Hurry Sundown Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Hurry Sundown" features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer and is delivered in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Generally, the transfer maintains a sharp and naturally filmic appearance, with excellent clarity and contrast. However, occasional speckling and a few white blotches are noticeable throughout the rendering, although they do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. The film also benefits from a pleasing amount of grain, enhancing its period rural feel. Unfortunately, some sequences seem to be culled from inferior elements, resulting in brief moments where the picture becomes noticeably softer and lacks detail, with less saturated colors.

Color reproduction is a mixed bag. While Fonda's red hair exhibits a warm glow and the greens of the Southern farmlands look vibrant, some hues appear faded due to the cheap color processing of the era. Flesh tones lean towards an orange tinge, but black levels are rich and deep, with fine shadow delineation. Background elements remain clear, and close-ups display facial details effectively. We detected no issues with crushing, noise, or banding. Despite the film being almost half a century old and lacking noticeable restoration efforts, this transfer largely meets expectations and should satisfy both long-time fans and new viewers alike.

The Audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Hurry Sundown" features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track that faithfully reproduces the modest sonic characteristics of the film. Dialogue is delivered with exceptional clarity, ensuring comprehensibility throughout. The musical elements, including Hugo Montenegro's score, although lacking in tonal depth and extensive fidelity, manage to fill the room effectively. Explosions are reproduced with substantial impact, contributing to the overall immersive experience.

Dynamic range, while somewhat limited, does not detract from the presentation. No age-related hiss, pops, or distortion mar the audio track, which remains clean and finely preserved. The shrill tones of certain sound effects, such as the young Warren child's cries, are appropriately intense, contributing to the film's auditory texture. Although the sonic landscape may occasionally seem more dynamic than it is, this is more an impression than a technical reality.

The Blu-ray release of "Hurry Sundown" disappointingly lacks any supplemental content, hampering its appeal for those seeking additional insights or behind-the-scenes material. Despite the film's historical significance and cinematic craftsmanship, the absence of even a basic trailer or documentary is a notable omission. The package does not offer any additional content across its three discs, leaving fans and scholars without the bonus features that often enrich the viewing experience and provide valuable context for appreciation.

Extras included in this disc:

• None: No supplements of any kind are included on any of the three discs.

Otto Preminger's "Hurry Sundown" offers a convoluted tale of land rights and racial tension in post-World War II Georgia, ultimately falling short of its ambitions. Preminger anticipated a significant impact, perhaps akin to "Gone With the Wind," but the result was a disjointed combination of melodrama and camp. The film follows the avaricious Henry Warren (Michael Caine) and his wife Julie (Jane Fonda), who aim to acquire land owned by Rad McDowell (John Phillip Law) and Reeve Scott (Robert Hooks), leading to a battle wracked with manipulations and revelations. Despite its compelling cast including Faye Dunaway, Diahann Carroll, and Burgess Meredith, the narrative often veers into bizarre moments, from inexplicable screaming fits to over-the-top performances.

Technically, the film showcases high production values, with a video rating of 4.0 stars and an audio rating of 4.0 stars on Blu-ray. However, issues such as haphazard editing and anachronistic musical choices by Hugo Montenegro detract from the overall experience. The film's earnest attempt to address racial discrimination feels distanced from the more immediate and impactful civil rights discussions of its era. Preminger faced numerous challenges during production, from local racism in Georgia to cast conflicts due to his reputedly tyrannical direction style. Notably, Dunaway's legal battle to escape her contract exemplifies the tumult behind the scenes.

While "Hurry Sundown" holds historical significance as the first film with black actors in lead roles shot entirely in the South, it does little to elevate its status beyond a soapy drama. The film's 147-minute runtime is punctuated with flashes of Preminger's artistry but ultimately remains buried under melodramatic excess and an unsatisfying resolution. Though it boasts a solid ensemble cast and some riveting moments, "Hurry Sundown" is a testament to missed opportunities and unfulfilled cinematic vision.

Otto Preminger's 'Hurry Sundown' aims high with its ambitious storytelling, drawing thematic elements from classics like 'Gone With the Wind.' However, its aspirations towards epic significance are undercut by a melodramatic execution. This adaptation of K.B. Gilden's novel is filled with themes of Southern angst, greed, and racial tension, but its campiness often makes it more reminiscent of a primetime soap opera rather than a timeless masterpiece. Despite a dedicated cast that infuses life into the narrative, Preminger's direction falls short of evoking the grandeur that both the source material and historical context deserve.

The Blu-ray release by Olive Films features standard quality in both video and audio transfers, with no supplemental materials to enhance the viewer's understanding or appreciation of the film. While the visual and auditory presentations are competent, they lack the depth and clarity that would elevate the overall viewing experience. Such average technical specifications may be satisfactory for casual viewers but are disappointing for aficionados aiming to delve deeper into the film's production nuances.

There are undeniable glimpses of Preminger’s directorial flair and advocacy for social justice throughout 'Hurry Sundown.' Nevertheless, these moments are insufficient to sustain the film's hefty ambitions. While this collection of Preminger's later works doesn't represent his prime output, certain fans might still find value in its distinctive style and thematic concerns. It's not a must-have based on objective criteria, but for enthusiasts of Preminger's oeuvre or those intrigued by its unique blend of racially charged drama and melodrama, it holds an indispensable place.