Murder! Blu-ray Review

Arriving on Blu-ray from distributor Kino Lorber, "Murder!" boasts a notable 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation, held within its original 1.37:1 full frame aspect ratio. Despite occasional specks of dirt and minor scratches, the overall print quality is exceptional given the film's age. The black-and-white photography shines with extraordinary clarity, underscoring Hitchcock's stylistic touches. Black levels are particularly robust, and the grayscale impresses with deep blacks and striking whites. Though there are moments where the film fades to black and refocuses, these anomalies are fleeting and don't greatly detract from the viewing experience. The film also maintains a natural film grain, enhancing its authentic cinematic feel.

For Hitchcock enthusiasts, this Blu-ray release is a noteworthy acquisition. The print exhibits incredible sharpness and allows viewers to fully engage with the intricate details of the filmmaking. Whether it's the critical camera movements in scenes of suspense or the nuanced set pieces, every frame showcases a level of detail that honors Hitchcock’s early work. Although there are sporadic uneven densities in certain scenes, these are few and far between. This impressive presentation enforces why "Murder!" holds a special place as a pioneering 'whodunit' in Hitchcock’s illustrious career.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono soundtrack of the Blu-ray release of "Murder!" offers a presentation befitting its era of early sound reproduction. While the audio quality is generally passable, it falls short of excellence. The volume level is notably low, necessitating manual adjustment for adequate listening. Dialogue clarity varies, with moments where it lacks the desired crispness and dynamism. This impacts the overall immersion, especially critical in a mystery film where dialogue plays a pivotal role. No major audio artifacts like hiss, warps, pops, or clicks are present, but the track still feels somewhat dated and could have benefited from a more comprehensive remastering.

Despite these imperfections, there are several aspects worth noting. Dialogue is mostly clear and well-recorded, crucial for understanding the nuances of the film’s narrative. Specific scenes where intricate sound design enhances the drama—such as the blending of Tristan & Isolde with internal monologues—are delivered effectively. Though occasional imbalances and muffling occur, they are infrequent enough not to significantly detract from the overall experience. Optional English subtitles are available, providing accessibility for the hard of hearing. While not an exemplary audio presentation, this release offers sufficient clarity and fidelity to serve its purpose.

The Blu-ray extras for "Murder!" offer a rich tapestry of supplementary content that broadens the viewer's appreciation of Hitchcock's work. The highlight is the 1931 German version, "Mary," which provides a fascinating comparative study despite the lack of restoration. Nick Pinkerton's audio commentary is well-researched and layered with intricate details about the film’s production and actors. The Hitchcock/Truffaut interview, although marred by intrusive interpretation, serves as an invaluable asset for any cinephile. An introduction by Noël Simsolo and an alternate ending further enrich the package. The inclusion of trailers, both for "Murder!" and other Hitchcock films, provides a nice historical context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Mary: The 1931 German version of "Murder!" with occasional audio and visual imperfections.
• Audio Commentary by Film Critic Nick Pinkerton: An insightful and detailed analysis.
• Hitchcock/Truffaut Interview: Archival audio interaction with illuminating production anecdotes.
• Introduction by Noël Simsolo: A brief but informative overview.
• Alternate Ending: The elongated conclusion used in the American release.
• Murder Trailer: Original promotional material.
• Kino Trailers: Related Hitchcock titles like "Blackmail," "The Paradine Case," "Under Capricorn," and "Lifeboat."

Alfred Hitchcock's third sound feature, "Murder!" (1930), is a gripping whodunit that highlights the director's early mastery of suspense and innovative use of sound in cinema. The film adapts Clemence Dane and Helen Simpson's novel "Enter Sir John" and unfurls a compelling narrative with impressive technical execution. The protagonist, actress Diana Baring (Norah Baring), is found next to the murdered body of her rival Edna Druce and is soon arrested, claiming amnesia. Juror Sir John Menier (Herbert Marshall) is initially coerced into convicting Diana but later embarks on his investigation to uncover the true perpetrator.

Jack E. Cox's noir-style black-and-white cinematography enriches the film’s visual appeal, providing a pitch-black, complex aesthetic. René Marrison’s editing facilitates a smooth narrative rhythm, focusing on character-driven moments and enhancing the overall tempo. The screenplay by Alfred Hitchcock, Alma Reville, and Walter C. Mycroft seamlessly integrates elements from various strata of the show business society, bolstering the storyline’s intricacy with socio-economic subtexts. Scenes such as the farcical play interludes juxtapose the grave murder investigation, adding both comic relief and narrative depth.

Character performances further elevate "Murder!," with Herbert Marshall delivering an auspicious debut as Sir John Menier. His ability to navigate between determination and vulnerability enriches his portrayal. While Norah Baring's performance can appear somewhat static, Edward Chapman and Phyllis Konstam shine as the dynamic Markhams. Esme Percy and Una O’Connor also contribute memorably to their respective roles, adding layers to an already multi-faceted narrative. This early Hitchcock thriller, though not as celebrated as "Rear Window" or "Psycho," remains a seminal piece that anticipates many of the director’s later innovations and showcases his formative genius in crafting suspenseful cinema.

The Blu-ray release of Alfred Hitchcock's Murder! is a commendable addition to any Hitchcock aficionado's collection. As one of Hitchcock's early ventures into sound cinema, this film offers an intriguing glimpse into the nascent stages of the director’s stylistic evolution. Presented by Kino Lorber, the film boasts an impressive transfer quality that preserves the cinematic experience of this early 1930s suspense narrative. The audio and visual fidelity ensure that both casual viewers and dedicated cinephiles can appreciate the film in near-original quality.

Furthermore, this Blu-ray edition is complemented by an array of compelling supplementary features. The standout among these is the insightful Hitchcock/Truffaut audio interview. In this feature, French director Francois Truffaut delves into Hitchcock's creative process, uncovering methods and anecdotes about the making of Murder!. Notable elements include Hitchcock's innovative use of voice-over as a stream of consciousness and his experimental approach to shooting two versions of the film concurrently in English and German. These in-depth discussions enrich the viewer's understanding of Hitchcock’s early tactics and thematic explorations.

Fans of Alfred Hitchcock will find this release particularly appealing not only for the high-quality transfer but also for the scholarly supplements that offer a deeper dive into the director’s artistry. Murder! may not be regarded as one of Hitchcock's utmost masterpieces, but it remains an entertaining and pivotal piece that showcases his evolving mastery of suspense and narrative complexity. Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release is highly recommended for its technical excellence and for providing valuable context to one of Hitchcock's formative works.