Notorious Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Collection’s Blu-ray release of Alfred Hitchcock's "Notorious," presented in an aspect ratio of 1.37:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, marks a significant improvement over the earlier 2012 MGM Blu-ray rendering. The meticulous 4K digital restoration undertaken by The Walt Disney Company and Criterion Collection was carried out using a Lasergraphics Director film scanner at Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging, sourced from the 35mm original camera negative, a 35mm nitrate fine-grain, and a 35mm safety fine-grain. This transfer lends "Notorious" the vibrancy and lushness it deserves, creating a viewing experience that is immediately more impactful and visually compelling.

Close-up shots, particularly, benefit from dramatically improved density and delineation, which contribute to superior depth and organic appearance on larger displays. The new 4K remaster offers better grading, producing richer blacks, enhanced greyscales, and more put-together whites, enriching visual fluidity and overall appeal. While the grain remains evident—perhaps even heavy in isolated scenes—it is largely well-resolved, delivering a lovely film-like experience. The nicks, scratches, and other visual debris that marred the 2012 release are meticulously cleaned up using MTI Film's DRS and Digital Vision's Phoenix.

Image stability is commendable throughout, with shadow delineation that keeps crush at bay. Rich black levels, bright whites, and superior pattern resistance offer excellent clarity and contrast, enhancing the film’s immediacy. Noteworthy is the seamless integration of numerous opticals, retaining the rich look of nitrate film while almost completely erasing hints of age and wear. Observers may still note slight brightness in a few instances, but these are minor and hardly detract from the overall exquisite presentation. Whether viewed on a high-end display or more modest setups, this Criterion effort breathes new life into Hitchcock's work, providing an unparalleled upgrade for any aficionado.

The audio presentation of "Notorious" on this Blu-ray features an LPCM Mono track (48kHz, 24-bit), meticulously restored to reflect the original 1954 35 mm acetate release print and 35 mm nitrate fine-grain master. With additional restoration from the Criterion Collection, the track effectively eliminates hiss, pop, and crackle, providing an audibly clean backdrop essential for this film's numerous silent scenes and delicate, whispered conversations. The dynamic scale is wide enough to highlight Roy Webb's impressive score, breathing new life into its fullness and tonal depth.

Although the LPCM mono track does not elevate the film to modern audio dynamism levels, it admirably maintains a consistent balance, ensuring that dialogue remains clear and foreground details are crisply articulated. Sound effects, like breaking glass and police sirens, possess the necessary impact without overshadowing more subdued moments. Compared to the previous DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track, improvements in sound quality are noticeable, albeit subtler than visual enhancements. Consequently, while the experience is richer and better balanced than prior releases, listeners should set realistic expectations given the track's monaural nature and original production constraints.

In summary, the Blu-ray's uncompressed PCM 1.0 monaural mix successfully delivers a balanced and faithful audio experience that enhances both dialogue clarity and score appreciation. The restoration efforts have significantly reduced age-related imperfections, providing an improved auditory experience over past editions while preserving the historical authenticity of Hitchcock's classic.

The Criterion Blu-ray edition of "Notorious" boasts an array of exceptional supplements which enhance the appreciation and understanding of this Hitchcock classic. While those who own the MGM-Fox Blu-ray may miss some exclusive extras from that release, this Criterion collection stands out with its insightful, rare, and meticulously produced bonus content. Highlights include two detailed audio commentaries; an extensive documentary on the film's political context and production; and multiple featurettes with deep dives into the film's visual style, production history, and narrative structure by acclaimed scholars and practitioners. This assortment of extras is a treasure trove for Hitchcock aficionados and film scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Once Upon a Time... Notorious: Documentary on the socio-political themes and making of the film.
• Powerful Patterns: Analysis of the film's climax by David Bordwell.
• Glamour and Tension: Cinematographer John Bailey on the visual style of "Notorious".
• Poisoned Romance: Donald Spoto on Hitchcock’s motifs and moral themes.
• Writing with the Camera: Examination of Hitchcock's storyboard use in pre-production.
• Lux Radio Theatre: 1948 radio adaptation featuring Ingrid Bergman and Joseph Cotten.
• Pathe Reporter Meets...: 1948 newsreel with Hitchcock and Bergman.
• Trailers: Four vintage trailers.

