Little Fugitive Blu-ray Review

"Little Fugitive" boasts a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer from a 35mm print preserved by the Museum of Modern Art, with assistance from The Film Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, and the Celeste Bartos Fund for Film Preservation. The transfer maintains a natural filmic quality, free from artificial enhancements such as edge enhancement or grain-erasing DNR. This approach faithfully preserves Morris Engel's photojournalistic cinematography, highlighting the filmmakers' modest yet ingenious visual style. The black and white contrast is balanced excellently, with deep blacks and crisp highlights, although whites can occasionally appear slightly blown out. Fine details, particularly in Coney Island locations, stand out pleasingly despite some contrast pulsing.

However, viewers should not expect a pristine image. Age-related imperfections such as black and white specks, hairs stuck at the edge of the frame, brief vertical scratches, and static grain are present but not overly distracting. These elements underscore the film's historical context and low-budget origins. There is also a moderate to light level of damage throughout the film, including some noticeable but minor scratches and lines that do not detract from the overall experience. Darker scenes may appear a bit faded or washed out, but the grayscale remains solid overall.

In summary, while "Little Fugitive" shows its age and carries some inherent flaws from its original source materials, the high-definition presentation is highly respectable for an independent film of its time. The preservation effort enables modern audiences to appreciate this gem with a visual authenticity that aligns closely with its original cinematic intentions.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Little Fugitive" features an uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 mono track that, while displaying some age-related imperfections such as light crackling and low-level tape hiss, manages to deliver a surprisingly listenable experience. The film's audio landscape is convincingly realistic, with dubbed sound effects, ambient noises, and voice tracks that blend effectively despite a few alignment disjointedness moments. The immersive audio atmosphere, including the bustling sounds of the carnival, falling rain, and footfalls, is rendered authentically, ensuring that the evocative Brooklyn dialogue remains clear even in the absence of subtitles.

The mono track does exhibit some hollowness and thin qualities in the dialogue, while background hissing and static occasionally make their presence known. Nonetheless, these issues do not detract substantially from the overall listening experience. The auditory elements, including the evocative harmonica score that underscores young Joey’s adventure, are both fitting and impactful. Despite the limited dynamic range and occasional strain at higher frequencies, the mix capably transmits the essential charm of the film’s sound design, making it an invaluable asset to the narrative.

Kino’s Blu Ray release of "Little Fugitive" features a well-curated set of extras that delve into the film’s historical context and its creators’ personal stories. The standout inclusion is the Audio Commentary by Director Morris Engel, recorded in 1999, offering rich anecdotes from the production, such as the fascinating account of how a custom handheld 35mm camera was designed for the shoot. The set also features two compelling documentaries directed by Engel's daughter, providing an in-depth look at her parents’ careers. Both documentaries, “Morris Engel: The Independent” and “Ruth Orkin: Frames of Life,” effectively blend interviews and archival materials to illuminate their contributions to independent cinema. The disc also includes an image gallery and the original theatrical trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Morris Engel provides an insightful commentary with engaging production stories.
• Morris Engel: The Independent: A documentary on Morris Engel’s life and impact on filmmaking.
• Ruth Orkin: Frames of Life: A documentary focusing on Co-writer/producer Ruth Orkin’s career.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material.
• Image Gallery: A curated collection of 31 production stills.

"Little Fugitive" is a seminal work of American independent cinema, crafted with a mixed technical brilliance and heartfelt simplicity. Directed by Morris Engel, Ruth Orkin, and Ray Ashley and shot with a handheld 35mm camera in 1953, the film captures the raw essence of childhood against the vibrant backdrop of Coney Island. Engel’s cinematography, clearly inspired by Italian neo-realism, embodies an almost documentary aesthetic that allows the story to unfold in a natural and engaging manner. The influence this film had on subsequent filmmakers, including the French New Wave, is evident in its spontaneity and lifelike portrayal of events.

The narrative is intentionally sparse, revolving around seven-year-old Joey (played by Richie Andrusco) who is tricked by his older brother Lennie (Richard Brewster) into believing that he has accidentally killed him. In his innocence and fear of police retribution, Joey flees to Coney Island where the bulk of the film captures his day of exploration. The storyline might seem simplistic but this minimalism is its greatest strength. Joey’s interactions with the vivid carnival settings -- from eating hot dogs to collecting bottles for pony ride money -- immerse viewers into his childlike wonder and bravery. Engel’s skills in street photography shine here, using natural light and real-life settings to create an atmospheric film filled with evocative imagery.

Adding to the film’s charm is Eddy Manson's harmonica score that infuses scenes with a whimsical yet poignant feel. The score, combined with natural sound effects, elevates the viewing experience akin to silent films, often emphasizing actions over dialogue. Richie Andrusco’s performance is impressively authentic and engaging, embodying the purity and spirit of childhood. The lack of professional acting experience among the cast enhances the documentary-like realism of the film. "Little Fugitive" stands as a powerful tribute to raw independent production, immortalizing a simplistic yet deeply resonant narrative through innovative filmmaking techniques.

Kino-Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Little Fugitive" offers an essential addition to any cinephile’s collection, providing a vivid and engrossing snapshot of 1950s childhood. Lauded by cinematic heavyweights like Scorsese, Cassavetes, and Truffaut, the film is a seminal piece of independent cinema. Directors Morris Engel and Ruth Orkin deliver a potent and unassuming narrative style, capturing the whimsical spirit and innocence of youth through the natural charisma of child performer Richie Andrusco. His portrayal adds a refreshingly authentic layer to this slice-of-life story akin to a junior Odysseus’s journey.

The Blu-ray's video and audio quality remain faithful to the original source, revealing the film's age and modest budgetary constraints without detracting from its charm. Supplementary materials include engaging content with Morris Engel, offering valuable insights into the creative process behind this underappreciated gem. While some younger viewers accustomed to modern high-energy narratives may find the straightforward adventure less captivating, the film’s nostalgic portrayal of simpler times is likely to resonate deeply with an older audience and aficionados of classic cinema.

"Little Fugitive" is more than just a historical document; it’s an evocative arthouse family film that invites viewers of all ages to immerse themselves in its heartfelt simplicity. Kino-Lorber's excellent Blu-ray edition ensures that this touching indie classic will reach and resonate with a wider audience, celebrating the enduring charm and significance of this early piece of American independent filmmaking. Highly recommended!