Still of the Night Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray transfer of "Still of the Night," shot by famed cinematographer Néstor Almendros, unfortunately falls short of expectations. Sourced from an MGM master and encoded at 1080p AVC by Kino Lorber, the presentation is marred by persistent video noise, which some viewers might confuse with film grain. The inconsistent blacks and weak color reproduction detract from the atmospheric intent crafted by Almendros and Robert Benton. Though Almendros's preference for natural lighting occasionally shines through, the overall quality too often renders a washed-out, faded visual experience, thwarting the immersive effect that should have been achieved.

Despite its shortcomings, the Blu-ray transfer manages some redeeming qualities. The detail captured allows a degree of appreciation for Benton's deliberate shot compositions, and color differentiation is sufficient to highlight various narrative timeframes, including George Bynum’s dream sequence. While fine facial features in close-ups are rendered sharply, broader shots cannot maintain the intended vibrancy. The video noise obscures potential compression artifacts at an average bitrate of 24.93 Mbps, but it's a marginal consolation given the predominant flaws.

While this Blu-ray release offers moments of sharp detail and engaging depth, these are overshadowed by its inconsistencies. The fluctuating grain, varying color intensity, and overly soft edges dilute the cinematic style and atmosphere intended by Almendros. Meryl Streep’s portrayal, meant to evoke seductive glamour, is dullened by the inconsistent visuals. The blacks are adequately deep with satisfactory shadow detailing, however, flesh tones are unstable across varying lighting conditions. Ultimately, this transfer does a disservice to a film poised to deliver a visually stunning thriller.

The Blu-ray release of "Still of the Night" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track that captures the film's original sound design with fidelity. This lossless format ensures a technically sound reproduction, displaying clear dialogue and distinct sonic effects such as footsteps and ambient noises. The theme song by John Kander is effectively rendered, providing a musical highlight despite the minimal scoring throughout the film. The audio track maintains identical channels, which is standard for mono tracks of this nature.

However, the listening experience is not without its challenges. While sound effects are generally sharp and discernible, dialogue clarity occasionally falters, with some lines coming across as muted or mumbled. This issue necessitates increasing the audio volume beyond typical levels to gain satisfactory fidelity and presence. Moreover, slight distortion can occur sporadically, adding to the occasional need for audio adjustments on the listener's part.

Despite these limitations, the track's ability to present subtle atmospheric elements is commendable, contributing to an immersive viewing experience. John Kander’s score, although sparse, is delivered with richness and depth, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the soundtrack. While the audio remains largely functional and unexceptional, it serves its role adequately in preserving the film's original auditory intentions.

The Blu-ray release of "Still of the Night" offers a modest yet engaging selection of extras that are primarily focused on promotional content. These features provide viewers with a nostalgic look back at the movie's original marketing while spotlighting other works featuring the prominent actor Roy Scheider. The original theatrical trailer, which runs for approximately three minutes, offers a glimpse into the film while potentially revealing more of the plot than some might prefer. Additionally, for fans of Roy Scheider, this disc includes trailers for two other films he starred in, expanding the appreciable context of his filmography. These additions, albeit limited, serve to enhance the viewer's experience with a concise presentation of Scheider's cinematic contributions.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Theatrical Trailer: The primary trailer for "Still of the Night," offering a detailed plot overview.
• Last Embrace Trailer: Preview for another Scheider film.
• 52 Pick-Up Trailer: Preview for an additional Scheider film.

"Still of the Night" offers a nod to Hitchcockian thrillers, featuring Meryl Streep in a role reminiscent of classic suspense cinema. The film, directed by Robert Benton, aligns itself with Hitchcock through stylistic choices and narrative themes but fails to capture the emotional and suspenseful depth of its inspirations such as "Vertigo" or "Spellbound." Streep's portrayal of Brooke Reynolds delivers the enigmatic allure characteristic of a Hitchcock blonde. However, her chemistry with co-star Roy Scheider, who plays Dr. Sam Rice, lacks the essential tension and passion to propel the film’s foreboding atmosphere. Benton attempts to encapsulate Hitchcock’s style with allusions to famous scenes, yet the execution comes across as a meticulous homage rather than an innovative exploration.

The plot follows psychiatrist Dr. Sam Rice, played by Roy Scheider, as he becomes entangled in a murder case involving his patient George Bynum and Bynum's mysterious colleague, Brooke Reynolds. As Rice becomes increasingly involved with Brooke, Bynum's mistress, tensions rise. The film invites viewers into a narrative woven with psychological intrigue and mystery. However, while several suspenseful sequences stand out, the overall pacing and character dynamics feel somewhat detached. Jessica Tandy lends talent to her minor role as Rice’s mother, but her presence highlights Rice’s underdeveloped emotional depth. Benton’s decision to forego a musical score further suppresses the intended suspense, creating a clinical rather than thrilling experience.

Visually, "Still of the Night" embraces the elements of noir; however, its deliberate style overshadows emotional engagement. The Blu-ray release showcases the film in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video with DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono, ensuring that Benton's atmospheric direction is preserved with clarity. The transfer highlights the film's attention to visual detail without pre-emptive distractions such as previews or promos, allowing audiences to immerse directly into Benton's crafted homage. Despite its technical prowess, the film's substantive impact remains constrained by its emotional detachment and lackluster chemistry between lead characters.

"Still of the Night," directed by Robert Benton, serves as a homage to Alfred Hitchcock, intertwining romance and thrills with a stylishly directed narrative. Although the story itself may not reach the heights of Hitchcock's best works, the compelling performances by Meryl Streep and Roy Scheider elevate the production, providing it a more engaging dimension than its plot might suggest. As the film navigates through its intriguing sequences, its informative display of thriller mechanics seemingly compensates for its narrative limitations, offering the audience an insightful experience into the genre.

The Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber, however, might disappoint collectors and enthusiasts hoping for a technically robust presentation. This edition presents fair-to-middling video and audio qualities, failing to fully capture the atmospheric tension essential for thrillers. Furthermore, the lack of substantial extras leaves much to be desired for anyone eager to explore deeper behind-the-scenes insights or additional content. Those committed to high-definition collections or avid followers of Streep and Scheider will find value in this release for its performances rather than its technical prowess.

In conclusion, while "Still of the Night" may fall short in reaching its lofty aspirations, it remains an intriguing study into thriller filmmaking bolstered by its admirable cast. Despite Meryl Streep's own criticism of the film's quality, it nonetheless provides moments of well-crafted suspense. Those interested should consider awaiting a sale due to the Blu-ray's mediocre quality, yet it deserves recognition within Streep's filmography. As an example of Benton's stylish direction that has aged better over time, it maintains an appeal worthy of exploration.