A Bullet for Joey Blu-ray Review

The 1080p AVC encoded image of "A Bullet for Joey," presented in its native 1.75:1 aspect ratio, displays a number of strengths and weaknesses aligned with its period cinematography. Despite the film's age, the overall visual presentation is reasonably stable, but crisp detail is generally lacking. Fine facial features, clothing textures, and set decorations often appear soft, with only occasional close-ups providing clearer detail. Grain is consistently present and controlled, adding to the old cinematic feel without becoming overly intrusive.

The film's Black and White greyscale is commendable, delivering strong, inky black levels that enhance the movie's ambiance. However, issues such as noticeable flickering during evening scenes, especially prominent during climactic moments, detract from the viewing experience. Additionally, minor scratches and nicks from age-related wear are visible but not overly disruptive. The transfer appears to be derived from an older scan, which may explain the lack of sharpness in finer details. Overall, while the technical elements are not flawless nor particularly demo-worthy, the transfer manages to deliver an acceptable viewing experience that honors the film's historical context.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track provided for the Blu-ray release of "A Bullet For Joey" offers a satisfactory listening experience given the age of the film. Dialogue is clear and mostly easy to follow, preserving communication nuances and dramatic pacing meticulously. However, the overall audio presentation has a noticeable heaviness that results in a somewhat muddied auditory experience, particularly in terms of the film's atmospheric sounds and score. The background score by Harry Sukman, while adequately setting scenes, lacks distinctive resonances and fails to fully come to life during critical moments.

Atmospherics, primarily confined to exterior interactions and shootout sequences, are present but insufficiently nuanced, with a blunt delivery that diminishes the potential for immersion. Persistent hiss throughout the track does detract from the clarity, though not overwhelmingly so. While these limitations could be seen as minor considering the film's vintage, they do hint at the untapped potential for improvement through more comprehensive audio remastering efforts. Overall, the audio track serves its basic purpose but falls short of providing a fully refined auditory experience.

The Blu-ray of "A Bullet for Joey" offers a solid collection of extras that complement the main feature well. The primary highlight includes the original theatrical trailer, which does a commendable job setting up and selling the movie to audiences. Additionally, there are trailers for other classic films such as "He Ran All The Way" and "Witness to Murder." These provide an interesting glimpse into contemporaneous thrillers, showcasing notable performances from actors like John Garfield, Shelly Winters, and Barbara Stanwyck. While some trailers might reveal more plot than necessary, they still generate interest and excitement for classic film enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Theatrical Trailer: A solid trailer that does a decent job setting up and selling the movie to audiences.
• He Ran All The Way Trailer: Looks to be a solid thriller starring John Garfield and Shelly Winters.
• Witness to Murder Trailer: Barbara Stanwyck stars in this thriller; possibly gives away too much, yet still engaging.

"A Bullet for Joey" (1955) is an intriguing yet uneven crime drama that blends elements of a gangster film with a spy thriller, directed by Lewis Allen and featuring notable performances by Edward G. Robinson and George Raft. While the movie's marketing promises a high-octane experience "loaded with brute force" and "exploding with violence," what ultimately unfolds is a slow-burn procedural focused on subtle machinations rather than explosive confrontations.

The narrative ensnares Inspector Raoul Leduc (Edward G. Robinson) as he unravels the mystery behind a seemingly random murder that ties into a more complex plot involving the kidnapping of atomic scientist Dr. Carl Macklin (George Dolenz). As the seasoned cop methodically pieces together clues, the gritty gangster Joe Victor (George Raft) maneuvers through his own nefarious scheme. These dual storylines create rich individual arcs but struggle to coherently mesh into a unified plot, leaving a feeling of disjointedness.

Despite its structural issues, the film retains compelling elements. Robinson excels in his role as the intrepid detective, invoking nuanced credibility to the character’s dogged pursuit of justice, while Raft's portrayal of the gangster adds a dark, magnetic charm. The supporting cast, including Peter van Eyck as Hartmann and Audrey Totter as Joyce, injects layers of suspense and intrigue, although the Red Scare subplot surrounding Hartmann diverts focus and undermines narrative cohesion.

Overall, "A Bullet for Joey" provides a nostalgic glimpse into mid-20th-century genre filmmaking. While its hybrid plot may not fully synergize, the movie offers enough compelling performances and thoughtful pacing to warrant appreciation, especially for fans of classic cinema. Its measured style stands in contrast to modern filmmaking sensibilities, illustrating a time when storytelling luxuriated in careful build-up and character exploration.

The restoration of "A Bullet for Joey" on Blu-ray presents a commendable A/V presentation, offering a serviceable experience for film enthusiasts. Kino Lorber ensures a respectable visual treat, displaying commendable clarity in the transfer, while the audio is suitably balanced, preserving the original soundtrack’s integrity. The technical aspects have been handled meticulously, lending a new lease on life to this classic feature. However, it's worth noting that the package could be enhanced with more substantial extras beyond the included trailers.

The standout feature of this release is undoubtedly the historic pairing of Edward G. Robinson and George Raft, iconic figures whose past roles in "Little Caesar" and "Scarface" add a layer of intrigue to the narrative. The film crafts an engaging if somewhat slow-paced journey across borders, where Robinson and Raft navigate a crime-riddled plot. While the screenplay occasionally feels restrained, building to a deliberate crescendo, it does ultimately deliver on the anticipated clash of titanic gangster personas. Yet, it's evident that "A Bullet for Joey" could have infused more energy during its buildup to maximize its potential.

In conclusion, the primary allure of "A Bullet for Joey" lies in watching Robinson and Raft rekindle their on-screen magic. Despite its hesitant pace, the film culminates in a riveting climax, underscoring an understated yet potent message on crime. This Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber, though not extraordinary, provides an accessible avenue for viewers to revisit or discover this vintage thriller. Film aficionados and casual viewers alike will find value in adding this Blu-ray to their collections.