Seven Days in May Blu-ray Review

"Seven Days in May," shot by acclaimed cinematographer Ellsworth Fredericks, receives a masterful 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray transfer that preserves the film's compelling black-and-white visuals. The source material is a fine-grain master positive, meticulously scanned at 2K resolution by Warner's Motion Picture Imaging facility. This restoration process ensures an image of remarkable clarity and detail, aligning with director John Frankenheimer's preference for expressive black-and-white photography. The contrast is superb, with solid blacks, crisp whites, and an exquisitely rendered gray scale that enriches the texture and depth of indoor scenes at iconic locations like the White House and Pentagon, as well as more dynamic settings such as an aircraft carrier and a scattered country field.

Warner Archive Collection's transfer sustains the film's filmic quality with natural grain retention, unmarred by age-related artifacts like dirt, marks, or scratches. The high average bitrate of 34.99 Mbps provides a robust video performance, with aliasing, distortion, and interference notably absent. Deep-focus shots maintain sharpness across foreground and background elements, enhancing the visual storytelling. Shadow delineation is excellent, and close-ups reveal precise details, from facial expressions to nuanced textural elements. This visual fidelity, coupled with a strong sense of authenticity through location shoots, bolsters the movie's immersive experience. A minor softening occurs during optically achieved dissolves, but this scarcely detracts from an otherwise impeccable presentation.

Overall, this Blu-ray edition allows full appreciation of Fredericks' gritty, realistic cinematography and Frankenheimer's directorial precision. The film's grain pattern, contrast, and sharpness collectively create a viewing experience that honors the original aesthetic while meeting contemporary high-definition standards. Fans of this political thriller will find this Blu-ray transfer a remarkable tribute to its enduring cinematic qualities.

The audio presentation of "Seven Days in May" on Blu-ray is commendable, featuring a meticulously restored original mono track. Encoded in lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0, it showcases a clean and efficient mix that prioritizes dialogue clarity while effectively incorporating atmospheric sounds, such as the poignant rain sequence during Jiggs' drive to General Scott's residence. The track maintains a wide dynamic range with no signs of distortion or age-related issues, such as hiss or pops. Jerry Goldsmith's score, brought in after the initial score by David Amram was rejected, resonates with excellent fidelity, enhancing the film’s serious tone with its potent musical contributions.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track delivers robust performance, adeptly handling the transition between subtle dialogue and the more forceful elements of the score. Notable are the ambient sounds that lend realism without overshadowing the primary audio elements. The track retains a rich and full-bodied quality, allowing for easy comprehension of dialogue and presenting Goldsmith's powerful yet sparse score with appreciable dynamic range. Director John Frankenheimer’s attention to sonic detail is honored in this clear and crisp soundtrack, ensuring an immersive viewing experience.

The flawless DTS HD-MA 2.0 soundtrack ensures crystal-clear dialogue and realistic ambient sounds that elevate the viewing experience. Jerry Goldsmith's pulsating score, especially during the opening credits, underscores the gravity of the film's themes, signaling an intense narrative ahead. With English SDH subtitles available, the Blu-ray's audio presentation maintains high fidelity and robust dynamics, making it a noteworthy element of this classic film’s release.

The Blu-ray release of "Seven Days in May" presents a compelling set of extras ported over from the 2000 DVD edition, featuring an informative commentary by director John Frankenheimer and a detailed theatrical trailer. Frankenheimer's commentary, recorded shortly before his death, dives deep into the production, explaining his artistic choices, connections with industry professionals such as Rod Serling and Jerry Goldsmith, and his preference for black-and-white cinematography to enhance mood and drama. He reflects on the film’s timeless themes and the challenges of its creation, discussing shot compositions, reshoots, and anecdotal experiences with the cast, particularly praising Burt Lancaster's professionalism and Fredric March’s inspiration. The remastered trailer caps the extras by highlighting the film's tense storyline and powerhouse cast.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director John Frankenheimer: In-depth insights on production, artistic decisions, and cast anecdotes.
• Theatrical Trailer: A detailed and lengthy preview, now in HD.

John Frankenheimer's 1964 masterpiece, "Seven Days in May," stands as a paramount example of the paranoid political thriller, set against the backdrop of Cold War tensions and internal conspiracies. Scripted by Rod Serling, the film masterfully intertwines the high-stakes drama of a nuclear disarmament treaty with galvanizing performances from its cast. The storyline is centered on President Jordan Lyman (Fredric March), whose controversial treaty has polarized the nation and incited vehement opposition from General James Mattoon Scott (Burt Lancaster), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As Scott orchestrates an elaborate plan for a military coup, his assistant, Col. Martin "Jiggs" Casey (Kirk Douglas), suspects foul play and must navigate complex loyalties to foil the plot.

From a technical standpoint, Frankenheimer’s direction showcases a deft use of framing and focal lengths that heighten tension and underscore character dynamics. His background in live television imbues the film with a palpable urgency, complemented by Ferris Webster's meticulous editing. The film's authenticity is bolstered by on-location shooting in Washington, D.C. (with the cooperation of President Kennedy), and faithful recreations of White House interiors, which immerse viewers in its politically charged atmosphere.

The performances are uniformly stellar. March brings gravitas to his portrayal of a beleaguered but principled president, while Lancaster electrifies as the ambitious and morally dubious Scott. Douglas excels as Jiggs, convincingly depicting his internal conflict and growing apprehension. Supporting roles are equally compelling, with Edmund O'Brien delivering an Oscar-nominated performance and Ava Gardner adding depth as Eleanor Holbrook.

In conclusion, "Seven Days in May" remains a trenchant exploration of democracy's fragility and the ever-relevant threats to political stability. It stands not only as a brilliant cinematic achievement but as a cautionary tale that resonates with contemporary audiences.

"Seven Days in May" on Blu-Ray stands out as a riveting and timeless political thriller. Directed by John Frankenheimer, this film skillfully navigates the tense landscape of an attempted government coup in the United States. Frankenheimer's directorial expertise is complemented by Rod Serling's literate screenplay, alongside compelling performances from an exceptional cast, including Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Fredric March, and Ava Gardner. The Blu-Ray release from Warner Archive offers a high-quality video and audio transfer that enhances the viewing experience, ensuring that the finer details of this atmospheric production are vividly brought to life.

Frankenheimer’s attention to production design is meticulously noted. He intended to situate the story in a futuristic context by using foreign import cars unknown to American roads of the time and incorporating video-conferencing, a concept ahead of its era. These elements, although no longer futuristic by today’s standards, contribute to the film's hauntingly prescient atmosphere. More impressive is Frankenheimer's ability to create tension without resorting to overt violence. The drama unfolds through powerful dialogue and tense interactions, underscoring the high stakes without resorting to gunfire or explosions. This restrained but effective storytelling elevates "Seven Days in May" above many contemporary thrillers.

In his commentary, Frankenheimer underscores how these production choices were aimed at unsettling the audience through traditional dramatic means. The film’s impact lies in the critical consultations and intense arguments that reveal the enormity of the stakes involved. For a modern audience, the notion of a government coup remains disturbingly plausible, making "Seven Days in May" as relevant today as it was upon its release. Warner Archive’s Blu-ray presentation not only preserves but elevates this classic, making it an essential addition to any collection. Highly recommended.