The Killer Is Loose Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber brings "The Killer Is Loose" to Blu-ray with a high-definition transfer that maintains the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, encoded in MPEG-4 AVC at 1080p. This release borrows from the ClassicFlix's 2017 remaster, which significantly improved upon the previous subpar DVD edition. Shot on 35 mm black & white film by Lucien Ballard and remastered in 2K, the film offers sharp contrast and clarity that enhance its classic noir aesthetic. The editing proficiently handles the back-and-forth narrative structure, adding to the film's suspenseful atmosphere.

However, despite the improvements, the presentation is marred by noticeable chroma noise reminiscent of the earlier release issues. This noise, visible as greenish artifacts across the image, suggests potential lapses during remastering or encoding replication errors from the prior edition. Although these issues are adjustable on some setups, they detract from the otherwise filmic quality of the visuals. Grayscale rendering is solid, and there are no evident signs of digital corrections, which ensures the film retains its authentic appearance. Density fluctuations are minimal but slightly affect delineation and clarity.

In conclusion, while the film's visual presentation benefits from a high-quality remastering process that enhances its classic appeal, the unresolved chroma noise issues make it a less compelling upgrade for those who already possess the 2017 release. The disc is Region-A locked, necessitating compatible playback equipment for access. While offering commendable visual upgrades over older DVDs, this release does not significantly surpass its predecessor, rendering its need as an upgrade questionable for existing owners.

The Blu-ray edition of "The Killer Is Loose" includes a single audio track: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Accompanying this track are optional English SDH subtitles specifically for the main feature. The audio presentation, although limited in dynamic amplitude due to its early 1950s origin, offers commendable clarity, sharpness, and depth. While the lossless track might not have extensive opportunities to showcase its capabilities—given the film's lack of busy action sequences—the finale provides a brief moment for its potential to shine. However, the upper register seems slightly thin, manifesting minor unevenness, though no significant anomalies mar the experience.

Dialogue throughout the film remains clear and distinct, with character nuances, such as Corey's gentle yet menacing tone, effectively conveyed. The soundtrack, featuring Lionel Newman’s score, serves more as a functional background accompaniment than a standout element, closely resembling the generic auditory landscape often found in television productions from the era. The sound effects, including elements such as screeching cars, gunshots, police sirens, a truck engine, and a door being smashed in, are adequately balanced within the mix.

Overall, while there is no groundbreaking dynamic influence from the audio setup, it provides an authentic listening experience by maintaining the film's original soundscape nuances. Such sonic clarity supports an immersive viewership experience, aligning with expectations for a cinematic piece from this particular historical period.

The Blu-Ray extras for "The Killer Is Loose" offer a deep dive into the film's production and context. The standout feature is the audio commentary by critic and screenwriter Gary Gerani, providing a comprehensive analysis of director Budd Boetticher’s style and the film's narrative structure, alongside insights into its Hollywood history and location details. While the commentary is somewhat scattered, it indeed enriches the viewer's understanding, covering significant aspects like the film's adaptation from a 1953 story, the original casting considerations of Orson Welles and Victor Mature, and its rapid production under Boetticher. The vintage trailer is a nostalgic inclusion, offering a glimpse into the movie's initial presentation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Informative analysis by Gary Gerani on film production and directorial style.
• Trailer: A classic, English-language preview of the film.

Budd Boetticher’s "The Killer is Loose" (1956), now available on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber, showcases his signature style, infused with film noir elements. Known for its pragmatism and authenticity, akin to Boetticher's famous collaborations with Randolph Scott, this film operates outside conventional crime noir tropes. Wendell Corey delivers a nuanced performance as Leon Poole, whose transformation from a mild-mannered bank teller to a calculated, vengeful fugitive is both intriguing and unsettling. After a botched police arrest leads to the death of his wife, Poole meticulously plans his revenge against Detective Sam Wagner, played solidly by Joseph Cotten.

Boetticher's approach departs from more traditional noir influences like Dassin's "Night and the City," where atmosphere and environment strongly define narrative and character behavior. Instead, "The Killer Is Loose" emphasizes character independence and minimalistic storytelling. The film's tension escalates through individual choices and their unforeseen consequences, rather than relying solely on its cinematic setting. This divergence may render it seemingly less grand but frames it as a more introspective Boetticher film that resonates with an unembellished slice of reality.

A critical component of the film’s visual appeal is the contribution of Lucien Ballard, a celebrated cinematographer known for his work on "The Wild Bunch" and "The Getaway." His involvement ensures a level of visual sophistication that complements Boetticher's narrative restraint. By focusing on character-driven drama and realistic portrayals of human conflicts, "The Killer is Loose" provides a compelling and distinct addition to the film noir genre, engaging viewers through its raw authenticity and calculated storytelling strategy.

"The Killer Is Loose" on Blu-ray presents an intriguing addition to classic film collections, offering a glimpse into Budd Boetticher's adept directorial style. Despite its brief 76-minute runtime, the film delivers a tight and suspenseful narrative with a unique villain that stands apart from the typical characters found in film noir. While its minimalism parallels the director's renowned Ranown westerns, lending an air of authenticity and pragmatism, the plot does suffer from occasional lapses in logic and predictable contrivances.

Technically, the Blu-ray offers a remaster that admirably captures the minimalistic aesthetic, though its presentation could be more robust. The visual quality showcases Boetticher's thoughtful framing and contrast effectively, enhancing the overall viewing experience despite minor imperfections. Sound quality, while adequate for its era, lacks the vividness some might expect from modern releases but manages to convey the tension and urgency inherent in the film's narrative.

In conclusion, "The Killer Is Loose" is a compelling watch for fans of traditional thrillers and Budd Boetticher's work. Although it might not stand as a technical marvel in its Blu-ray iteration, it maintains its classic appeal with a gripping story and an unusual antagonist. For those appreciative of noir films' charm, this release is recommended, marrying nostalgic storytelling with cinematic craftsmanship.