Blindfold Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the video presentation of Philip Dunne's "Blindfold" on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber utilizes a 1080p transfer. The clarity, depth, and fluidity are consistent with the previous Region-B release by 101 Films, which was sourced from Universal's older but reliable master. A pleasing organic quality is maintained, as the transfer avoids excessive sharpening adjustments even on larger screens. However, some limitations of the original master are evident: the color palette could be more saturated, and certain highlights lack nuance. Minor dark crush appears in a few sequences, but overall, the balance remains commendable.

The image retains a generally sharp presentation with accurate color levels, showcasing vibrant mid-1960s New York City backdrops. Despite this, the clean-up is somewhat inconsistent, with fine white specks appearing intermittently throughout the film. While black levels are decent, they fall short during darker scenes, particularly in the climactic swamp sequences. Although a new 4K remaster could potentially enhance depth and vibrancy further, this current Blu-ray still presents a visually satisfying experience for collectors and enthusiasts. Note: This is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release; a native Region-A or Region-Free player is required to access its content.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Blindfold" features a singular English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track (48kHz, 16-bit). This mono mix is characteristic of its 1960s origin, delivering a clean, stable, and well-balanced auditory experience. Dialogue clarity is commendable, though the high and low ends may not pack the punch contemporary listeners might expect.

Lalo Schifrin’s evocative score stands out, dynamically interwoven with the film's sound effects and dialogue. The inclusion of optional English SDH subtitles adds robust support for viewers requiring them, a notable improvement over the Region-B release. Overall, the audio quality is a faithful reproduction of the period's technical constraints while ensuring an immersive experience for modern audiences.

The Blu-ray of "Blindfold" offers a commendable collection of extras that enrich the viewing experience and provide valuable insights into the film's promotion and legacy. The automated image gallery, showcasing original promotional stills, lobby cards, and posters, is a nostalgic trip down memory lane. A remastered TV promo adds a burst of historical context, while an array of trailers from Kino Lorber’s catalog provides a broader look at related cinematic works. Although brief, these features are impeccably presented in HD, ensuring clarity and quality. Engaging and properly curated, these extras significantly enhance the value of the Blu-ray release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Image Gallery: An automated gallery with original promotional stills, lobby cards, and posters for Blindfold.
• TV Promo: A remastered TV promo for Blindfold in English.
• Additional Trailers: Trailers for A Farewell to Arms, The Tarnished Angels, Hornets' Nest, Avalanche, Mirage.

Philip Dunne's "Blindfold" (1965) is an engaging if somewhat uneven thriller that pivots around Dr. Bartholomew Snow (Rock Hudson), who becomes embroiled in an intricate plot involving a kidnapped government scientist, Arthur Vincenti (Alejandro Rey). A high-ranking general (Jack Warden) enlists Snow's expertise, dragging him into a covert operation fraught with espionage and deceit. The narrative takes an interesting turn as Snow, blindfolded, is taken to a secret location, known only as Base X, to treat the scientist suffering a nervous breakdown. The situation complicates when Vincenti's sister, Vicky (Claudia Cardinale), mistakenly suspects Snow of kidnapping her brother, leading to a web of misunderstandings and attempts to expose the real culprits.

"Blindfold" succeeds with its mix of action, humor, and romance, akin to the likes of Stanley Donen’s "Charade" and "Arabesque". Hudson and Cardinale exhibit chemistry that keeps the storyline buoyant, despite occasional contrived plot points where their relationship teeters unnaturally from conflict to camaraderie. Guy Stockwell's enigmatic portrayal of a CIA operative adds layers of deception and intrigue, but the film falters by failing to sustain the plausibility of certain high-tension elements. The swamp footage is particularly memorable, providing an unexpectedly thrilling visual backdrop, albeit with improbably docile alligators.

While the script by Dunne and W.H. Menger, based on Lucille Fletcher's novel, offers moments of deft suspense and sparkling wit, it occasionally suffers from forced comedic elements and erratic romantic dynamics. Although visually appealing with competent performances by Hudson and Cardinale, it lacks the cohesive mastery seen in contemporaneous espionage thrillers. Director Dunne demonstrates a flair for both the winsome and the thrilling aspects of the narrative but sometimes handles key sequences with a heavy hand. Despite its drawbacks, "Blindfold" delivers sufficient entertainment value with a blend of well-paced action, engaging performances, and classic espionage tropes.

Philip Dunne's "Blindfold" is a commendable old-fashioned action thriller that captivates with its engaging narrative and robust character dynamics. Rock Hudson and Claudia Cardinale exhibit exceptional chemistry, offering a compelling viewing experience despite the film's occasional lack of enigmatic surprises. The thriller steadily gains momentum after its initial fifteen minutes, maintaining an engaging pace that keeps the audience invested. Fans of classical thrillers like Stanley Donen's "Charade" and "Arabesque" will find this film particularly appealing.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Blindfold" is derived from the same master as the British label 101 Films' Region-B edition. While the source material is somewhat dated, it retains commendable organic qualities that contribute to a satisfactory visual experience. The remastering is not flawless, but it delivers a high-quality audio-visual presentation that surpasses average standards. The film bears a vintage texture that aligns well with its thematic essence, ensuring that enthusiasts of this genre and its leading stars will not be disappointed.

In conclusion, you will probably enjoy Philip Dunne's "Blindfold" if you like Stanley Donen's "Charade" and "Arabesque." It is an old-fashioned action thriller that bets heavily on the chemistry between its two stars, Rock Hudson and Claudia Cardinale, and basically delivers what it promises after the opening fifteen or so minutes. Kino Lorber's release is sourced from the same master that initially British label 101 Films worked with to produce this Region-B release of the film. It is older but with good organic qualities, which is why I like it. RECOMMENDED.