Brute Force Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s release of Brute Force on Blu-ray features an impeccable 1080p transfer in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. The new 4K restoration, spearheaded by TLEFilms Film Restoration & Preservation Services in Berlin, utilized footage from four distinct elements, chiefly a 35mm nitrate fine-grain master positive and a safety duplicate negative. This meticulous restoration process involved advanced film scanning technologies like the IMAGICA Imager XE Advanced Plus and Scanity HDR, complemented by digital restoration tools from Pixel Farm's PFClean 2017 and Foundry's Furnace 4. As a result, the visual presentation achieves a remarkable level of clarity and stability, ensuring the movie looks as close to its original state as possible.

The visual improvements are palpable, particularly in scenes with intricate details or challenging light conditions. Indoor and nighttime sequences reveal a noticeable depth and richness in nuances, while daytime scenes effectively mitigate issues like black crush apparent in earlier versions. The black and white imagery boasts excellent black levels, lending a conspicuous film-like aesthetic enriched with stable contrast. Despite some minor fading and occasional nicks indicative of the film's age and history, the overall image remains highly consistent and remarkably clean. The gritty cinematography of William Daniels is preserved beautifully, with grain that enhances rather than detracts from the immersive experience of prison life depicted in the film.

The presentation excels in delivering sharpness and detail, exemplified in scenes such as the mess hall and kitchen where each element stands out crisply. Shadows are prominently employed, offering rich black levels and controlled whites that align with the film’s monochromatic atmosphere. Close-up shots are particularly arresting, showcasing the impressive detail in faces and expressions against the harsh backdrop of prison life. In summary, Criterion’s exhaustive efforts yield a superbly restored visual experience for Brute Force, one that is sure to be appreciated by cinephiles and preservationists alike.

The Blu-ray release of "Brute Force" features an English LPCM 1.0 audio track, meticulously mastered from the 35 mm composite fine-grain optical track print. Utilization of Avid’s Pro Tools and iZotope RX ensures a vibrant, well-modulated audio experience. The soundscape, dominated by the cacophony of prison work areas alongside crisp and distinct sonic accents—from clanking machines and hammering to sirens and gunshots—is immersively impactful. Miklós Rózsa's dramatic score is showcased with excellent fidelity and a wide dynamic range, devoid of any distortion. Additionally, dialogue remains clear and comprehensible, even in faintly whispered moments.

The audio presentation, while inherently 'thin' due to the original soundtrack's limitations, remains clear and stable throughout. Upper registers of the score are especially well-rendered, possibly healthier than previous releases. The background silence is clean, free from age-related hiss, pops, or crackle, enhancing the overall aural experience. Despite the lack of low-frequency extension or surround sound presentation, the LPCM mono track maintains a solid dramatic intensity, ensuring that the film’s auditory elements are both engaging and true to the original production's intent. Optional English SDH subtitles are available to aid comprehension further.

The Blu-Ray release of "Brute Force" includes a rich selection of extras that delve into the film's context, production, and the broader cinematic landscape. The commentary by film noir experts Alain Silver and James Ursini provides an in-depth analysis of the film's themes, cinematography, and historical context. Paul Mason's featurette offers a scholarly perspective on prison films, highlighting how "Brute Force" both aligns with and diverges from genre expectations. David Bordwell's episode from the Criterion Channel’s Observations on Film Art explores the acting techniques used in the film, showcasing its stylistic range. A stills gallery complements these insights, offering a visual record of the production. Finally, the original trailer gives a glimpse into the film’s initial public reception. These extras collectively offer a multifaceted appreciation of Jules Dassin's gritty yet nuanced film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: By film noir experts Alain Silver and James Ursini.
• Interview with Paul Mason: Analysis of Hollywood prison films and "Brute Force."
• The Actor’s Toolkit: David Bordwell on the acting methods in "Brute Force."
• Stills Gallery: Scene stills, behind-the-scenes photos, and posters.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer showcasing Criterion's restoration.
• Booklet: Essays by Michael Atkinson, Pete Martin, and rare correspondence.

Jules Dassin's "Brute Force" (1947) offers a compelling blend of noir aesthetics and raw brutality, a stark contrast to the director's earlier works. Set within the oppressive confines of Westgate Penitentiary, this film reflects a real-life incident at Alcatraz, and it doesn't shy away from depicting the grim, dehumanizing conditions of the prison environment. Burt Lancaster, in only his second film role, delivers a powerhouse performance as Joe Collins, an inmate determined to escape to reunite with his dying wife. His portrayal exudes brooding intensity and physicality, which contrasts effectively with Hume Cronyn's chillingly sadistic Captain Munsey. Cronyn's villainy is captured in his obsession with power and visceral enjoyment of suffering, drawing disturbing parallels to fascist regimes.

Dassin's direction is both meticulous and evocative, employing a noir sensibility that amplifies the film's claustrophobic tension. The cinematography by William H. Daniels captures the stifling and grim atmosphere of the overcrowded prison, enriched by Miklós Rózsa’s intense score that punctuates the narrative with urgency. Through a series of flashbacks, Dassin humanizes the inmates, revealing their personal stories and the women they loved, thereby earning the audience’s empathy despite their criminal backgrounds. This narrative approach not only infuses the plot with depth but also underscores themes of fatalism and existential despair common in post-World War II cinema.

"Brute Force" stands out not only for its graphic depiction of violence, unusual for its time but also for its astute social commentary on the flawed penal system and bureaucratic ineptitude. The ensemble cast, including notable performances from Charles Bickford, Art Smith, and a young Yvonne De Carlo, enriches the film. Despite some melodramatic elements and thinly stretched subplots, the film's technical prowess and poignant exploration of human resilience under oppressive forces ensure its status as an enduring classic in both noir and prison film genres. Directed with a keen eye for detail and atmosphere, "Brute Force" remains a powerful indictment of institutional cruelty and a testament to Jules Dassin’s directorial evolution.

The 1947 film "Brute Force," directed by Jules Dassin, is an unflinching portrayal of corruption and brutality within the prison system. With a central performance by a brooding and magnetic Burt Lancaster, the film stands as a powerful commentary on societal injustices and the human condition. The recent 4K restoration is a revelation, rescuing the film from obscurity and bestowing it with a visual clarity that resonates with contemporary audiences. This Blu-ray edition ensures that "Brute Force" remains impactful, revitalizing its narrative strength and artistic elements.

This edition features a stellar 4K restoration that significantly enhances both the image quality and sound, offering a definitive presentation for home viewing. The restoration brings out the film's nuanced shades and shadows, making the film noir aesthetics truly shine. Supplementary materials on the Blu-ray provide valuable context and enrich viewers' understanding of the film, with insights into the director's vision and the socio-political backdrop during which it was created. These extras round out the package, making it indispensable for enthusiasts of classic cinema, prison films, or Dassin's directorial prowess.

In conclusion, this upcoming release of "Brute Force" is sourced from an exceptional 4K restoration, which should remain the definitive presentation of the film on the home video market. The only way to achieve a superior presentation would be if Criterion chooses to release the same restoration on 4K Blu-ray, though waiting for such an eventuality seems imprudent. For now, "Brute Force" on Blu-ray looks stellar and is highly recommended for any serious film collector.