Stage Fright Blu-ray Review

The 2022 Blu-ray release of "Stage Fright," presented by Warner Archive, offers a stellar 1080p transfer that dramatically enhances its visual quality compared to the older DVD editions. Sourced from a meticulous 4K scan of the original nitrate camera negative, this restoration significantly improves on past iterations that struggled with poor contrast and a lack of fine detail. The transfer's excellent sharpness reveals a wealth of textures, from intricate decor to nuanced cinematic elements, enabling viewers to appreciate details previously obscured. The film maintains its theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1, embracing the lush grayscale look and the classic photochemical finish distinctive of black-and-white films from this period.

This release showcases remarkable clarity and depth, presenting an authentic film-like experience complemented by beautifully resolved grain structures. Wilkie Cooper's cinematography is highlighted with gorgeous contrasts, with rich blacks and crisp whites allowing shadow-heavy scenes to flourish. Noted sequences, such as the evocative depiction of Marlene Dietrich against softly lit backgrounds, shine with enhanced elegance and detail. Although some processed shots and rear projection work display familiar Hitchcockian quirks, they are rendered with improved cleanliness and separation. Additionally, the consistent motion quality across scenes ensures a smooth viewing experience without prevalent artifacts or noise.

Overall, Warner Archive’s transfer deftly balances modern clarity with historical authenticity, rejuvenating "Stage Fright" with a presentation that firmly aligns with both film preservation standards and enthusiasts' expectations. This release is lauded not only for its technical execution but also for bringing renewed visual vigor to one of Hitchcock’s lesser-discussed works, making it an indispensable addition to any classic film aficionado’s collection.

Warner Archive's DTS-HD 2.0 mono track for "Stage Fright" delivers a remarkably restored audio experience, meticulously eliminating any signs of age-related imperfections such as hiss, crackle, or pops. Capturing the spirit of its original one-channel roots, the audio presentation is both reliable and authentic. Dialogue is pristinely clear, with stage-trained actors ensuring immaculate diction that resonates throughout. Notably, the sultry voice of Marlene Dietrich is rendered with depth and clarity, complementing Leighton Lucas' effective score. Accentuating the atmosphere, sound effects such as engines and gunfire are well-prioritized, enhancing the film's narrative without overwhelming it.

The track exhibits a broad dynamic range, expertly modulating both the music and dialogue. Dietrich's vocal performances, including her rendition of Cole Porter's "The Laziest Gal in Town," are reproduced without distortion. Sonic details like ringing telephones and atmospheric nuances, such as footsteps and subtle background effects, are successfully integrated to create an enriching auditory experience. Although sound doesn't take center stage like in some other Hitchcock films, this track efficiently supports the film's suspenseful moments. Despite the lack of subtitles for extras—a feature available on the 2004 DVD release—English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature.

Altogether, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix exemplifies a careful blending of dialogue, musical scores, and sound effects with professional assurance. Covering all necessary bases from clarity to restoration quality, it offers a commendable portrayal that aligns with the ambient expectations from a film of this vintage, thus establishing an effortlessly engaging auditory journey for viewers.

The Blu-ray release of "Stage Fright" includes two well-curated extras that provide valuable insights into the film's context and history. The standout featurette, "Hitchcock and Stage Fright," is a 19-minute documentary that originally appeared in the 2004 DVD edition. It brings together an impressive lineup of contributors, such as filmmakers Peter Bogdanovich and Richard Franklin, actresses Jane Wyman and Patricia Hitchcock, and film historians Robert Osborne and Richard Schickel. They collectively delve into Hitchcock's unique filmmaking approach during this era, reflecting on significant sequences and the famed flashback scene. This featurette offers both a celebration of "Stage Fright" and a poignant reflection on its critique in Hitchcock’s later career. Additionally, the theatrical trailer for "Stage Fright," presented in HD, captures the essence of the film's original promotional strategy, enriched by footage of Jane Wyman's award acceptance for "Johnny Belinda."

Extras included in this disc:

• Hitchcock and Stage Fright: A documentary offering comprehensive insights into the production and legacy of the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer highlighting the film's marketing approach.

Alfred Hitchcock's "Stage Fright" may not be among his top-tier classics, but it remains an intriguing film that showcases the director’s familiar motifs of deception, danger, and unreliable narrators. Produced under Warner Bros. after his independent venture with Transatlantic Pictures, the film reunites Hitchcock with the themes of guilt and intrigue prevalent in his works. Despite being weighed down by a methodical script and pacing issues, "Stage Fright" is enriched with atmosphere and character, blending suspense with subtle humor. The film is best known for a controversial narrative choice — a deceptive flashback — which initially met criticism but is now appreciated as an innovative plot device.

The plot follows aspiring actress Eve Gill (Jane Wyman), who helps her boyfriend Jonathan Cooper (Richard Todd) evade arrest when he is framed for a murder actually committed by his lover, Charlotte Inwood (Marlene Dietrich). The film unfolds with Eve getting embroiled in the mystery, showcasing subterfuge and dual identities. Wyman delivers a multifaceted performance, deftly balancing comedy and drama, even if her British accent wavers. Dietrich shines as the glamorous stage star, exhibiting her customary allure and control over her scenes. Supported by a skilled ensemble cast, including Alastair Sim’s charismatic portrayal of Eve’s father and Michael Wilding as the detective, "Stage Fright" becomes a rich tableau of character interactions.

Technically, the film benefits from Hitchcock's directorial finesse, despite acknowledged narrative missteps. The cinematography by Wilkie Cooper is compelling, with inventive sequences like the memorable intro to Dietrich’s character via strategic camera movement. The Blu-ray release enhances these visual elements through a pristine 1080p transfer from a 4K scan of the original camera negative. While "Stage Fright" may not rival Hitchcock's masterpieces like "Strangers on a Train," its charm, engaging performances, and historical context warrant attention for both dedicated fans and film studies alike.

Alfred Hitchcock's "Stage Fright" may often be overshadowed by his more iconic works, yet it remains a compelling and unique entry in his American filmography. Despite not boasting the suspenseful prowess of "Psycho" or "Vertigo," the film compensates with a blend of comedy and intrigue that showcases Hitchcock's evolving style. The performances, particularly in scenes such as the rifle range sequence, highlight the film's quirky charm and foreshadow some of Hitchcock's later, darker works. This Blu-ray release from Warner Archive is a celebration of a film ripe for reconsideration, offering both visual and auditory enhancement through a pristine 4K master.

Technically, the Blu-ray release excels with a remarkable A/V presentation that breathes new life into Hitchcock's underappreciated thriller. The original camera negative serves as the basis for an exquisite new transfer, ensuring that the film's atmospheric tension and English charm are delivered with pristine visual clarity and immersive audio. Furthermore, the inclusion of vintage extras and informative featurettes enriches the viewing experience, allowing audiences to delve deeper into the context and production nuances of this classic film.

In summary, while "Stage Fright" may not rank among Hitchcock's universally esteemed masterpieces, it stands out with solid performances and an engaging, albeit slender storyline. This long-awaited Blu-ray release offers an inviting opportunity for fans and newcomers alike to rediscover the film’s enduring appeal. With its excellent technical presentation and thoughtful extras, the Warner Archive Collection has rendered "Stage Fright" almost irresistible for any Hitchcock aficionado. Ultimately, it earns a solid recommendation for inclusion in any comprehensive Hitchcock collection.