The Paradine Case Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded 1080p transfer of "The Paradine Case" (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presents a generally compelling visual experience that showcases the excellence of Lee Garmes' cinematography while recognizing some limitations in preservation. The image delivers decent clarity, managing to capture intricate facial details, particularly in close-ups such as Gregory Peck's tense courtroom moments. The image quality boasts substantial grain that, although occasionally chunky, retains a cinematic texture. Whites are consistent and secure, enhancing the overall viewing experience with strong source material, albeit marred slightly by speckling and rare instances of damage.

Excellent contrast and black levels are a highlight, rendering deep blacks and richly detailed shadows that complement the film's dramatic tones and elaborate sets. Whites are impeccably bright without blooming, and the varied grays provide depth and background detail, though there is occasional instability in grain levels that can distract. While dust, dirt, and minor scratches are present, along with occasional noise in black levels during earlier low-light scenes, these imperfections do not eclipse the restoration's overall success. Fans of this Hitchcock-directed legal drama will find this the best rendition available on home video to date.

The audio presentation of "The Paradine Case" on Blu-ray, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono sound mix, demonstrates a well-crafted balance, particularly in handling Franz Waxman's evocative score. The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix, which prominently features the rich and robust string-laden compositions, manages to fill the room effectively. However, the score occasionally edges towards its distortion limits, although it maintains essential instrumentation clarity.

Dialogue clarity is commendable, with distinct management of accents and intensity that allows for easy comprehension. The audio track features nuanced sound effects such as rain, wind, and footsteps, which complement the film's relatively quiet, dialogue-centric nature. Despite minor instances of hiss, the audio largely remains free from age-related defects like pops and crackles, seamlessly integrating into the film's overall fabric without drawing undue attention.

The Blu-ray of "The Paradine Case" offers an exceptional range of extras that provide deep insights into both the production and creative process behind this Alfred Hitchcock film. Particularly compelling, the audio commentary by film historians Stephen Rebello and Bill Krohn brings to light the various production challenges and directorial choices, enhancing appreciation for this classic. Hitchcock’s own reflections, shared in audio interviews with François Truffaut and Peter Bogdanovich, reveal his critical perspectives on casting and script development. Additionally, personal anecdotes shared by Gregory Peck's children in "Conflict of Conscience" provide a touching glimpse into the actor's experiences. A vintage radio adaptation, restoration comparison, and theatrical trailer round out a robust supplemental package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Detailed discussions by Stephen Rebello and Bill Krohn.
• Hitchcock/Truffaut Interview: Audio insights from Hitchcock on the film’s strengths and weaknesses.
• Celia and Cary Peck Interview: Anecdotes from Gregory Peck’s children.
• Lux Radio Theater: A 1949 radio adaptation starring Joseph Cotten.
• Hitchcock/Bogdanovich Interview: In-depth conversation covering Hitchcock’s filmmaking philosophy.
• Restoration Comparison: Visual comparison of pre- and post-restoration versions.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original film preview.

"The Paradine Case," directed by Alfred Hitchcock and nestled between his celebrated works "Notorious" and "Rope," presents a unique blend of courtroom drama and interpersonal conflict. Starring Gregory Peck as defense attorney Anthony Keane, the narrative unfolds around his infatuation with his client, Maddalena Paradine (Alida Valli), who is accused of murdering her husband. Despite Hitchcock's distinctive directorial flair, the movie bears a significant influence from producer David O. Selznick, whose incessant meddling often dulls the film's impact. The film showcases Hitchcock's ability to delve into the complexity of troubled marriages but lacks the cinematic ingenuity typical of his more famous works.

The movie's cast delivers commendable performances, with Peck conveying Keane's internal struggle and Ann Todd portraying his patient wife, Gay, with stoic grace. Charles Laughton stands out as the lascivious judge while Ethel Barrymore, in her brief but impactful role as the judge's mentally disturbed wife, earned an Oscar nomination despite many of her scenes being cut. Alida Valli and Louis Jourdan, though newly introduced stars at the time, hold their own despite Hitchcock’s reservations about their casting. The narrative focuses more on the personal underpinnings and motivations of its characters than the courtroom proceedings, a bold choice that sometimes frustrates initial viewing but pays off upon deeper scrutiny.

Technically, "The Paradine Case" is a visual delight with a lavish production, though it lacks Hitchcock's usual visual innovation. The multi-camera setup in the courtroom adds visual interest to an otherwise dialogue-heavy script. However, Selznick's sanitized screenplay and penchant for glamour over grit significantly soften the film's intended edge. Despite its shortcomings, "The Paradine Case" offers a polished yet subdued exploration of obsession and marital discord, worthy of attention for its layered performances and rich character portraits, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Hitchcock’s other masterpieces.

Alfred Hitchcock’s "The Paradine Case" stands as a complex blend of legal drama and character study, exploring themes of infidelity and marital dysfunction. Despite the measured pacing and occasionally verbose script, the film’s compelling narrative and impressive ensemble cast, featuring Gregory Peck, Charles Laughton, and Louis Jourdan, maintain a gripping presence. The story delves into the darker aspects of human emotion and moral conflict, deftly handled by Hitchcock, even if it lacks the suspense typical of his signature style.

The Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber boasts strong video and audio transfers, elevating the cinematic experience despite some minor inconsistencies in the visual quality. The supplements included in this edition are comprehensive, enriching the viewing experience and providing valuable context to this underappreciated Hitchcock work. Gregory Peck and Alida Valli exhibit commendable performances, yet it is Ann Todd who truly captivates with her portrayal of a wife in silent turmoil. Hitchcock’s directorial flourishes sporadically appear, though they are not enough to sustain the film’s momentum throughout the courtroom proceedings.

While "The Paradine Case" may not hold the same allure for casual Hitchcock fans due to its slow pace and limited suspense, it remains a significant piece for diehard admirers and classic movie enthusiasts. This Blu-ray edition ensures the film is accessible in its best possible form to date.

While Peck and Valli deliver fine work as a lawyer and his enigmatic client, it's Todd who walks away with the movie, communicating the utter, but silent, horror of a wife watching her husband tempted away, unsure how to appropriately defend her marriage. It's a sensational performance, and it's greatly missed once the trial begins. Hitchcock adds some visual flourishes here and there, but it's clear "The Paradine Case" isn't a passion project, with the whole picture losing steam the longer it draws out the case.