Blackmail Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray edition of Alfred Hitchcock’s "The 39 Steps" arrives with mixed results, presenting in a 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer and framed in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The transfer reveals considerable damage typical of early film preservation issues. The source material likely suffered from repeatedly struck release prints leading to noticeable degradation. Grain is prominent, blacks appear more grey, and overall clarity is lacking, with light negative scratches and other damage visible throughout the runtime. Attempts at using noise reduction and automated cleanup tools have been made but come at the expense of further compromising picture quality. Despite these efforts, the resultant image lacks sharpness and contrast, making for a rather underwhelming viewing experience, especially for a film of such historical significance.

Comparisons with existing Criterion SDVD versions reveal that not only does the Blu-ray exhibit significant flaws, but it often appears as merely an upconverted standard-definition transfer. Issues with contrast are particularly evident, contributing to an image that feels washed out, with blacks appearing pale and unhealthy. The transfer is marred by substantial debris, scratches, and stains indicating insufficient cleanup efforts. These problems suggest that either the producers did not allocate enough resources for adequate restoration or the original elements were in such poor condition that a thorough restoration was deemed impractical.

In summary, despite being the first Hitchcock film to receive a high-definition treatment in the UK, the Blu-ray of "The 39 Steps" may leave fans disheartened due to its significant shortcomings in video quality.

The audio presentation of "The 39 Steps" on this Blu-ray disc is available through an English Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono track. This track maintains the film's original mono sound, mirrored on both the left and right channels, providing an authentic vintage listening experience. The restoration team has made commendable efforts to clean up the audio, reducing much of the original snap, crackle, and pop. However, some underlying hiss persists, particularly noticeable when the volume is increased.

Dialogue clarity is acceptable, ensuring most viewers will understand the film's lines despite the background noise. The audio quality reflects its era, with an overall sound reminiscent of bulky, old-fashioned recording equipment and microphones. While this offers a nostalgic auditory experience, it lacks the modern depth and clarity found in more recent high-definition releases. The music too bears the hallmarks of its time, though it remains listenable.

A notable aspect of this release is the decision not to produce a 5.1 channel mix, which would likely have detracted from the film's original sound design. It's interesting to note that no uncompressed audio track is provided, potentially due to the upconversion from standard definition. For those seeking the quality of high-end restorations from other classic films, this disc might seem underwhelming. However, it sufficiently retains the essence of "The 39 Steps" without distorting its historic soundscape.

The Blu-ray extras for "The 39 Steps" provide a substantial and engaging dive into the film's history and production nuances. The Audio Commentary by film scholar Marian Keene delivers an in-depth scene-by-scene analysis of Hitchcock's film-making, though Keene's reading tone may not captivate all listeners. The Art of Film Featurette, a vintage documentary narrated by Douglas Fairbanks Jr., offers a comprehensive look at Hitchcock’s career progression, although the video quality shows its age. The Lux Radio Show Audio Feature is a classic auditory experience, featuring a 1937 adaptation with Robert Montgomery and Ida Lupino. The On Location segment provides a visual tour of filming sites used in various adaptations of the story, hosted by Robert Powell. Lastly, the Photo Galleries feature vibrant on-set stills and meticulously preserved posters, enhancing the viewer's appreciation of the film's visual history.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth analysis by Marian Keene.
• The Art of Film Featurette: Vintage Hitchcock documentary narrated by Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
• Lux Radio Show Audio Feature: 1937 radio adaptation with Robert Montgomery and Ida Lupino.
• On Location: Tour of filming sites from various adaptations.
• Photo Galleries: Collections of on-set photography and promotional materials.

Alfred Hitchcock’s classic, "The 39 Steps," available on UK Region B locked Blu-ray from ITV-Granada, presents an engaging adaptation of John Buchan's novel. The film follows Richard Hannay, played with aplomb by Robert Donat, as he becomes embroiled in a complex espionage plot after a chance encounter. The narrative is compelling, interwoven with Hitchcock’s signature mix of comedy and thriller elements. With its crisp dialogue and strong performances, particularly from Donat and Madeleine Carroll as the enigmatic Pamela, the film maintains a dynamic pace.

Despite its narrative strengths, this Blu-ray release suffers from some technical limitations. The 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer, while framed accurately in the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, lacks the sharpness and contrast expected from a high-definition medium. Blacks and detail levels aren't as refined, indicating only minimal digital restoration efforts. Audio is preserved in a Dolby Digital 2.0 mono track that achieves clear dialogue after the removal of most age-related artifacts, though some low-level hiss persists.

The Blu-ray package includes valuable supplemental content such as a commentary by film scholar Marian Keene, featurettes including the Lux Radio Theater adaptation, and photo galleries. Optional English subtitles are available for added accessibility. Despite the visual shortcomings, the interplay of Hitchcock’s humor, suspense, and romantic tension makes "The 39 Steps" a memorable watch, enhanced by Bernard Knowles' atmospheric cinematography and noir-ish scenes that elevate its cinematic appeal.

The Blu-ray release of "The 39 Steps" by ITV-Granada is a mixed experience. The film, an undisputed classic by Alfred Hitchcock, retains its narrative brilliance and engaging suspense. However, the technical quality on this Blu-ray leaves much to be desired. The transfer is noticeably inconsistent with grain levels fluctuating throughout the film, leading to a lack of uniformity. While some scenes exhibit remarkable clarity, others are disappointingly soft, detracting from the overall viewing experience.

Audio quality fares slightly better. The mono soundtrack is preserved accurately, offering clear dialogue and a decent balance of background elements. However, it lacks the depth and richness that modern audiences might expect from high-definition releases. Patches of distortion are present but not pervasive enough to ruin the experience. Supplemental materials included are standard fare, featuring a handful of interviews and a production stills gallery. These add some value but fall short of enriching the overall package meaningfully.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "The 39 Steps" feels underwhelming, particularly for Hitchcock aficionados and cinephiles who expect more from high-definition releases. While the film’s essence remains intact, inconsistent video quality and standard audio features limit its appeal. Proceed with tempered expectations.