On Dangerous Ground Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "On Dangerous Ground" marks a significant step forward for the Warner Archive Collection. Undertaking a 4K scan from the original camera negative stored by the Library of Congress, Warner's Motion Picture Imaging facility meticulously addressed color correction and cleanup. Fortunately, the OCN had minimal damage due to the film's limited initial print runs. This complex process culminates in a rich and balanced 1080p, AVC-encoded presentation that respects George E. Diskant's striking black-and-white cinematography. The high average bitrate of 34.99 Mbps ensures that fine details and textures are preserved.

This Blu-ray delivers an exquisite filmic experience with deep, lush black levels and perfectly pitched whites. The contrast and grayscale variance introduce outstanding depth and detail, particularly in shadowy city scenes and the daylight country sequences shot in Colorado. The restoration reveals intricate details in faces and environments without noticeable grain, ensuring a smooth visual flow. Transitioning seamlessly between location shots and soundstage reshoots, this transfer further accentuates Nicholas Ray's innovative cinematographic techniques, including handheld sequences and subjective shots from the heroine's impaired perspective. The meticulous preservation efforts result in an image devoid of nicks, marks, or scratches, thus honoring the film’s cinematic artistry.

The audio presentation of "On Dangerous Ground" on Blu Ray is incredibly well-executed, leveraging a lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono track derived from the original soundtrack negative. This meticulous restoration process diligently removes any age-related pops, clicks, or interferences, ensuring a pristine listening experience. Bernard Herrmann's incisive score, a vital emotional layer of the narrative, is rendered with remarkable clarity and depth, free from any harshness or distortion. Dialogue is presented with precision, enhancing the narrative by making every word easy to comprehend.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track excels in capturing the film's varied sonic elements. From the distinct car horns and gunfire in urban settings to the delicate nuances of wind chimes and crunching snow in more subdued scenes, the auditory experience is immersive and well-balanced. The soundtrack showcases an excellent dynamic range, adeptly handling Herrmann's powerful score with its soaring highs and lows, all without a hint of distortion. Notably, the tonal fidelity and depth of the audio significantly elevate the film's atmospheric impact.

In summary, Warner Archive has delivered a laudable effort with this release, preserving the integrity of the original audio while enhancing its quality for a modern audience. Every element, from dialogue to sound effects and music, is meticulously reproduced, ensuring that both new viewers and long-time fans can appreciate this film noir classic in superb auditory detail.

The Blu-ray release of "On Dangerous Ground" retains all the extras from its previous DVD edition, now enhanced with a remastered trailer in 1080p. Notably, the audio commentary by film historian Glenn Erickson delivers an in-depth exploration of the film’s development, casting, production intricacies, and post-production overseen by Howard Hughes. Erickson's detailed analysis includes comparisons to the source novel, insights on Nicholas Ray's thematic signatures, and connections to Martin Scorsese’s "Taxi Driver." While the commentary is comprehensive and enriched with historical context, Erickson's scripted delivery lacks the spontaneity of a conversational tone. The theatrical trailer, now in high definition, encapsulates the film's thrilling essence.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Film Historian Glenn Erickson: An encyclopedic account covering the film's development, thematic elements, production history, and its improved reputation.
• Trailer: Remastered in 1080p, offering a glimpse into the movie's promise of a thrilling love story.

Nicholas Ray’s 1952 film On Dangerous Ground initially struggled for recognition but has since been hailed as a complex, subversive work that blends multiple genres. At its core, this film offers a deep character study of Jim Wilson (Robert Ryan), an embittered, aggressive plainclothes cop in an unnamed city. Exposed to the worst of humanity, Wilson's emotional burnout manifests in brutal conduct, causing his superior, Capt. Brawley (Ed Begley), to send him to a rural town as a disciplinary measure. This narrative shift transports Wilson from the urban jungle to the snowy countryside, where he aids Sheriff Carrey (Ian Wolfe) in solving the murder of a young girl.

The journey brings Jim face-to-face with a blind, reclusive woman named Mary Malden (Ida Lupino), who complicates the investigation and his life. Mary's brother, Danny Malden (Sumner Walden), quickly transforms from suspect to someone Jim feels compelled to defend against the victim's vengeful father, Walter Brent (Ward Bond). The film takes a sharp turn from gritty film noir into an introspective exploration peppered with tender romance. This juxtaposition of harsh city life and serene country settings underscores Jim's internal transformation and highlights Ray’s masterful storytelling interwoven with A.I. Bezzerides’ script.

Technically, On Dangerous Ground shines in its restored Blu-ray release by the Warner Archive Collection. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono audio present a visually crisp and aurally rich experience, particularly showcasing stark contrasts between the dark urban streets and the expansive, wintry landscapes filmed in Colorado. Ray’s innovative use of techniques like handheld cameras adds immediacy to urban scenes, while the transition to a more poetic style in rural settings, despite creating minor narrative jarring, enriches Jim’s emotional journey. Ray's direction, alongside standout performances by Ryan and Lupino, ensures that this film remains a compelling study of redemption and human complexity.

"On Dangerous Ground" stands out as a unique and unconventional addition to the film noir genre, distinctly marked by its moody narrative and striking dual locales. Directed by Nicholas Ray, the film intertwines crime drama, romance, and mystery through the lens of a disillusioned New York cop, portrayed with grit and sensitivity by Robert Ryan. Ida Lupino's performance, as a mysterious blind woman, further elevates the narrative with her understated yet impactful presence. Bernard Hermann’s evocative score complements the film's innovative cinematography, accentuating its atmospheric appeal.

Warner Archive's Blu-ray presentation of "On Dangerous Ground" is exemplary, offering the best visual and audio quality the film has ever displayed on home video. The high-definition transfer ensures that the film's noir elements and pioneering direction are presented with unprecedented clarity. Supplementary features such as a decent commentary and a trailer enhance the viewing experience, although the overall package might feel slightly uneven. Nonetheless, the remastered Blu-ray provides an immersive and stimulating journey into 1950s noir that still resonates today.

In conclusion, "On Dangerous Ground" is a film that transcends its era through its unique character studies, rich visual composition, and stirring score. Warner Archive's superb Blu-ray release helps solidify its place as a must-see for both noir enthusiasts and classic film connoisseurs. Highly recommended for those seeking an original cinema experience from the Fifties.