The Laughing Policeman Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of 'The Laughing Policeman' comes with a 1.85:1 1080p transfer using the AVC codec. The image quality reflects the film's 1970s origins, retaining the soft focus and gritty urban landscapes typical of the era. While skin tones and certain hues appear natural, other colors seem diminished, favoring a yellow and brown palette with insufficient vibrancy. Detail preservation is acceptable in close-ups and middle shots but tends to falter during broader daylight scenes, often due to overblown contrast levels, resulting in a hazy appearance.

Night scenes present a significant contrast, showcasing excellent detail and discernible grain without excessive noise. However, variations in sharpness and contrast occasionally render some scenes milky or less distinct. The source material exhibits signs of wear, with minor scratches and speckling intermittently visible. Overall, the transfer appears to be dated, in need of a more recent scan to enhance clarity and color consistency for modern viewing standards.

The 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio sound mix on "The Laughing Policeman" showcases a clear yet restrained auditory performance, adhering closely to the standards expected from its era. Dialogue is securely recorded and well-mixed with minimal background music, yet it does come across as thin, especially during heightened emotional exchanges. Atmospheric effects such as crowd activity and street sounds are commendably preserved and blur the lines of realism, though they lack the immersive punch seen in more modern audio tracks.

This LP maintains a largely conversational tone with sporadic interjections of more dynamic soundscapes, as illustrated in sequences like the opening shooting, strip club visits, and the climactic chase. Although the natural quality of the sound effects is evident, they don’t fully spring to life, subtly steering the listener's focus onto the dialogue and pauses inherent to the film’s pacing. Noteworthy is the scrupulous removal of age-related auditory artifacts such as hiss, crackle, or flutter, attesting to the diligent engineering behind this reissue.

Overall, while the audio mix might not dazzle with depth and richness, it effectively supports and enhances the cinematic experience by preserving the film’s original auditory intent with crisp clarity and minimal distractions.

The Blu-ray release of "The Laughing Policeman" offers a concise but engaging selection of extras. The audio commentary from film historians Lee Pfeiffer, Eddy Friedfeld, and Paul Scrabo delivers an informative and entertaining exploration of the film’s production, strengths, and occasional weaknesses. A standout feature is the interview with actor Paul Koslo, who provides insightful anecdotes about his experiences on set, his relationships with co-stars, and the challenges of filming in San Francisco. The animated image montage offers a visually engaging collection of promotional materials, showcasing the film's publicity efforts. Additionally, the disc includes a theatrical trailer and trailers for related films, enriching the viewer’s understanding of the era's cinematic context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Engaging and informative discussion from film historians.
• Paul Koslo Interview: Insightful discussion on-set with anecdotes.
• Animated Image Montage: Collection of publicity stills and press materials.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional glimpse into the film.
• Promo Trailers: Additional trailers for related films.

The Laughing Policeman, released in 1973 and directed by Stuart Rosenberg, showcases a meticulous police procedural set against the backdrop of 1970s San Francisco. The narrative kicks off with a dramatic and chilling mass shooting aboard a city bus, leaving eight dead, including a police detective. Walter Matthau delivers a compelling performance as Detective Sgt. Jake Martin, a cop drawn deeper into the labyrinthine investigation that intertwines with his personal and professional frustration. Bruce Dern's portrayal of Inspector Leo Larsen brings a contrasting dynamic to Matthau’s brooding detective, creating an intricate exploration of police work, personalities, and motivations amid the high-stakes chase for the killer.

Rosenberg's direction is deliberate, maintaining a quasi-documentary style that gives the film a chilling authenticity. This approach manifests through detailed scenes that capture the gritty ambiance of 1970s San Francisco—from seedy clubs and strip bars to bustling eatries and stark office settings. The narrative, based on a novel, emphasizes realism over mach-speed plot progression, meticulously tracking each piece of evidence and lead, some fruitful and others leading to dead ends.

Though decks are stacked with shootouts, pursuits, and nuanced character interactions, The Laughing Policeman occasionally loses momentum as extended sequences detail laborious police work. The film’s strength lies in its atmosphere and strong performances—Matthau’s subtle expressions of exasperation and calculated rage juxtapose Dern’s smarmy confidence perfectly. Cameo roles by actors like Anthony Zerbe and a young Louis Gossett Jr. add depth to the ensemble cast, embodying the stringent procedural realism. Despite slower moments, Rosenberg delivers an experience that oscillates between the intense peaks of urban violence and the slow grind of real detective work.

"The Laughing Policeman," released on Blu-ray, serves as a potent nostalgia trip with its gritty portrayal of 1970s San Francisco. Notable for its performances, Walter Matthau and Bruce Dern inject life into an otherwise methodical plot. While the narrative lacks the sustained excitement that thrill-seekers may crave, it substitutes with a compelling focus on the procedural nuances and the arduous path to justice. The ensemble cast of antagonistic characters and oddball figures enriches the story, offering a detailed if somewhat slow-paced exploration of police work.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release provides a commendable transfer along with a decent audio mix. The quality is sufficient to satisfy fans, preserving much of the original ambiance that characterized the film's initial impact. The bonus features are an appreciated addition, although they don't significantly enhance the fundamental value of owning this edition. Newcomers to the film may prefer to rent first, while devoted fans will likely find worth in adding it to their collection.

The Laughing Policeman is dated, with an iffy but period-specific view of San Francisco gay culture, but ugliness isn't encouraged. The picture is more invested in the path to justice, which is populated with antagonistic types and oddballs, complicating the slow crawl of police work. While it doesn't satisfy cravings for sustained excitement, The Laughing Policeman finds more nuance and grit than the average procedural.