They Won't Believe Me Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive's release of "They Won’t Believe Me" is an exceptional visual achievement, offering a high-caliber 1080p transfer that originates from a recent 4K restoration of the film’s nitrate preservation elements. This meticulous process is evident in the film's pronounced level of fine detail and texture, preserving a visually authentic quality true to its noir roots. The silvery sheen of nitrate film stock, combined with robust grain structure, provides an enriching cinematic experience. The dual-layered Blu-ray format ensures consistently high bit rates, which translates to remarkable image clarity and stability throughout the viewing experience. It's worth noting that minor quality dips in the re-inserted scenes are source-specific and do not detract from the overall presentation.

The technical finesse continues with exemplary contrast levels and shadow detail, enabling background details and textures to be intricately displayed without any signs of blooming or crush. The transfer excels in maintaining deep blacks and stable whites, offering a wide grayscale that enhances the depth and dimensionality of each scene. The image remains exceedingly clean due to Warner Archive's reliable manual cleanup process, reducing any residual imperfections to a few stray nicks and marks. Furthermore, the precise delineation of shadows in exterior scenes and breathtaking close-ups effectively capture the glamor and allure of its lead actors. This transfer exemplifies Warner Archive's dedication to presenting purist-friendly restorations, making this release a visual stunner and a must-have for noir enthusiasts.

The DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mix for "They Won't Believe Me" demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, rivaling the Blu-ray's exceptional visuals. Dialogue is rendered with stunning clarity, allowing viewers to fully engage with the narrative without distraction. Roy Webb’s original score is delivered with an appropriate balance, enhancing the film's atmosphere without overwhelming the other audio elements. The mix is free from any hiss, pops, crackle, or drop-outs, ensuring a consistent and immersive audio experience. Additionally, optional English (SDH) subtitles are available during the main feature for added accessibility.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track delivers an impressively vibrant soundscape. Despite the film's generally quiet and methodical pacing typical of a slow-burn noir, prominent sonic elements make significant aural contributions when they arise. The high fidelity of the mix amplifies the impact of Webb’s melodramatic score while maintaining clear, well-prioritized dialogue that is easy to follow. A faint surface noise is occasionally perceptible during moments of silence; however, there is a notable absence of distortion, pops, or crackle, ensuring an unintrusive listening experience.

The Blu-ray release of "They Won't Believe Me" impresses with its faithful rendition of the classic film, though it falls short in the extras department. This edition includes a short introduction by Eddie Muller, the czar of noir, which provides insightful context into the film's historical and genre significance. However, it is notably sparse on additional supplements, lacking behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, or even a trailer. Cinephiles who relish delving deeper into the nuances and production details of their favorite films may find this omission a significant drawback. The packaging includes original one-sheet poster artwork, enhancing its collector's appeal, but the absence of further extras might leave enthusiasts wanting more.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Eddie Muller: Brief context and historical background on the film from the czar of noir.

"They Won't Believe Me," directed by Irving Pichel, is an engaging film noir that captivates modern audiences with its tightly woven narrative and complex characters. Robert Young excels in an against-type role as Larry Ballentine, a morally ambiguous man caught in a tangled web of infidelities and deceit. He navigates a series of relationships with his wealthy wife Greta (Rita Johnson), magazine writer Janice Bell (Jane Greer), and co-worker Verna Carlson (Susan Hayward). The story is structured around Larry’s courtroom trial for the murder of Verna, unfolding through his own flashback testimony. This layered storytelling technique adds depth and suspense, making viewers assess Larry’s claims of innocence amidst his litany of moral and legal transgressions.

The film’s meticulous direction by Pichel combines suspense, romance, and wry humor, crafting a nuanced piece that stands out in the noir genre despite initially receiving limited acclaim at the box office. The performances are uniformly strong, with Young delivering a surprisingly sympathetic portrayal of Larry that counters his typical 'good guy' screen persona. Hayward and Greer both bring intensity to their roles, with 1947 marking a pivotal year in their careers. Rita Johnson provides a subtle yet compelling performance as Greta, adding emotional complexity to the narrative. Cinematographer Harry J. Wild's work cannot be overstated; he captures the actors with a stylistic elegance that elevates the film's visual appeal.

The restored Blu-ray version adds approximately 15 minutes of previously cut scenes, enriching the film’s narrative and providing better pacing compared to earlier truncated versions. With a video codec of 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 and audio in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono, the technical quality is commendable, although the static menu interface lacks the polish of more contemporary releases. Overall, "They Won't Believe Me" endures as a hidden gem in the pantheon of film noir, offering intricately layered storytelling and powerful performances that warrant repeated viewings.

Irving Perchel's "They Won't Believe Me" stands out as a sterling example of film noir, infused with a durable, twisting narrative that captivates its audience. The movie features a remarkable ensemble cast with Robert Young delivering an unexpected yet standout performance, supported by the equally compelling Susan Hayward, Jane Greer, and Rita Johnson. Their collective efforts propel this noir-fueled drama, adding depth and intrigue to the storyline. However, the film relies heavily on voice-over narration and concludes with an ending that feels a bit excessive, which might slightly detract from the overall experience.

Warner Archive’s Blu-ray release of "They Won’t Believe Me" is a visual treat for cinephiles, offering a fully-restored original version that reintroduces nearly 15 minutes of rare footage cut from the original release. The 4K master ensures pristine picture quality, vividly showcasing the film’s intricate cinematography and atmospheric details. Meanwhile, the crisp lossless audio further enhances the viewing experience, immersing viewers into the world of the film with exceptional clarity. Though this release lacks supplemental features, the upgraded presentation quality more than compensates for this omission.

In conclusion, "They Won't Believe Me" is an engaging noir drama made even more enjoyable by Warner Archive's excellent Blu-ray release. Despite minor narrative weaknesses, the film's enthralling performances and meticulously restored visuals make it a must-have for any serious film noir enthusiast. Highly recommended.