Night Has a Thousand Eyes Blu-ray Review

Presented in the original 1:38:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "Night Has a Thousand Eyes" is delivered to Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer by Kino Lorber. The film benefits from a new 2K master, which provides a solid, organic visual output that exceeds the previous release of John Farrow’s "Alias Nick Beal". While there are some signs of aging, it maintains an attractive appearance with well-preserved film grain and solid grayscale representation. Close-ups often reveal impressive delineation, although you may notice minor density fluctuations and some uneven depth due to original cinematographic choices and the aged elements used for the master.

The grading work generally stands strong, though darker scenes reveal certain limitations in nuance that are attributed to the source material rather than digital processing. Despite the source-related shortcomings, no severe digital noise reduction issues mar the overall presentation. Some inconsistencies in grain exposure exist, but image stability remains robust throughout the runtime. Few minor blemishes do appear, yet they do not distract from the viewing experience, as there are no significant defects like large cuts or severe tears.

Overall, despite some room for enhancement, the Blu-ray edition of "Night Has a Thousand Eyes" offers a commendable visual presentation that will likely remain the definitive version on the format. It achieves a balance between authenticity and visual appeal, delivering a convincing experience for both enthusiasts and new viewers. Note that this release is Region-A locked, necessitating a compatible player to enjoy its full content.

This Blu-ray release of "Night Has a Thousand Eyes" features a single English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles. The quality of the audio track is commendably clear, with dialogue and narration standing out distinctly, ensuring viewers can easily follow the film's storyline. Despite the presence of a very light background hiss, it remains unobtrusive and does not detract from the listening experience, attesting to the efforts made to retain the authentic essence of the original mono soundtrack.

The DTS-HD Master Audio track accurately delivers the film's elements, effectively capturing the vitality of Victor Young’s score alongside sound effects. This presentation stays true to the film’s original audio dynamics without significant intrusions like crackling or popping. Although no comprehensive restoration has been undertaken, and the master exhibits signs of age, this lossless track exemplifies a fine balance between preservation and clarity. There are no distortions or audio dropouts present in this release.

In summary, the overall audio presentation sets a high bar for an archival release, likely representing "Night Has a Thousand Eyes" in its best possible form in the home video format. The decision to focus on maintaining strong dialogue delivery, while respectfully preserving the soundtrack’s historical integrity, ensures an engaging and immersive viewing experience for audiences.

The Blu-ray extras for "Night Has a Thousand Eyes" are an engaging collection that significantly enhances the viewing experience for film enthusiasts and cinephiles. The disc offers a replete selection of contents, highlighted by an insightful new audio commentary from film historian Imogen Sara Smith. Smith's commentary provides an in-depth exploration of the movie's intricate history, its literary origins, stylistic nuances, major themes, and offers keen insights into the cast and crew dynamics. Coupled with vintage theatrical trailers, these extras provide a comprehensive examination of both the film and its creative background, catering to an audience eager for thorough contextual understanding.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Imogen Sara Smith: A detailed analysis of the film’s history, themes, and cast.
• Trailer: A vintage theatrical preview of "Night Has a Thousand Eyes."
• Bonus KLSC Trailers: Trailers for other films like The Web, The Accused (1949), and others.

John Farrow’s “Night Has a Thousand Eyes” (1948), now available on Blu-ray via Kino Lorber, adeptly combines elements of classic film noir with a supernatural twist, resulting in a distinctive cinematic experience. The narrative centers on John Triton, portrayed with depth by Edward G. Robinson, a vaudeville mentalist who becomes burdened with genuine clairvoyance. His struggle with the implications of this newfound gift forms the crux of the suspenseful plot. Triton’s attempt to avert a potentially tragic future for Jean Courtland (Gail Russell), the daughter of his former partner, introduces an intense atmosphere underscored by the ominous predictions he cannot evade.

Farrow’s direction ensures the film maintains an immaculate pacing, avoiding potential pitfalls of unevenness through expertly crafted flashbacks. Cinematographer John F. Seitz, known for his work on noir masterpieces like “Double Indemnity” and “Sunset Boulevard,” leverages both studio and location settings in Los Angeles to inject a rich, moody visual style that amplifies the film's tension and allure. Despite occasional moments of corniness, the film’s overall execution remains solid due to concise scripting by Barré Lyndon and Jonathan Latimer, which honors Cornell Woolrich’s source material while integrating its unique supernatural element effectively.

The performances elevate the intricate narrative, with Robinson’s portrayal of Triton adding gravitas to the precognitive curse that haunts him. Gail Russell shines as Jean, capturing both vulnerability and resilience as she confronts her fate. Supporting roles, including Virginia Bruce and William Demarest, enrich the unfolding drama, each contributing to the film's tightly woven tapestry of deceit, doubt, and destiny. “Night Has a Thousand Eyes” stands out for its careful blending of genre conventions, making it a noteworthy piece within both the noir and supernatural genres, meriting a thoughtful revisitation for modern audiences.

John Farrow's "Night Has a Thousand Eyes" artfully blends genres, affirming his reputation for innovative storytelling. The film, a sophisticated film noir, intriguingly intertwines elements of a Victorian thriller reminiscent of Agatha Christie's work. Farrow’s narrative agility is evident, channeling the stylistic flexibility seen in his other acclaimed films like "Men in Exile" and "Alias Nick Beal." The film's engagement is significantly heightened by Edward G. Robinson's compelling performance, effectively anchoring the supernatural aspects within its noir framework. Despite its initial box office challenges and mixed critical reception, the film stands out as an intriguing exploration of Farrow's experimental ambitions.

The Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber is commendable, offering a transfer sourced from a slightly uneven yet commendable master provided by Universal Pictures. Though the image quality varies, it captures the film's allure, maintaining an authentic visual experience that complements its noir essence. The HD transfer elevates the film's aesthetic appeal while ensuring its availability to new audiences. Additionally, the release includes an insightful commentary track, enriching viewers’ understanding of the film's thematic depth and historical context.

In conclusion, "Night Has a Thousand Eyes" remains an essential viewing experience for fans of classic cinema and John Farrow’s work. The Blu-ray release offers a valuable opportunity to appreciate a unique blend of genre-defying storytelling and timeless performances. Its historical significance and artistic ambition make it a highly recommended addition to any film enthusiast's collection.