I Confess Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of Alfred Hitchcock's "I Confess" is a masterclass in film restoration and presentation. Shot by Hitchcock's frequent collaborator Robert Burks, the movie benefits from a carefully executed frame-by-frame restoration of a preservation fine-grain master positive made from the original nitrate negative. The 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer reveals the superior detail and fine delineations of grays and blacks that are crucial to the film's visual impact. Whether in close-ups that capture Montgomery Clift's expressive visage or in broader courtroom scenes, the image is consistently sharp and clear, save for some occasional softness inherent to specific scenes like the lengthy flashback.

Black levels are rich and inky, accurately reflecting the shadowy noir atmosphere and the priests' attire. The robust bitrate of 34.91 Mbps ensures a premium encode, with vibrant contrast and enhanced clarity bringing out the best in Burks' stark, semi-documentary style cinematography. The restored image sheds the harsh glares and print imperfections that marred previous DVD versions, presenting a lush and balanced visual experience with minimal grain. The level of detail extends to the smallest elements, from the weave of Karl Malden’s suit to the floral upholstery in scenery. Shadow delineation is impressive, with negligible crush, and the overall image quality maintains the fine grain of top Hollywood productions from its era, making this release a highly recommended upgrade for Hitchcock aficionados and film purists alike.

The audio presentation of "I Confess" on Blu-ray showcases a meticulously restored lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono track, offering identical left and right channels. Warner Archive Collection (WAC) has executed an impressive job in eliminating any pops, clicks, or distortion from the original recording, ensuring that the sound plays with remarkable fidelity and dynamic range given the source material's limitations. Dialogue is distinctly clear, with Dmitri Tiomkin's orchestral score—incorporating elements from Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique—beautifully underpinning the film’s dramatic moments.

Upgrading the DVD's lossy Dolby Digital 1.0 track, this Blu-ray edition enhances auditory clarity and detail without straying from its monaural roots. The audio remains balanced and free from age-related defects or distortion. The track effectively manages the broad dynamic range necessary to convey Tiomkin’s intensely melodramatic score. Despite some challenges in understanding thick accents within the film, most spoken lines, including Montgomery Clift's occasional mumbling and Anne Baxter’s whispering, are delivered clearly. Although the film does not heavily rely on sonic subtleties, this top-tier audio track adeptly addresses all its demands, ensuring an elevated auditory experience for viewers.

The Blu-ray release of "I Confess" offers a robust collection of extras that meticulously explore the film's production and historical context. The centerpiece, "Hitchcock's Confession: A Look at I Confess," is an in-depth featurette produced by Laurent Bouzereau which includes insights from renowned Hitchcock experts such as Peter Bogdanovich, Richard Schickel, and Robert Osborne. This featurette provides valuable perspectives on the film’s nuances, including Montgomery Clift's method acting and Alfred Hitchcock's Jesuit upbringing. Additional nostalgic content includes a vintage newsreel capturing the film's premiere in Quebec City and the original theatrical trailer showcasing the film's promotional style. The extras from the previous 2004 DVD edition have been retained, enriching this high-definition package for cinephiles and Hitchcock enthusiasts alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Hitchcock's Confession: A Look at I Confess: In-depth featurette with expert commentary.
• Gala Canadian Premiere for I Confess—Newsreel Footage: Hitchcock and Anne Baxter at the Quebec City premiere.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer presented in high-definition.

"I Confess" stands as one of Alfred Hitchcock's more introspective and morally complex films, illustrating his adeptness at exploring human dilemmas within a suspenseful framework. Centered on Father Michael Logan, portrayed with haunting intensity by Montgomery Clift, the narrative delves deep into the quandaries of religious duty versus self-preservation. Logan's moral steadfastness, as he chooses to uphold the sanctity of confession despite facing wrongful accusation for murder, showcases the enduring struggle between divine law and human survival instincts. Hitchcock's choice of Quebec City as the setting lends an authentic and atmospheric backdrop, enhancing the film's somber tone through its European architecture and subdued visual style.

The film's tension comes not from rapid pacing but rather from the heavy emotional burdens borne by its characters. Otto Keller, played with frenetic energy by O.E. Hasse, contrasts sharply with Clift’s composed demeanor, enhancing the central conflict. Hasse's portrayal of a man who quickly shifts from a remorseful sinner to a scheming antagonist gives depth to the overarching narrative of guilt and manipulation. The supporting performances, especially Anne Baxter as Ruth Grandfort, further enrich the plot, adding layers of interpersonal intrigue and emotional complexity.

Hitchcock’s direction in "I Confess" leans heavily on thematic exploration rather than his typical suspense mechanics. The film utilizes stark photography and deliberately paced dialogue to underscore the moral ambiguities and psychological turmoil faced by the characters. This approach may lead to a perceived lack of intensity compared to his other works, yet it underscores Hitchcock’s versatility in handling diverse narrative forms. Despite missing the director’s usual brisk tension, the film’s contemplative nature and ethical dilemmas make it a compelling study in cinematic morality.

"I Confess" presents an intriguing departure from Alfred Hitchcock’s more traditional fare, marked by its deeply personal undertones and complex gestation process. The film chronicles a young priest, portrayed with magnetic intensity by Montgomery Clift, who faces a profound moral dilemma when his sacred duty to uphold the sanctity of confession conflicts with revealing a murderer’s identity. While the narrative may appear sterile and the pacing deliberate, Hitchcock’s meticulous direction and an absorbing storyline ensure it remains compelling. The extended production history, multiple script rewrites, and contentious story elements collectively contribute to a unique cinematic experience that stands apart in Hitchcock’s oeuvre.

Warner Archive’s Blu-ray edition of "I Confess" substantially improves upon earlier DVD releases. The high-definition video transfer showcases the film’s stark black-and-white cinematography, enhancing visual details with impressive clarity. The audio transfer faithfully reproduces the sound design, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. Additionally, the limited but substantive supplementary features provide valuable context and background information, further enriching fans’ understanding and appreciation of this film. This enhanced presentation makes the Blu-ray a worthy acquisition for both Hitchcock aficionados and admirers of Clift’s work.

In conclusion, while "I Confess" may not rank among the most well-known or vibrant of Hitchcock’s films, it remains a fascinating study in morality and sacrifice, bolstered by stellar performances and deft direction. Despite its measured pace and subdued climax, the film’s distinctive qualities warrant both rediscovery and recommendation. The upgraded Blu-ray presentation by Warner Archive solidifies "I Confess" as a noteworthy addition to any classic film collection. Highly recommended.