness.

The Blu-ray release of "Odds Against Tomorrow" features a singular audio track: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, with optional English SDH subtitles. This track effectively supports the film's noir essence by providing clear and detailed audio delivery. Although there appears to be no additional restoration work on the audio from previous versions—occasional pops from earlier releases are still present—the overall clarity of dialogue remains unaffected. The audio maintains excellent stability throughout, ensuring intelligibility of all character exchanges.

This DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track further enhances the film's intense narrative impact through adept use of sound. Dialogue is consistently crisp and well prioritized, allowing viewers to engage fully with the characters' tense interactions. The score by John Lewis, featuring the Modern Jazz Quartet and highlighted by a riveting xylophone solo, weaves seamlessly into the mix with a wide dynamic range, devoid of distortion or age-related artifacts such as hiss or crackle.

The soundtrack also boasts compelling ambient details that enrich the cinematic experience. Particularly notable are sonic accents like gunfire and explosions, which are reproduced with precision, and the immersive atmospherics of howling wind or city street noise, which effectively color the setting. Despite some video issues, this audio presentation delivers a robust performance that amplifies the dramatic urgency of this classic film.

The Blu-ray release of "Odds Against Tomorrow" offers a comprehensive and insightful collection of extras, catering to fans and film historians alike. Among the highlights is an audio commentary by Alan K. Rode, who provides an in-depth exploration of the film's production, examining critical adaptations from the original novel and discussing Robert Wise's collaboration with the blacklisted screenwriter Abraham Polonsky. Rode's commentary also offers rich biographical details about the cast and behind-the-scenes dynamics. The included Q&A sessions with Harry Belafonte and Kim Hamilton offer personal perspectives on the film's social themes and production experiences, further enriching the viewer's understanding. The vintage theatrical trailer provides a nostalgic glimpse into the film's original marketing approach.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring Alan K. Rode, exploring production history and adaptation changes.
• Q&A Session with Harry Belafonte: Discusses film themes and social climate during filming.
• Post-Screening Q&A with Actress Kim Hamilton: Reflections on casting and working experiences.
• Theatrical Trailer: Vintage preview snippets without direct movie references.

Robert Wise's "Odds Against Tomorrow" emerges as a gripping film noir on Blu-ray, offering a haunting exploration of human desperation against the backdrop of racial tension. The film, arriving through Kino Lorber, benefits from a strong cast featuring Ed Begley, Harry Belafonte, and Robert Ryan, each delivering layered performances that elevate the narrative. Begley plays David Burke, a former cop with a seemingly foolproof heist plan. He recruits Johnny Ingram, a nightclub entertainer plagued by gambling debts, and Earle Slater, a volatile ex-con. The collaboration is fraught with tension, primarily due to Slater's blatant racism. The story not only focuses on the mechanics of the heist but rather delves into the complex interplay of fear, pride, and racial discord that threatens the operation's success.

Wise carefully constructs an atmosphere thick with urban grit and palpable paranoia, masterfully woven through the film's narrative flow. Cinematographer Joseph Brun lends the film an evocative visual edge, juxtaposing New York City's harshness against the seeming tranquility of Upstate New York, where the final act unfolds. Wise's direction ensures that the audience remains on edge as the intricacies of character dynamics drive the plot forward. The screenplay by Abraham Polonsky and Nelson Gidding injects substantive dialogue into characters' interactions, particularly highlighting Ingram's defiance and Slater's corrosive bigotry.

Despite its initial lackluster box office reception, "Odds Against Tomorrow" has gained recognition as a mature and impactful noir piece with a focus on societal disparities. Belafonte's portrayal stands as a landmark in advancing representation on screen, complementing Ryan's chilling depiction of a man consumed by prejudice. Supporting performances from Shelley Winters and Gloria Grahame add layers of complexity to the narrative. With its melancholic tone and enduring message, "Odds Against Tomorrow" persists as a significant examination of flawed humanity intertwined with social consciousness.

Robert Wise’s "Odds Against Tomorrow" stands out as a quintessential film noir, merging an engaging narrative with a substantive examination of character dynamics. This 1959 classic is often considered the final chapter of American film noir, blending robust storytelling with profound thematic explorations. The film portrays a story centered around desperate men entangled in a heist, marked by menacing undertones and the consequences of racial tension. The character development is meticulously crafted, unraveling the complexities of volatile personalities under duress as the plot progresses from the fervor of planning to the suspenseful aftermath of a bank robbery.

The film excels through its stellar cast, including Harry Belafonte and Robert Ryan, who deliver compelling performances that breathe life into an already gripping script. These performances underscore the film’s exploration of race, enhancing its intensity and resonance. While the transfer does show signs of prevalent print damage that slightly mar the visual experience, this is counterbalanced by high-quality audio and a commendable selection of bonus features. These additional elements enrich this release, offering audiences deeper insights and keeping the legacy of this classic alive.

In conclusion, "Odds Against Tomorrow" is more than a mere heist narrative; it is a socio-political commentary wrapped in the alluring guise of film noir. It presents a stark reality where characters, driven by circumstance and desperation, collide with their flawed aspirations. Kino Lorber's release, utilizing an impressive 2K remaster akin to Olive Films' previous version, ensures that this compelling tale continues to captivate viewers. It is an experience that combines timeless storytelling with pressing societal issues, providing audiences with much to reflect on long after the credits roll. Highly recommended for enthusiasts of film noir and compelling cinema alike.