North by Northwest Blu-ray Review

Warner Home Video's release of "North by Northwest" on Blu-ray sets a new benchmark in the presentation of classic cinema in the high-definition era. The 1080p/VC-1 encoded transfer, derived from an 8k scan of the original VistaVision production elements, is a revelation, showcasing an impressive attention to detail and a respectful preservation of the film's original aesthetic. The result is a picture quality that combines clarity and depth with a rich, vibrant color palette, breathing new life into this Hitchcock masterpiece. Despite its age, the film manages to outshine many modern releases, thanks to a painstaking restoration that ensures no print damage, while maintaining the film's native grain structure without resorting to digital smoothing techniques. The meticulous work behind this transfer becomes especially evident in sequences that demand high visual impact, such as the iconic crane shot or the tense scenes set in the cornfield and pine woods, demonstrating the film's stunning cinematography and the transfer's dynamic range.

The restoration, rumored to have cost over $1 million, is money well spent, as it achieves near perfection not seen in previous releases. "North by Northwest" benefits greatly from VistaVision's superior resolution, which is fully exploited in this Blu-ray edition to produce images that are sharp, detailed, and immensely pleasing to the eye. Color has been carefully boosted for modern sensibilities, and combined with impeccable black levels, contrast, and shadow detail, the film's visual aesthetic is both dreamy and grounded in its evocative portrayal of mid-century America. The transfer respects the source's fidelity by maintaining natural skin tones and a balanced presentation that never veers into over-saturation. The attention to detail extends to even the minutiae, such as the texture of suits and interiors, marking this release as a definitive example of classic filmmaking brought to contemporary audiences with an unparalleled level of quality.

In summary, Warner Home Video has delivered an outstanding Blu-ray presentation that not only meets but exceeds expectations set by previous digital releases. "North by Northwest" on Blu-ray demonstrates that with careful restoration and adherence to high standards, classic films can be experienced anew, offering both longtime fans and newcomers alike an opportunity to witness Hitchcock's genius in a manner that's closer than ever to its original theatrical presentation. This release is a testament to the potential of Blu-ray technology in revitalizing classic cinema, setting a high bar for future releases.

In the Blu-ray release of "North by Northwest," the transition from its original monaural audio to a meticulously remastered Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track stands as a monumental achievement that respectfully modernizes the auditory experience without betraying the film's classic essence. This enhanced audio presentation delivers a richer, more enveloping soundscape, especially highlighted by Bernard Herrmann's iconic score. His compositions gain newfound depth and presence, with high-end clarity and bass that resonate with impressive fullness across the surround sound configuration. Dialogue maintains a sharp, prioritized front and center, ensuring that every whispered nuance and frantic exclamation is captured with crisp distinction. However, listeners might need to adjust their volume settings significantly above the norm due to the track's surprisingly low default mix level.

The remastered audio wonderfully complements the film’s most action-packed sequences, particularly the renowned crop-duster scene which utilizes the surround channels to create a palpable sense of danger and movement, making the audience feel as though the plane is buzzing directly overhead. However, it's in the quieter moments that this new mix subtly shines, with ambient sounds such as the hustle of New York City streets and the distinct scrape of gravel beneath shoes immersing the viewer in the film's varied locales. The track manages these feats while maintaining an astonishing cleanliness, free from any age-related aural artifacts like hiss or pops, thus preserving the film's integrity.

Technical excellence aside, some may find the surround elements underused outside of key action sequences, longing for a constant immersive experience comparable to modern productions. Despite this, the update respects its source material, striking an admirable balance between enhancing sonic depth and retaining the film's original atmosphere. The low-end punch during crucial scenes adds a satisfying weight to the drama, ensuring that even after decades, "North by Northwest" remains aurally competitive with today’s cinematic offerings.

