Shakedown Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Shakedown" by Kino Lorber harnesses a newly crafted 2K master, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in a 1080p transfer. This release retains its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. While minor blemishes, like white specks and density fluctuations, remain, the visuals offer an appealing film-like quality enhanced by robust foreground details and image stability. The transfer achieves a gratifying sense of clarity and depth that benefits both large screen viewing and regular playback, although some fluidity inconsistencies are detectable on larger setups. The aesthetic grading work contributes significantly to the transfer’s visual impact, reinforcing its organic allure and the film noir ambiance.

The vibrancy of the image is marked by excellent contrast and the texture of the grain, resulting in a pleasing sheen and rich blacks paired with high-quality shadow detailing. Nocturnal scenes are rendered with vividness, and bright whites along with well-varied grays intensify overall depth and luster. Sharp close-ups provide detailed portrayals of the characters, enhancing the narrative's atmospheric intensity. The preservation of the film's essential elements alongside the meticulous attention to detail gives "Shakedown" its invigorated presence and ensures this release is likely the finest presentation of the film on home video to date. Despite its minor imperfections, this Blu-ray succeeds in amplifying the engaging drama inherent in this classic film noir, making it a noteworthy acquisition for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

The audio presentation of the "Shakedown" Blu-ray is anchored by a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track, which demonstrates a commendable balance of clarity, precision, and stability. The English SDH subtitles are also available, enhancing accessibility. The audio delivers a sharp and crisp experience without any distracting anomalies, free from the typical distortions that often plague older film transfers. Though the upper register occasionally appears slightly thin, it remains devoid of any unwanted hiss or distortions.

This expertly mastered mono track successfully conveys the film’s diverse soundscape. Key sonic elements such as ringing telephones, teletype machines, sirens, screeching tires, gunfire, and explosions are rendered with distinct crispness. Subtle atmospheric sounds like newsroom chatter and the urban din of the Frisco cityscape are also distinctly reproduced. The dynamic range adeptly captures the highs and lows of the music score, ensuring that all dialogue is prioritized and easily comprehensible.

The film’s original sound has been faithfully preserved on this release, rendering dialogue strong and clear. The inclusion of a rich musical score composed by renowned musicians such as Daniele Amfitheatrof and Miklós Rózsa contributes to a robust audio experience. The minimal presence of distortion and absence of crackling, popping, or hissing suggest that this might be the finest auditory presentation the film will receive on home video. Overall, the audio plays a significant role in shaping the captivating narrative of "Shakedown," and this Blu-ray has admirably succeeded in presenting it to its fullest potential.

The Extras section of the Blu-ray release for "Shakedown" primarily features an insightful audio commentary by film historian Jason A. Ney. Ney provides a thorough exploration of intriguing aspects such as the film’s shooting locations and the real-life inspirations behind its narrative. His commentary draws connections between protagonist Jack Early and the iconic photographer Arthur “Weegee” Fellig, incorporating rare archival audio from Weegee himself, and delves into the historical backdrop and noir context of the film. Ney's engaging delivery, balanced with astute observations on actors and production nuances, offers an enriched viewing experience, particularly noting the cameo appearances and script criticisms. Additionally, Ney sheds light on lesser-known actors like Peggy Dow and discusses the personal challenges of Lawrence Tierney, adding depth to the film's understanding.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Insightful narration by Jason A. Ney covering film themes, inspirations, and historical context.
• Bonus KLSC Trailers: Previews for "Because of You," "Female on the Beach," "The Midnight Story," "Calcutta," and "The Web."

Joseph Pevney's 1950 film Shakedown, recently released on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, presents a dynamic interplay of film noir and crime drama. The narrative follows Jack Early (Howard Duff), a ruthless newspaper photographer whose ambition pulls him into the dangerous world of San Francisco's organized crime. In his quest for renown, Early exploits connections with crime kingpins Nick Palmer (Brian Donlevy) and Harry Colton (Lawrence Tierney), maneuvering through a series of manipulative and self-serving actions that propel the film through unexpected twists and turns. The ensemble cast delivers strong performances, especially Duff, whose portrayal of Early reveals a slick personality masking a deep sociopathy. Anne Vernon adds grace in her American debut, and Peggy Dow shines as the disillusioned love interest.

Technically, Shakedown stands out for its efficient direction and visual storytelling. Pevney's bold directorial debut showcases a clear command of the narrative, aided by Irving Glassberg's evocative cinematography, which aptly captures the stark and moody aesthetics typical of noir. Although the script navigates familiar genre terrain, the film distinguishes itself through a taut, brisk pace that delivers a satisfying balance between character study and thrilling plot development.

While the film lacks big-budget polish and marquee names, it compensates with its potent narrative and evocative performances. It mirrors Nightmare Alley thematically, but its stripped-down approach and unflinching look at ambition corrupted by greed lend it a unique edge. As a debut work by Pevney, Shakedown foreshadows his later success and ability to extract compelling performances from his cast, making it a noteworthy piece for aficionados of noir cinema. The Blu-ray release, capturing the film in 1080p clarity with DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono, is a commendable addition to any noir fan's collection.

Joseph Pevney's "Shakedown" is an arresting directorial debut that consistently delivers a hard-hitting cynical tone reminiscent of classic noir greats like "Nightmare Alley." The film features Howard Duff's outstanding performance and a talented cast that elevates this gripping crime drama to a higher echelon. Set against the backdrop of post-war opportunism, Pevney's portrayal of an unscrupulous photojournalist's relentless pursuit of success captivates from start to finish.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Shakedown" demonstrates a commendable effort in restoring this overlooked gem to its rightful place in cinema history. Benefiting from a pristine new 2K master, the transfer exudes sharp image quality and robust audio. The addition of an informative commentary track enriches the viewing experience, offering insights into Pevney's directorial choices and the film's production context. This high-definition presentation revives the compelling energy of the original, amplifying its dramatic intensity, and visceral impact.

In conclusion, "Shakedown" emerges as a must-see for noir aficionados and cinephiles alike. Its ability to maintain narrative vigor through solid performances and strong direction highlights its enduring appeal. Offering both visual finesse and narrative intrigue, Kino Lorber's release is a commendable addition to any film collection. Given its attractive price point and rich cinematic value, "Shakedown" comes highly recommended for collectors seeking classic crime dramas in exceptional quality.