Madigan Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Madigan" by Kino Lorber, presented in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, offers a respectable 1080p transfer. Although sourced from an older master, it stands out as one of the better examples from Universal’s archives. Image stability remains excellent throughout, with particularly healthy-looking scenes. The color grading is convincing overall, though a slight boost in saturation could improve the visual experience. Enhancing density levels with modern equipment would likely benefit delineation significantly, enhancing the clarity and contrast in key visuals.

Despite some positive attributes, the transfer is not without its flaws. Shot in Techniscope by the renowned Russell Metty, it shows signs of age and limitations inherent in older source materials. While detail and contrast are better than any previous television or video edition, the erratic color grading is a notable issue. Faces exhibit inconsistencies—fluctuating from ruddy to sickly or yellow—from scene to scene. This color instability detracts from the overall viewing experience. However, the superior image stability and healthier overall look do provide a notable improvement over earlier versions.

(Note: This Blu-ray release is Region-A locked, requiring a native Region-A or Region-Free player for access.)

The audio presentation on the "Madigan" Blu-ray release is delivered with an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, and includes optional English SDH subtitles that appear inside the image frame. The audio quality is notably clean, stable, and balanced, with no reported issues. Dynamic intensity stands out, ensuring a compelling auditory experience; various organic noises in the film are well pronounced, adding to the immersive nature of the soundtrack. Dialogue clarity is consistently solid, making it easy to follow the characters' conversations throughout the movie.

Musically, the score by Don Costa presents an interesting auditory layer. While initially it seems uncharacteristic, especially when compared to Lalo Schifrin’s scores for other Siegel-directed films such as "Dirty Harry," Costa’s lush, melodramatic composition gradually aligns with the film’s tone. Set against the backdrop of late 1960s New York, Costa’s music evokes an earlier era, which harmonizes with the characters' nostalgic elements. Music and dialogue remain distinct from one another, contributing to an effective overall mix and engaging viewing experience.

The Blu-ray of "Madigan" includes a meticulously curated set of extras that elevate the value of this release. The audio commentary by critics Howard S. Berger, Steve Mitchell, and Nathaniel Thompson stands out for its depth, offering insights into Don Siegel's direction, the film's technical aspects like its shooting in Techniscope, and its place within the evolution of the crime genre. Complementing this are vintage trailers and TV spots that provide nostalgic context and additional trailers that hint at Kino Lorber's broader catalog. These features collectively enhance the understanding and appreciation of "Madigan" for both new viewers and seasoned fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage trailer for Madigan. In English, not subtitled.
• TV Spots: A couple of vintage spots for Madigan. In English, not subtitled.
• Audio Commentary: Excellent commentary from critics discussing Don Siegel's vision and various film nuances.
• Additional Trailers: Trailers for "Charley Varrick" and "The Black Windmill" from Kino Lorber’s catalog.

Don Siegel’s 1968 crime drama, Madigan, makes a compelling arrival on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber, capturing the vibrancy and gritty texture of New York City. The film's portrayal of the city as a breathing, industrial entity is woven into every frame, emphasizing the competing spotlight between the urban landscape and the characters. This dynamic creates an atmospheric tension that persists throughout the narrative. Detective Dan Madigan (Richard Widmark) and his partner Rocco Bonaro (Harry Guardino) are tasked with locating Barney Benesch (Steve Ihnat), an elusive criminal who exacerbates their troubles by escaping after seizing Madigan's gun. Commissioner Anthony Russell (Henry Fonda) imposes a tight 72-hour deadline to capture Benesch, injecting a potent sense of urgency into the film’s storyline.

Madigan's narrative intricately balances professional and personal conflicts, encapsulated in the poignant turmoil faced by its characters. The script, penned by ex-blacklisted writers Howard Rodman and Abraham Polonsky, blends these themes seamlessly into a gripping climax. Both Madigan and Russell grapple with their isolation and immersion into their law enforcement roles, juxtaposed against their deteriorating personal lives. Widmark brings depth to Madigan—torn between duty and family—while Russell’s disciplined exterior masks his vulnerability. Meanwhile, brilliant supporting performances from Michael Dunn, Don Stroud, Warren Stevens, and others enhance the film's emotional tapestry.

Don Siegel directs with precision, his clean, meticulous style artfully staging action scenes and making effective use of on-location shoots in New York City. However, the occasional shift to Universal backlot sets disrupts this realism, diverging from the stark authenticity of the real city streetscapes. Despite these minor visual inconsistencies, Siegel’s expert direction and the burgeoning themes of cop noir elevate Madigan beyond traditional crime drama conventions. This timeless narrative remains relevant while providing a riveting and unglamorous glimpse into the complex lives of law enforcers.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "Madigan" offers an intriguing window into Don Siegel's filmmaking prowess. This 1968 police procedural, while not as iconic as "Dirty Harry" or "Charley Varrick," possesses a distinct charm that reveals Siegel's nuanced approach to storytelling. The film’s master, supplied by Universal Pictures, is clearly dated, but Kino Lorber has managed to extract respectable picture quality given the source constraints. The visual fidelity largely retains the essence of gritty New York underbelly, which is integral to the film’s atmosphere. However, viewers may notice inconsistencies in sharpness and color grading that reflect the age and limitations of the original master.

In terms of audio, the Blu-ray includes a predictably excellent commentary from Nathaniel Thompson, Howard S. Berger, and Steve Mitchell. Their insights elevate the viewing experience by providing context regarding the film's production and its place within Siegel's oeuvre. While the audio transfer fares better than the video, capturing much of the era’s ambient sounds and dialogue with clarity, it is reminiscent of older analog recordings—adequate but not exceptional by modern standards.

In conclusion, "Madigan" thrives on its depiction of New York City, as much a character as any of Siegel's protagonists. This geographic vitality arguably outshines the narrative twists and character arcs. Kino Lorber’s release, though constrained by its dated master, stands as a respectable preservation of an underappreciated genre piece. Despite some technical shortcomings, the release provides valuable supplemental insights that cinephiles will appreciate. For aficionados of Don Siegel or classic crime dramas, this Blu-ray edition is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.