Gun Crazy Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Gun Crazy," as captured by cinematographer Russell Harlan, benefits significantly from a meticulous restoration process commissioned by the Warner Archive Collection. Utilizing the film's nitrate negative from the UCLA Film and Television Archive, a new fine-grain master positive was created by YCM Laboratories. This master was then expertly scanned at 2K by Warner's Motion Picture Imaging facility, followed by an intensive color correction and cleanup to remove over a thousand instances of scratches, dust, streaks, and other age-related defects.

The resulting 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray image is exemplary. The film showcases deep, rich blacks, luminous whites, and a range of subtly graded gray tones that reveal exquisite detail in faces, costumes, and settings. The sharpness of detail is especially notable in close-ups and medium shots, though it experiences a minor decline in long shots, likely due to the use of available light for some outdoor scenes. Despite these minor nuances, densities remain superior throughout, and the image is free from noise, aliasing, or other visual artifacts. Maintaining a high average bitrate of 34.99 Mbps further ensures the film’s visual fidelity.

The audio presentation of "Gun Crazy" on Blu-ray has undergone significant restoration by the UCLA Film and Television Archive, resulting in a high-fidelity experience. The original mono track has been meticulously encoded by Warner Archive Collection (WAC) in lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0. This restoration process involved deriving the audio from a print struck directly from the camera negative, a method that has proven to enhance both fidelity and dynamic range.

Technical interventions have successfully removed clicks, pops, hiss, and other interferences, culminating in an outstanding mono mix. Dialogue is rendered with exceptional clarity, ensuring intelligibility and proper prioritization. Sound effects are well-balanced within the mono mix, enhancing the overall authenticity and immersion. Victor Young's (Shane) purposefully melodramatic score is effectively preserved, providing an emotionally engaging auditory backdrop that compliments the film's narrative.

The Blu-ray release of "Gun Crazy" by Warner Archive Collection includes a well-curated set of extras that enhance the film's appreciation with noteworthy insights into film noir history and the movie’s context. The commentary by Glenn Erickson, known as DVD Savant, is a meticulously structured analysis covering the movie's themes, casting, production aspects, and comparisons to its source material. Despite the commentary's mostly scripted delivery, it remains rich with valuable information. Additionally, the excellent 2006 documentary "Film Noir: Bringing Darkness to Light," directed by Gary Reva, provides a comprehensive exploration featuring interviews with notable figures like novelist James Ellroy and filmmakers such as Christopher McQuarrie and Frank Miller. This documentary is a significant inclusion that has never been previously available outside of Warner's Film Noir Classic Collection: Volume 3.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Glenn Erickson: Detailed analysis of film's themes, casting, production, and differences from source material.
• Film Noir: Bringing Darkness to Light: Comprehensive documentary featuring interviews with prominent figures in film and literature.

"Gun Crazy" is an archetypal film noir that predates "Bonnie & Clyde" by 18 years, tracing the life of two gun-obsessed characters who spiral into crime. The film opens with young Bart Tare, portrayed by Russ Tamblyn in his youth (later John Dall as an adult), whose passion for firearms leads him from stealing a gun to a reform school sentence. Despite his affinity for guns, Bart’s aversion to killing stands as a crucial psychological anchor, showcased notably in a poignant flashback where his youthful regret over injuring a chick reflects his deeper moral conflict. Johns’ portrayal balances well the hero caught between his inherent goodness and destructive temptations.

Bart's trajectory changes dramatically when he encounters Annie Laurie Starr, an equally firearm-skilled carnival sharpshooter, played by Peggy Cummins. An on-screen seduction unfolds during a marksmanship challenge, culminating in Bart and Annie’s impulsive departure to pursue crime. Their chemistry is palpable, fueled by mutual infatuation and firearms replacing the physical intimacy censored by the Hays Code. The heists they commit are unplanned and hasty, with a standout scene involving an Armour meat-packing plant. Their exploits are marked by the raw, indiscriminate energy typical of smash-and-grab robberies.

Director Joseph H. Lewis elevates "Gun Crazy" with his innovative camera work, notably in the continuous take during the couple’s first bank robbery; a groundbreaking technique that predates the Steadicam era, influencing future directors. This tension-filled shot—from following the couple from their car to capturing Annie’s distraction tactics—underscores Lewis’s creative prowess in B-movies. Ultimately, their story is intertwined with themes of sexual attraction and tragic inevitability, leading to their downfall driven by their firearms-fueled bond and moral divergences about killing, culminating in a taut, emotionally charged conclusion.

"Gun Crazy" is an intriguing piece of film history that, while not perfect, has a fascinating story both on and off the screen. The film's dialogue can be noticeably clunky, a consequence perhaps of the extensive script overhaul by Dalton Trumbo, writing under a pseudonym to avoid the repercussions of the Hollywood blacklist. The performances, judged by contemporary standards, seem wooden, and the plotline is almost simplistic to a fault. However, these shortcomings are overshadowed by the film’s indelible impact on subsequent cinematic works. "Gun Crazy" influenced iconic films such as "Bonnie and Clyde," and "They Live by Night," showcasing Lewis' visual inventiveness that transcends its B-movie origins.

Warner Archive Collection (WAC) has done "Gun Crazy" a great service with this Blu-ray release, providing a superior treatment that is a testament to the film’s lasting legacy. One of the most notable features of this release is the included documentary on film noir. The documentary enriches the viewing experience with insights from writers, directors, and other film personnel who define film noir through various perspectives. James Ellroy describes it as “a generically American film movement” that spans from 1945 to 1958, infused with themes of moral ambiguity and dark, cynical views on human nature. The commentary also highlights the stylistic evolution of crime dramas pre- and post-World War II, emphasizing how these films became more sexually charged and complex in their portrayal of human motivations and criminal acts.

In conclusion, while "Gun Crazy" may not stand up to modern cinematic standards in terms of performance and dialogue, it remains an important artifact in the film noir genre. WAC’s Blu-ray release does justice to its visual creativity and historical significance, making it a recommended addition for any film enthusiasts, particularly those interested in the evolution of film noir.