I Became a Criminal Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "I Became a Criminal" on Blu-ray offers a visually immersive experience thanks to Kino’s 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer sourced from the BFI National Archive's 2009 restoration. The fidelity to the original 35mm film presentation is commendable, showcasing a natural grain structure untainted by digital noise reduction or aggressive edge enhancement. However, viewers should be aware of minor print damages such as occasional white and black specks, small vertical scratches, and some mild instances of contrast and brightness flickering. Despite these minor flaws, the clarity is significantly improved over standard definition DVDs, with notably detailed fabric textures in the characters’ attire. The black levels and gradation are satisfactory, providing deep, rich noir shadows and well-defined highlights, even though some slight fluctuating black levels are noticeable.

However, there are mixed opinions about the overall visual quality. While some aspects, such as stability through the runtime and the finely detailed textures of hair and fabric, are commendable, certain flaws cannot be overlooked. An early persistent vertical line in the opening scenes and occasional prolonged vertical artifacts are distractingly evident. Additionally, black levels occasionally shift from deep to pale gray unpredictably. Transition scenes sometimes exhibit awkward shifts, disrupting immersion. A particularly frustrating issue appears at approximately 55:39, where an artifact resembling aliasing occurs, presenting jagged diagonal textures in hair strands and character outlines. This problem persists throughout the rest of the film, detracting significantly from an otherwise high-quality restoration.

Although minor imperfections are scattered throughout the runtime, the rich grayscale spectrum and improved detail over standard definition sources still provide an engrossing viewing experience. The visual quality is on par with mid-tier restorations, but it falls short compared to some of the more prestigious releases from The Criterion Collection. Noir enthusiasts might find enough value here despite occasional technical drawbacks that warrant further attention in future restorations.

The audio presentation of "I Became a Criminal" on Blu-ray employs an uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 track, notable for its cleanliness and clarity. This track largely avoids the common hisses, pops, and crackles that often afflict mid-century films, delivering a listening experience that respects the integrity of the original sound. Despite the typically thin, bass-less quality characteristic of 1940s cinema audio, the mix acutely reproduces the limited musical cues with minimal high-end clipping. Dialogue is largely clear, although the rapid British accents and period-specific slang might occasionally hinder understanding. It's regrettable that subtitles are not provided, as their inclusion would significantly enhance comprehension.

However, it's evident that some restoration efforts might have been lacking. There's a subtle yet persistent background static throughout the film, coupled with intermittent crackle and audio distortion. These issues are most evident during high-end segments such as flute passages in the score, which can occasionally sound shrill. Particularly impactful scenes, such as the opera sequence, showcase stronger notes that suffer from noticeable distortion. While these points underscore the film's powerful score, they also highlight areas where the audio quality falters. Nevertheless, synchronization remains consistent and dialogue is generally accessible without extensive effort.

Overall, this Linear PCM 2.0 track delivers a respectable representation of the film's original audio, although it is not without flaws. Focusing on preserving the historical authenticity of "I Became a Criminal," this Blu-ray release presents an audio experience that serves both nostalgic appreciation and critical observation.

The Blu-ray release of "I Became a Criminal" is notably sparse in terms of bonus content, presenting only trailers for other Kino titles. While technically these trailers could be considered as promotional material rather than genuine extras, their presence adds minimal value to the overall package. The absence of featurettes, behind-the-scenes insights, or any archival footage is a missed opportunity to provide deeper context and enhance the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film. For collectors and cinephiles seeking comprehensive extras, this release may fall short of expectations.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailers for Nothing Sacred, A Star is Born, and Pandora and the Flying Dutchman: Promotional content not directly related to the main feature.

"I Became a Criminal," originally titled "They Made Me a Fugitive," is a captivating 1947 Brit-noir directed by Alberto Cavalcanti. The film, noted for its post-WWII melancholy, expertly weaves a tense narrative around Clem Morgan (Trevor Howard), a former RAF pilot turned unwitting smuggler. The storyline sets off with a gripping scene, revealing the illicit operation run by Narcy (Griffith Jones), a menacing and manipulative sway of the black market. Narcy's character, although vile and unsympathetic, is compellingly portrayed, driving the narrative into the darker alleys of noir sensibilities. Cavalcanti meticulously crafts a world where every shadow and reflection, masterfully captured by Czech cinematographer Otto Heller, adds depth to the plot's intensity and Clem's dogged quest for justice.

The plot thickens as Clem, wrongly imprisoned after being framed by Narcy for the manslaughter of a policeman, escapes to seek vengeance and clear his name. This descent into revenge and survival is fraught with irony and moral ambiguity. Highlighted by excellent performances, particularly by Howard and Sally Gray as Sally, the film offers unexpected plot twists and maintains an engaging pace despite a marginally less focused middle segment where Clem cautiously navigates through the countryside. The drama escalates with Clem’s pursuit intertwining with other characters' desperate motives, leading to a climactic rooftop showdown with an ingenious touch of dark humor.

Cavalcanti’s "I Became a Criminal" shines with its striking visual style and sharp dialogue, embodying noir aesthetic admirably. While some character arcs remain underdeveloped outside of Clem and Narcy, resulting in occasional predictability, the film's overall execution is solid. Its blend of thrilling narrative and stylistic elements ensures that it remains a standout piece within its genre, offering audiences a visually rich and narratively compelling experience that retains its appeal decades after its release.

"They Made Me a Fugitive," released as "I Became a Criminal" in the US, offers a compelling portrait of England’s post-war criminal underbelly, somewhat prefiguring the cinematic atmosphere of "The Third Man." The film vividly portrays dark cobblestone streets and contraband-stuffed coffins, all embedded within a noir-style narrative. Kino’s Blu-ray release boasts a 2009 high-definition restoration by the BFI National Archive, presenting crisp and memorable visuals. While the disc is devoid of special features, it remains a worthwhile acquisition for noir aficionados, especially those drawn to the damp and drafty nuances of British filmmaking.

Despite its technical imperfections, the film’s engrossing plot and relatable characters ensure repeated viewings stay enjoyable, even if they don't reveal deeper layers upon revisits. The characters resonate deeply, offering a narrative experience that is both human and sinister. The meticulous restoration does not make this the sharpest Blu-ray on the market, nor is the audio particularly remarkable. Given its lack of supplementary content, buyers might hesitate before making a purchase.

In conclusion, "They Made Me a Fugitive" manages to captivate with its engaging story and authentic representation of the gritty post-war black market scene. The Blu-ray stands out for its visual fidelity despite missing additional content. For dedicated fans of classic film noir and British cinema, this release is highly recommended for its historical and narrative value.