The Night Porter Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of "The Night Porter," supervised by Liliana Cavani, utilizes a 2K restoration created from the 35mm original camera negative and interpositive. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for a 1080p transfer, this release showcases significant improvements in detail, clarity, and color fidelity. Particularly notable is the superior handling of darker scenes, where grain is more effectively resolved compared to previous releases such as the problematic R1 DVD. Criterion's attention to preservation has resulted in the careful removal of debris, scratches, and other artifacts without compromising the image's intrinsic qualities.

The restoration infuses the film with an unexpected vibrancy and depth, particularly emphasizing facial features, clothing textures, and background details. The previously pervasive green tint has been moderated in favor of a colder blue hue, which better complements the film's tonality. Contrast levels are high, with well-defined whites and deep blacks contributing to a robust visual experience free from banding or crush. This level of detail is maintained consistently across all scenes, including the final darker segments, which benefit greatly from the enhanced clarity.

The disc's technical quality extends to the overall image stabilization and minimal sharpening adjustments. While maintaining a filmic essence, the restoration smooths grain and limits residual dust and scratches, producing a cleaner yet authentic visual experience. Consequently, this Criterion release marks a substantial upgrade, offering a presentation that rivals—and in many ways surpasses—previous iterations in terms of both visual fidelity and aesthetic integrity.

The Blu-ray release of "The Night Porter" features an English LPCM 1.0 audio track, capturing an auditory experience likely matching the film's original presentation. Depth and clarity of audio are exceptional, with the haunting score by Daniele Paris shining through, free from distortions, balance issues, pops, or cracks. The straightforward mono track ensures that both the moody oboe and violin solos, as well as the film's crisp dialogue, are consistently stable and easy to follow. Additionally, Criterion has made the intelligent choice to include optional English SDH subtitles, which enhance the accessibility of the film.

Despite the absence of a surround sound track, this LPCM monaural presentation manages to convey a sense of immersion with impressive sound balance. Dialogue, although occasionally tinny, is generally very good, and the track's ability to blend music, dialogue, and sound effects seamlessly adds to its dramatic impact. While ambient sounds are sparingly employed, certain scenes effectively harness them through the center channel speaker to generate a sense of space, such as the sounds of traffic or a busy restaurant. Overall, the audio mix may be simple, but this LPCM track excels in making it feel richer and more complex. The soundtrack remains true to its roots while highlighting key auditory elements with clarity and precision.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Night Porter" are meticulously curated to provide a comprehensive look into the film's background and its broader historical context. The archival documentary "Women of the Resistance," created by Liliana Cavani in 1965, offers an illuminating glimpse into the experiences of Italian women during WWII, supplemented by a contemporary interview with Cavani, offering further insights. The new interview with Cavani herself sheds light on her inspiration and unique choices during the making of the film, including her collaboration with Charlotte Rampling and cinematographer Alfio Contini. These extras invite viewers to delve deeper into both the historical and artistic dimensions of "The Night Porter," blending past and present perspectives seamlessly.

Extras included in this disc:

• Women of the Resistance: Archival documentary on Italian women in WWII with a new interview featuring Liliana Cavani.
• Liliana Cavani: New interview discussing the inspirations and unique aspects of "The Night Porter."
• Leaflet: Includes an essay by Gaetana Marrone and an excerpt from a 1975 interview with Cavani.

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of Liliana Cavani's "The Night Porter" presents an intense and provocative dive into the human psyche, noteworthy for its harrowing narrative and top-tier performances. Set against the desolate backdrop of post-war Vienna in 1957, the film revolves around Max (Dirk Bogarde), a former Nazi officer now working as the night porter in a luxurious hotel, and Lucia (Charlotte Rampling), a former concentration camp inmate and now a respected conductor's wife. Their unexpected encounter revives a twisted relationship marked by power dynamics and psychological scars.

Cavani expertly employs flashbacks to gradually unveil their disturbing past, blending it seamlessly with the present. This narrative technique allows the audience to grasp the depth of their intricate and tormenting bond. Both Bogarde and Rampling deliver mesmerizing performances, managing to encapsulate the terror and vulnerability of their characters. particularly striking is Rampling's portrayal in a scene where she entertains Nazi officers, which is disturbingly realistic and devoid of any kitsch.

Visually, the film benefits immensely from Alfio Contini's exceptional cinematography. The cold greens, blues, and grays create a chilling atmosphere that accentuates the film’s tense and unsettling nature. The set designs by Oscar winner Osvaldo Desideri further enhance the authenticity and emotional weight of the settings. The film’s technical prowess is complemented by Criterion's meticulous presentation. English SDH subtitles are provided, ensuring accessibility. Deriving its power from its audacious confrontation of taboo subjects, "The Night Porter" stands as a significant piece in cinematic history, deftly navigating between unnerving brutality and poetic melancholy.

Liliana Cavani’s "The Night Porter" is a compelling and unapologetically daring film, evocative of Luchino Visconti's grandiose "The Damned" and Bernardo Bertolucci's sophisticated "The Conformist." The Blu-ray release by Criterion represents a substantial improvement over the prior R1 DVD edition, offering an impeccable technical presentation. The remastered visuals bring a new depth to the film, highlighting its dark, haunting aesthetics with impressive clarity and sharpness. Similarly, the audio quality enhances the chilling atmosphere, capturing every subtle nuance of the film’s somber soundtrack.

The film’s unsettling themes delve deeply into post-Nazi societal impacts, portraying survivors grappling with their morality. Through its provocative narrative, it challenges viewers to consider the extremes one might go to for survival. The brilliant and intense performances of Dirk Bogarde and Charlotte Rampling are pivotal, adding layers of complexity to this disturbing yet fascinating story.

While the supplementary materials could have benefited from further expansion, the overall quality of the image and sound stands out, providing an immersive viewing experience. Criterion’s Blu-ray release undoubtedly does justice to this gripping and controversial classic. This edition is a marked improvement that should satisfy both new viewers and long-time fans.

In summary, "The Night Porter" is not just a film but an experiential journey into the dark recesses of human psychology post-World War II. The Criterion Blu-ray edition masterfully captures its essence through superior technical enhancement. This release is highly recommended for anyone looking to experience a bold cinematic exploration that resonates with unsettling intensity.