The Organization Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image presentation (1.85:1 aspect ratio) of "The Organization" does not showcase a recent scan, leading to noticeable softness throughout the movie. While close-ups provide adequate facial textures, the experience is most satisfactory during daylight scenes where colors, particularly in police uniforms and community decorations, achieve passable hues. Skintones maintain a natural appearance. However, during evening sequences, delineation issues arise with blacks becoming solid. Film grain is retained, although it tends to be on the noisy side, especially in darker scenes. There's occasional banding, and the print displays minor scratches and various speckling.

Despite these challenges, the 1.85:1 1080p transfer for the 43-year-old film remains appreciable in several aspects. The retention of film grain leads to some exceptional detail levels throughout most scenes, ensuring a more authentic cinematic feel. Colors show improved stability and accuracy compared to prior releases of related titles, avoiding any artificial sharpening or unnecessary image brightening. Black levels are predominantly inky and retain minimal crush, contributing to a solid portrayal of darker sequences. While there is moderate print wear in the form of nicks and specks early on, these imperfections tend to dissipate as the film progresses.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 track for "The Organization" offers a mixed audio presentation that is both noteworthy and occasionally inconsistent. During suspenseful sequences, the balance between dialogue and dramatic moments often requires adjustment, where the volume needs boosting to maintain clarity and intensity. While the action scenes do achieve a striking level of engagement with pronounced highs and extremes, the scoring can come across as blunt and lacks crispness in instrumentation. Intelligibility remains intact but the overall sonic consistency falls short.

Conversely, this DTS-HD MA 2.0 track effectively captures the dynamic nature of street scenes and dialogue, particularly in the context of this mobile film. The seamless integration of Quincy Jones' score with ambient audio elements enhances the viewing experience significantly. Additionally, there is a surprising degree of active imaging within this mono track, providing fluid movement around the channel. Importantly, the dialogue remains stable within the mid-range frequencies, ensuring clear and even levels throughout the film. Overall, despite some minor discrepancies, this audio presentation offers a crisp, clean output free from any detectable age-related anomalies.

The Blu-ray release of "The Organization" includes a comprehensive suite of extras that appeal to both casual viewers and cinephiles. Adhering to the standard set by its predecessors, the disc features professionally rendered HD trailers for continuity within the series. Each trailer maintains the high-definition quality expected from modern restorations, providing an immersive nostalgic experience. Although the extras are not extensive, their inclusion reflects a commitment to preserving the film’s legacy. The selection, while not overwhelming in quantity, delivers focused and relevant content that complements the main feature effectively.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Theatrical Trailer: Included as a standard feature.
• In the Heat of the Night Trailer: High-definition presentation.
• They Call Me Mister Tibbs! Trailer: Presented in HD.
• The Organization Trailer: Another HD feature trailer.

"The Organization" marks the final chapter in the Virgil Tibbs trilogy, closing the narrative arc that began with "In the Heat of the Night." Starring Sidney Poitier, this 1971 film sees Tibbs as a determined cop battling against drug smugglers in San Francisco. The plot thickens when a radical group of vigilantes, driven by a moral sense of justice, enlists Tibbs' help. Though ambitious in scope, the film occasionally loses its narrative drive amidst overly complex details and subplots involving organized crime and corrupt officials, pulling focus away from the central intrigue.

Despite being bogged down with excessive character arcs and uneven pacing, Don Medford’s direction preserves a certain stylistic flair reminiscent of television drama from that era. The film opens with a riveting, dialogue-free sequence focusing on a heist at a furniture factory, setting high expectations that the remainder of the movie struggles to meet. Nevertheless, crucial scenes involving thrilling chases and heated confrontations inject intermittent excitement into the film. Poitier's performance is integral, bringing intensity and gravitas to the role, while supporting actors Raul Julia and Ron O'Neal stand out as dedicated vigilantes.

The narrative integration of social commentary adds depth to "The Organization," exploring themes of street justice and systemic corruption. While not as potent as its predecessor in addressing racial tensions, it remains thematically relevant. The focus on Tibbs' personal life is dialed back to sharpen the storyline's concentration on his professional challenges. Overall, "The Organization" does an admirable job correcting missteps from "They Call Me Mister Tibbs!" creating a suspense-laden and engaging experience. As a film, it strides towards recapturing the brilliance of "In the Heat of the Night," making it a fitting yet flawed conclusion to the trilogy.

"The Organization" Blu-ray offers a fascinating look at Sidney Poitier's nuanced portrayal of detective Virgil Tibbs. Poitier's performance is compelling, particularly in moments where he navigates the complexities of fatherhood and familial protection while maintaining an air of professional irritation and suspicion. However, the film itself tends to follow a formulaic progression, executing conventional confrontations and conclusions without straying from well-trodden paths. This results in a viewing experience that, while not devoid of merit, broadly classifies as unremarkable within the genre.

In comparison to its predecessor, "They Call Me Mister Tibbs!", "The Organization" significantly elevates in terms of production value, narrative engagement, and overall acting quality. It demonstrates a palpable improvement, making it a more satisfying iteration that could make viewers yearn for additional entries in the series. The Blu-ray release bolsters this with commendable picture and audio quality that stands the test of time. Nonetheless, the inclusion of more special features could have enhanced its appeal further.

Overall, "The Organization" on Blu-ray is a commendable release for aficionados of crime dramas and Sidney Poitier's enduring charisma. While it may not break new ground in storytelling or cinematic technique, its solid production and high-performance quality ensure that it remains an appreciable addition to any collection. For fans of Poitier and the Tibbs series, this release comes recommended.