The Strange Love of Martha Ivers Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers" by Kino Lorber offers a commendable video presentation, despite its imperfections. Encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, the 1080p transfer is sourced from a recent 4K master by Paramount Pictures. However, this master is not meticulously restored. The visuals, though boasting solid organic qualities, feature noticeable blemishes, marks, and scratches. Density inconsistencies detract from the original cinematography, and while image stability is generally good, the grayscale could benefit from minor adjustments for enhanced depth. Still, even on large screens, the film projects an authentic film-like appearance.

The transition from previous subpar versions is significant. Previous releases suffered from drawbacks like excessive digital noise reduction (DNR), resulting in a waxy appearance and disrupted flow due to missing frames. In contrast, this Blu-ray offers an upgraded image quality with impressive clarity and shadow delineation. Although print damage remains, such as faint vertical lines, the grain structure enriches the image, maintaining stability with rich blacks, balanced whites, and varied grays that emphasize fine details like costume fabrics and rain. Softness appears sporadically but with consistent quality across different scenes.

While the transfer is not flawless, often exhibiting overly dark scenes and occasional scratches, it successfully provides a superior viewing experience compared to earlier editions. Black levels are deep and vibrant; contrast and brightness are sharp when present. Though some viewers may yearn for an impeccable restoration in the future, this release stands as the most faithful representation of this classic film noir to date, capturing the essence of its atmospheric tension. For film enthusiasts and noir aficionados, this Blu-ray heralds a definitive step forward in reclaiming a treasured cinematic work from the confines of public domain degradation.

The Blu-ray release of "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers" offers an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that represents a significant upgrade from previous versions. The audio mix delivers clear and easily comprehensible dialogue, allowing the film's dramatic elements to shine. While the dynamic range is understandably limited given the film's age, there is a notable improvement over earlier lossy tracks. Some users report a faint buzz in higher registers when increasing volume significantly, but it is minimal and not disruptive.

This audio presentation showcases Miklos Rozsa’s compelling score, capturing both its sweeping highs and resonant lows without distortion. The detailed fidelity fills the room effectively, maintaining a balance between music, dialogue, and sound effects. Atmospheric elements like rain and creaky stairs are rendered with crisp precision, while more intense sonic details such as thunder and gunfire remain distinct and impactful.

The soundtrack is free from common age-related audio artifacts such as hiss, pops, and crackle, preserving the original cinematic experience. Together, these enhancements create an immersive auditory environment that complements and elevates the film's dramatic narrative. This DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix reflects a well-executed restoration effort that ensures the film remains engaging for contemporary audiences.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers" are anchored by an exceptional audio commentary from renowned author and film historian Alan K. Rode. Rode's commentary track is a rich blend of factual insight and engaging anecdotes, offering a thorough exploration of this significant post-World War II film noir. His analysis covers the film's genre identity, themes of power abuse, and the darker aspects of the American dream. Rode meticulously identifies cast members, discusses censorship challenges, and covers the financial constraints imposed by producer Hal Wallis, as well as Wallis's relationship with Lizabeth Scott. This commentary is indispensable for both fans of "Martha Ivers" and classic cinema enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Alan K. Rode's insightful track discusses various aspects of the film.
• Kino Trailers: Includes trailers for other films such as "The Turning Point" and "Lonely Are the Brave".

Kino Lorber's release of "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers" on Blu-ray revives a fascinating piece of film noir history, offering only an exclusive audio commentary by Alan K. Rode. The film, directed by Lewis Milestone, weaves a captivating narrative that stands apart within its genre. Its strength lies in the complex character arcs crafted from Jack Patrick's original story "Love Lies Bleeding," transformed for the screen by Robert Rossen. Despite clashes during production between Milestone and producer Hal B. Wallis, which led to uncredited contributions by Byron Haskin, the film retains a magnetic allure due to its character-driven drama.

The plot revolves around Martha Ivers (Barbara Stanwyck), who, entangled in a childhood crime alongside Walter (Kirk Douglas), has climbed the echelons of power in Iverstown. Van Heflin shines as Sam Masterson, returning to disrupt their lives. The dynamic interplay between Heflin, Stanwyck, and Douglas showcases outstanding performances, with Heflin's charismatic presence overshadowing even the debuting Douglas. Milner’s cinematography and Rosza’s score envelop the narrative in a rich, noir aesthetic.

A distinct melancholic tension permeates this noir classic, bolstered by an unpredictable storyline that keeps viewers engaged despite Production Code restrictions. The film's atmosphere doesn’t shy away from exploring themes of greed, guilt, and redemption, akin to other noir classics like "Double Indemnity." While the storyline occasionally diverts attention to the relationship between Sam and Toni (Lizabeth Scott), the principal focus remains on the dark interplay among its leads. Scott’s enigmatic portrayal parallels her counterparts, adding depth to this potent drama that explores human depravity with both captivating and tragic intensity. Despite being less known compared to other major titles in its genre, "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers" is a riveting exploration of dark desires and complex human relationships.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers" represents a significant upgrade for fans of classic film noir, thanks to a meticulous restoration sourced from a 4K scan by Paramount Pictures. This transfer presents a mostly film-like image that surpasses previous home video editions, allowing the intricate narrative and dark themes to shine. The performances by Barbara Stanwyck, Van Heflin, Lizabeth Scott, and a debuting Kirk Douglas are exceptional, gracing the film with memorable portrayals that remain impactful today.

The Blu-ray excels in both video and audio quality, delivering robust lossless audio that complements its vivid picture fidelity, making it an ideal choice for aficionados of the genre. While it is not flawless, this presentation undoubtedly captures the film's essence, allowing viewers to appreciate Lewis Milestone's direction and the film's intriguing story arcs with greater clarity. Additionally, the inclusion of a top-flight commentary track enhances the disc’s value, offering deeper insights into this noir classic's complex characters and provocative themes.

In conclusion, it's uncertain how "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers" might have differed with unimpeded creative direction from Lewis Milestone. Despite this uncertainty, the current portrayal remains compelling, with character developments paralleling those in Douglas Sirk's finest works. Kino Lorber’s edition faithfully commemorates this captivating film with a respectable home release that warrants the attention of noir enthusiasts. Highly recommended.