Riot in Cell Block 11 Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s release of "Riot in Cell Block 11" features an impressive 1080p HD transfer with a 1.37:1 aspect ratio, providing a faithfully high-quality reproduction of Don Siegel’s gritty prison drama. After thorough research on the film's aspect ratio history, Criterion presented it in 1.37:1, although it was projected in theaters at various ratios from 1.37:1 to 1.85:1. The meticulous restoration process utilized a 4K digital transfer created on a DTS Scanity film scanner from the original 35mm negative and restored in 2K. This labor-intensive restoration saw thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps thoroughly removed using MTI's DRS and Phoenix technology for noise management, jitter, and flicker.

The resulting visuals exhibit exceptional clarity and depth while retaining a naturally organic look without digital smoothing. Colors are convincingly rendered, with strong blacks and well-balanced grays and whites. Even in darker scenes, image clarity remains superb. Grain structure is expertly handled, providing a pleasing film-like texture. Notably, the documentary footage used in the prologue retains some inherent roughness, but this does not detract from the overall high quality of the transfer. Encoding and compression are executed flawlessly, ensuring no significant stability or artifact issues.

Overall, this transfer is a testament to Criterion's dedication to preservation and high-definition presentation. The film’s inherent qualities are beautifully showcased in what is undoubtedly the best it has ever looked. The level of detail and care put into this release ensures a superior viewing experience for enthusiasts and first-time viewers alike.

The Blu-ray release of Riot in Cell Block 11 features a single LPCM 1.0 audio track, with optional English SDH subtitles provided by Criterion. The audio presentation stays faithful to the film's original sound design, having been meticulously remastered from a 35mm optical soundtrack negative. Criterion's restoration efforts ensure that common analog flaws such as hisses, crackles, and pops have been effectively removed, resulting in a clear and clean listening experience.

However, the dynamic range of the audio is notably limited. Even during intense riot scenes, the sound lacks the robust punch one might expect from a prison uprising narrative. While the dialogue remains consistently clear and free from any background noise or distortion, the overall dynamic intensity is somewhat underwhelming. Herschel Burke Gilbert's soundtrack, which plays a sparing role in the film, is confined to a single speaker, further constraining the auditory depth and impact. While natural sound effects are well-reproduced, they too fall short of delivering a fuller, more immersive sense of realism.

In summary, while the LPCM 1.0 audio track on this Blu-ray release is true to the original sound design and benefits from excellent restoration work, it does not provide a fully immersive or dynamically rich audio experience. The dialogue clarity and lack of audio defects are high points, but those seeking a more intense and engaging soundscape might find it somewhat lacking.

The Blu-ray edition of "Riot in Cell Block 11" offers a robust package of extras, giving cinephiles deep insights into the making of the film and its historical context. The commentary by Matthew H. Bernstein is informative and illuminating, diving into the production history, visual style, and unique narrative elements that set this film apart from its contemporaries. The audio excerpts from "The Challenge of Our Prisons" provide a fascinating parallel to the film’s themes. Kristoffer Tabori’s readings—from Stuart Kaminsky's "Don Siegel: Director" and from Don Siegel's own autobiography—add personal depth to the understanding of the film and its director. An illustrated booklet rounds out the package with essays and tributes, ensuring that fans and scholars alike have a comprehensive dive into this landmark film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Film scholar Matthew H. Bernstein discusses various aspects of the film.
• The Challenge of Our Prisoners: Audio excerpts from NBC's 1953 radio series.
• Excerpt From Don Siegel: Director: Read by Siegel's son, Kristoffer Tabori.
• Don Siegel on Riot in Cell Block 11: Tabori reads from Siegel's autobiography.
• Booklet: Features essays and tributes by notable critics and filmmakers.

Don Siegel's "Riot in Cell Block 11" (1954) is now offered by Criterion in high definition, illuminating its raw intensity and gritty realism through superb Blu-ray quality. The film was shot on location at Folsom State Prison, featuring real inmates and guards, a bold choice that significantly enhances the film's visceral authenticity. Produced by Walter Wanger following his own harrowing prison experience, the film portrays a brutal uprising led by James Dunn (Neville Brand) to demand reforms in prison conditions. Siegel's pragmatic approach avoids glamorization, grounding the film in an almost documentary-like fidelity that remains profoundly affecting.

The narrative unfolds with high tension as Dunn and his cohorts seize guards and demand talks with Warden Reynolds (Emile Meyer). The ensuing negotiations, fraught with political and social undertones, meticulously avoid sensationalism. Siegel's disciplined direction juxtaposes the intense discussions between Dunn and Reynolds against the violent chaos erupting within the prison. The film's stark portrayal of neglected penal systems as catalysts for riots finds disturbing echoes in contemporary societal issues—a testament to its enduring relevance and powerful commentary.

Significant contributions from actor Leo Gordon, whose real-life criminal background lent an additional layer of authenticity, and production assistant Sam Peckinpah, foreshadowing his later directorial prominence, add gravitas to the film. The action sequences, notably involving the prison yard storming, are executed with unnerving realism. This adherence to verisimilitude aligns with Siegel's broader cinematic ethos of realism over dramatics. "Riot in Cell Block 11" remains a compelling study of human rights within the penal system, blending stellar performances, incisive camera work, and an unflinching message that still resonates powerfully today.

Criterion's release of "Riot in Cell Block 11" by Don Siegel stands as a remarkable achievement in film restoration and presentation. Broadcast in a pristine 2K restoration, the visual quality notably enhances the film's gritty aesthetic, presenting a stark contrast between the confined, oppressive atmosphere of the prison and the raw intensity of its inmates. The restoration retains the sharpness and clarity of the original 1954 production, making it accessible to contemporary audiences while staying true to the film's historical context.

The audio presentation is equally impressive, with a balanced and clear sound design that complements the on-screen tension perfectly. Criterion has included an outstanding commentary by film scholar Matthew H. Bernstein, providing in-depth insights into the film's creation, themes, and its relevance to modern-day issues within the prison system. This addition significantly enriches the viewing experience, offering layers of understanding that might otherwise be missed.

It is easy to understand why Don Siegel's "Riot in Cell Block 11" is considered one of the best prison films ever made. Even today, its intensity could be quite intimidating. I liked it a lot. Criterion's new 2K restoration of "Riot in Cell Block 11" is beautiful. The Blu-ray also comes with an outstanding audio commentary by film scholar Matthew H. Bernstein. As far as I am concerned, it is one of the very best done for a Criterion release in quite some time. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.