Angel Face Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Angel Face" is a stellar showcase of meticulous restoration efforts by Warner Archive. Sourced from a new 4K scan of the highest available preservation elements, this 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer lends an authentic touch to Harry Stradling's acclaimed cinematography. Although there are mild fluctuations in grain levels and contrast, these are anticipated nuances given the age and varying conditions of the preserved elements. The transfer effectively retains the natural filmic texture, ensuring an immersive experience that enhances the film’s visual storytelling. The restoration process evinces patience and precision, evidenced by the absence of compression-related issues such as banding or artifacts.

The expertly restored presentation continues to impress with its faithful representation of the film’s 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The grayscale is rendered beautifully, featuring deep blacks and crisp whites that anchor the image, while nuanced grays highlight the intricate details and depth. Close-up shots are particularly striking, delivering sharp, detailed renderings that capture the essence and charisma of the actors impeccably. Dimension and contrast, complemented by excellent shadow delineation, ensure there is no unwanted crush or loss of detail in darker scenes. The transfer's crispness and clarity mark it as a definitive upgrade from previous releases, notably outshining the earlier DVD editions.

Overall, Warner Archive continues to set a high standard in digital restoration work with "Angel Face." Their careful attention to the source material results in a pristine presentation that honors the visual artistry of the original film while delivering a superior home viewing experience. This release underscores the value of Blu-ray as a premier format for experiencing classic cinema with modern enhancements.

The Blu-ray release of "Angel Face" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track that adeptly supports the film’s atmospheric qualities. This audio mix demonstrates clear articulation of dialogue, ensuring consistent comprehensibility throughout. Dimitri Tiomkin’s evocative score benefits from a broad dynamic range, presenting highs and lows with fidelity and without distortion, effectively enhancing the film’s signature noir ambiance. The track captures sonic details—such as sirens, honking horns, and the unique revving of car engines—with precision, offering distinct auditory cues that are crucial to the narrative.

While the track presents a largely satisfactory and clean dynamic range, there are occasional instances of hiss and crackle. Though these do not majorly detract from the overall listening experience, they may cause slight distractions during key scenes. This may be reflective of the original source materials’ condition, but it shows significant improvement over older DVD releases. Warner Archive’s effort remains commendable, preserving the film’s sound integrity while enhancing aspects crucial to the storyline’s intense sequences, such as the infamously chilling piano decrescendo, which contributes a haunting elegance to the mix.

To accommodate varied audience needs, optional English (SDH) subtitles are available for the main feature, though absent on extras. This addition underscores the studio's commitment to accessibility alongside maintaining high technical audio standards, making this Blu-ray release a noteworthy upgrade for fans and collectors.

The Blu-ray extras for "Angel Face" prominently feature an insightful audio commentary and the film's original theatrical trailer. Eddie Muller, a seasoned film noir expert and TCM host, offers a comprehensive commentary that delves deeply into the film's production history, narrative strengths, and evolving legacy. Though integrated with a standard definition version due to synchronization issues with the newly restored 4K visuals, Muller's commentary is lauded for enriching viewers' appreciation of the film. He covers various aspects such as Jean Simmons' tumultuous professional relationship with Howard Hughes and debunks popular femme fatale theories. Despite some silent moments, this track is crucial for both devoted fans and newcomers. The inclusion of the original theatrical trailer adds nostalgic value, although it does reveal significant plot elements.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Eddie Muller provides historical insights and personal anecdotes on the film, available with the standard definition transfer.
• Theatrical Trailer: A vintage promotional piece highlighting a key plot element.

Otto Preminger's "Angel Face," a 1953 film noir at RKO, delivers a meticulously crafted tale of manipulation and deceit. Jean Simmons excels as Diane Tremayne, a complex femme fatale whose charm conceals a deadly ambition. Her compelling performance, likened to noir icons such as Barbara Stanwyck and Lana Turner, serves as the film's malicious heart. Robert Mitchum, as Frank Jessup, plays the archetypal noir protagonist caught in a web of intrigue, delivering a nuanced performance marked by understated bravado and innate cynicism. Despite its slow pacing at times, the film captivates with memorable scenes that stand out in an era restricted by the Hays Code.

The narrative, penned by Frank S. Nugent and Oscar Millard, draws from a storyline by Chester Erskine. It intricately weaves Diane's strategic machinations and her ominous allure. The plot showcases moments of shocking violence, executed masterfully by Preminger, who balances suspense with a macabre sense of humor. Two death scenes are especially notable for their visceral impact. This artistry is further augmented by the haunting original score by Dimitri Tiomkin, which pairs seamlessly with Preminger's tasteful direction to evoke the film's sinister tone.

"Angel Face," despite being overshadowed by contemporaneous classics like "Double Indemnity" and "Out of the Past," stands as a testament to Preminger's mastery of noir. Its high reputation may cause newcomers to set lofty expectations, yet it remains an essential watch for its raw depiction of human obsession and impeccable narrative execution. The 1080p Blu-ray transfer breathes new life into this cinematic gem, making it an invaluable addition for film noir aficionados. Although not the most accessible entry for novices, it offers a treasure trove of noir elements that gain depth in subsequent viewings.

Otto Preminger's "Angel Face" offers a compelling, albeit uneven, film noir experience. While the script may exhibit psychological ambiguity, the film is bolstered by robust performances from its lead actors, particularly Robert Mitchum and Jean Simmons. The cinematography is outstanding, capturing the essence of classic noir, and accompanied by a memorable score that enhances the film’s tension and drama. Despite mixed reception upon its 1953 release, "Angel Face" has achieved a renewed appreciation over the years, although some might argue it's veered towards being overrated. The Blu-ray release by Warner Archive features a pristine new 1080p transfer, ensuring an enriched visual experience. However, potential viewers are advised to sample the film beforehand.

A notable aspect of this Blu-ray edition is its supplementary content, which repurposes material from a previous DVD version. This includes an unconventional presentation of Eddie Muller’s commentary, which appears on a standard-definition video transfer rather than in the expected audio format on the high-definition version. This unusual choice might puzzle some viewers but can hardly detract from the film’s core appeal.

In conclusion, "Angel Face," with its slick and shocking narrative, remains a notable work within the noir genre. While not as masterful as Preminger’s "Laura" in terms of mystery and characterization, it offers enough twists to maintain audience engagement. The restoration in the Blu-ray release revitalizes both audio and video, making it a worthwhile acquisition for enthusiasts of noirs or the director's oeuvre. Highly recommended for dedicated fans but approached with modest expectations by newcomers.