The Midnight Man Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "The Midnight Man," presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, features an impressive 1080p transfer sourced from an older remaster by Universal. The image quality is commendable, with depth and delineation ranging from good to very good. The film’s grain structure is well-exposed, maintaining a natural and filmic appearance without signs of digital manipulation, a notable achievement considering Universal's history with older remasters. Shadow details in darker scenes are particularly pleasing, contributing to a rich and immersive viewing experience.

The color grading is well-executed, presenting strong and healthy primaries with a range of nuanced tones that enhance the film's visual storytelling. Image stability remains excellent throughout, despite minimal presence of tiny white flecks. There is a notable absence of large debris, cuts, or other forms of damage, which further underscores the quality of this transfer. However, it should be noted that while this remaster is certainly solid, a new remaster could provide some meaningful improvements in density and finer details.

Overall, the HD transfer maintains the integrity of "The Midnight Man's" visual presentation, capturing fine details faithfully and preserving the film’s aesthetic with strong, organic film grain and solid color reproduction. This Blu-ray release serves as a testament to Kino Lorber’s commitment to quality, making it a worthy addition to any collection. However, viewers should be aware that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray, necessitating a compatible player.

The Blu-ray release of "The Midnight Man" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, along with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. The audio presentation is notably clean, free from age-related anomalies such as hiss, hum, and distortions, which can often plague older soundtracks. The depth and clarity of the dialogue are excellent, ensuring that every line is distinct and comprehensible. Furthermore, the lossless track enriches the musical score, allowing it to be showcased with dynamic nuances that add a significant layer to the overall auditory experience.

The original mono soundtrack by Dave Grusin is given due respect in this DTS-HD Master Audio release. The dialogue remains robust, seamlessly blending with sound effects while maintaining high fidelity and ambiance. Importantly, the smooth and jazzy score by Grusin benefits from the pristine audio quality, providing an immersive sound experience. Notably, the audio remastering seems to have involved a complete remix, enhancing the balance and richness of the audio elements without introducing any unwanted artifacts like distortion or crackling. This meticulous attention to detail makes the audio presentation a compelling aspect of this Blu-ray release.

The Extras on the Blu-Ray of "The Midnight Man" are robust and illuminating, offering deep dives into the film's narrative construction, stylistic choices, and social context. The standout feature is a comprehensive audio commentary by film historians Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson, which delves into intricate details like character relationships, Burt Lancaster's career trajectory, and cinematic trends of the era. This commentary is exceptionally well-crafted and rewarding for any film enthusiast. Complementing the commentary is a gallery of trailers for other Kino Lorber releases, providing an intriguing look at the broader catalog. Overall, the Extras enrich the viewing experience with invaluable context and historical insights.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Film historians Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson provide engaging insights into the film's narrative and stylistic elements, character relationships, and industry trends. Trailers: A collection of trailers for Kino Lorber releases such as "The Black Windmill," "Desert Fury," "The Train," and "Valdez is Coming."

Kino Lorber's release of "The Midnight Man" on Blu-ray brings out the best in this 1974 riveting neo-noir crime thriller by Roland Kibbee and Burt Lancaster. The film includes insightful audio commentary by film historians Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson, with optional English SDH subtitles. Viewers are urged to delve deep into the multifaceted storyline, reminiscent of "Twin Peaks," where unexpected tonal shifts and character complexities keep the narrative unpredictable and engaging.

Set in a small Southern town, recently paroled ex-cop Jim Slade (Burt Lancaster) starts a new life as a night watchman at Jordan College. His aspirations for tranquility are upturned when the daughter of a prominent state senator is murdered following a theft from the college's Psychiatry department. Slade, defying the local sheriff (Harris Yulin) and his parole officer (Susan Clark), undertakes his investigation, revealing a web of corruption and double-crosses. The murder mystery evolves through intricate plot twists and nuanced character transformations, offering layers of melodrama and suspense that demand multiple viewings to fully appreciate.

Burt Lancaster delivers a robust performance both in front of and behind the camera, directing alongside co-writer Kibbee. The film's authenticity is heightened by the genuine setting of Clemson, South Carolina, coupled with Dave Grusin's top-notch jazz soundtrack. Strong supporting roles by Susan Clark, Harris Yulin, and Cameron Mitchell enhance the dramatic tension. Catherine Bach's role as the ill-fated coed adds a tragic tone to the narrative while Robert Quarry, Charles Tyner, and Morgan Woodward further enrich the film’s depth. "The Midnight Man" stands as an engrossing character study and a solid mystery that beautifully encapsulates the essence of 1970s neo-noir cinema.

"The Midnight Man" Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber is a meticulous resurrection of a largely overlooked crime thriller. The film, starring Burt Lancaster, delivers an intricate and compelling narrative that possesses the unpredictable flair reminiscent of "Twin Peaks". Lancaster leads a stellar cast that executes a series of well-crafted and authentic twists. Despite being sourced from an older remaster, the overall quality remains robust, showcasing a classic film with rejuvenated clarity and sound.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray edition is particularly praiseworthy for its captivating visual and audio fidelity, breathing new life into this underrated gem. The insightful commentary track offers depth and enhances the viewing experience, providing fans and new audiences with greater appreciation for the film's nuanced storytelling and cinematic execution.

In conclusion, "The Midnight Man" on Blu-ray is a welcome revival of Burt Lancaster’s bravura performance. Enthusiasts of classic thriller cinema will find much to admire in this high-quality release. It stands out as one of Lancaster’s most memorable works, now preserved with care for future audiences. This meticulously reproduced Blu-ray comes highly recommended.