Alfred Hitchcock’s "Notorious" (1946) stands as a seminal film in his extensive repertoire, demonstrating masterful craftsmanship and acute attention to detail. The narrative intertwines a gripping espionage plot with a poignant romantic subplot, producing a multifaceted storyline that retains viewers' attention throughout. Ingrid Bergman stars as Alicia Huberman, whose life spirals into disarray following her father's conviction as a Nazi sympathizer. Her downward trajectory via alcoholism and promiscuity makes her an ideal candidate for a covert mission organized by the U.S. government. Cary Grant plays Devlin, the government agent who recruits Alicia to infiltrate the inner circle of fugitive Nazi conspirators headed by her former lover, Alexander Sebastian, played compellingly by Claude Rains.

Alicia's personal turmoil and Devlin's exploitation of her affections generate palpable tension, creating a dynamic interplay of loyalty and deceit. Hitchcock excels in juxtaposing emotional intricacies with political intrigue, skillfully managing the film’s atmosphere and character arcs. The seamless blend of Grant's nuanced performance and Bergman's emotive portrayal enriches the narrative, with Grant’s understated expressiveness contrasting Bergman's transformative journey from a skeptical operative to a broken heroine. Rains’ portrayal of Sebastian offers additional complexity, rendering him both villainous and tragically sympathetic, especially under the manipulative control of his mother, played chillingly by Leopoldine Konstantin.

Technically, "Notorious" is a showcase of Hitchcock’s directorial prowess. Employing distinctive camera angles, boom shots, and meticulously controlled pacing, Hitchcock creates a dense emotional and visual texture. The film’s climactic tension is magnified through deliberate timing, especially evident in the final sequences where every second is laden with suspense. The intimate romance between Alicia and Devlin is highlighted through lingering close-ups and sensuous interactions, a testament to Hitchcock's ability to evoke profound emotional responses without explicit content. Despite a lack of chase scenes or explosive action, "Notorious" remains a masterpiece of atmospheric tension and character-driven drama.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Notorious" brings Alfred Hitchcock's classic film to new heights with a meticulously crafted 4K remaster, offering a substantial visual and audio upgrade over the previous 2012 release. The film, a masterwork in espionage romance, showcases Hitchcock's unparalleled directing prowess and is bolstered by exceptional performances from Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, and Claude Rains. The tension and darkness in Rains' portrayal add a special Hitchcockian charm, making his presence a highlight every time he appears on screen. Additionally, the early scenes with Bergman and Grant capture an engaging chemistry, despite the weight of the political narrative.

The Criterion edition is further enhanced through its mix of archival and newly created bonus materials. Of particular note is the inclusion of an insightful feature from cinematographer John Bailey, whose illuminating stories and comments provide a deeper understanding of the film’s visual artistry and production nuances. The supplementary content also explores critical elements such as storyboarding, introduced to Hitchcock by Selznick, which became a staple of the director’s meticulous filmmaking process. The educational value of these extras, along with the exceptional quality of the remaster itself, solidifies this edition as an essential acquisition for any Hitchcock enthusiast.

In conclusion, while Bergman and Grant deliver noteworthy performances, it is Claude Rains' exceptional embodiment of his character that truly elevates the film’s suspenseful atmosphere. Criterion’s new Blu-ray edition not only does justice to this Hitchcock classic but also offers unprecedented quality in both its presentation and supplemental content. Whether you are upgrading from the previous release or adding to your collection for the first time, this edition is unquestionably a must-own for fans of classic cinema. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.