The Chase Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray of "The Chase" presents an AVC encoded image with a 1.41:1 aspect ratio, stemming from a restoration by The UCLA Film and Television Archives. Utilizing 35mm elements, the restoration manages to bring clarity to many scenes, though viewers will notice the occasional judder, scratches, and minor chemical burns. While age-related blemishes and focal limitations are apparent, the detail retention is generally commendable, allowing for a satisfying visual experience despite the erratic quality.

Keeping the original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, the 1080p image presents a consistent film grain that enhances textural detail. Black levels and grey scales are stable for the most part, though darker scenes may experience minor flicker without suffering from serious crush or contrast issues. Given the film's age and the restoration effort by Kino Lorber alongside UCLA Film and Television, the outcome is the best possible presentation for "The Chase." While print damage is evident through scratches, speckling, and fading, the work put into this transfer undoubtedly highlights the film's essence.

The audio presentation of "The Chase" on Blu-ray features a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix, which represents the pinnacle of what this classic film can achieve in terms of sound quality. The audio track excels in producing clearly defined dialogue, ensuring that both dramatic escalation and understated moments are easily comprehensible. Music scores effectively create the intended moods, although they may lack ideal crispness at points.

While the audio mix generally provides a stable and balanced experience, it does come with occasional hisses and pops that fade in and out, sometimes causing minor distortion during louder scenes. Despite these brief imperfections, the overall listening experience remains reliable, with conversations presented clearly without overshadowing the dialogue. Some scenes may experience slight imbalances, but the track largely refrains from any dropouts.

Overall, the 2.0 DTS-HD MA audio mix on "The Chase" maintains a professional standard given its age, delivering an immersive auditory experience with only minor drawbacks that are expected from older source material.

The Extras of "The Chase" Blu Ray are a well-curated selection, providing deep insights and complementary content to enhance the film-watching experience. The audio commentary by filmmaker Guy Maddin stands out as an informative and engaging feature, offering nuanced analysis and historical context that heightens appreciation of the film. Additionally, the inclusion of two radio adaptations of the original Woolrich novel, "The Black Path of Fear," from 1944 and 1946, is particularly valuable. These renditions not only contrast well with the main feature but also showcase classic radio storytelling. The collection is further enriched by several vintage trailers, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the era's cinematic landscape.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Filmmaker Guy Maddin provides insightful thoughts and explains film's subtleties.
• The Black Path of Fear: Two radio adaptations from 1944 and 1946, the latter featuring Cary Grant.
• A Bullet For Joey Trailer: (HD 2:07)
• He Ran All The Way Trailer: (HD 2:13)
• Witness To Murder Trailer: (HD 2:09)

"The Chase" (1946) is a compelling film noir that intriguingly adapts Cornell Woolrich's challenging novel for the screen. Directed by Arthur Ripley, the movie begins by establishing a dangerous game among shadowy characters, encapsulated within the heart-pounding plight of WWII veteran Chuck Scott, portrayed by Robert Cummings. Chuck, struggling to stay moral amid life's misfortunes, entwines with ruthless gangster Eddie Roman (Steve Cochran) and his sinister henchman Gino (Peter Lorre). Michele Morgan’s portrayal of Eddie’s desperate wife Lorna adds a captivating dimension to the narrative, as she leverages Chuck's goodwill to plot an escape from her oppressive husband.

The storytelling employs a non-linear format, exploring themes of reality and illusion, making for an atmospheric yet convoluted journey. Chuck’s odyssey to secure an honest life takes an unexpected turn when he finds and returns Eddie’s lost wallet, prompting Eddie to offer him a job as a driver. This setup leads to thrilling cat-and-mouse sequences and intense character interactions, all underpinned by the moody cinematography that defines classic noir. However, the narrative structure falters in the third act, adopting a twist that complicates rather than enhances the storyline.

Though the film lays solid groundwork with palpable tension and intricate character dynamics, it ultimately stumbles with an ill-conceived, dream-like revelation that severely disrupts viewer engagement. The twist feels like a blunt instrument applied to what was otherwise a meticulously built plot, leaving audiences disoriented and undermining the movie’s initial achievements. This significant shift in tone and coherence detracts from an otherwise thrilling experience, making "The Chase" an intriguing yet frustrating noir that shows immense promise but fails to deliver a satisfying resolution due to its controversial narrative decisions.

"The Chase," presented in this Blu-ray edition by Kino Lorber, offers a mixed bag in terms of content and technical presentation. The film makes a valiant attempt to provide a suspenseful and entertaining experience, especially through its promising setup and engaging performances. But it suffers from pacing issues and some overly complex elements, such as Roman's car that defy suspension of disbelief rather than blending seamlessly into the narrative structure. Steve Cochran delivers a hair-raising portrayal that stands out, but acting alone cannot rectify the convoluted storytelling approach that renders the plot less compelling as it progresses.

Technical aspects of the Blu-ray are handled commendably. Kino Lorber has done an impressive job with the high-definition transfer, ensuring crisp visuals and balanced audio that enhance the viewing experience. Despite some grain, the video quality remains consistently high, providing a clear, faithful reproduction of the visually textured world director Arthur Ripley created. Audio is clean and sharp, delivering dialogue and effects without noticeable distortion or imbalance. Special features, though sparse, include radio play versions of the story, adding a unique layer of historical context and entertainment.

In conclusion, "The Chase" on Blu-ray presents an intriguing but ultimately flawed cinematic puzzle. While it is buoyed by strong performances and solid technical execution, its narrative missteps and unresolved story points might frustrate viewers looking for a cohesive thriller. Nonetheless, it might appeal to cinephiles who appreciate complex films and enjoy piecing together disjointed narratives. Considering its inconsistent pacing and sometimes perplexing story elements, "The Chase" is best approached with measured expectations—perhaps as a rental rather than a blind purchase.