Klute Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.39:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Alan J. Pakula's "Klute" arrives on Blu-ray via Criterion with a meticulous 1080p transfer derived from a 16-bit 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative. Supervised by camera operator Michael Chapman, the restoration involves extensive manual removal of dirt, debris, scratches, and warps using MTI Film's DRS and Digital Vision's Phoenix for jitter and flicker correction. This results in a clean, precise visual presentation that maintains the film's intricate lighting and shadow details despite minor criticisms of some darker footage appearing slightly loose.

The transfer excels in delivering a rich film-like aesthetic characterized by its deep, organic grain structure, reminiscent of Gordon Willis’ cinematography in classics such as "The Godfather." Details are sharp, capturing fine facial features and the textured production design of crucial settings like Klute's stark apartment and Bree's chaotic living space. The color grading is exemplary, enhancing the vibrancy of 1970s costume design and the distinctive ambiance of scenes such as Bree’s interactions with her former pimp, portrayed by Roy Scheider amidst a plethora of vivid disco-centric colors and lights.

Black levels and contrast are particularly well-executed; the blacks are thick and inky while whites remain crisp without any blooming issues. This careful balance is crucial, especially in the film’s climactic moments where black figures are set against blown-out white windows. Stability is flawless throughout, with no visible artifacting. The depth provided contributes to an engrossing sense of scale and dimension as the narrative transitions between cramped interiors and expansive urban exteriors without sacrificing the film's inherent claustrophobic tension. This Blu-ray release definitively surpasses previous versions, making it an essential upgrade for fans.

The Blu-ray release of "Klute" features an English LPCM 1.0 mono audio track, with optional English SDH subtitles that appear within the image frame. The decision to maintain the original mono mix rather than upsample to stereo or create a faux 5.1 mix is commendable, preserving the authenticity and period qualities of the film's soundscape. The lossless track excellently reproduces the nuances of Michael Small's haunting score and effectively conveys the film's atmospheric tension. Notably, compared to the DVD release, there's a significant audio enhancement in terms of clarity and fidelity.

Dialogue throughout is consistently clean, stable, and highly intelligible, a noteworthy achievement given the film's complex and intense auditory design. The minimalist yet impactful sound elements, combined with Small's jarring score, create a distinct sense of dread integral to the film's ambiance. The killer's audio recordings are especially noteworthy, coming through with a pointed clarity that heightens their chilling effect. Additionally, age-related audio issues such as hiss, flutter, crackle, and hum are impressively absent, demonstrating a meticulous remastering process.

The PCM 1.0 track masterfully integrates dialogue, score, and sound effects to construct a coherent and immersive sonic environment. This expertly balanced audio mix highlights the film's tense and claustrophobic atmosphere, adding layers of depth that complement its visual storytelling. Overall, "Klute" on Blu-ray delivers an audio experience that faithfully represents the original while benefiting from clear enhancements in clarity and definition.

The extras of the "Klute" Blu-ray offer a robust and insightful collection of materials that delve deep into the making and impact of the film. Highlights include an interview where Jane Fonda, in conversation with Illeana Douglas, reflects on her preparation and experiences during the film’s production, providing rich context on the film’s themes and her performance. Equally compelling is a collection of interviews for a forthcoming documentary by Matthew Miele, featuring insights from Steven Soderbergh and Charles Cioffi. The package is rounded out with archival television interviews and vintage featurettes, presenting a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look. An illustrated 26-page booklet further complements the experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Pakula: Interviews exploring Pakula's filmmaking psychology with Steven Soderbergh, Charles Cioffi, and others.
• Jane Fonda and Illeana Douglas: Fonda discusses her preparation, themes, and experience shooting Klute.
• The Look of Klute: Amy Fine Collins analyses the film's period-specific style.
• Television Interviews:
  • Alan J. Pakula on The Dick Cavett Show
  • Jane Fonda with Midge Mackenzie
• Klute in New York: Vintage behind-the-scenes featurette.
• Booklet: Essays by Mark Harris and Alan J. Pakula, with technical credits.

Alan J. Pakula’s 1971 thriller, "Klute," emerges on Blu-ray with a Criterion release that underscores its enduring relevance and artistic mastery. The film’s narrative revolves around Bree Daniels (Jane Fonda), a call girl aspiring to a legitimate acting career, who is stalked by a deranged individual while small-town detective John Klute (Donald Sutherland) investigates the disappearance of his friend. Fonda's portrayal of Bree is a tour de force, capturing the character's complicated dichotomy of vulnerability and manipulation. Sutherland, while somewhat reserved, complements Fonda’s dynamic performance, presenting a character whose pragmatic approach to life contrasts sharply with Bree’s fractured reality.

Pakula’s collaboration with cinematographer Gordon Willis is pivotal, using shadowy noirish lighting and long takes to accentuate the film's pervasive sense of dread and voyeurism. The suspense plot, though somewhat meandering and lacking in climactic finesse, effectively serves as a canvas for exploring deeper psychological and existential themes. The screenplay by Andy and Dave Lewis artfully exposes Bree's multifaceted life, from the gritty realities of her night-time profession to her earnest attempts at legitimizing her existence through acting gigs. The film critiques notions of identity and autonomy, particularly through Bree's interactions with Klute, who is revealed as much a performer as she is, juggling multiple personas in pursuit of resolution.

Though occasionally criticized for its loose narrative structure and underwhelming climax, "Klute" excels in its character-driven storytelling and atmospheric execution. The film’s subtle yet piercing examination of surveillance and personal invasion resonates deeply, mirroring contemporary societal issues. Pakula's direction highlights everyday moments with an unsettling intensity, making "Klute" not only a standout thriller but also a poignant psychological study. Criterion’s Blu-ray presentation enriches this classic with essential supplementary features that deepen the appreciation of its intricate layers and historical significance.

Alan J. Pakula's "Klute" stands out as a remarkable fusion of classic noir aesthetics with '70s social psychology, creating a unique cinematic time capsule. This suspense thriller from Pakula’s trilogy, which includes "All The President's Men" and "The Parallax View", masterfully combines intense character-driven storytelling with the eerie interplay of light and shadow to build an atmosphere thick with paranoia. Jane Fonda shines in one of cinema's most enigmatic roles, bringing depth and vulnerability to her character, which contributes significantly to the film's lasting impact.

Criterion Collection’s new release of "Klute" features an impressive 4K restoration that accentuates its gritty visuals while retaining the film's original texture. The meticulous restoration ensures that the contrasts between light and darkness are preserved, heightening the film’s suspenseful ambiance. The sound design, pivotal for the film’s chilling effect, is superbly preserved, utilizing unsettling noises and music to delve deep into viewers' psyches. Coupled with a rich array of new and archival bonus features, this release offers an immersive look into the making of this classic film, making it an invaluable addition for enthusiasts and new viewers alike.

In conclusion, Criterion’s release of "Klute" elevates the film to new heights through its pristine restoration and comprehensive special features. While not the greatest thriller of its era, its compelling character study, driven by Fonda's extraordinary performance, remains timeless. Whether you are revisiting this classic or experiencing it for the first time, this release is a must-have. Highly recommended!