Play Misty for Me Blu-ray Review

The latest Blu-ray release of "Play Misty for Me," courtesy of Kino Lorber, presents the film in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with an MPEG-4 AVC and a 1080p transfer, sourced from a new exclusive 2K master. This fresh master marks a significant upgrade over the previous release by Universal Pictures in 2015, especially evident in the elimination of frame jitter and unsightly haloing. The attention towards maintaining an organic film grain and avoiding over-sharpening results in a more authentically pleasing visual experience, despite a slight trade-off in image softness and some noted black crush. The colors now display more depth and vibrancy, particularly noticeable in the 1970s primaries and the scenic backdrops, which are stunning; the music festival segments are especially highlighted with impressive color dynamics.

The new color scheme, while introducing some black crush that obscures minor details, overall enhances the film’s appearance with convincing values that surpass those of the prior master. Image stability sees improvement, contributing to a fluid motion that effectively addresses issues related to motion judder observed in the earlier version. The source elements are maintained in commendable condition, showing only occasional speckling without compromising the viewing experience significantly. Strong black levels help in achieving a greater sense of depth, sorely missed in the previous release, and contribute to the film’s cinematic feel.

In conclusion, while a full 4K UHD presentation would have been ideal for "Play Misty for Me," this Blu-ray release with its 1080p transfer from a new 2K master represents a notable enhancement over its predecessor. The elimination of previous discrepancies like frame jitter and haloing coupled with improved color dynamics, detail, and overall image stability, provides a much-needed refresh to this classic film’s visual presentation. The improvements make this Blu-ray an essential upgrade, relegating the earlier disc to a mere coaster. Despite minor setbacks such as slight softness and black crush, the organic quality and improved clarity offer a more immersive viewing experience that fans of the film will appreciate.

The audio presentation of "Play Misty for Me" on Blu-ray, delivered via an English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track (48kHz, 16-bit), is both a faithful and robust rendition of the original soundscape. Accommodating those in need of them, optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature. While the lossless audio track maintains a good level of fidelity throughout, a keen ear might catch subtle unevenness in a small selection of sequences. However, these moments are few and fleeting, leaving the overall audio experience largely uncompromised. Extensive testing reveals no significant discrepancies or encoding anomalies, ensuring a clean and uninterrupted listening experience.

The audio track in question reinstates its superior quality by preserving the cleanliness of dialogue, free from any distracting hiss or pop noises. Its performance is commendable for capturing the moody and evocative atmosphere that defines the film—from the serene yet ominous scenes on Clint's porch to the jazz-infused suspense of Erroll Garner's "Misty" and Dee Barton's exceptional score. Despite being formatted in mono, the track remarkably conveys a natural atmospheric depth, especially notable in scenes set in confined spaces such as Dave's radio station or his home, and manages to expand beautifully during more open sequences like the Jazz Festival.

Moreover, the audio mix adeptly utilizes dynamic range to enhance the narrative's emotional impact and tension. The piercing clarity of screams offers a startling contrast to the subtler sound elements, effectively adding layers to the viewing experience. This underscores how, even within the constraints of a mono track, "Play Misty for Me" achieves a significantly immersive sound field that elevates key moments, ensuring the audio aspects both complement and elevate the suspenseful narrative.

The Blu-ray extras for "Play Misty for Me," presented by Kino Lorber Studio Classics, offer a comprehensive and engaging range of content that strikes a balance between new offerings and treasured archival materials. Highlights include a profound video essay by Howard S. Berger that delves into Clint Eastwood's multifaceted career, accentuating his roles both in front of and behind the camera, specifically focusing on this film. The addition of Donna Mills' interview, despite being conducted via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions, introduces a personal touch, sharing intriguing insights from her experience on set. Tim Lucas enhances the package with an articulate and informative audio commentary, offering anecdotes that enrich the viewing experience. The collection is rounded off with a mix of other archival gems such as featurettes, photo montages, trailers, and TV spots that altogether contribute to a fuller appreciation of this cinematic classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Exclusive new commentary by film historian Tim Lucas.
• Interview with Co-Star Donna Mills: New video interview offering insights into working with Clint Eastwood.
• Video Essay: A deep dive into Eastwood's career, emphasizing "Play Misty for Me," by Howard S. Berger.
• Play It Again... A Look Back at Play Misty For Me: Documentary exploring the movie's conception and production.
• The Beguiled, Misty, Don and Clint: Featurette on Clint Eastwood's evolving career.
• Trailers From Hell: Episode with director Adam Rifkin discussing the film's trailer.
• The Evolution of a Poster: Photo montage set to music.
• Clint Eastwood Directs and Acts: Collection of stills showcasing Eastwood working on set.
• Stills Montage: Production and promotional images featuring Clint Eastwood.
• Trailer and Teaser: Remastered vintage trailers for "Play Misty For Me."
• TV Spots: Vintage television advertisements for the film.

