Judgment at Nuremberg Blu-ray Review

The Kino Lorber Blu-ray presentation of "Judgment at Nuremberg" maintains the film’s historical essence, offering a visually faithful transfer using the MPEG-4 AVC codec on a BD-50 with a notable file size of 43.02 GB. This release preserves the 1.66:1 aspect ratio, aligning closely with prior versions, such as the earlier Twilight Time edition. There are noticeable print artifacts, including dirt, debris, and occasional vertical lines, especially prominent during the opening credits. Despite these, the image clarity is commendable for a film of its era, with grain that complements rather than distracts from the viewing experience. Some scenes exhibit a natural flickering and softness in bright conditions, yet overall detail visibility remains solid, though not achieving the pristine benchmarks of a detailed digital restoration.

Kino Lorber's edition encodes the film at an average video bitrate of 25974 kbps, surpassing the 18000 kbps of Twilight Time’s disc, contributing to a more stable quality throughout its 179-minute runtime. It is important to note the inclusion of only the general release version, excluding the additional features of the Roadshow Version which had been highlighted by critics and audiences in the early '60s. This omission might be a notable downside for purists searching for an all-encompassing cinematic experience. However, the disc successfully formats this complex courtroom drama into eight manageable chapters, ensuring ease of navigation and coherent storytelling.

In summation, while far from the peak of video quality due to inherent source limitations, Kino’s Blu-ray offers an admirable representation with satisfactory detail and a palpable authenticity in its presentation. Despite lacking comprehensive restoration efforts, this release will satisfy aficionados of classic cinema who value historical integrity over modern visual refinements.

The audio presentation of the "Judgment at Nuremberg" Blu-ray offers a mixture of DTS-HD Master Audio formats, depending on the distributor. Kino provides a DTS-HD Master Audio Dual Mono track, while other editions include options for DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 and 5.1 Remix, as well as LPCM 2.0 Stereo. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 tracks, often present in the TT and BFI releases, are rendered in 24-bit with high bitrates, ensuring clarity and depth in audio reproduction. The original monaural track from Kino is remarkably clean, free from typical analog imperfections such as audible hiss, cracks, pops, or dropouts, allowing for an authentic auditory experience critical for a dialogue-centric film.

The film's audio is concentrated on dialogue delivery and is effectively centered, which is crucial for a courtroom drama where verbal exchanges drive the narrative. There are instances where actor Burt Lancaster’s carefully honed delivery enhances the German-inflected English, which persists audibly throughout the lossless track, demonstrating meticulous attention to intonation and rhythm. Although volume inconsistencies occasionally disrupt homogeneity across scenes, particularly in non-courtroom scenes like the German nightclub sequence, these do not significantly detract from the overall sound quality.

Optional English SDH subtitles are available across versions, adding convenience for those requiring textual aid. Despite slight variances in volume distribution across channels in certain sequences, the lack of audio anomalies like popping or hissing confirms a commendable restoration effort for this classic film’s soundtrack. The overall audio performance aligns well with the requirements for preserving the integrity of such historically and narratively significant content.

The Blu-ray extras for "Judgment at Nuremberg" offer a compelling array of features, showcasing the collaborative history and legacy surrounding the film. A highlight is the archival conversation between screenwriter Abby Mann and actor Maximilian Schell, where they discuss their impactful contributions, reflecting on both the movie and its Playhouse 90 television adaptation. "The Value of a Single Human Being" featurette enriches viewers with Mann’s insights into the Nuremberg Trials, connecting historical events to contemporary issues. "A Tribute to Stanley Kramer" provides a heartfelt homage from Kramer's widow, Karen Sharpe Kramer, and Mann, spotlighting Kramer's enduring influence in cinema. The disc also includes various theatrical trailers showcasing unrestored footage that adds a nostalgic touch. Collectively, these extras render a comprehensive behind-the-scenes glimpse into a significant film with enduring relevance, although these features have been ported from previous releases, highlighting a repetitive curatorial choice.

Extras included in this disc:

• In Conversation with Abby Mann and Maximilian Schell: Dialogue discussing both film and television versions of 'Judgment at Nuremberg'.
• The Value of a Single Human Being: Abby Mann discusses the significance of the Nuremberg Trials.
• A Tribute to Stanley Kramer: Reflections from Karen Sharpe Kramer and Abby Mann on Stanley Kramer's cinematic contributions.
• Theatrical Trailer: Unrestored cropped widescreen preview rife with film artifacts.
• Bonus Trailers: Trailers for "Inherit the Wind," "On the Beach," "Not as a Stranger," and "A Child Is Waiting".

The Blu-ray release of "Judgment at Nuremberg" offers an immersive experience of Stanley Kramer's 1961 masterpiece. This edition, released by Kino Lorber Studio Classics, surpasses previous versions by incorporating all the extras from MGM’s 2004 Special Edition DVD, while being available exclusively in Region A. Its visuals are uncommonly rich for a black-and-white film of its era, harnessing high-definition to bring out every nuance of the courtroom drama's somber atmosphere and intense moments, especially the use of authentic footage from Nazi concentration camps—an unsettling yet powerful choice that amplifies the film's impact.

"Judgment at Nuremberg" is revered for its heavyweight cast, led by Spencer Tracy and Maximilian Schell, whose portrayal as defense attorney Hans Rolfe earned him an Academy Award. The narrative, drawn from Abby Mann’s screenplay based on the Judges' Trial of 1947, explores profound themes of justice and responsibility, provoking viewers to ponder ethical dilemmas without offering easy resolutions. Burt Lancaster's performance as Dr. Ernst Janning further enhances the depth of this moral scrutiny. Judy Garland and Montgomery Clift deliver memorable supporting roles. Despite its fictional elements, the film's foundation in historical events gives it unwavering authenticity.

The film garnered critical acclaim upon its release in North America and internationally. It was noted as one of the decade's most significant films for its gripping drama and exceptional direction. Though Jonas Mekas critiqued its style as pretentious, the majority of reviews celebrated its sincerity and impactful storytelling. With accolades including two Oscars, the legacy of "Judgment at Nuremberg" endures, making it a quintessential piece of cinema that challenges viewers intellectually and emotionally, emphasizing how the past continues to shape present moralities.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Judgment at Nuremberg" presents a financially accessible alternative for audiences who missed the limited Twilight Time edition. Notably, this edition does not include the Roadshow Version, yet it compensates with an enhanced encode quality. For those in Region A, this presents a compelling choice, whereas, for those in Region B or possessing code-free players, the BFI BD/DVD combo with extensive supplemental materials may be preferable. The need for a more comprehensive restoration of the current master is acknowledged, but Kino's offering remains a solid option.

The film itself retains its significance as a landmark courtroom drama, showcasing stellar performances from legendary Hollywood figures. Despite the absence of new bonus materials or premium A/V transfers, Kino's Blu-ray edition remains highly recommended for collectors. Its enduring relevance and cinematic excellence merit its inclusion in any serious film aficionado's collection. However, it should be noted that individuals who already own the Twilight Time release will find no additional features to warrant an upgrade.

In conclusion, while Kino Lorber’s release could benefit from further restoration efforts and additional materials, it stands as a worthy acquisition for those who do not possess the Twilight Time version or those navigating Region A constraints. "Judgment at Nuremberg" remains an essential piece of cinematic history, and this Blu-ray offers a respectable way to experience its powerful storytelling.