Night and the City Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of Jules Dassin’s "Night and the City" from Criterion comes with a remarkable 1080p transfer, presented in an aspect ratio of 1.33:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. This transfer was created in 4K resolution using an Oxberry wet-gate film scanner from the original 35mm camera negative. The meticulous restoration process involved the use of Blackmagic Design's DaVinci Revival, Cinnafilm's Dark Energy, and Pixel Farm's PFClean tools, resulting in image clarity and detail that far surpass previous releases. The monaural soundtrack also received extensive remastering at 24-bit, ensuring the removal of clicks, thumps, hiss, hum, and crackle.

The visual presentation is nothing short of astonishing. The film exhibits a vibrant and healthy look, with significant improvements in detail and clarity, especially in darker outdoor footage where previously lost elements now emerge vividly. The nuanced black and gray gradations are particularly impressive, contributing to the film’s elegant noir aesthetic. Grain structure is perfectly preserved without any signs of over-sharpening, providing an authentic cinematic experience. Although minor inherited density fluctuations are present, they do not detract from the overall image stability, which remains outstanding.

The transfer maintains fantastic contrast throughout various scenes, displaying consistency in both exterior and interior shots. Shadow details are meticulously rendered, providing rich, inky blacks that enhance the depth and lushness of nocturnal sequences. The varied grayscale balance is executed flawlessly, capturing costume textures and showcasing character close-ups with stunning clarity. Whether it’s the plaid patterns on Harry's suits or the gritty expressions of the wrestlers, the visual integrity holds strong. Stray marks are few and blending seamlessly into the pristine source material. This superbly executed restoration transforms the dingy settings of London's underbelly into a visually seductive experience, securing "Night and the City's" place as a definitive noir classic on Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray release of "Night and the City" offers two standard audio tracks: English LPCM 1.0 (American Version) and English Dolby Digital 1.0 (British Version), along with optional SDH subtitles. The American Version's lossless LPCM track, remastered at 24-bit from the original 35 mm magnetic track, delivers outstanding quality. Franz Waxman's rich and melodramatic score fills the room effectively, enhancing the film's tense atmosphere without overpowering the dialogue. The balance between music and dialogue is impeccable; there are no sudden spikes or dips in dynamic intensity, and the dialogue is consistently clear and stable, free from background hiss, pops, or digital distortions.

In contrast, the British Version's Dolby Digital 1.0 track, while less dynamic, still offers a commendable depth. Benjamin Frankel's score differs significantly in its qualities, yet remains impactful within its own right. Background urban sounds like traffic and crowd noise subtly augment the soundscape, adding an extra layer of realism without detracting from the primary audio elements. Despite being a 65-year-old film, both audio tracks perform admirably, with the LPCM track slightly edging out in terms of providing a richer and more full-bodied auditory experience. Hence, for first-time viewers, it is recommended to start with the American Version to fully appreciate the film's intense sound design.

The Blu-ray edition of "Night and the City" offers a robust array of extras that delve deeply into the film's complex history and production details. The commentary by Glenn Erickson provides an exhaustive analysis of the film, its literary origins, and distinct American and British versions. The inclusion of both film versions caters to aficionados seeking a comprehensive understanding of the director's intent versus the practical execution influenced by post-war British commerce laws. Archival documentaries and interviews with Jules Dassin give personal insights into his struggles during Hollywood's blacklist era and his creative process. Adding to the historical context, the French TV interview explores broader industry themes and McCarthyism's impact.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Glenn Erickson discusses the novel, script, U.S. vs. British versions, Gene Tierney's performance, and more.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer (1080p).
• British Version: Longer cut with different footage and music (2K transfer).
• Two Versions, Two Scores: Analyzes differences in scores and their impact.
• Jules Dassin Interview: Director discusses blacklisting, the shoot, and cast interactions (2004).
• L'invite du dimanche: 1970 French TV interview covering his Hollywood experience and McCarthyism (subtitled).
• Leaflet: Paul Arthur’s essay “In the Labyrinth.”

Jules Dassin's "Night and the City" (1950) provides an exemplary film noir experience encapsulated by unrelenting desperation and moral ambiguity. Richard Widmark's portrayal of Harry Fabian, a hustler hungrily grasping for the ever-elusive big break, anchors the narrative in frenetic energy and palpable tension. Fabian’s ceaseless schemes—ranging from petty scams to ambitious wrestling promotions with the legendary Gregorius (Stanislaus Zbyszko)—reveal both his relentless drive and inherent futility. Surrounded by a cast of equally flawed characters, including his disillusioned girlfriend Mary (Gene Tierney) and the manipulative club owner Philip Nosseross (Francis L. Sullivan), Harry's grim narrative trajectory is both inevitable and riveting.

Dassin’s direction, influenced by Italian neorealism and American post-war cynicism, captures the oppressive atmosphere of post-war London with striking cinematographic finesse. Partnered with cinematographer Mutz Greenbaum (Max Greene), Dassin exploits the shadowy labyrinths of Soho to underscore the film’s claustrophobic tension. The contrasting American and British versions—with distinct soundtracks by Franz Waxman and Benjamin Frankel, respectively—add layers of historical intrigue, although Dassin favored the American cut despite his absence during editing.

The technical merit of "Night and the City" is further amplified on Blu-ray through Criterion’s meticulous 1080p transfer and LPCM mono audio track, preserving the film’s gritty aesthetic and haunting score. The disc includes extras, such as a revealing interview with Dassin and an insightful essay by Paul Arthur, enriching the viewing experience with contextual depth. This Blu-ray is an essential acquisition for noir aficionados, offering a consummate blend of story, performance, and visual artistry that cements its status as a cornerstone of the genre.

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of "Night and the City" exemplifies the essence of classic film noir with an extraordinary 4K restoration that breathes new life into Jules Dassin’s 1950 masterpiece. This film, celebrated for its raw, cynical depiction of London’s gritty underworld, features a tour-de-force performance by Richard Widmark as Harry Fabian, the desperate hustler whose ambition leads him into the perilous world of professional wrestling. Standout performances include that of Stanislaus Zbyszko as Gregorius the Great, adding memorable gravitas to the film’s darker tones.

The restoration offers superior video and audio quality, capturing Dassin's keen eye for the shadowy allure of London's criminal landscape. Criterion’s presentation is impeccable, maintaining the film's stark contrasts and intricate details that are crucial to its atmospheric tension. Additionally, the Blu-ray includes an array of extras, such as an alternate version of the film and insightful commentary, which provide deeper context and appreciation for this noir classic.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray edition of "Night and the City" stands as a definitive edition for both enthusiasts of film noir and classic film connoisseurs. Its exceptional technical quality and comprehensive supplemental features make it a must-have, securing its place as one of the finest releases for an American noir film. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.