Deathtrap Blu-ray Review

Warner's Blu-ray release of "Deathtrap," presented in 1080p and AVC-encoded, emanates the meticulous craftsmanship indicative of a new high-definition transfer. Sidney Bruhl's elaborate country home reveals its dainty living room decor, museum-like study, and windmill-adorned bedroom in exquisite detail. The film's intricate set designs and props are rendered with near-tangible clarity. Director Lumet and cinematographer Bartkowiak utilize close-ups to capture every nuanced facial expression, emphasizing the characters’ shifting dynamics. The opening city sequences exude cool, almost chilly hues, transitioning to warm browns and earth tones upon Sidney’s countryside arrival. Yet, this warmth proves deceptive, as Myra’s greenhouse bathes scenes in a sickly purple glow reflective of dark undertones.

The image quality is remarkably clean, suggesting possible grain removal, though no definitive signs of Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) artifacts are present. Advanced digital post-production techniques have facilitated a smooth, noiseless, film-like image while maintaining fine details—an impressive feat for a film of this age. The black levels are robust, enhancing the visual depth without indications of compression or mastering flaws. This Blu-ray sets a high standard for future Warner Archive Collection releases, offering collectors an enduring classic with superior visual fidelity.

“Deathtrap” on Blu-ray comes with a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, presenting the original mono soundtrack spread across the front left and right channels. The audio is clear and possesses unexpectedly broad dynamic range, notably in the thunderous storm sequences near the end of both acts. Dialogue delivery remains consistently clear, although noticeable looping at times might detract for keen listeners. The harpsichord-driven score by Johnny Mandel adds an arch and ironic tone which beautifully underpins the film's suspenseful atmosphere.

While the track is faithful to the original, it lacks some of the richness and depth found in modern audio mixes, staying fairly unremarkable in its stereophonic restraint. There are no glaring flaws, but the absence of immersive surround effects makes it less enticing compared to contemporary standards. However, the track does its job well without drawing significant attention to itself, maintaining fidelity to the film’s period and style. Users seeking pristine and natural audio reproduction will find it serviceable but not extraordinary.

The "Deathtrap" Blu-ray release is notably sparse in its offering of extras, providing only a single theatrical trailer. Consistent with the Warner Archive Collection's minimalistic approach, the menu is straightforward, including basic chapter stops that are unlabeled and cannot be selected from either the main or pop-up menus. This lack of supplementary content may disappoint those seeking additional insights or more in-depth engagement with the film beyond the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: A brief preview of the film's original release.

Ira Levin's "Deathtrap," directed by Sidney Lumet, emerges as both a thrilling adaptation and a preserved relic of a bygone era where Broadway plays birthed cinematic narratives. Initially a Broadway sensation, the play's successful transition to film owes much to Jay Presson Allen’s faithful adaptation of Levin's script. Set in the playwright's country home, Lumet’s direction avoids stagebound constraints, maintaining a dynamic air that belies its confined setting. The story centers on Sidney Bruhl (Michael Caine), a playwright driven to homicidal desperation by the potential success of his former student Clifford Anderson's (Christopher Reeve) promising manuscript.

Drawing heavily on theatrical roots, "Deathtrap" thrives on its eccentric characters and multiple twists, which remain unspoiled here due to their critical role in the viewer's experience. Dyan Cannon’s portrayal of Myra, Sidney’s high-strung wife, introduces an element of dark comedy, particularly through her character's frequent dramatic outbursts and piercing shrieks. The addition of Irene Worth’s psychic Helga Ten Dorp adds a layer of supernatural tension, all very fitting for Levin's delightfully convoluted narrative of murder and deceit. Notably, Henry Jones’ appearance as Bruhl's attorney, Porter Milgrim, is reduced in the film but supplements the main plot effectively alongside more minor characters added for cinematic depth.

Lumet’s extensive experience in theater and television translates "Deathtrap" onto film with finesse, maneuvering the camera subtly yet effectively to avoid static scenes typical of play adaptations. The result is an immersive experience that captivates viewers, embodying both suspense and humor through its larger-than-life personas and unpredictable story arcs.

Deathtrap Blu-ray impresses with its solid transfer, showcasing the film's signature dark humor and taut storytelling. The video quality is notably clear, capturing the intricate details of the set design and nuances in the actors’ performances. The audio mix is well-balanced, allowing dialogue to come through crisply, though it lacks some of the dynamic range found in more recent releases. This reissue doesn’t boast extensive special features, but what is included offers valuable insights into the film’s production and its reception over the years, making it a treat for fans and cinephiles alike.

As a product of the Warner Archive Collection (WAC), "Deathtrap" on Blu-ray makes a commendable effort in preserving a beloved thriller that shines due to Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve, and Dyan Cannon’s remarkable performances. The movie plays on theatrical sensibilities, evident in its pacing and character interactions, which may feel exaggerated for some contemporary viewers yet endearing to fans of classic whodunits. The screenplay’s layered narrative and clever plot twists maintain engagement throughout its runtime.

The WAC program has made an excellent start with "Deathtrap," a film beloved by its fans and one that has aged well, although it never achieved anything like the success of Levin's original stage play. Levin had obviously become thoroughly familiar with the theater milieu that, as demonstrated by the TV series "Smash," hasn't changed that much in the past thirty years. In addition to its other virtues, "Deathtrap" is a sly parody of the grandiosity that seeps into so many of that world's inhabitants. Those characters seemed right at home on a Broadway stage, but in a film they’re bound to strike some viewers as wildly over the top. I have always enjoyed watching Caine, Cannon, Reeve, and Worth operate the efficient machinery of Levin's thriller, but individual mileage may vary. With due warning, highly recommended.