The extra presentation of the "North by Northwest" Blu-ray offers a detailed and immersive exploration into the making and legacy of Hitchcock's masterpiece, encapsulated by a mixture of nostalgic anecdotes, professional dissections, and personal reflections from those who brought the film to life. From Ernest Lehman's comprehensive commentary, which starts slow but builds to reveal intricate details of his collaboration with Hitchcock and the script's creation, to the deep dive into Cary Grant's storied career and complex persona in "Cary Grant: A Class Apart," the extras deliver an enriching experience that complements the film. The well-crafted documentaries, including "The Master's Touch" and "Destination Hitchcock," provide an educational perspective on Hitchcock's style, the production challenges, and behind-the-scenes insights, while the inclusion of trailers, a music-only track, and a stills gallery rounds out the features, offering fans a complete package that enhances appreciation for this cinematic landmark.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Screenwriter Ernest Lehman: Enlightening insights into the film's creation.
• The Master's Touch: Hitchcock's Signature Style: Directors dissect Hitchcock's techniques.
• Destination Hitchcock: The Making of North by Northwest: Behind-the-scenes look hosted by Eva Marie Saint.
• North by Northwest: One for the Ages: Directors and a writer analyze the film.
• Cary Grant: A Class Apart: A deep dive into Cary Grant's life and career.
• Trailers: A collection of promotional trailers for the film.
• Music Only Track: Isolate Bernard Herrmann's score.
• Stills Gallery: High-definition stills from production.
• Digibook Packaging: A 43-page book with essays, bios, and photos.

Alfred Hitchcock's "North by Northwest" stands as an unparalleled cinematic masterpiece, embodying the essence of suspense, wit, and elegance that has come to define the legendary director's oeuvre. The film's Blu-ray presentation brings this iconic thriller into sharp relief, reminding contemporary audiences of Hitchcock's genius in manipulating viewer emotions and expectations. Screenwriter Ernest Lehman aspired to create the ultimate Hitchcock film, a goal that reverberates through each frame of this transcontinental chase narrative, blending suspense, romance, and humor with an artistry only Hitchcock could envision.

The narrative intricacies of "North by Northwest" encapsulate a deft amalgamation of themes and motifs recurrent in Hitchcock’s body of work—from mistaken identity to high-stakes espionage—while Cary Grant's portrayal of Roger O. Thornhill offers a compelling study of character evolution. His journey from a suave advertising executive embroiled in a case of mistaken identity to a man on the run, entangled in a complex web of intrigue and deceit, showcases Hitchcock and Lehman's narrative prowess. The inclusion of iconic sequences, such as the harrowing crop-duster attack and the climactic Mount Rushmore chase, exemplifies the director's command over the medium, marrying suspense with technical innovation.

Moreover, "North by Northwest" serves as a testament to Hitchcock's ability to craft characters that resonate and engage. The dynamics between Grant and Eva Marie Saint, who delivers a performance as the enigmatic Eve Kendall that is both seductive and complex, add layers of tension and intrigue. The film not only navigates through its thrilling plot with precision but also elevates the espionage thriller genre to new artistic heights. With its blend of humor, suspense, and romance, underpinned by Bernard Herrmann's stirring score, Hitchcock's work remains a cornerstone of cinematic excellence, demonstrating a master at the height of his powers.

In the realm of classic cinema rebirthed in high definition, the Blu-ray release of Alfred Hitchcock's "North by Northwest" presents a riveting case for its necessity in any film aficionado's collection. This cinematic treasure not only marks Hitchcock's inaugural foray into Blu-ray within the United States but does so with an unparalleled audio-visual treatment that secures its status as perhaps the closest to a definitive version we might ever witness on a 1080p format. The video quality is cited as uniformly excellent, offering a pristine visual experience that brings this timeless action-comedy thriller to life with an unprecedented clarity. Paired with a newly minted TrueHD soundtrack, the film resonates with a clarity and depth unheard in previous releases, ensuring that Roger Thornhill's harrowing adventure sounds as dynamic and thrilling as it looks.

Accompanying the stellar A/V presentation is a copious assortment of supplementary features that enriches the viewing experience by providing insightful context and appreciation for Hitchcock’s directorial ingenuity, Cary Grant's mesmerizing performance, and the film's enduring legacy. Moreover, the package is elevated by its attractive digibook packaging, reminiscent of Warner's dedication to preserving film history with both style and substance. The amalgamation of these elements not only caters to Hitchcock enthusiasts and cinephiles but also makes it an indispensable addition to one’s collection, meriting frequent revisitation.

Conclusively, "North by Northwest" on Blu-ray encompasses an exceptional restoration that does justice to its legendary status. With a visual and auditory enhancement that breathes new life into the film, alongside an array of special features and elegant packaging, this release stands out as a paramount example of how classic films should be celebrated in the digital age. It earns our highest commendation, representing not just a mere acquisition but a prized possession that reaffirms the timeless allure of Hitchcock's masterful storytelling.