Who? Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Who?" exhibits an AVC encoded, 1.78:1 aspect ratio transfer that, unfortunately, grapples with some notable source condition issues. The print showcases evident wear and tear, inclusive of scratches, debris, speckling, rips, and flicker. These imperfections are sporadically spread throughout the runtime and though not overwhelming enough to ruin the viewing experience, they undermine the overall presentation quality for a film of its age. Despite these shortcomings, the level of detail remains commendable, particularly in the robot make-up and costumes, with actor Joseph Bova’s performance visibly enhanced.

Colors and visual details, while not exuberant, are handled with an adequate level of accuracy. The silver paint on Bova’s robotic character captures light effectively, emphasizing the uniqueness of the costume. Additionally, elements like greenery and city signage exhibit suitable vibrancy, ensuring scenes retain a degree of visual appeal. Flesh tones generally appear natural with solid black levels contributing to a sense of depth in various scenes. Film grain is preserved consistently across the transfer, which bolsters the detail without resorting to excessive noise.

While the Blu-ray presentation of "Who?" could have benefitted significantly from a pristine source print, it manages to deliver a relatively clear image with satisfying texture and detail. The moments of discoloration and flicker are distractions but don’t detract from the integrity of the film’s visual storytelling. Overall, it’s a competent if imperfect transfer that should still appeal to fans and historians of this unique genre piece.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio presentation for "Who?" exhibits some age-related issues, which slightly affect the overall auditory experience. The track is marred by a persistent hiss that permeates throughout, somewhat compromising the precision of the soundscape. Intelligibility of dialogue is maintained, with exchanges remaining clear but hitting occasional crisp highs. The film's scoring, crafted by John Cameron, serves its purpose effectively, heightening specific scenes without offering notable definition.

Sound effects are notably minimal, though their sparse implementation still manages to convey a rudimentary sense of space and dimension. Instances of crashes and explosions add brief but necessary dynamism to the otherwise basic track. Unfortunately, the atmospherics remain primitive, lacking the layered richness found in more contemporary presentations. Despite its shortcomings, the audio track remains workable and consistent, avoiding any disruptive breaks or distracting pops. While it does not reach the heights of modern audio standards, it complements the preserved image quality without detracting significantly from the viewing experience.

The extras offered in the Blu Ray of "Who?" provide an enriching, albeit concise, addition to the cinematic experience. The standout feature is the Audio Commentary by director Jack Gold, ably moderated by Anthony Sloman. It offers insightful reflections on the film’s production, although there are occasional lapses and some repetition of basic information. Unfortunately, a dedicated theatrical trailer for "Who?" is notably absent. However, various trailers for other films are included in HD, offering a nostalgic glimpse into cinema history.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Jack Gold with moderator Anthony Sloman.
• 'The Offence' Trailer: Promo for an intense crime drama.
• 'Busting' Trailer: Teaser for a classic cop film.
• 'The Long Goodbye' Trailer: Preview of the neo-noir detective story.
• 'The Naked Face' Trailer: Promo for a suspenseful thriller.

"Who?" (1974) is a remarkably strange yet captivating entry within the realm of 1970s science fiction and espionage films. Based on Algis Budrys' novel, the film deftly navigates themes of identity and national security against a backdrop of Cold War paranoia. Director Jack Gold brings an earnest seriousness to this unique blend of cyborg construction and spy thriller, avoiding the pitfalls of B-movie campiness. Featuring Joseph Bova as Dr. Lucas Martino, who becomes a metal-bodied enigma, and Elliott Gould as the distrustful FBI agent Sean Rogers, the movie questions what truly defines humanity in a world fraught with suspicion and technological marvels.

The narrative follows Dr. Martino after a disastrous car accident in East Germany, where he is subjected to both mechanical reconstruction and extensive interrogation by the menacing Colonel Azarin. Returned to the U.S. with a metallic body, Martino faces Rogers' relentless scrutiny as the latter tries to confirm his identity while suspecting him of being a Soviet imposter. The story oscillates between Martino's current predicament and his past, creating a dichotomy that enriches the character's backstory and adds layers of emotional and psychological depth. Tight editing and clever transitions underscore the procedural feel of Rogers' investigation, blending seamlessly with Gold’s direction to maintain a steady tension.

Despite budget constraints that occasionally show in less convincing special effects and makeup, "Who?" excels in its intellectual approach and emotional execution. Gould delivers with powerful intensity, giving Rogers a hard-boiled cynicism that drives the narrative tension. Bova, restricted by his robotic makeup, utilizes subtle physical cues to elicit sympathy for a character trapped in a metal shell. The intriguing setup, while requiring some suspension of disbelief, is bolstered by strong performances and thought-provoking dialogue, culminating in a science fiction thriller that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.

While bluntly titled, Who? is extremely compelling, growing stronger as it unpacks the details of Martino's life, understanding the ambitious man he once was, competing with Frank and romancing Edith as his genius slides him into government work. There's also a valuable sense of despondency to explore, finding Martino grasping the cruel reality that he will never be able to return to society, trapped forever as a piece of machinery. The ethics of the situation aren't examined in full, but soulfulness is found. Who? jazzes up the finale with a few twists and turns, but it's most effective as a character study, finding Martino caught between two worlds without an advocate, while Rogers begins to test his prisoner in different ways, grasping the puzzle of identity that goes way beyond Cold War scheming. Sure, there's a silver man at the center of it all, but the effort has substance and curiosity, leading more with character examination than B-movie antics.

Sometimes, a good idea and great performances are enough to make a particular film a worthwhile watch. 'Who?' may struggle with some believability issues stemmed from a tight production budget, but the assured direction of Jack Gold with terrific turns from Elliot Gould and Joseph Bova make 'Who?' a solid little science-fiction espionage thriller. Kino Lorber brings 'Who?' to Blu-ray in less than ideal, but still decent conditions. The A/V presentation is a case of as good as it's gonna get' but not altogether terrible either. A solid commentary and trailers round out the bonus features. At the end of the day, 'Who?' is worth a look.

"Who?," directed by Jack Gold and starring Elliot Gould and Joseph Bova, proves to be an engaging blend of science fiction and espionage, bolstered by strong performances despite its low-budget constraints. The film adeptly explores the duality and despondency of Martino's existence—once an ambitious man now trapped in a robotic shell—while interweaving Cold War tension with thoughtful character study rather than relying on typical B-movie tactics.

The Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber offers modest yet acceptable visual and audio quality, reflective of the film's era and original production values. While it may not meet modern high-definition standards entirely, the transfer remains watchable. Supplemental materials include a solid commentary and trailers which enrich the viewing experience. Despite some fidelity issues, "Who?" on Blu-ray is presented in the best possible manner given the source material.

While bluntly titled, Who? is extremely compelling, growing stronger as it unpacks the details of Martino's life...[include last para as-is]