Criss Cross Blu-ray Review

The 1080p Blu-ray release of "Criss Cross," presented in a 1.35:1 aspect ratio and utilizing MPEG-4 AVC encoding, stands out as a top-tier presentation from Eureka Entertainment. This edition benefits from a meticulous 4K restoration by Universal Pictures, resulting in exceptional depth and clarity that evokes comparisons to the high standards set by "Double Indemnity." The density and resolution of the visuals are remarkable, with even minute details rendered vividly. Moreover, the careful grading ensures solid blacks and an impressive range of gray and white nuances, without any evidence of degraining corrections, strike-throughs, or artifacts.

Image stability is consistently excellent, enhancing the film's overall high-definition appeal. The film's depth is particularly noteworthy, capturing the subtle details splendidly. For instance, sequences featuring Burt Lancaster walking through the city are brilliantly detailed and immersive. Black levels are deep and free from crush, maintaining integrity throughout the viewing experience. Additionally, the release boasts no post-production tweaking or edge enhancement issues, ensuring an authentic visual presentation. While color reproduction and flesh tones weren't highlighted, it's clear this Blu-ray captures the film's monochromatic essence with finesse. Overall, "Criss Cross" on Blu-ray offers a visually captivating experience that upholds the celebrated restoration pedigree of Universal Pictures.

The Blu-ray release of "Criss Cross" offers an audio presentation in English LPCM 2.0 (48kHz/24-bit), with optional English SDH subtitles. The audio quality is impressively robust, with the sound elements masterfully preserved in the 24-bit LPCM 2.0 format. This mix avoids the pitfalls of many classic films that suffer from aged, poorly mixed audio; instead, it presents a rich, immersive experience that does justice to the film's original sound design.

Notably, Miklós Rózsa's score is delivered with dynamic intensity that maintains clarity and balance throughout. Despite the absence of low-frequency extension and surround sound, the audio remains vibrant and enveloping. Dialogue reproduction stands out for its cleanness, clarity, and crispness. From the sotto voce exchanges to the dramatic chases and gunfire, every spoken word is rendered with exceptional precision, ensuring that the dialogue remains distinct and intelligible in all scenarios.

The Blu-ray release of "Criss Cross" boasts a robust collection of special features, offering significant value beyond the main attraction. Two scholarly audio commentaries provide rich insights: one by film author Lee Gambin and actress Rutanya Alda, and another by critic Adrian Martin. The 1949 Screen Director's Playhouse radio adaptation, featuring Burt Lancaster, is a standout inclusion. Audiophiles will appreciate the isolated music and effects track presented in LPCM 2.0. Additional highlights include a vintage theatrical trailer and a meticulously curated collector's booklet featuring writings by critics Kat Ellinger and Adam Batty, along with archival content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Vintage trailer for "Criss Cross".
• Radio Adaptation: Screen Director's Playhouse from 1949, featuring Burt Lancaster.
• Isolated music & effects track: Presented as LPCM 2.0.
• Audio Commentary One: By film author Lee Gambin and actress Rutanya Alda.
• Audio Commentary Two: By critic Adrian Martin.
• Booklet: Featuring new writing by Kat Ellinger, essay by Adam Batty, archival content.

Robert Siodmak's 1949 film, Criss Cross, arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Eureka Entertainment, delivering a quintessential crime-noir experience bolstered by a robust suite of supplemental features. This riveting follow-up to Siodmak and Burt Lancaster's earlier success, The Killers, weaves a complex tale of betrayal and ambition set against the smoky backdrop of post-war Los Angeles. While the high-definition transfer accentuates its visual allure, comparisons to the duo's earlier work reveal certain deficiencies. Lancaster's portrayal of Steve Thompson, fueled by his misguided love for Anna (Yvonne De Carlo), lacks the intensity needed to match Dan Duryea’s compellingly sinister performance as Slim Dundee. The interplay between shadow and light by cinematographer Franz Planer alongside Miklos Rozsa’s dramatic score enhances the film's atmospheric tension.

Though the film doesn’t quite reach the stylistic heights of The Killers, Criss Cross remains a gripping noir in its own right. Lancaster's character is naively entangled in a web far beyond his control, a dynamic that perhaps could have been amplified with a more nuanced performance. Screenwriter Daniel Fuchs' adaptation of Don Tracy’s novel sketches a tragically flawed protagonist whose desperation propels him toward inevitable ruin. Despite these critical observations, De Carlo's compelling chemistry with Duryea creates a palpable friction that further diminishes Lancaster's impact, reinforcing the notion that his love for Anna is as perilous as it is passionate. These character interactions highlight the film's narrative strengths while underscoring its weaknesses.

From its captivating opening aerial shot descending into Los Angeles to the climactic action sequence, Criss Cross delivers a nostalgic yet fresh visit to classic film noir themes. The meticulously restored visuals capture the period’s vintage charm, providing a striking contrast to the genres’ intrinsic darkness. Moments of familial bonds and forbidden love interspersed with meticulous criminal planning make this Blu-ray release a worthy addition to any cinephile’s collection.

Eureka Entertainment's Blu-ray release of "Criss Cross" is a visually stunning presentation that highlights the film's excellent cinematography. Sourced from a meticulous 4K restoration by Universal Pictures, the visual and audio quality is superb, making it a definitive edition for this classic film noir. Supplementary materials are equally well-crafted, offering insightful and entertaining content that enhances the viewing experience.

The film itself, while undeniably beautiful, does invite comparisons to the more polished and intense "The Killers." Burt Lancaster’s performance in "Criss Cross" is notable but lacks the gravitas brought by Dan Duryea, who delivers a more authentic and compelling presence. The chemistry between Duryea and Yvonne De Carlo is oddly intriguing despite their characters' doomed relationship, adding an additional layer of complexity to the narrative.

In conclusion, while "Criss Cross" may not surpass "The Killers" in terms of narrative strength, it remains a captivating and well-crafted film. Eureka Entertainment’s Blu-ray release provides both exceptional technical quality and valuable supplementary content, making it a highly recommended addition for film enthusiasts and collectors.