The Woman in the Window Blu-ray Review

Kino Classics' Blu-ray release of "The Woman in the Window" impressively revitalizes this classic film with a newly remastered HD transfer. Presented in its theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 and in 1080p resolution using the AVC codec, the film exhibits a substantial improvement in clarity and detail over previous SD DVD versions. The grayscale performance is particularly noteworthy, offering deeply expressive black levels and crisply defined whites that enhance nighttime scenes significantly, such as the rain-soaked streets outside Alice's apartment. However, this transfer is not without issues; thin tramlines often appear in the middle of the frame, and there are notable instances of print damage, including heavy scratches and flickering during the first two reels.

The MPEG-4 AVC-encoded transfer on this BD-25 disc maintains an average video bitrate of 21926 kbps, contributing to a coarse yet stable grain structure that is pleasingly consistent. Despite the occasional telecine wobble around the 29:43 mark, the overall visual experience is bolstered by well-balanced contrast settings that deliver a first-rate picture quality. Some viewers might find the frequent minor scratches, blips, and optical-like artifacts distracting; however, these imperfections are relatively short-lived and do not severely detract from the film's presentation. Overall, Kino Lorber’s eight-chapter Blu-ray release provides a remarkable visual upgrade that enhances the viewing experience of this noir classic.

Kino Lorber's release of "The Woman in the Window" features an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Dual Mono mix (1559 kbps, 16-bit). The original monaural soundtrack has been meticulously preserved, displaying no significant pops, crackles, or major source-related defects. However, there is a presence of background hiss which may require increasing the volume to clearly discern dialogue. The audio track effectively showcases Arthur Lange's Oscar-nominated score, delivering good pitch and balance through the front speakers.

The expertly recorded dialogue is presented with clarity, blending seamlessly with the score and sound effects to create a cohesive auditory experience. Despite the age of the original audio material, no glaring artifacts or deteriorations are present, ensuring a clean and authentic reproduction of the film's soundscape. Optional English subtitles are offered, though the font size could benefit from an increase for better readability. Overall, this Blu-Ray's audio presentation admirably maintains the integrity and richness of the film’s original sound design.

The Blu-ray of "The Woman in the Window" provides a rich collection of extras that significantly enhances the viewer’s understanding and appreciation of this classic film. The standout feature is Imogen Sara Smith's audio commentary, which offers an exhaustive analysis of the careers of key cast members and Fritz Lang, while effectively contextualizing the film within the broader noir genre. Smith's commentary strikes a balance between scene analysis and biographical deep dives. Additionally, the disc includes an original theatrical trailer, presented unrestored in full-frame, along with previews for other noir classics, providing valuable historical context and a broader filmic landscape.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Film Historian Imogen Sara Smith: In-depth discussion on cast, crew, and noir context.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Unrestored trailer presented in full-frame.
• Bonus Trailers: Previews for additional classic noir titles.

Fritz Lang’s The Woman in the Window (1944) stands as a seminal work in the film noir canon, encompassing the meticulous direction typical of Lang's oeuvre. The movie, adapted from J. H. Wallis's novel Once Off Guard, is cited for its precision and stylistic rigor. Imogen Sara Smith in her insightful commentary highlights Lang's micro-management on set, guiding actors through specific markers to ensure an impeccable performance. This rigorous approach translates into a visually dense and narratively taut film. Every frame is deliberate, every act meticulously integrated, making it one of the finest noirs of its era.

The narrative revolves around psychology professor Richard Wanley, portrayed by Edward G. Robinson, whose encounter with the artist's model Alice Reed (Joan Bennett) in evocative urban settings spirals into an intricate web of murder and deception. Wanley’s attempt to conceal Mazard's (Arthur Loft) death triggers a cascade of consequential challenges, amplifying tension. Lang’s unrelenting focus on Wanley’s psychological erosion is brilliantly juxtaposed with Joan Bennett’s quasi-femme fatale ambiguity, underscoring her own survival instincts. Critiques noted that while some plot elements like Lalor’s (Raymond Massey) investigatory liberties stretch credibility, the film’s relentless suspense and methodical unraveling of Wanley's predicament keep viewers enraptured.

Critical reception during its release underscored its distinction; hailed alongside contemporaries like Double Indemnity and Laura, its mastery in depicting psychological strains and moral conundrums was particularly lauded. The film's deft use of shadows, a hallmark of noir, combined with evocative set pieces like Wanley’s nerve-wracking disposal of the corpse solidifies its place in cinema history. Dan Duryea’s entrance as a calculating blackmailer adds another layer of complexity, ensuring that tension never abates. Lang’s climactic twist, though divisive among aficionados, exemplifies his brilliance in manipulating audience expectations, making The Woman in the Window an enduring classic in the noir genre lexicon.

"The Woman in the Window" continues to stand as a quintessential example of film noir, deftly crafted by the legendary Fritz Lang. The narrative is tightly woven, drawing viewers into a suspenseful plot that masterfully ratchets up tension around its central character. The film showcases exceptional performances that ground its labyrinthine twists and turns in a compelling reality.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "The Woman in the Window" offers a solid, if not definitive, transfer. While the clarity and detail of the high-definition image reveal new facets of Lang’s meticulous craftsmanship, there is room for improvement in certain areas, such as contrast and film grain consistency. The included commentary by Imogen Sara Smith is invaluable, providing insightful analysis that deepens appreciation for Lang's directorial choices and the film's thematic complexity.

In conclusion, "The Woman in the Window" remains not only classic noir but also one of the great films Fritz Lang made while in Hollywood. In his commentary on Kino's "Scarlet Street," David Kalat argues why he believes Lang's 1945 film is superior to "The Woman in the Window." I tend to prefer the latter for different reasons and don't think anyone could go wrong with either of these great films. Kino Classics has given TWITW a solid transfer, but there's definite room for improvement. Imogen Sara Smith's commentary is a must-listen, both perceptive and instructional. While we wait for a new restoration, the KL release comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.