Clint Eastwood's "Play Misty for Me," his first foray into directing, lands anew on Blu-Ray through Kino Lorber, encapsulating the dawn of Eastwood's distinctive directorial style with an intimate yet thrilling narrative. This release, replete with a treasure trove of supplemental features including vintage production materials and insightful new commentary, not only revisits but enhances the 1971 classic's legacy. Initially introduced to the Blu-Ray domain by Universal Pictures in 2015, this edition stands out by offering a fresh auditory and visual critique that appeals to both newcomers and avid fans. The film itself, a harbinger of psychological thrillers, showcases a blend of suspenseful storytelling and character-driven drama, marking a pivotal point in Eastwood's cinematic journey.

In the film, Dave Garver, portrayed with an understated charm by Eastwood, navigates the unpredictable repercussions of a fleeting encounter with an obsessed fan, Evelyn, played with mesmerizing versatility by Jessica Walter. This foundational work skillfully intertwines elements of horror and suspense, leveraging Walter’s exceptional performance to transform it into a cinematic cornerstone. Unlike mainstream thrillers depicting unidimensional antagonists, "Play Misty for Me" delves into the complexities of interpersonal relationships, with Evelyn's transition from adoration to derangement unraveled with poignant depth. The film not only solidifies Eastwood’s adeptness behind the camera but also establishes Walter’s portrayal as a quintessential study in character evolution.

The Blu-Ray’s presentation enhances this cinematic gem with a visually arresting transfer and meticulously curated extras. As Eastwood's directorial debut, the movie harbors an intrinsic allure for cinephiles intrigued by an actor's transition to directing; it's an encapsulated view of the raw yet refined directorial choices that would define Eastwood's filmography. Moreover, this edition’s attempt to juxtapose vintage insights with new analyses enriches the appreciation for "Play Misty for Me" as a critical entry in the thriller genre and a testament to Eastwood’s enduring influence in film. Straddling the line between horror and thriller, the movie commands its place in not just Eastwood’s repertoire but also as a Halloween season staple, appealing through its clever pacing and tension-building mastery.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of Clint Eastwood's "Play Misty For Me" stands out as an essential upgrade for both fans of Eastwood and cinema enthusiasts. Highlighting Eastwood's debut in directorial roles, this version emphasizes the timeless nature of this thrilling narrative, showcasing its capacity to engage audiences even after decades. The technical aspects of this release have been meticulously curated, featuring a pristine new transfer that breathes new life into the visual and audio experience. The addition of both new and archival bonus features enriches the appreciation for Eastwood's craftsmanship and provides a comprehensive look into the film's enduring legacy. Jessica Walter’s performance, alongside Eastwood’s, is celebrated, marking a pivotal moment in thriller cinema.

The inclusion of Howard S. Berger’s elaborate video essay among the special features offers an insightful exploration into Eastwood’s directorial impact and the film's production nuances. This, along with a significant array of other extra material, positions this release as not just a revisitation of a classic thriller but as a deep dive into cinematic history. The care taken in the new transfer ensures that every frame and soundbite is presented with clarity, enhancing the suspenseful atmosphere that defines this film. Whether one is reacquainting with the movie or discovering it for the first time, the Blu-ray edition from Kino Lorber Studio Classics promises an unparalleled viewing experience.

In conclusion, Kino Lorber’s release of "Play Misty For Me" on Blu-ray is highly recommended for its superior technical presentation and the wealth of supplementary content it provides. It faithfully respects Eastwood's directorial nuances while celebrating the film's place within the broader context of thriller genres and cinematic evolution. This release is not exclusively for Eastwood aficionados but is a must-have for anyone with an appreciation for meticulously crafted cinema that stands the test of time.