The St. Valentine's Day Massacre Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The St. Valentine's Day Massacre" offers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.37:1 aspect ratio. The condition of the film elements is commendable, showing only minor damages, with no noticeable image instability. However, color reproduction is inconsistent, possibly due to degraded original elements. While efforts to restore the original palette are evident, the outcome varies, with scenes appearing slightly pallid or, in extreme cases, resembling colorized black-and-white footage. Flesh tones typically lean towards brown but can occasionally appear more natural. Despite the color issues, the level of detail is impressive, especially in resolving complex patterns such as herringbone check suits and fine details in close-ups.

From a technical perspective, the film's grain structure is well-preserved and lends a natural quality to the transfer without excessive digital noise reduction (DNR). The colors generally have a good vibrancy, showcased vividly in scenes ranging from Al Capone’s lavish environs to the stark Chicago streets. Black levels are largely robust, although some dimly lit scenes exhibit slight crush, particularly when characters wear dark clothing. Soft spots are noted but appear inherent to the source material, commonly seen in optical zooms and backgrounds during opening credits. The transfer demonstrates clear shadows that contribute to depth perception and overall visual fidelity. This release marks a significant improvement over older DVD versions and provides a superior viewing experience for a film approaching its 50th anniversary.

The audio presentation of "The St. Valentine's Day Massacre" on Blu Ray stands out with its lossless DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mix. This track offers exceptional fidelity and a broad dynamic range, delivering a powerful auditory experience. The sudden eruptions of gunfire and roaring car engines are rendered with a surprising bombast that is both visceral and impactful. Dialogue is impeccably clear, ensuring that every line—whether from the characters or the omnipresent narrator—comes through without any need for volume adjustments. The film's propulsive score, attributed to Lionel Newman yet including contributions from Fred Steiner, resonates beautifully, capturing the evocative essence of 1920's jazz and adding to the film's overall chilling atmosphere.

However, potential listeners should be aware of the high dynamic range capable of startling shifts from soft dialogue to booming gunshots and engine roars. This dynamic range could be a concern for those with skittish neighbors and may necessitate lowering the volume to avoid disturbances. Also available in the audio menu is an isolated score track—a Twilight Time staple—highlighting Lionel Newman's haunting musical themes. Though the track features periods of silence, it serves as a fine complement to the main audio, enriching the listening experience for enthusiasts who appreciate well-composed film scores. Overall, the audio fidelity on this Blu Ray is stellar, offering a robust and immersive soundscape well-suited to the film's intense narrative.

The Blu-ray release of "The St. Valentine's Day Massacre" offers a robust selection of extras that both enrich the viewing experience and provide insightful context about the film’s production and historical background. Although a commentary track with Roger Corman or an extended making-of documentary would further enhance the package, the included materials stand out in their own right. Highlights include Corman's brief yet engaging reminiscence, archival Fox Movietone News footage, and an isolated score track presented in high-quality audio. The accompanying essay by Julie Kirgo in the liner notes is particularly notable for its historical analysis of the gangster film genre’s evolution.

Extras included in this disc:

• Roger Corman Remembers: Brief but interesting reminiscence by Corman.
• Fox Movietone News: Archival footage of figures like Al Capone.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: A glimpse into the film’s marketing.
• Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Essay By Julie Kirgo: Insightful four-page essay found in the liner notes.

Roger Corman’s The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre is a fascinating historical crime film that ambitiously blends quasi-documentary style with explosive gangland drama. Corman, traditionally celebrated for his independent films, steps into the larger studio environment with this project, which comes with its own set of constraints and liberties. The film strives to depict the notorious 1929 gangland killings with a documentary flair, driven by Paul Frees’ meticulous narration detailing each participant's role and fate in the brutal conflict. However, this narrative approach occasionally disrupts the film's rhythm, often segueing into flashbacks and vignettes that interrupt the main plot flow.

The primary conflict centers on Al Capone, impressively portrayed by Jason Robards, and his rivalry with Bugs Moran, played by Ralph Meeker. The tension builds through various skirmishes and culminates in a bloody finale—one of Corman’s most visceral sequences. Robards, despite initial casting skepticism related to his physique and demeanor, delivers a commanding and unpredictable performance that adds depth to the infamous gangster. Complementing him is George Segal’s menacing portrayal of Peter Gusenberg, whose actions ignite the central turf war. The supporting cast is robust, featuring notable talents such as Harold J. Stone, Bruce Dern, and an early appearance by Jack Nicholson, each contributing to the film's grim authenticity.

Corman's ability to recreate the late 1920s is noteworthy. Utilizing sets from other notable productions like Hello, Dolly! and The Sand Pebbles, he breathes life into a by-gone era, making effective use of his modest budget. The film’s graphic depictions of violence—distinct in their time—create a gritty atmosphere that prefigures future entries in the gangster genre. Despite some historical inaccuracies and a somewhat stiff narrative, The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre remains a compelling entry for its dynamic directing, taut script, and star-studded performances which together offer a gripping reenactment of this pivotal moment in mob history.

Twilight Time’s Blu-ray release of "The St. Valentine's Day Massacre" presents Roger Corman’s 1967 film in splendid fashion, offering audiences a meticulously restored picture and an engaging portrayal of one of Chicago’s most infamous events. The film boasts a stellar cast, with Jason Robards delivering a compellingly unhinged performance as Al Capone. The cinematography vividly captures the era’s grit and grime, while Corman’s directorial finesse ensures that the film’s pace and visual framing maintain a consistent, visceral intensity throughout.

Technically, the Blu-ray release excels, featuring top-notch restoration that preserves the film's original texture while enhancing its visual clarity. The audio mix is equally impressive, providing a bombastic soundscape that amplifies the gritty action sequences, contributing to an immersive viewing experience. While the extras included are a bit underwhelming, they nonetheless offer some additional insights into the film's production and historical context, making them a welcome supplement for enthusiasts.

In conclusion, "The St. Valentine's Day Massacre" may oscillate between quasi-verité realism and exaggerated, campy elements, but this blend contributes to its unique charm and peculiar atmosphere. Robards’ portrayal of Capone might verge on camp at times, yet it’s precisely this over-the-top intensity that infuses the film with energy. Under Corman’s deft direction, the film remains a fascinating curio in cinematic history. Despite minor shortcomings in the bonus features, this Blu-ray release delivers good to excellent technical merits and comes highly recommended for fans of classic gangster films and historical cinema.