Cause for Alarm! Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Cause for Alarm!" by ClassicFlix delivers an engaging mix of several technical efforts to restore this classic film​. Utilizing an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.37:1, the video quality reflects the considerable care and resources invested in this project. The restoration primarily draws from a 35mm dupe negative sourced from the British Film Institute, which, despite exhibiting severe warping and persistent scratches, has been effectively restored to mitigate most damages. To ensure the complete presentation of the film, additional footage was sourced and restored from a 16mm print, addressing portions entirely missing from previous elements.

While the restoration achieves notable improvements, it is not devoid of inherent flaws. Viewers will notice variations in clarity, particularly in sections supplemented by the 16mm inserts, which reflect noticeable deviations in sharpness when compared to footage from the 35mm dupe negative. At its peak, the transfer demonstrates a well-balanced gray scale and commendable detail levels, but it cannot entirely escape occasional downturns in these attributes. Some residual scratching is observable, indicative of the significant restoration challenges faced. Despite these issues, this transfer represents a substantial enhancement over prior public domain releases.

Ultimately, this release is a testament to ClassicFlix's dedication to historic cinema preservation and is arguably the finest representation of "Cause for Alarm!" available on home video. The careful attention to grain fidelity and contrast, alongside the diligent restoration efforts, result in a final product that vastly surpasses previous versions, ensuring that classic film enthusiasts can experience this Loretta Young thriller with unprecedented clarity and detail.

The audio presentation of "Cause for Alarm!" on Blu-ray is formidable, utilizing a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track. However, this track exhibits slight distortion at higher amplitudes in André Previn's emotionally charged score, reminiscent of quasi-melodramatic compositions by Frank Skinner or Hugo Friedhofer. Despite these minor imperfections, the dialogue and Ellen’s narration are consistently clean and clear, supported by optional English subtitles for enhanced comprehension.

The original mono soundtrack's preservation through the DTS-HD Master Audio track effectively captures the dialogue and sound mix with impressive fidelity. While minor instances of crackling, popping, and hissing intermittently surface, this release remarkably surpasses prior public domain home video versions, representing the most authentic auditory experience of the film available today. The technical meticulousness ensures that the film's auditory elements remain compelling and engaging.

The Blu-ray extras for "Cause for Alarm!" provide a nostalgic deep dive into the film’s history and legacy. The original theatrical trailer presents a pristine look at how this classic film was initially marketed, offering intriguing insights for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Despite the scarcity of extensive featurettes, the inclusion of bonus trailers for other ClassicFlix titles, such as "Black Magic" and "I, the Jury," enriches the content offering with a broader look into the period’s cinematic landscape. These extras collectively add value by connecting this release to a wider film noir universe.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Theatrical Trailer: High-definition presentation of the film's original advertising.
• Bonus ClassicFlix Trailers: Feature trailers for related titles like "Black Magic" and "I, the Jury."
• Bonus Clips from ClassicFlix Releases: Clips from films such as "Blonde Ice" and "The Long Wait."

"Cause for Alarm!" is a hidden gem from the Golden Age of Noir, expertly blending drama and suspense. Directed by Tay Garnett and written by Mel Dinelli and Tom Lewis, the film deftly elevates its ostensibly simple premise into a Grade-A thriller. The narrative focuses on Ellen Jones, portrayed by Loretta Young, who is caught in a web of paranoia and suspicion. Her bedridden husband George, played by Barry Sullivan, becomes convinced that Ellen and their doctor, Ranney Graham (Bruce Cowling), are plotting his demise. This belief leads him to write a damning letter to the district attorney, which Ellen unknowingly posts, setting off a chain reaction fraught with tension and peril.

Young delivers a standout performance, embodying Ellen’s transition from vulnerability to steely determination. This role is underscored by the expert technical craftsmanship typical of MGM productions. Joseph Ruttenberg's cinematography, Cedric Gibbons' production design, Edwin B. Willis' set decoration, and André Previn's early composition work synergize to transform the idyllic LA suburbs into a tense backdrop reminiscent of noir's shadowy cityscapes. Despite its brisk runtime, the film maintains an intense atmosphere interspersed with genuine moments of anxiety, occasionally bordering on humor due to its somewhat padded pacing.

Though overlooked due to its public domain status, "Cause for Alarm!" deserves recognition alongside notable film noirs. It stands as one of Loretta Young’s most compelling performances under Garnett’s assured guidance. The supporting cast, including Bruce Cowling and Barry Sullivan, bolsters the film’s gripping narrative. Indeed, this film should be lauded as one of the finest of Young’s career and a high point in Tay Garnett’s directorial oeuvre. It remains an underrated classic within MGM's storied history.

ClassicFlix's Blu-ray release of "Cause for Alarm!" brings a forgotten noir melodrama back into the spotlight with a commendable HD transfer. Despite the film's lack of commercial success and its fall into public domain obscurity, this release resurrects its intriguing narrative and essential elements that merit renewed attention. The video quality, while not flawless, presents a substantial improvement over previous releases, adding depth to its black-and-white aesthetic. However, some inherent limitations do persist, particularly in the audio, which occasionally falters, detracting slightly from an otherwise enriched viewing experience.

The film features a notably dynamic performance from Loretta Young and Sally Sullivan, whose portrayals are pioneering, especially considering the era's cinematic landscape. The narrative cleverly explores themes of moral conflict and personal dilemmas faced by a seemingly stalwart heroine, infusing moments of genuine tension amidst its melodramatic undertone. Composer André Previn's early score enriches the film's tension and drama, offering a unique auditory experience that blends seamlessly with the film's atmospheric mood.

In conclusion, while "Cause for Alarm!" has its share of narrative and technical quirks, it provides entertainment value within its genre constraints. ClassicFlix's Blu-ray offers a solid package for aficionados and newcomers alike, ensuring that this noir piece earns its deserved recognition. The release is recommended for those wishing to delve into an underrated cinematic gem, offering enhancements that past public domain versions lacked, further sealing its place in film history as a notable rediscovery.