Malice Blu-ray Review

Kino's 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray of "Malice" offers a respectable yet slightly flawed presentation, remaining true to cinematographer Gordon Willis' distinctive style. Willis, renowned for his "Prince of Darkness" moniker, crafted visuals prioritizing selective visibility. Kino's transfer effectively preserves Willis' deep blacks and dark textures, especially evident in the evolving lighting scheme from early brightly lit scenes to increasingly shadowy settings. The Blu-ray maintains a film-like texture with natural grain and a color palette that deepens to an almost noir-ish saturation as the film progresses. Fine detail is competently rendered, though night shots may present considerable grain—a hallmark of Willis' aesthetic.

Nevertheless, certain technical imperfections mar the experience. Besides occasional video noise, the 1.85:1 1080p transfer reveals extreme film grain, particularly during dark scenes—the image sometimes resembling a swarm of locusts. Some viewers might also find the contrast occasionally overly tweaked, leading to excessively bright scenes and diminished black levels. Additionally, an anomalous vertical wear line appears along the right side of the screen during night shots, likely due to telecine processing issues. While the color reproduction is commendable with vibrant primaries and accurate flesh tones, these drawbacks somewhat diminish the overall quality. On the whole, this Kino Lorber release, while not pristine, marks a noticeable improvement over previous DVD editions, fulfilling expectations for a character-driven film without major action sequences.

The audio presentation of the Blu Ray of "Malice" features a masterful encoding of the original Dolby SR track into a lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0 format, delivering an auditory experience that is both clear and immersive. Jerry Goldsmith's exceptional score is a standout, its clarity and precision elevating the film’s tension and drama. The mix brings a noteworthy atmospheric depth through effective ambient sound effects and nuanced imaging. Moments such as Dr. Jed's night with Nurse Tanya exemplify precise sound editing, with stereo effects creating a distinct spatial divide between the scenes in different rooms. Additionally, key scenes like the bar where Jed and Andy meet and the torrential downpour by the ocean are rendered with impressive fidelity, spreading nicely into the listening space via a good surround decoder.

Dialogue throughout the film is consistently clear, maintaining balance against the backdrop of intricate soundscapes and musical scores. The audio track effectively captures minute details, particularly in scenes within the operating room where the sounds of medical machinery and heart monitors contribute significantly to the immersive experience. The interplay of these elements highlights the meticulous care put into the audio design, ensuring that every auditory aspect aligns seamlessly with the film's narrative twists and turns. Overall, this DTS-HD MA 2.0 track successfully delivers a robust and engaging listening experience, making it a critical aspect of the Blu Ray presentation of "Malice."

Kino Studio Classics' Blu-ray release of "Malice" provides a concise yet compelling selection of extras that enhance the viewing experience. The inclusion of trailers offers nostalgic insights into the marketing styles of different eras, granting viewers a glimpse into the film's original promotional landscape. Although sparse in quantity, the quality and timeless appeal of these extras make them a valuable addition to any film enthusiast's collection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Malice Trailer: This SD trailer nearly discloses too much of the plot while urging viewers not to reveal spoilers.
• The Onion Field Trailer: Included due to its director connection (Harold Becker), this SD trailer is a standout example of late 70s marketing.

The 1993 thriller "Malice" stands out for its intricate plot, which is heavily built on deception and misdirection. Despite receiving mixed reviews upon release, some critics calling it overstuffed and implausible, it has gained a certain regard over time for its complex narrative structure. The film, directed by Harold Becker and penned by screenwriters Aaron Sorkin and Scott Frank, is characterized by a series of unexpected and often lurid twists that eventually interconnect in an unexpected manner. While the characters' motivations may initially appear baffling, with age, some viewers find they resonate more as reflective of human unpredictability. "Malice" undeniably strains plausibility, yet it does so in a manner consistent with many cinematic thrillers where elaborate schemes unfold successfully against all odds.

Technically, "Malice" benefits from the contributions of notable talents both in front of and behind the camera. The late Gordon Willis provided elegant lighting, cementing the movie's visual style, reminiscent of his seminal work on films like "All the Presidents' Men." Jerry Goldsmith’s score adds an audibly rich layer, echoing tones from his previous work on "Basic Instinct." The cast is headlined by Nicole Kidman, Alec Baldwin, and Bill Pullman. Baldwin's portrayal of the ominous Dr. Jed Hill is especially notable, with his character's compelling monologues serving as key promotional points for the film. The supporting roles feature performances from Gwyneth Paltrow, Peter Gallagher, Josef Sommer, George C. Scott, and Anne Bancroft—each bringing depth and nuance to their characters.

Set in a small Massachusetts town that mirrors Northampton, "Malice" blurs the lines between a medical drama, serial killer mystery, and con film. Andy Safian (Bill Pullman) navigates a series of personal and professional crises involving his wife Tracy (Nicole Kidman) and the enigmatic Dr. Jed Hill (Alec Baldwin). As Tracy's medical condition spirals into emergency surgery leading to a malpractice lawsuit against Hill, Andy becomes embroiled in an opaque web of intrigue. The movie's momentum shifts through unforeseen developments, compelling audience reactions ranging from shock to incredulity but ensuring consistent engagement throughout its runtime.

The Blu-ray of "Malice" presents a captivating exercise in crafting cinematic suspense, showcasing a series of performances that oscillate skillfully on the fine line between believability and the extraordinary. While the movie might not rank among the pinnacle achievements of its time, it nevertheless provides a razor-sharp thrill ride through its clever misdirection and taut storytelling. The visual presentation on this Blu-ray is solid, though not spectacular, offering a serviceable HD upgrade that adequately captures the film's dark and moody aesthetic. The audio track is robust, delivering a clear and immersive experience that enhances the film's tension and drama.

From a technical perspective, Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Malice" competently delivers on its promise. The high-definition transfer, while not top-tier, exhibits noticeable improvements over previous DVD versions. Dark scenes maintain consistent black levels, preserving the film's ominous ambiance. Dialogue is crisp and well-balanced against the atmospheric score, which adds an extra layer of intensity. Although the Blu-ray is light on extras, the quality of the film itself and the enhanced viewing experience make it a worthy addition to any collection.

As I indicated at the outset, "Malice" is a sustained exercise in misdirection, and it really shouldn't work at all. That it does is a tribute to everyone involved, especially the lead cast, all of whom pitch their performances on a razor's edge of believability and negotiate some tricky turns. Their performances are consistently interesting, and in Kubrick's famous dictum, "interesting is better than real." Even without extras, Kino has done a nice job on the Blu-ray, which is recommended.