The Hitch-Hiker Blu-ray Review

The 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer of "The Hitch-Hiker" on Blu-ray demonstrates a commendable effort by Kino Lorber, showcasing the film's vintage charm while preserving its historical authenticity. The transfer exudes a naturally filmic quality with a well-preserved grain structure, eschewing extensive digital noise reduction or edge enhancement. Print damage is evident, characterized by brief scratches and white specks, but these do not detract from the overall viewing experience. In fact, these artifacts augment the nostalgic feel of the film, embedding it firmly within its era. The Library of Congress-preserved elements afford a remarkable level of clarity and detail, especially in close-ups of actors' faces and textures.

While the transfer manages strong contrast and balanced black-and-white grading, it occasionally falters with less consistent fine detail and some instances of weaker black levels leading to a subtly washed-out appearance. Despite these minor inconsistencies, the superior clarity of several scenes is notable, particularly when appreciating the nuanced Southwest landscapes that serve as a backdrop for the film’s intense storyline. This high-definition treatment allows finer details to emerge that would have been indiscernible in standard definition, enriching the visual experience.

Overall, Kino Lorber delivers a worthy presentation that, while not reaching the polished heights of Criterion's digitally cleaned-up releases, remains true to the source material. The Hitch-Hiker’s age and filmic quirks are embraced rather than obscured, providing a classic viewing experience that highlights the film’s enduring appeal.

The audio presentation of "The Hitch-Hiker" on Blu-ray features an uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 mono track typical of low-budget B-films from its era. While there are occasional age-related crackles and a low hiss, they are generally unobtrusive. However, there are moments when William Talman's voice is noticeably dubbed, issued at a lower and more muffled quality compared to the surrounding dialogue. Despite these flaws, the tense and brassy score by Leith Stevens is rendered clearly without high-end brashness or peaking.

Unfortunately, the audio mix leaves something to be desired. At times, the dialogue sounds as if it has been delivered through a phone line due to poor post-production looping. This issue, whether a result of the transfer process, original recording, or passage of time, is distracting. Additionally, distinct popping can be heard in some parts, further tarnishing the audio experience. Sound effects and the score, although clear, often overshadow the dialogue due to poor balance, resulting in pivotal scenes with excessively loud transitions followed by quieter speech.

Overall, while the dialogue delivery is mostly clear and intelligible and the musical score is free from high-end harshness, the sound mix demonstrates several shortcomings. Issues stemming from age and balance conflicts hinder what could have been a more robust auditory experience. Considering these factors, a more thorough restoration effort could have significantly improved the audio quality.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Hitch-Hiker" provide a robust enhancement to the film viewing experience, showcasing high-definition galleries and trailers of related works. The image gallery includes a user-directed selection of sixteen stills, posters, and promotional images that offer a visual deep dive into the film's production and marketing history. Additionally, the disc features trailers for several other Kino releases, including "White Zombie," "The Stranger," and "Night Tide," giving viewers a taste of other vintage classics. These extras are well-curated and presented in high-definition, significantly enriching the value of the Blu-ray package for enthusiasts and new viewers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Gallery (HD): A user-directed gallery with sixteen stills, posters, and promo images.
• Trailers (HD): Includes trailers for White Zombie, The Stranger, and Night Tide.

Ida Lupino's 1953 film noir "The Hitch-Hiker" stands as a landmark in both cinematic and feminist history, being the first noir directed by a woman. With a script co-written alongside her then-husband Collier Young, Lupino masterfully crafts a lean, suspense-driven narrative that eschews traditional melodrama in favor of taut psychological tension. Inspired by the real-life crimes of Billy Cook, the film follows Emmett Meyers, chillingly portrayed by William Talman, who holds two middle-aged men, Roy Collins (Edmund O'Brien) and Gilbert Bowen (Frank Lovejoy), hostage in a nightmarish trek across Mexico. Lupino's direction creates an atmosphere of relentless dread, amplified by Talman's unsettling performance, whose character's partially paralyzed right eyelid renders him a perpetual, menacing watcher.

"The Hitch-Hiker" is devoid of the typical noir elements, such as a femme fatale or intricate subplots. Instead, it zeroes in on the trio's power dynamics and psychological interplay. Amidst Meyers' sadistic taunts and threats, the film explores themes of authority and helplessness, showcasing firearms as instruments of control and societal power imbalance. Jean-Luc Godard's assertion that "all you need for a movie is a gun and a girl" is turned on its head here; Lupino proves that the gun alone suffices to drive her compact and impactful thriller. Despite Collins and Bowen being minimally developed characters, they effectively channel audience anxieties, posing implicit questions about morality and survival under duress.

Although some critics argue that "The Hitch-Hiker" lacks deep subtext or richly drawn characters, it remains a significant work for its insightful commentary on moral decay and outsider status. The socio-political undertones subtly embedded in the narrative provide additional layers of interpretation. By focusing on Meyers' narcissistic self-perception as a self-made man juxtaposed against his clear status as a societal outcast, Lupino invites viewers to ponder broader existential questions. This film is an indelible testament to Lupino's visionary talent and offers profound insights into human behavior under extreme circumstances.

The Hitch-Hiker on Blu-Ray stands out as a captivating piece of cinematic history and an exemplary presentation of classic noir. Directed by Ida Lupino, the first woman to helm a mainstream film noir, this release marks a significant entry in the genre’s history. The performances are solid across the board, with William Talman delivering a chilling portrayal of the psychopathic Emmet Meyers. The narrative swiftly engages viewers, maintaining tension through its lean, fast-paced storytelling.

Visually, the high-definition transfer by Kino-Lorber is commendable, offering a crisp and clean 1080p presentation that subtly enhances the film's atmospheric tension. While some might argue that the picture quality isn't immaculate and the audio could benefit from minor enhancements, these technical imperfections do not overshadow the overall viewing experience. However, the absence of elaborate special features is noted; a retrospective on Lupino’s career would have been a valuable addition.

The Hitch-Hiker may not reach the echelon of legendary film noirs, but it undoubtedly excels as a compelling, expertly crafted thriller. Its historical significance and the gripping performance by Talman provide substantial reasons for enthusiasts of the genre to appreciate this release. Coupled with Kino-Lorber's proficient high-definition treatment, it is an admirable addition to any classic noir collection. Recommended.