In a Lonely Place Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of In a Lonely Place is a visual treat, brought to life through meticulous restoration and a new 2K digital transfer. The film is presented in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, resulting in a 1080p transfer that is clear and sharp. The transfer is sourced from a new 35mm fine grain master positive made from the original camera negative, ensuring that the image quality is true to the filmmaker's vision. Supervised by Grover Crisp and Bob Simmons, with color expertise from Sheri Eisenberg of Technicolor, this transfer eliminates the issues seen in previous releases. The grayscale boasts outstanding balance, with inky blacks and well-defined whites providing consistent contrast and depth. The density and detail captured in this release eliminate any previously fuzzy or blocky sequences, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

The meticulous restoration work, including remastering of the original monaural soundtrack at 24-bit, adds an extra layer of authenticity. This effort is evident in the highly resolved grain structure, which avoids mushiness or noise, contributing to the film’s natural look. There are no distracting damage marks, cuts, scratches, debris, or stains, ensuring a seamless visual experience throughout. Textural details are razor-sharp, especially in close-ups that highlight the unique features of actors like Grahame and Bogart. Superior contrast and clarity make the image pop, excellently capturing the noir touches with strong shadow delineation. Whether viewed on a large screen or a smaller setup, Criterion’s transfer showcases the film with remarkable fidelity, reaffirming its status as a quintessential classic.

(Note: This Blu-ray release is Region-A locked and requires a native Region-A or Region-Free player for access.)

The Blu-ray release of "In a Lonely Place" features a singular standard audio track, English LPCM 1.0, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Remastered at 24-bit from the original 35 mm soundtrack negative, this LPCM mono track delivers a full-bodied and well-modulated audio experience that complements the visual presentation seamlessly. George Anthiel's lush score benefits greatly from the excellent fidelity and tonal depth, enhancing the overall atmosphere without overshadowing the dialogue, which remains consistently clear and comprehensible.

Improvements in separation and balance are immediately noticeable, with mid- and high-ranges appearing more robust compared to the lossy DVD track. The dialog is stable, sharp, and extraordinarily clean, free from pops, audio dropouts, or distortions. There is a minimal presence of age-related artifacts such as attenuated crackle on rare occasions, but hiss and other imperfections are refreshingly absent. This ensures that even during moments of heightened tension or quiet intimacy, the audio maintains rock-solid clarity and reliability, contributing significantly to the immersive experience.

The Blu-ray release of "In a Lonely Place" features a comprehensive array of extras that enrich viewers’ understanding of this classic film. Each supplement offers distinct insights into the movie's production, thematic depth, and the personal lives of those involved. Dana Polan's engaging audio commentary provides an in-depth analysis, although it may be overly detailed for some. The archival documentary, "I'm a Stranger Here Myself," paints an intimate but somber portrait of director Nicholas Ray. Vincent Curcio’s interview about Gloria Grahame sheds light on her eclectic career and tumultuous relationship with Ray. Curtis Hanson’s featurette revisits the movie's impact on his work, and the included 1948 radio adaptation adds historical context to the film's narrative. Overall, these extras are meticulously presented, providing valuable context and enlightening commentary.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Dana Polan dissects the film with in-depth analysis and thoughtful remarks.
• I'm A Stranger Here Myself: Documentary on Nicholas Ray, featuring interviews and film clips.
• Gloria Grahame: Vincent Curcio discusses her career, relationship with Ray, and impact of the film.
• In a Lonely Place: Revisited: Curtis Hanson deconstructs the film and its impact on his work.
• Suspense, Episode 287: 1948 radio adaptation of Dorothy B. Hughes' novel.
• Trailer: Original theatrical preview of the film.
• Leaflet: Illustrated essay by Imogen Sara Smith.

Nicholas Ray’s In a Lonely Place (1950) is an exemplary film noir that delves deeply into the enigmatic psyches of its characters and the grim Hollywood environments they inhabit. The narrative circles around the volatile screenwriter Dixon Steele (Humphrey Bogart), who becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation after hatcheck girl Mildred Atkinson (Martha Stewart) is found dead. Elegantly portrayed by Gloria Grahame, Laurel Gray is the key witness who provides Dixon with an alibi, leading to a complex and intense romantic relationship between the two. Ray’s adept direction ensures that as their affair blossoms, the tension regarding Dix’s potential for violence and the unresolved murder mystery slowly builds, captivating audiences with a subtle yet impactful shift in focus from Dix to Laurel's growing apprehensions.

The brilliance of In a Lonely Place lies in its masterful storytelling and rich character development, deftly adapted by Andrew Solt from Dorothy B. Hughes' smoldering crime novel. What begins as a taut whodunit transforms into an introspective character study marked by emotional upheaval and psychological complexity. Bogart delivers one of his most nuanced performances, shedding his typical tough-guy persona to reveal vulnerability and inner turmoil, a mirror to his real-life struggles. Grahame matches this intensity with a layered portrayal that evolves from cautiously intrigued to full-blown fear as she uncovers Dix’s darker traits. Their dynamic, set against the cynical backdrop of a disillusioned Hollywood, underscores the film’s thematic exploration of loneliness, trust, and the corrosive nature of suspicion.

Cinematographically, Burnett Guffey’s noir photography enriches the film’s atmospheric tension while the incisive dialogue and intricately woven plotline maintain a steady grip on viewer engagement. The film’s hallmark lies in its rejection of sanitized Hollywood characterizations, presenting raw, real, and ambiguously motivated protagonists. Additionally, the poignant, irony-laced conclusion introduced by Ray deviates from typical noir endings, leaving a haunting resonance that fortifies In a Lonely Place as an indelible classic in American cinema.

Nicholas Ray's "In a Lonely Place" is a masterful exploration of dark psychological themes, encapsulated through the character of a jaded screenwriter embroiled in murder suspicion who finds solace in an ill-fated romance. This elegant yet bleak film subtly subverts the safe characterizations of post-WWII Hollywood, delivering a nuanced narrative that is both deeply emotional and profoundly cynical. Humphrey Bogart and Gloria Grahame's compelling performances exhibit an unrivaled depth, capturing the essence of desolation and need, positioning the film among the finest of its era.

Criterion's Blu-ray edition of "In a Lonely Place" enhances the film's haunting atmosphere with a stellar 2K restoration that brings out vivid details and sharp contrasts, crucial for appreciating Ray's intricate visual storytelling. The top-notch transfer ensures a pristine presentation that accentuates the bleakness and beauty of the narrative. Additionally, the comprehensive supplements enrich the understanding and context of this classic film, making it an essential addition for all aficionados of Golden Age Hollywood cinema.

In conclusion, "In a Lonely Place" is an essential classic that combines emotional depth with cinematic excellence. The Criterion Blu-ray release further elevates this timeless piece with its impeccable technical quality and insightful bonus materials. For anyone exploring film noir or the broader oeuvre of Nicholas Ray, this release comes VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.