Bigger Than Life Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.55:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Nicholas Ray's "Bigger Than Life" arrives on Blu-ray via a 1080p transfer, courtesy of Criterion. The details provided in the accompanying booklet elaborate on the technical process: the original 35mm camera negative was scanned at 4K resolution on an Oxberry 6400 Liquid Gate scanner, then color graded and restored at 2K resolution. The restoration meticulously removed thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, jitter, and flicker using the DaVinci Revival and Pixel Farm's PFClean systems. Light grain reduction was performed using Arri's Relativity system, preserving a pleasing amount of film grain without compromising the film's authenticity.

This high-definition transfer is exceptionally competent and visually compelling. Fine object detail and clarity are impressive, with shadows and contrast handled with precision, particularly notable during James Mason's character's violent scenes. The color scheme remains convincing and well-balanced, capturing rich yet natural tones in blues, greens, grays, blacks, and whites. The film retains a robust and natural appearance throughout, preserving its original CinemaScope presentation with skin tones looking realistic and blacks appearing deep. Even in minimally lit indoor scenes, the image quality remains remarkable without stability issues or digital noise.

Criterion's transfer shines through with meticulous restoration free of edge-enhancement, macroblocking, or other digital artifacts. Notably, there are no perturbing cuts, scratches, or stains that detract from the viewing experience. This Blu-ray release is a marked upgrade over previous versions, showcasing Ray's expressionistic use of color, especially during the film’s climactic third act. This marvelously presented transfer stands as a significant addition to any film library for both its technical execution and artistic fidelity.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Bigger Than Life" features a single English LPCM 1.0 track, accompanied by optional English subtitles that appear within the image frame. This monaural track, remastered at 24-bit from the original 35 mm magnetic audio track, provides a clear and immersive listening experience. The efforts to manually remove clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum using Pro Tools HD, along with the attenuation of crackle through AudioCube's integrated audio workstation, ensure a high level of audio stability and clarity.

Dialogue is consistently clean and easy to follow, with no noticeable balance issues in David Raksin's music score. The track maintains a robustness that effectively delivers both dialogue and sound effects, such as an out-of-control carnival scene from a television set, with crystal-clear precision. While it may not offer the heft found in more contemporary blockbuster releases, this LPCM 1.0 mix remains impressively warm and devoid of auditory distractions like pops, cracks, or excessive hissing. This creates an engaging auditory environment, making for a pleasant listening experience overall.

The Blu-ray edition of "Bigger Than Life" offers an impressive array of extras that delve deeply into the film and its director, Nicholas Ray. Highlighting Ray's thematic interests and approach to cinema, the Profile of Nicholas Ray presents an insightful 1977 TV interview, shedding light on his collaboration with James Dean and his relationship with Warner Brothers. For a thorough analysis of the film’s narrative structure, Jonathan Lethem’s featurette is indispensable, with incisive commentary on the film's complex portrayal of American middle-class life. Susan Ray's interview provides a personal view into Nicholas Ray's passion for filmmaking. Film critic Geoff Andrew’s commentary unpacks the film’s dense symbolism, making it an enlightening resource. There’s also a memorably campy trailer and a thoughtful essay by B. Kite included in a booklet.

Extras included in this disc:

• Profile of Nicholas Ray: Revealing 1977 TV interview with Nicholas Ray.
• Jonathan Lethem: Novelist analyzes the film’s themes and structure.
• Susan Ray: Personal insights from Nicholas Ray's widow.
• Commentary: Detailed analysis by film critic Geoff Andrew.
• Trailer: Campy, must-see theatrical trailer.
• Booklet: Essay by B. Kite offering deeper insights into the film.

Nicholas Ray’s "Bigger Than Life" (1956) emerges as a profound exploration of suburban decay and psychological disintegration subtly wrapped in a vibrant melodrama. The film follows Ed Avery (James Mason), a hardworking schoolteacher and secret taxi dispatcher, who's prescribed the hormone cortisone following a severe health episode. Initially, the drug revitalizes Ed, leading to uncharacteristically lavish spending and heightened confidence. However, this newfound vigor soon spirals into darkness, escalating into psychological horror that starkly reveals the fragile facade of middle-class American life. As Ed's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and menacing, the film's expressionistic use of color and shadow intensifies the narrative's disturbing undercurrents.

Technically, Ray’s direction skillfully transitions the audience from domestic melodrama to claustrophobic psychological terror. The visual storytelling is immaculate, utilizing bold color palettes and shadow play to underscore Ed’s unraveling psyche. Mason’s performance adds a layer of complexity, as his seemingly benign portrayal shifts into one of menacing unpredictability. This narrative intricacy is matched by Ray’s critical examination of 1950s suburban America—addressing themes such as consumerism, conformity, and the reliance on pharmaceutical solutions. The inclusion of metaphoric elements like milk consumption and maps subtly enriches the film’s thematic density.

The Blu-ray edition meticulously preserves this timeless quality, offering a stunning restoration that amplifies its visual and narrative strengths. Whether you view "Bigger Than Life" as a historical artifact or a contemporary critique, it manifests as an enduring cinematic masterpiece that challenges viewers to confront the hidden depths of suburban life and the human psyche.

Nicholas Ray's "Bigger Than Life" is presented on Blu-ray with a transfer that impeccably captures the visual depth and textual richness of the original film. The restoration work results in a vivid and detailed viewing experience, presenting every nuanced frame with stunning clarity and precision. The cinematography, which masterfully blends suburban normalcy with underlying psychological tension, is remarkably preserved, highlighting James Mason's intense and multifaceted performance. Mason, blending the charisma of a leading man with the dynamic subtlety of a character actor, steers the narrative from simple suburban drama into the realm of psychological horror.

The supplemental features on this Blu-ray disc are comprehensive and informative, making it an invaluable addition to a film enthusiast’s collection. The extras include a compelling conversation between Cliff Jahr and director Nicholas Ray, and an insightful analysis by Jonathan Lethem that adds depth to the viewer's understanding of the film’s themes and Ray’s directorial vision. These features enrich the viewing experience, providing both historical context and critical comprehension.

Conclusively, "Bigger Than Life" on Blu-ray stands as a significant release for any serious film aficionado. The exceptional audio-visual quality coupled with substantial supplemental content ensures that this edition meets the high standards expected by discerning audiences. James Mason's compelling portrayal and Ray's masterful direction are beautifully showcased, making this a film that is as haunting as it is rewarding. Very highly recommended for anyone looking to expand their home video collection with a truly remarkable cinematic work.