The Man in the Glass Booth Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded 1080p presentation of "The Man in the Glass Booth" maintains its original 1.84:1 aspect ratio, derived from a meticulous 2K restoration of the original 35mm negative. The result is an image that is largely bright and clear, providing valuable clarity that accentuates the intricate set designs and the nuances of acting performances. While Schell’s makeup, particularly in portraying an old man, shows its age and the limitations of HD resolution by revealing cracks and shaved head stubble, this minor issue is easily overlooked given the film's vintage quality. Colors are generally robust, with primary hues standing out in costumes and courtroom interiors appearing intact.

The transfer, which is rich in detail, adequately represents Arthur’s eccentric and lavish lifestyle, with particular attention to detailed settings such as Arthur's hidden room. Black levels are usually strong and inky, although there are instances where whites bloom and the contrast appears overly hot, momentarily skewing colors. Some speckling, mild scratching, and dirt do appear, heavily during the opening titles and near the end of the film, yet these are not overly distracting given the film's age. Skin tones are generally natural but can veer towards pink on occasion. Despite these minor imperfections, the overall visual experience is immersive and a testament to the effort put into the restoration.

Ultimately, the 1080p transfer faithfully preserves the film's original theatrical aspect ratio and enhances its visual storytelling through crisp details and strong coloring. The presentation occasionally shows signs of age through speckling and spotting, but these do not detract from an otherwise impressive restoration. Though whites can bloom and distort colors at times, the overall quality of the image remains high, making "The Man in the Glass Booth" a visually rewarding viewing experience.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix for "The Man in the Glass Booth" is a serviceable, if not particularly dynamic track, tailored for a dialogue-centric film. The audio preserves the clarity of the conversation but reveals the film's age through enhanced high frequencies and crisp S-sounds. Environmental sounds are adequately captured, contributing to the spatial context without aiming to create an immersive experience. Although there is a consistent presence of mild hiss and occasional pops throughout, they remain non-distracting and intermittent.

This English DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix mirrors the original monaural soundtrack effectively, showcasing well-recorded dialogue and expressive sound effects. These elements are balanced with minimal scoring, preserving the narrative's atmosphere without compromising on clarity or fidelity. Ambient sounds, such as New York street noise, are incorporated to set the scene rather than enhance immersion. While subtle background hiss is audible during quieter moments, it does not detract from the overall listening experience.

Overall, the audio track maintains professional integrity, with dialogue quality being its focal strength. Pops and cracks do exist but are minimal and infrequent, making this mix solidly functional for the nature of this film.

The Blu Ray extras for "The Man in the Glass Booth" provide valuable insights into the film's production and its historical context within the American Film Theater (AFT) framework. The primary features include interviews with director Arthur Hiller and Edie Landau from 2002, offering detailed reflections on adaptation challenges, casting decisions, and production intricacies. These discussions also delve into the thematic depth of the material and the lead actor's path to an Oscar nomination. Additionally, a promotional trailer featuring Ely Landau provides an overview of AFT’s ambitious project aimed at bringing theatrical quality films to a wider audience. Overall, these extras are informative and add considerable value to the Blu Ray.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Arthur Hiller: Explores the adaptation process, casting decisions, and thematic elements.
• Interview with Edie Landau: Covers AFT's history, challenges, and creative ambition.
• AFT Trailer: Mid-1970s promotional piece highlighting AFT's first season achievements.

The Man in the Glass Booth, produced by the American Film Theater, is a compelling adaptation of Robert Shaw’s play, brought to the screen by Arthur Hiller. Maximilian Schell, in his Oscar-nominated role, delivers an intense performance as Arthur Goldman, a Jewish millionaire with a dark past. Despite its stage origins, the film intertwines cinematic techniques, offering glimpses into Goldman’s opulent lifestyle and paranoid fears, which culminate in his arrest by Israeli agents who believe him to be a notorious Nazi war criminal. The narrative grapples with themes of identity, guilt, and atonement, pushing the emotional boundaries while maintaining suspense over Goldman’s true identity until the climactic conclusion.

Schell's portrayal is vigorous and relentless, dominating almost every scene. His character’s mental unraveling is rendered with an intensity that occasionally teeters on the edge of theatrical excess. Hiller’s direction sometimes falters in balancing the intimacy of film with such a potent performance, yet Schell’s magnetism keeps viewers enthralled. The courtroom segments, although lacking the dramatic weight of films like Judgment at Nuremberg, are effective in exploring the moral complexities of the Holocaust. Supporting actors, including Lawrence Pressman, Lois Nettleton, and Luther Adler, provide solid performances that enhance the main narrative without overshadowing Schell’s tour-de-force role.

Through its 117-minute runtime, The Man in the Glass Booth remains an engrossing experience. Shaw’s story, adapted by Edward Anhalt, preserves its core tensions and nuances while making necessary adjustments for the film medium. The film’s strength lies in its ability to provoke thought and maintain ambiguity, compelling audiences to engage deeply with each line and scene. Despite some flaws and overly theatrical moments, particularly in Schell’s character makeup and delivery, the movie stands as a testament to the power of performance and narrative when exploring historical traumas and human complexities.

Arthur Hiller's "The Man in the Glass Booth" is an intriguing adaptation that manages to balance its origins as a stage play with the demands of cinema, resulting in a compelling film noir experience. Maximilian Schell's masterful portrayal of the protagonist is the cornerstone of the production, delivering a performance that oscillates between intense and deeply reflective, capturing the suffocating guilt and moral ambiguity at the heart of the narrative. Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release does justice to this 1975 classic, featuring a strong video transfer that preserves the film's visual integrity, alongside a balanced audio mix.

The Blu-ray release is complemented by a decent array of extra features that delve into the film's production and impact. While Hiller employs a somewhat static direction that leans heavily on its theatrical roots—leaving the film feeling slightly constrained in its cinematic potential—Schell's powerhouse performance keeps viewers utterly engrossed from start to finish. The courtroom drama spirals into a labyrinth of condemnation and rebuttal, maintaining suspense even as it edges toward its foreseeable conclusion.

With a brief intermission to divide acts, "The Man in the Glass Booth" showcases the suffocation of guilt and the trial that puts the titular character through a routine of condemnation and rebuttal. Hiller maintains stagey qualities throughout (the play was originally written by Robert Shaw, who took his name off the movie), ignoring the cinematic possibilities of the material. This leaves "The Man in the Glass Booth" slightly dulled despite Schell's hurricane-inspired performance, making it a long journey to an inevitable conclusion.

Overall, despite its limitations, "The Man in the Glass Booth" is buoyed by Schell’s evocative work and retains enough intrigue to engage thoughtful moviegoers. It might not be a perfect film, but it remains a captivating watch that stands up to multiple viewings. Schell’s performance alone merits adding this Blu-ray to any film enthusiast’s collection.