Crossfire Blu-ray Review
Warner Archive Collection
Score: 77
from 4 reviewers
Review Date:
Crossfire is a compelling film noir with standout performances, a powerful, relevant message on intolerance, and a top-tier Blu-ray release from Warner Archive.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 89
Warner Archive’s 4K restoration of 'Crossfire' for this Blu-ray yields a stunning 1080p transfer with excellent grayscale, deep blacks, and well-preserved film grain. The meticulous process ensures exceptional clarity, contrast, and depth, enhancing the film noir's visual aesthetic with no compression issues or artifacts.
Audio: 84
The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track for 'Crossfire' delivers well-preserved, clear, and crisp dialogue, a dynamically rich Roy Webb score, and distinct sound effects without hiss or distortion, creating an impressive audio experience for this dialogue-driven film.
Extra: 41
The Blu-ray's extras, originating from the 2005 DVD, offer an engaging audio commentary by historians Alain Silver and James Ursini, with archival inputs from director Edward Dmytryk, enriching the viewing with insights on anti-Semitism, HUAC, 1940s politics, and film techniques. The short featurette 'Hate is Like a Gun' further explores the film's themes and production legacy.
Movie: 81
Crossfire, a taut film noir examining anti-Semitism, thrusts viewers into its gripping whodunit narrative with stellar performances by Robert Young, Robert Mitchum, and Robert Ryan. Expertly directed by Edward Dmytryk, the film's moody lighting and inventive camera work amplify its powerful, timeless themes, making the Blu-ray a must-watch.
Video: 89
Warner Archive's restoration of "Crossfire" shines through its sterling 1080p transfer, derived from a recent 4K scan of the original camera negative. The film's stark film noir visuals are meticulously preserved, offering exceptional image detail that highlights J. Roy Hunt's stylish cinematography. Shadows play a crucial role in enhancing the film's aesthetic, with deep, textured black levels and brilliant silvery greys. Lighter contrasts and bright whites are handled adeptly without blooming, while mid-range details and gradients avoid banding or compression issues. The picture retains healthy grain structure, providing a film-like authenticity free from excessive noise reduction artifacts. Warner Archive's trusted purist approach ensures a visual feast for fans and new viewers alike.
The Blu-ray maintains the original 1.37:1 theatrical aspect ratio and employs the AVC codec on a BD-50 disc. The opening RKO logo and sharp credits immediately signal the high visual fidelity sustained throughout the 86-minute runtime. Close-ups reveal astonishing facial details and textures, such as wrinkles and blemishes, particularly evident in the rugged visages of stars like Robert Mitchum and Robert Ryan. The deeper black levels enrich the eerie mood without any crushing, rendering dark scenes with remarkable clarity. Depth of field is impressive, with smooth, cinematic movements and no motion distortion. Despite the film's low-budget nature, viewers can expect an immaculate image with no signs of age-related anomalies, ensuring that "Crossfire" looks better than ever.
Fans of "Crossfire" will be ecstatic with this high-caliber release, which significantly surpasses the previous 2005 DVD version. For anyone who appreciates classic film noir presented in top-notch quality, this Warner Archive Blu-ray is a must-have, proving once again why they are a premier boutique label in the business.
Audio: 84
The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track for "Crossfire" delivers a clear and well-modulated sound that is consistent with the film's age and era. Conversations are clean and crisp without any sync issues or noticeable defects, whether set in bustling locations like a coffee shop or more serene environments like a moonlit street. Dialogue reproduction is excellent, with vocals that are clear and never peak or distort, even during intense scenes. The moody original score by Roy Webb fills the room with a somewhat thin but dynamic presence, significantly enhancing many of the film's memorable moments. Though the two-channel split mono track won't be mistaken for true stereo, it is a capable effort that serves the production well.
The sound effects are intricately detailed, from subtle background noises like footsteps and bar chatter to more pronounced effects like gunshots and razor sounds. Each element is distinct without any problems related to hiss, crackle, pops, or flutter. The track’s clean silences subtly supported by minor, almost imperceptible surface noise add to its authenticity. The balance between dialogue, sound effects, and Roy Webb's evocative score is well-executed, ensuring that the audio remains engaging throughout the film. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are available during the main feature, though it's unfortunate they are not included for the extras.
