Pitfall Blu-ray Review

Pitfall, derived from a UCLA Film & Television Archive master, presents on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded image (1.36:1). The aged source material introduces vertical scratches, speckling, and mild flicker, with occasional warped frames. Despite these period-specific imperfections, the natural-looking grain structure maintains the authenticity of the original celluloid. Detail levels are generally well-preserved, with moments of enhanced clarity revealing facial expressions and set decorations, though artificial backgrounds can sometimes appear overly pronounced. Contrast and delineation hold steady, ensuring visual stability throughout.

Kino Lorber's 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer offers a respectable portrayal of the stark noir cinematography typical of 'Pitfall.' Shadow detail remains particularly strong, adding depth to the numerous dark scenes. The grayscale is varied, enriching the overall visual experience. Glamour lighting on Lizbeth Scott introduces expected softness, yet close-ups of other characters like Powell, Wyatt, and Burr remain sharp and vivid. Consistency can be an issue, as some sequences exhibit raggedness, softness, and overexposure. Notably, there is an absence of noise or digital enhancements, which contributes to a more faithful visual presentation. While a full-blown restoration would be ideal, the care Kino Lorber has taken to present this 65-year-old film in such commendable condition deserves recognition.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Pitfall" manifests the age-related limitations of its source material, primarily through its DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. Throughout the film, a persistent hiss is noticeable, accompanied periodically by cracking noises that interrupt the otherwise stable soundscape. Despite these drawbacks, dialogue remains dramatic and intelligible, efficiently maintaining clarity during both intense confrontations and quieter, more contemplative scenes. The scoring, while not exceptionally defined, manages to support the on-screen action with satisfactory instrumentation. However, the atmospherics, such as ambient sea and street noises, are subtly incorporated, offering a moderate sense of immersion without amplification.

Surface noise significantly impacts the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track of this Blu-ray, where pervasive static, pops, and crackles coexist with the film's other sonic elements. Nevertheless, certain sound effects—like gunfire, revving engines, and physical altercations—are delivered crisply and with distinction. Dialogue remains clear and comprehensible throughout, even when delivered in softer tones by lead actor Scott. Additionally, the music score, though anonymously written, spreads adequately through the audio channels, filling the room effectively. While minor distortions do emerge intermittently, they never overwhelm the otherwise passable and utilitarian track faithfully representing the film's era.

The Blu-ray extras for "Pitfall" offer a deep dive into this classic film noir, highlighted by an insightful audio commentary from Eddie Muller, a respected film historian and president of the Film Noir Foundation. Muller's commentary is both entertaining and scholarly, providing a wealth of information about the film's production, including behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and in-depth analysis of key performances and directorial choices. Muller particularly praises André De Toth's direction and Lizabeth Scott's nuanced portrayal of a complex noir heroine. The disc also includes a couple of theatrical trailers for other notable dramas, adding some historical context to the era of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Eddie Muller: In-depth and entertaining commentary featuring anecdotes, trivia, and historical insights.
• Theatrical Trailers: Previews for "He Ran All the Way" and "A Bullet for Joey".

"Pitfall" (1948) stands as a compelling piece in the noir canon, directed with measured restraint by André De Toth. The film delves into themes of marital disillusionment and moral ambiguity, centering on John Forbes (Dick Powell) who stumbles into danger and debauchery through his entanglement with Mona Stevens (Lizabeth Scott). Unraveling the layers of temptation and threat, De Toth marshals his modest budget to craft a story dripping with authenticity and raw emotional tension. Powell's portrayal of Forbes is nothing short of revelatory; his transition from tired everyman to a beleaguered soul ensnared by his own choices gives the character a relatable richness. Lizabeth Scott's portrayal of Mona defies the traditional femme fatale mold, offering a more nuanced, almost tragic humanity that uniquely enriches the noir tapestry. Raymond Burr's menacing performance as the obsessive private detective further intensifies the stakes, establishing a palpable atmosphere of dread.

The film's narrative deviation from conventional noir tropes is one of its most striking elements. Instead of relying on twist-laden plot mechanics, "Pitfall" focuses on character-driven tension and realistic developments. John Forbes' frustration with suburban monotony resonates deeply, and his ill-fated affair with Mona unfolds in a manner that's both organically believable and intriguingly subversive to genre expectations. Andre De Toth's directorial vision eschews ostentation, favoring a streamlined yet potent storytelling approach that highlights the moral complexities faced by its characters. This fresh and almost anti-noir approach lends "Pitfall" a sense of unpredictability that keeps the audience thoroughly engaged.

The Blu-ray release offers a pristine visual experience, encoded in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 with DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono. While the disc doesn't include previews or promos, the static menu effuses an immediate professional polish. Kino Lorber's rescue of this long-overlooked gem ensures that "Pitfall" receives the recognition it has long deserved, allowing modern audiences to fully appreciate its well-crafted performances and subtly innovative narrative.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Pitfall" offers an intriguing film noir that blends psychological tension with a detailed portrayal of human deception. The movie centers around the consequences of infidelity, skillfully navigating the spectrum of lies and manipulations that build to an emotionally resonant climax. The screenplay does a commendable job of capturing the characters' fatigue from both deception and the resultant need for personal protection, thus maintaining viewers' engagement. This film doesn't culminate in a frenetic peak, but its driven approach to emotional authenticity and effective storytelling makes it a standout.

Acting performances by Dick Powell, Lizabeth Scott, Jane Wyatt, and Raymond Burr are exceptional, each bringing depth and realism to their roles. They inhabit a world of complex characters and intricate relationships, making the narrative both compelling and relatable. Despite its age, "Pitfall" remains insightful on the themes of identity crisis and moral ambiguity. Though the Blu-ray package could benefit from additional special features beyond the solitary audio commentary, the film's content alone makes it worth the purchase. The video and audio quality are somewhat worn, reflecting the film's age, yet do not detract significantly from the experience.

In conclusion, "Pitfall" is an interesting and emotionally gripping piece that may fly under the radar even for dedicated fans of film noir. While the Blu-ray's presentation may not be pristine, the film itself is a hidden gem deserving of more widespread attention. It boasts a mix of robust acting, nuanced storytelling, and genuine psychological depth, ensuring that it leaves a lasting impression on its audience.