Ordeal by Innocence Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Ordeal by Innocence" marks its first appearance on home media since the 1985 LaserDisc. Encoded with MPEG-4 AVC on a BD-25, it maintains a healthy bitrate of 27.543 Mbps and adheres to the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The video is sourced from a new HD master derived from a 2K scan of the 35mm interpositive. Shot by renowned cinematographer Billy Williams, the film showcases a characteristic grainy '80s film stock particularly noticeable during the foggy exteriors in the opening credits. This aesthetic is authentic to the era and intended visual style.

The film’s visual atmosphere fluctuates between present scenes shot in color and flashbacks in black and white. The color scenes are generally drab, with a palette dominated by grey tones, giving an anti-Merchant Ivory aesthetic to this British period drama. While some might find the exterior shots dreary with visible grain, primary colors like those of flowers and green foliage are rendered with commendable clarity and vibrancy, especially noticeable in scenes featuring Philip Durrant. Black and white sequences occasionally suffer from contrast flickering and slight telecine wobble, with sporadic light scratches and blotches appearing throughout.

Interior shots match the exterior's murkiness, creating a consistent yet subdued visual narrative. However, there are instances where exposure issues arise, such as washed-out flesh tones due to overexposure or possibly direct sunlight. While some critics have harshly judged these visual choices, others appreciated the unique representation of an 800-year-old Devon coastal town. Overall, despite minor imperfections, Kino's presentation enhances the intended visual tone of "Ordeal by Innocence," ensuring an authentic viewing experience faithful to its original release.

The audio presentation of the "Ordeal by Innocence" Blu-ray, provided by Kino, utilizes a DTS-HD Master Audio Dual Mono (1558 kbps, 16-bit) track. The film's original monoaural mix presents several challenges, including a conspicuous flatness of sound that remains predominantly centered, necessitating elevated volume levels for clarity. Users may experience intermittent hissing during reel changes or flashbacks, indicating a lack of refinement in the original sound mixing efforts. Notably, dialogue comprehensibility is a recurring issue, and some may need to switch between sound fields, such as Mono, Stereo, or Pro Logic II, to find an acceptable audio balance on their receivers.

Additionally, the decision to replace Pino Donaggio's original dramatic score with a selection of Dave Brubeck's jazz hits has sparked considerable debate. Brubeck's existing instrumental tunes were re-recorded for the film, resulting in an upbeat contradiction to the narrative’s tone. While Brubeck provides lively rhythms with piano, clarinet, saxophone, recorder, bass, trombone, and drums, this departure from Donaggio's haunting and suspenseful composition diminishes the intended tension. Many listeners might find Brubeck’s soundtrack too light and airy, potentially disrupting the intended atmosphere of the story. Despite technical issues with the audio track itself, such as poor original sound quality and mismatched music, the presence of optional English subtitles offers some relief; however, they are not without flaws as they sometimes lag behind the spoken dialogue and fail to identify characters accurately.

The collection of extras on the Blu-Ray of "Ordeal by Innocence" offers a compelling set of supplementary content that enhances the viewing experience. Both the U.S. and International trailers provide distinct perspectives on the film's agenda and visual style, with a preference noted towards the International trailer for its superior editing and design. Additionally, a selection of bonus trailers broadens the appeal by showcasing other notable works, each adding value and context within the genre. This thoughtfully curated set of extras is a substantial addition for fans and collectors alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• US Trailer: An average trailer that does a decent job of selling the film.
• International Trailer: Preferred for its superior editing; includes color flashbacks.
• Bonus Trailers: Includes The Rosary Murders, The High Commissioner, The Thomas Crown Affair, and Witness for the Prosecution.

"Ordeal by Innocence," adapted from Agatha Christie's 1958 novel, delivers a compelling mystery set in the coastal town of Dartmouth, England. The narrative follows Dr. Arthur Calgary (Donald Sutherland), a paleontologist who returns from a lengthy expedition with evidence that could exonerate Jack Argyle, a young man who was hanged for his stepmother's murder. Calgary’s discovery of Jack's address book in his car and his subsequent insistence on Jack's innocence sets the plot in motion, despite resistance from the emotionally detached Argyle patriarch, Leo (Christopher Plummer), and a disinterested local inspector.

The film is rich with talent, featuring award-winning actors such as Sutherland and Plummer, yet its release suffered from an inexplicable lack of promotion. Despite this, the performances bring a depth to the story's intricate web of familial distrust and concealed motives. Faye Dunaway joins the ensemble as Rachel Argyle, whose death instigates the unraveling mystery Calgary is determined to solve.

Technically, the movie faces challenges, particularly with Timothy Gee's post-production editing. The use of interlocking flashbacks intended to energize the film's pace often disrupts its flow, presenting a disjointed viewing experience as characters intermittently appear and vanish. This uncut version of the film retains a scene initially deemed too risqué for its PG-13 rating, reflecting its period's more relaxed standards for mature content.

Ultimately, "Ordeal by Innocence" stands as a noteworthy entry in the Christie adaptation canon, characterized by its atmospheric setting and strong performances, albeit marred by erratic editing choices that may detract from viewer immersion in solving its central mystery.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "Ordeal by Innocence" offers a mixed experience to discerning viewers and audiophiles alike. Directed by Desmond Davis, this adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel struggles to rise above mediocrity, mirroring its lukewarm reception at the box office. The visual transfer is serviceable, though nothing extraordinary, allowing the film’s vintage charm to linger. However, it is the audio where the release notably falters, providing a listening experience comparable to an aged VHS tape. The monaural track suffers from significant degradation, raising questions about the remastering process and the preservation of Pino Donaggio’s score, which, hopefully, will be featured as an isolated track on future editions.

Included in the package are six theatrical trailers that serve as a nostalgic nod to classic mystery cinema. The U.S. and International trailers for "Ordeal by Innocence" adequately highlight the film’s suspenseful elements. Additional trailers for "The Rosary Murders," "The High Commissioner," "The Thomas Crown Affair," and "Witness for the Prosecution" add value for fans of the genre. However, these extras alone may not justify the purchase for every consumer.

In summary, while Kino Lorber’s release carries a few appealing features for aficionados of classic mystery films and completists of Christie's work, its technical shortcomings in audio clarity are a significant setback. Potential buyers may wish to opt for a rental or streaming option before committing to ownership, especially if superior sound fidelity is a critical criterion in their decision-making process.