This high-quality audio mix preserves the original monaural soundstage while providing a surprisingly impactful listening experience. The overall depth, layering, and precision of the sound structure reflect a meticulous restoration effort that enhances one of RKO’s classic productions significantly. Despite its simplicity relative to modern multi-channel formats, this DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track remains a commendable presentation that adds notable value to this classic film.
Extras: 41
The Blu-ray release of "Crossfire" includes two notable supplements, both of which have been carried over from the 2005 DVD edition. The Audio Commentary by film historians Alain Silver and James Ursini is particularly rich, blending their insights with archival audio from director Edward Dmytryk. This track delves into the film's anti-anti-Semitic message, touches on the impact of the House Un-American Activities Committee, and explores technical aspects such as cinematography and lighting. It's an engaging commentary for enthusiasts of film noir and "Crossfire." Another supplementary feature, Hate is Like a Gun, is a brief but informative piece that examines the film's moral themes and production details, enriched by behind-the-scenes images and lower-quality clips from the finished film, inadvertently highlighting the quality of Warner Archive's restoration. Both extras are valuable additions to understanding the legacy and context of "Crossfire."
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary: In-depth insights on themes, production, and the blacklisting period from historians Silver, Ursini, and director Dmytryk.
- Hate is Like a Gun: Archival featurette exploring the film’s production and its moral and social relevance.
Movie: 81
Edward Dmytryk's "Crossfire" shines as a landmark film noir, delivering a powerful exploration of anti-Semitism wrapped in a compelling whodunit framework. Based on Richard Brooks' "The Brick Foxhole," the narrative was adapted to address anti-Semitism instead of homophobia, broadening its societal relevance. Despite its modest budget and rapid 24-day shooting schedule, the film maintains a high production value, largely due to Dmytryk's meticulous direction and J. Roy Hunt's innovative cinematography. Techniques such as subjective camera angles, extreme close-ups, and imaginative use of lighting create an atmosphere thick with tension and unease, enhancing the psychological depth of the story.
The plot centers on Detective Finlay (Robert Young), who investigates the murder of Joseph Samuels (Sam Levene) found beaten to death in his apartment. As suspects from a group of soldiers emerge, including the bigoted Montgomery (Robert Ryan) and the elusive Mitchell (George Cooper), Finlay faces unreliable testimonies and overlapping perspectives, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. Despite its talky structure, the film maintains engagement through strong performances, especially from Young, Ryan, and Robert Mitchum as Sergeant Keeley. Their portrayals imbue the film with added gravitas, elevating its exploration of bigotry and hatred.
"Crossfire" garnered five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, becoming the first B-movie to achieve this honor. The film’s stylistic elements and thematic boldness were groundbreaking for its time. However, what truly sets it apart is its unflinching portrayal of prejudice, a subject that remains eerily relevant today. Supported by Warner Archive's pristine Blu-ray transfer, "Crossfire" stands as not just a significant piece of historical cinema but a timeless examination of bigotry, making it ripe for modern re-evaluation.
Total: 77
Edward Dmytryk’s Crossfire remains a significant entry in the film noir canon and carries a powerful message that resonates deeply in today's context. With a deft blend of crime investigation and social commentary on bigotry, the film offers a compelling narrative bolstered by top-tier performances from the trio of Roberts—Young, Mitchum, and Ryan. Although the storyline occasionally feels structurally disjointed, its atmospheric intensity and gripping conclusion compensate. John Paxton’s sharp script and Dmytryk's dynamic direction ensure viewers are captivated from start to finish.
The Warner Archive's Blu-ray treatment of Crossfire is exemplary. Using an immaculate 4K restoration from the original camera negative, it delivers pristine video quality that preserves the film's stark and moody visuals. The audio presentation, featuring lossless original audio, is also commendable, faithfully capturing every nuanced detail of the performances. Though the collection of bonus features is modest, it offers an enriching glimpse into the film's historical and production contexts.
Overall, Crossfire is a must-have for both newcomers and dedicated noir enthusiasts. The film's eloquent condemnation of intolerance within the framework of a riveting noir makes it both historically significant and strikingly relevant today. Warner Archive’s meticulous Blu-ray release enhances this classic, making it an essential addition to any film collection. Highly recommended.
Blu-ray.com review by Randy Miller IIIRead review here
Video: 100
True to the genre, shadows play a big role in Crossfire's overall aesthetic from it's unforgettable opening scene onward, with silvery greys and black levels showing a tremendous amount of depth and density....
