Niagara Blu-ray Review

William MacDonald's stunning three-strip Technicolor cinematography remains the standout element in "Niagara," showcased in this 1080p/AVC-encoded Blu-ray. 20th Century Fox's restoration work is impeccable, ensuring minimal age-related damage. This results in a clean print with no visual disturbances such as scratches, specks, or overlay ghosting. While some subtle noise reduction appears in a few rougher shots, natural film grain remains visible, lending the picture a warm, organic quality that is a pleasure to watch. The color reproduction is exemplary, with beautifully creamy highlights and superb clarity that reveal intricate details like skin and clothing textures, and even fine details like peach-fuzz hairs on Monroe’s arms.

This high-definition transfer augments the already lush and colorful photography of "Niagara," offering exceptional clarity and contrast. The color palette is gloriously saturated, contributing to an immersive viewing experience from start to finish. Colors such as Monroe’s red jacket and lipstick, the sightseers’ yellow slickers, and the deep blues and greens of Niagara Falls are vibrant and striking. Black levels are intense and inky; whites are crisp, particularly in the foam and mist of the falls. Notably, the transfer maintains natural and stable flecks tones throughout. Close-ups of Monroe are particularly glamorous, illustrating exquisite shadow detail without crush, noise, or banding.

Despite occasional use of digital noise reduction, which lightly smooths the grain, this transfer avoids the usual waxy look associated with the process. The high-gloss, razor-sharp appearance enhances the film's cold aesthetic, making it arguably the best "Niagara" has ever appeared on home video. For fans who own previous editions, upgrading to this Blu-ray version is highly recommended.

The Blu-ray edition of "Niagara" offers two exceptional audio options, both in the lossless DTS-HD Master Audio codec: a 5.1 multichannel mix and a 1.0 mono track. The 5.1 surround mix thoughtfully expands the original mono source, subtly panning ambience and music into the rear speakers for a more immersive audio experience. It delivers a crisp and clear dialogue, with no noticeable hisses or crackles, enhancing the rich presence of Sol Kaplan's orchestral score, which maintains its dynamic range without distortion. The roar of the falls and the orchestral moments are particularly well-executed, filling the room with a robust sound that brings the film's atmosphere to life.

For audiophiles favoring authenticity, the 1.0 mono track remains an equally viable option. This track retains cleanliness and clarity, eliminating any age-related defects such as pops or hiss. Although it lacks the wider soundstage of its 5.1 counterpart, the mono mix still offers distinct and clear audio, capturing nuances effectively. Certain scenes sound almost identical between the two tracks, though the mono track presents a slightly harsher sound when handling the falls. Users may notice less atmospheric presence in this mix compared to the enriched 5.1 surround sound.

Both tracks maintain high audio fidelity with well-prioritized dialogue and excellent dynamic scaling, making either choice solid for different listening preferences. Additionally, the Blu-ray includes several dub and subtitle options to cater to a diverse audience. Overall, whether you choose the full-bodied, immersive experience of the 5.1 track or the purist approach of the 1.0 mono mix, you are assured a high-quality audio presentation consistent with professional standards.

The Blu-ray release of "Niagara" offers a meager selection of extras, which is disappointing for a 60th-anniversary edition celebrating such a classic film. Despite expectations for a comprehensive supplemental package that honors Marilyn Monroe's iconic status and the film’s place in cinematic history, the extras are limited to the film's theatrical trailer and several trailers for other Monroe titles. This limited offering reflects a missed opportunity by the studio to delve deeper into Monroe's legacy and the production history of "Niagara," leaving fans with little to appreciate beyond the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: 'Niagara' original black-and-white trailer.
• More Monroe Movie Trailers: Previews for 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes', 'How to Marry a Millionaire', 'Bus Stop', 'River of No Return', 'The Seven Year Itch', and 'There's No Business Like Show Business'.

Henry Hathaway’s 1953 film Niagara turned Marilyn Monroe into an instant cinematic icon. The movie showcases Monroe’s character, Rose Loomis, as a strikingly sensual femme fatale. Her platinum blonde locks, pouty red lips, and seductive walk brought an unparalleled level of sex appeal to the screen. Despite the plot’s melodramatic-tones, between honeymoon bliss and murder mystery, it is primarily Monroe's captivating presence and the visual splendour of Niagara Falls, captured beautifully by cinematographer Joseph MacDonald, that continues to draw audiences. The film is more renowned for its suggestive elements and vivid Technicolor aesthetics than for its somewhat predictable storyline.

The film dives into the tumultuous dynamics of two contrasting couples: Rose and her mentally unstable husband George (Joseph Cotten), and the wholesome tourist couple Ray (Max Showalter) and Polly Cutler (Jean Peters). George's PTSD adds a dense layer of tension, while Rose's illicit affair foreshadows a murder conspiracy that unfolds amidst the scenic yet deceptively serene backdrop of Niagara Falls. Hathaway skillfully utilizes the falls' raw power and beauty as a metaphor for the underlying menace, intertwining themes of sex and death. The climactic sequence at the falls is visually stunning but lacks true suspense given its foregone conclusions.

Monroe’s portrayal of Rose is both magnetic and searingly intense, complemented by Cotten’s excellent depiction of a man gripped by inner turmoil. While not the most exemplary film in the noir genre, Niagara indeed stands out due to Monroe's star-making performance and its vivid Technicolor presentation. Notably, this was one of the last films produced using the labor-intensive three-strip Technicolor process before the industry shifted to more cost-effective methods. Whether it's the scene of Rose in her iconic magenta dress or the Technicolor spectacle of Niagara Falls, the film remains a visually immersive experience that has undoubtedly aged well over six decades.

"Niagara" (1953) may not be as universally revered as some of Marilyn Monroe’s later projects, but it played a pivotal role in launching her into the realm of Hollywood icons. The film's allure lies not only in Monroe’s electrifying performance but also in Joseph MacDonald's sumptuous three-strip Technicolor cinematography, which is meticulously presented in 20th Century Fox's Blu-ray release. Despite some contrived plot elements and predictability in its twists, the combination of Monroe's sultry portrayal and the visually stunning backdrop of Niagara Falls creates an engaging experience.

Fox’s Blu-ray edition of "Niagara" is a technical marvel, offering a pristine high-definition transfer that does complete justice to the film's visual grandeur. The vibrant colors and clarity bring out the best in the natural beauty of the falls and the period aesthetics. The audio refurbishment is commendable, adding to the immersive quality of the viewing experience. However, potential buyers should be aware that the special features are sparse, limited to just a few trailers. This may be a disappointment for collectors who look for comprehensive extras.

While "Niagara" may feel somewhat dated with its suggestive rather than explicit content and formulaic narrative twists, its historical significance and Monroe’s captivating presence make it a must-see. Golden age Hollywood enthusiasts and Monroe fans alike will find this Blu-ray release a valuable addition to their collection. It’s an intriguing piece of cinema history that captures the essence of 1950s filmmaking.

While not as widely acclaimed as some of her subsequent films, Niagara put Marilyn Monroe on the pop-culture map, establishing her platinum blonde screen siren image. The film feels a little quaint today - suggestive more than explicit, with twists that come precisely as expected - but the combination of Marilyn's steamy presence and Joseph MacDonald's gorgeous three-strip Technicolor cinematography makes Niagara a trip worth taking. Further, 20th Century Fox's Blu-ray release is a real stunner; what it lacks it special features - you'll only find some trailers here - it makes up in a nigh-perfect high definition transfer. Monroe fans will definitely want to add this one to their collections, and even more general golden-age-of-Hollywood enthusiasts will probably want to check it out. Recommended!