In the Heat of the Night Blu-ray Review

Criterion's release of Norman Jewison's "In the Heat of the Night" on Blu-ray showcases a meticulously executed video presentation that stands as a significant upgrade over previous editions. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC at 1080p resolution, this new digital transfer was created in 4K resolution from the 35mm original camera negative. This restoration effort, undertaken by Park Circus and MGM with additional restoration performed by Criterion, is immediately apparent through its exceptional clarity and depth, particularly in darker scenes that now exhibit proper delineation and nuanced detail.

The enhanced visual presentation climbs to new heights in sharpness and color reproduction. Close-ups reveal intricate details such as beads of sweat, hair follicles, and skin blemishes with razor-sharp precision, while the richly saturated black levels and solid shadow delineation lend a sense of realism and depth. The color grading is astounding, featuring well-balanced and vivid primaries alongside equally rich secondary hues, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. Viewers will notice a natural, filmic appearance due to the grain structure, which only enhances the gritty atmosphere of the narrative.

This Criterion edition also excels in presenting a stable and organic visual fidelity. The restoration has successfully removed distracting age-related imperfections such as debris, damage marks, scratches, and stains. The overall stability and density of visuals are uncompromised by any digital artifacts, ensuring a seamless and engaging visual experience. While some minor issues like occasional crush and graininess in darker shots are present, they are negligible compared to the overall quality uplift this transfer provides. This edition is a must-own for fans seeking to experience "In the Heat of the Night" with unparalleled video quality.

The Criterion Collection Blu-ray release of "In the Heat of the Night" features a meticulously restored English LPCM 1.0 mono audio track derived from the original 35mm magnetic DME track. This restoration, performed using Pro Tools and iZotope RX, preserves the film's authentic auditory experience while eliminating any age-related hiss, pops, or crackle. The sound design effectively renders environmental noises such as crunching leaves, chirping crickets, and footsteps with exceptional clarity and detail. Quincy Jones' musical score significantly enhances the film’s atmosphere, effectively balancing high and low frequencies without any distortion.

Dialogue delivery remains a standout feature on this track, with every line, irrespective of challenging accents, coming through with remarkable clarity and stability. The absence of any surround sound elements does not detract from the immersive experience that the sound design provides, thanks to its wide dynamic range. Overall, the LPCM 1.0 track offers a faithful and clean reproduction of the film's original sound, highlighting why "In the Heat of the Night" won an Oscar for Best Sound. Optional English SDH subtitles are also provided for the main feature.

The Blu-ray release of "In the Heat of the Night" offers an impressive collection of extras, both new and archival, providing an in-depth exploration of the film’s production and cultural impact. Highlights include a new interview with director Norman Jewison, who candidly discusses the film’s conception and production nuances, and several interviews with key cast members such as Sidney Poitier and Lee Grant, delivering firsthand accounts and insights. Also noteworthy are the scholarly input of Aram Goudsouzian, providing historical context, and featurettes on the innovative music score by Quincy Jones. The comprehensive audio commentary, featuring Jewison and other pivotal figures, provides technical and thematic insights elevating the viewer's understanding of this seminal work.

Extras included in this disc:

• Norman Jewison: Director discusses the film’s production.
• Lee Grant: Actress details her blacklisting in Hollywood.
• Sidney Poitier: Reflects on his involvement and role.
• Aram Goudsouzian: Historian examines Poitier’s career.
• Turning Up the Heat: Production history featurette.
• Quincy Jones: Featurette on the composer’s unique soundtrack.
• Audio Commentary: Comprehensive track with key figures.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.

Norman Jewison's "In the Heat of the Night" (1967) is a groundbreaking film that skillfully navigates the deep-seated racial tension of the early 1960s in Mississippi. The compelling narrative confronts a microcosm of bigotry and prejudice, encapsulated within a tightly-knit small town. The plot begins with the discovery of a murdered wealthy businessman, an event that triggers a series of encounters highlighting racial disparities. Sidney Poitier stars as Virgil Tibbs, a black homicide detective wrongfully accused of the crime due to his race. His subsequent collaboration with Police Chief Gillespie (Rod Steiger) evolves from reluctant partnership to mutual respect as they pursue the real killer, amid growing hostility from the town's residents.

Jewison’s film is not merely a murder mystery but a searing social commentary, using the central case to expose and critique systemic racism. Stirling Silliphant’s Oscar-winning screenplay captures the volatile racial dynamics and unease pervasive in the era. Steiger’s portrayal of Gillespie, though awarded an Oscar, occasionally veers towards caricature due to exaggerated mannerisms. Poitier, on the other hand, delivers a measured performance, embodying the internal conflict of a black man striving for professional integrity in a hostile environment. Their dynamic is enhanced by weighty scenes—like the iconic "They call me Mister Tibbs!"—underscoring shifts in societal power structures.

The immersive atmosphere is bolstered by Quincy Jones's evocative soundtrack, which juxtaposes blues and funk to underline themes of resistance and resilience. Performances by Warren Oates and Lee Grant add authenticity to the Southern setting, while Jewison's direction and Haskell Wexler’s cinematography captivate with stark visuals. The film's enduring relevance in discussions on race relations is a testament to its poignant and unflinching examination of prejudice, making it an essential piece of cinema history as well as an engaging procedural drama.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "In the Heat of the Night" delivers a masterful presentation that revitalizes this classic film for modern audiences. Norman Jewison’s powerful direction in this Oscar-winning piece still shines brightly, tackling themes of racial prejudice and societal division with an intensity that remains painfully relevant over fifty years later. The palpable interactions between Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger are the heart of the film, providing a gripping narrative where the underlying tension is almost tangible.

This new Criterion release benefits substantially from a freshly minted 4K restoration, ensuring stunning visual clarity and greatly enhanced audio quality. The transfer significantly improves over previous editions, making it the definitive presentation of the film. With lossless audio to boost the engaging dialogue and atmospheric soundtrack, viewers are treated to a thoroughly enhanced cinematic experience that makes upgrading from older versions a compelling choice.

Accompanying this stellar presentation are a host of extras that enrich the overall package. Although there is a slight omission regarding Rod Steiger, the included features offer comprehensive insights into the making of the film and its long-lasting impact. From archival commentaries to new featurettes, there's plenty for both longtime aficionados and new viewers to appreciate.

In summary, "In the Heat of the Night" stands as a testament to when Hollywood cinematics authentically mirrored American societal issues through compelling storytelling. Criterion's meticulous restoration revives this classic for modern viewers, making it an essential addition to any serious collection. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.