Audio: 90
There's not much action, gunshots or otherwise, but those moments pack a reasonable punch that sporadically livens up this dialogue-driven production....
Extras: 50
It's an engaging commentary that picks up steam as it goes in, with all three participants shedding some light on the film's anti-anti-Semitic message and fallout from the House Un-American Activities...
Movie: 80
Crossfire was nominated for five Oscars including Best Picture (where it somewhat ironically lost to Gentleman's Agreement), and has the distinct honor of being the first B-movie to do so....
Total: 80
Newcomers and die-hard fans alike should really be impressed with Warner Archive's terrific Blu-ray treatment, which as usual combines a top-tier restoration with lossless original audio and a small but...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
From the moment the RKO logo flashes on the screen and the razor-sharp opening credits begin to roll, it's evident we're in for a visual treat, and over the next 86 minutes, the combination of terrific...
Audio: 80
All of the dialogue is comprehendible, and subtleties like footsteps, background bar chatter, a ticking clock, percolating coffee, and a straight razor sliding across Ryan's stubbly cheeks are wonderfully...
Extras: 20
He also shares his impressions of Ryan, details the story's evolution, and explains how he used makeup, lighting, and different lenses to depict the changes in Ryan's character....
Movie: 80
Kazan would famously name names and go on with his life, much to the everlasting consternation of many of his peers, but Dmytryk would be a combative witness and become one of the notorious Hollywood Ten,...
Total: 80
Three very talented Roberts - Young, Mitchum, and Ryan - lead an impressive cast, John Paxton's literate script hits all the right notes, and Edward Dmytryk's inventive direction keeps us riveted from...
Home Theater Forum review by Matt HoughRead review here
Video: 100
The film has been framed in its theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 and is presented in 1080p using the AVC codec....
Audio: 100
The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 sound mix offers an enjoyable, age-appropriate monaural soundstage with well-recorded dialogue, Roy Webb’s background score, and the appropriate sound effects all blended together...
Extras: 50
The two men trade off back-and-forth with comments on the film, the stars, and the director Edward Dmytryk whose pre-recorded comments are interspersed with their own throughout the track....
Movie: 90
Likewise, in Mitchell’s drunken memories of the prior evening, the camera goes in and out of focus, sometimes offering double exposures to reflect his questionable recollections and keep him as a prime...
Total: 90
Edward Dmytryk’s Crossfire works magnificently as both a film noir mystery and as a viable and necessary comment on bigotry and hate that merits further discussion....
Why So Blu? review by Brandon PetersRead review here
Video: 100
There’s a really impressive depth of field here with great spacing and pushback on the interiors (This is largely set in inside areas)....
Audio: 90
Overall, the depth and layer and precision of the sound structure on this is very impressive....
Extras: 50
...
Movie: 80
While the film was lauded and seen as a breakthrough for depicting a crime where the only motive was anti-Semitism (Something that would have been freshly on the brain with World War II recently ending),...
Total: 80
It provides some solid extras for an overall very good package and entry into the archive....
Director: Edward Dmytryk
Actors: Robert Young, Robert Mitchum, Robert Ryan
PlotIn post-World War II Washington, D.C., the story begins with the murder of Joseph Samuels, a Jewish man, found in his apartment. Finlay, a dedicated detective, takes on the case, quickly realizing that prejudice may be a motive. He interrogates a group of recently discharged soldiers who were the last known individuals to see Samuels alive. Among them are Sergeant Keeley and Corporal Mitchell. Mitchell, who has no clear memory of the night due to his drunken state, becomes the prime suspect when it's revealed he was seen leaving Samuels' apartment. Keeley, believing in Mitchell's innocence, decides to conduct a parallel investigation to uncover the true perpetrator.
As Finlay dives deeper into the lives of the soldiers, he uncovers underlying racial tensions and hidden secrets. Each soldier's background is meticulously examined, drawing attention to their wartime experiences and personal ideologies. The detective navigates through a web of deceit, paranoia, and bigotry that threatens to thwart his search for justice. As clues slowly unravel, Finlay's pursuit of truth reveals not just a crime of murder but an indictment of societal prejudices and hatreds.
Writers: John Paxton, Richard Brooks
Release Date: 15 Aug 1947
Runtime: 86 min
Rating: Approved
Country: United States
Language: English