The 39 Steps Blu-ray Review

Presented in the aspect ratio of 1.34:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Criterion's Blu-ray release of Alfred Hitchcock's "The 39 Steps" features a 1080p transfer derived from a 35mm fine-grain master positive. While it appears that Criterion's transfer builds upon the existing ITV restoration, it noticeably improves upon its predecessor, particularly in terms of compression. The resulting tighter image is free from the blurriness that plagued the ITV release, as evidenced by the clearly visible light grain. The color scheme has also been attentively corrected; though minor fluctuations persist, blacks are more saturated and nuanced grays and whites exhibit a wider tonal range. Nonetheless, occasional small warps, damage marks, and edge flicker remain.

Criterion's transfer stands out for its largely crisp and clean visual quality, which does justice to this vintage classic. At times, the clarity and contrast are breathtaking, considering the film's age. Even though grain is present and sometimes pronounced, it retains a film-like feel throughout. Notably, black levels are rich and inky without noticeable crush even in nocturnal scenes. Background elements and fine details like fabric textures appear surprisingly vibrant and clear, providing a sharp overall image despite some scenes exhibiting a slightly washed-out look. Importantly, noise, banding, pixelation, noise reduction, and edge enhancement are all absent, enhancing the viewing experience.

Ultimately, Criterion's presentation of "The 39 Steps" on Blu-ray marks a significant upgrade from previous standard-definition editions. While there are inherent limitations due to the film’s age, the meticulous treatment given to this transfer ensures that it possesses an organic and film-like visual appeal that aligns well with what cinephiles expect from older titles transitioning to high-definition formats. This Region-A locked disc is an essential acquisition for Hitchcock enthusiasts seeking an enhanced viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release of "The 39 Steps" features a single audio track: LPCM 1.0 in English. Criterion has also included optional English SDH subtitles for accessibility. The dialogue is generally stable and comprehensible, with good depth and clarity, although occasional light hiss is present. Notably, the range of nuanced dynamics is somewhat limited; however, high-frequency distortions and audio dropouts are absent, ensuring a relatively smooth audio experience.

Despite Criterion's meticulous efforts in restoring the soundtrack of "The 39 Steps," the inherent limitations of its primitive original recording are evident. The uncompressed mono track delivers a mixed audio quality—a common outcome for such aged material. While pops and crackles have been expertly removed, the presence of hiss during quieter scenes is noticeable. Furthermore, a tinny and brittle quality detracts from some musical elements and dialogue segments, occasionally rendering them harsh or challenging to understand. Key sound effects like the signature train whistle remain appropriately sharp, demonstrating the audio's punchiness despite its vintage origin.

Overall, Criterion's restoration reflects commendable technical skill in repairing and enhancing the mono track, culminating in an audio experience that is far from perfect but likely the best possible given the source material's condition.

The Blu-ray release of "The 39 Steps" features a robust set of supplements that will delight both classic film aficionados and Hitchcock enthusiasts with their depth and diversity. The extras include scholarly commentaries, insightful documentaries, and unique historical artifacts that together paint a comprehensive picture of Hitchcock's early career. Highlights include a detailed visual essay on the film's adaptation, a vintage television interview with Hitchcock discussing his early works, and production design sketches that showcase the meticulous craftsmanship behind the scenes. The package successfully balances technical analysis with engaging narratives, making it a must-have for cinephiles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Hitchcock: The Early Years: Examination of Hitchcock's British films with various historians and archival clips.
• Cinema: Alfred Hitchcock: 1966 interview with Mike Scott discussing Hitchcock's early career and techniques.
• The Borders of the Possible: Leonard Leff discusses the film's adaptation and Hitchcock’s filmmaking style.
• Production Design: Set sketches by art director O. Werndorff.
• Hitchcock-Truffaut: Excerpts from the famous 1962 interview.
• Lux Radio Theatre Presents The 39 Steps: 1937 radio adaptation by Robert Montgomery and Ida Lupino.
• Commentary: Informative 1999 commentary by film scholar Marian Keane.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet with an essay by film critic David Cairns.

Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps (1935) remains an essential piece in the master director's oeuvre, superbly transferred to Blu-ray by Criterion. The film expertly meshes thrilling espionage with sharp, incisive humor, showcasing many elements that would define Hitchcock's later works. Robert Donat's portrayal of Richard Hannay, a Canadian drawn into a complex web of espionage, is both compelling and charismatic. Madeleine Carroll as the alluring yet suspicious Pamela brings a tension-infused dynamic that heightens the film's stakes. The narrative is punctuated with several standout scenes including Mr. Memory's unforgettable performance and Hannay’s gripping political speech, embroidered with Hitchcock’s signature use of sound and visual storytelling.

From a stylistic viewpoint, The 39 Steps serves as a prototype for many of Hitchcock’s American masterpieces. The detailed cinematography by Bernard Knowles captures the brooding allure of the Scottish moors, framed with noirish aesthetics that elevate the atmospheric suspense. Hitchcock’s adept use of the MacGuffin—here embodied by a nebulous government secret—is skillfully executed, keeping audiences engaged without overshadowing the film’s brisk pace. Moreover, his innovative sound techniques, such as replacing a scream with a train whistle, add an avant-garde layer to the movie, underlining Hitchcock’s evolving directorial ingenuity.

While not as polished as Hitch’s later works, The 39 Steps firmly establishes core tropes: the wrongly accused man, the ne’er-do-well hero, and the icy blonde heroine. The film thrives on its linear narrative while embedding significant themes of mistaken identity and social deception. Donat’s performance radiates charm and tension, reminiscent of Cary Grant’s later roles, securing The 39 Steps as a key study in suspense cinema. Criterion’s impeccable 1080p transfer ensures that this classic appears crisper than ever, complemented by enriched mono audio, retaining its historical essence while meeting modern viewing standards. This Blu-ray edition is indispensable for enthusiasts and scholars alike, offering a rich insight into Hitchcock's early creative genius.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Alfred Hitchcock's "The 39 Steps" is a welcome addition to the high-definition catalog, adding another of the director's early British classics to collectors' shelves. While the film's engaging narrative of mystery, murder, espionage, romance, and pursuit remains as captivating as ever, the restoration efforts presented here are notably robust. Criterion has clearly put significant effort into preserving the film's original cinematic texture, offering a more organic look that meets contemporary expectations for older film transitions to Blu-ray. However, the upgrade in quality might not be as profound as some enthusiasts anticipated, though it seems to represent the best available restoration with current digital tools.

The video quality of this Blu-ray release is beautifully restored, exuding a rich, authentic feel that enhances the viewing experience. For a movie that's over seven decades old, the audio quality holds up remarkably well, providing an adequate sonic backdrop that complements the on-screen action without detracting from it. Moreover, Criterion's compilation of supplements is both extensive and engrossing, adding further value to this release and offering deeper insights into Hitchcock's burgeoning talent during this formative phase of his illustrious career.

I have to speculate that this release of Alfred Hitchcock's "The 39 Steps" will likely be the definitive release of the film, at least on Blu-ray. I have to admit that I was expecting a much more convincing upgrade in quality, but apparently the ITV restoration is indeed the best one around at the moment. Criterion's Blu-ray release is undoubtedly better than ITV's release, as the film clearly has the type of organic look we expect to see when older films transition to Blu-ray, but it is far from flawless. Perhaps this is all that could be accomplished with current digital tools. RECOMMENDED.