Night Train to Munich Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray presentation of Carol Reed’s "Night Train to Munich" is a commendable visual upgrade. Utilizing a 1080p transfer in its native 1.34:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, this release showcases a high-definition digital transfer meticulously created on a Spirit 2K DataCine from a 35mm duplicate negative. The extensive restoration process involved manual removal of thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, jitter, and flicker using MTI's DRS and the Pixel Farm's PFClean. Additionally, Digital Vision's Phoenix was employed for managing small dirt, grain, and noise.

The result is a remarkably balanced and consistently deep image. Even during darker scenes, depth and fluidity remain impressive, with healthy and stable grain distribution throughout. Contrast and brightness levels are well-maintained without any evident digital enhancements that could compromise the film’s integrity. While a few tiny scratches are intermittently visible, the overall improvement from previous versions is significant, providing a clear, detailed viewing experience.

Black levels, greyscale, and contrast have also seen notable improvements, though occasional hot contrast moments exist but are brief. Miniature models used in the film are now revealed in sharp detail due to the increased clarity and detail levels. Though the stock documentary footage used in certain scenes varies in quality and exhibits some residual grain and white scratches, the primary content of "Night Train to Munich" benefits substantially from this thorough restoration effort. With 23 chapter divisions for ease of navigation, this Region-A locked Blu-ray stands as a robust upgrade for classic film enthusiasts.

The Blu-ray release of "Night Train to Munich" features a single English LPCM 1.0 audio track, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles. For a film surpassing 70 years of age, the audio fidelity is commendable, characterized by clarity and stability in dialogue reproduction. While there are occasional moments of thinning in the mid/high registers, they are minor and do not detract from an otherwise clean and distortion-free listening experience. Noticeably absent are any audio pops, cracks, or dropouts, contributing to an enjoyable auditory presentation.

This uncompressed LPCM Mono track showcases the film's audio in a manner reflective of its 1940 recording and processing techniques. Dialogue is rendered with exceptional clarity, although occasional shrillness may be noted due to the limitations of period equipment. The sound effects and musical score are well balanced, slotting seamlessly with the dialogue without overpowering it. Imaging may feel somewhat directionless—a byproduct of mono recording—but remains serviceable. Impressively, the mix handles dynamic audio shifts capably, maintaining even levels across quiet moments and sudden sound spikes, thus negating the need for volume adjustments. Noteworthy too is the significant reduction in age-related artifacts compared to previous releases, with only minor residual thumps.

Overall, this LPCM 1.0 track delivers a robust audio performance given the era of the source material. Despite the lack of low end and somewhat muted highs typical of recordings from that period, the mix is coherent and engaging. For aficionados of classic cinema, the care taken in preserving and presenting this audio track will be both appreciated and noticeable.

The Blu-ray release of "Night Train to Munich" boasts a well-rounded selection of extras that provide valuable insights into the film's production history and socio-political context. A standout feature is an in-depth interview with film scholars Bruce Babington and Peter Evans, conducted for Criterion in 2010. They expertly dissect the film's genesis, the careers of the director and writers, the film's themes, and its numerous title changes influenced by the era's political climate. This discussion is enriched with film clips, although they originate from a less-than-ideal source print. Additionally, the package includes an illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by noted film critic Philip Kemp, which further enhances the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the movie.

Extras included in this disc:

• Bruce Babington and Peter Evans Interview: Authors discuss the production history and socio-political environment of the film.
• Leaflet: An essay by film critic Philip Kemp.
• Timeline: Interactive feature showing progress and chapter titles.
• Bookmarks: Remote buttons to place or remove markers during viewing.

Carol Reed's 1940 thriller, "Night Train to Munich," draws inevitable comparisons to Alfred Hitchcock’s "The Lady Vanishes," sharing similar writers and casting Margaret Lockwood in the lead role. However, while Hitchcock’s film stands superior, Reed’s effort is a standalone gem, blending suspense and humor in a manner that remains engaging despite its melodramatic narrative. The story follows scientist Axel Bomasch (James Harcourt) and his daughter Anna (Margaret Lockwood), who become targets of the Nazis due to Bomasch’s revolutionary armor plating formula. Double agent Karl Marsen (Paul Henreid) cunningly facilitates their capture, leading to undercover British agent Gus Bennett (Rex Harrison) posing as a German officer to rescue them.

The film's entertaining elements are underscored by some over-the-top performances and implausible scenarios, such as Harrison’s dubious German accent and slapstick humor attributed to comedic duo Caldicott (Naunton Wayne) and Charters (Basil Radford). The suspense builds through scenes like the daring cable car escape in the Swiss Alps, though some draggy sequences detract from the overall pacing. Reed’s direction, though not yet at its peak as seen in later works like "The Third Man," still manages to create an atmosphere that maintains viewer engagement through unpredictable plot twists and a steady stream of tension intermingled with sly comedic relief.

Despite certain flaws, the ensemble cast delivers noteworthy performances. Henreid shines as the sinister Marsen, while Lockwood reprises her resilient heroine archetype from "The Lady Vanishes," albeit in a more perilous context. The film’s period-specific cinematography by Jack Cox, along with its effective use of period decor, complements the narrative’s historical setting. "Night Train to Munich" may not rival Hitchcock's best works but remains a commendable wartime thriller that evokes timely patriotism while ensuring an entertaining ride for its audience.

Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "Night Train to Munich" brings an engaging wartime thriller from director Carol Reed to high-definition, showcasing its visual and audio elements with remarkable clarity. While Reed's film may not reach the heights of Hitchcock’s "The Lady Vanishes" or Lubitsch’s "To Be or Not to Be," it remains a notable piece of vintage cinema. Carol Reed’s craft is evident, providing a foundation that he would build upon in later masterpieces. The character performances throughout 'Night Train to Munich' offer significant merit, even if the overall film might feel underwhelming in comparison to its contemporaries.

The high-definition transfer provided by Criterion Collection serves this classic well, enhancing the film's historical value and visual appeal. Although the selection of bonus features is limited, the archival conversation between film historians Bruce Babington and Peter Evans adds substantial context and value, enriching the viewer's understanding of the film’s place in cinematic history. Enthusiasts of classic suspense films will find this restoration particularly rewarding.

In conclusion, while "Night Train to Munich" may struggle to rival some of its genre counterparts, it is nonetheless an enjoyable film, charmingly presented in this Criterion Blu-ray edition. For collectors and fans of wartime cinema, this high-definition release is a treat that's likely to be appreciated despite its shortcomings. RECOMMENDED for aficionados awaiting their next classic suspense fix.