The Naked Prey Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray transfer of Cornel Wilde's The Naked Prey presents the film in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio with a 1080p resolution, encoded via MPEG-4 AVC. Produced using a high-definition digital transfer created on a Spirit DataCine from an original 35mm low-contrast print, the restoration process employed sophisticated tools such as MTI Film's DRS for extensive manual cleanup of dirt, debris, scratches, and splices, and Digital Vision's Phoenix for jitter, flicker, grain, and noise management. The team behind this restoration, including Transfer Supervisor Maria Palazzola and Colorist Gregg Garvin, ensured that the final product maintained high fidelity to the source material while addressing various film defects effectively.

When comparing this transfer to the previous Region-B release by Eureka Entertainment, minimal advancements can be discerned. Detail and clarity remain strong, particularly in wider panoramic shots; however, some depth enhancement could further elevate the visual experience. While the density levels of the image are commendable, the grain exposure and distribution require optimization. Highlights could benefit from better management to bring out finer nuances in the imagery. Despite these minor quibbles, overall color stability and vividness are impressive, though saturation and balance could potentially be improved. Importantly, the release is free from distracting sharpening adjustments or significant damage like large scratches or tears, testament to a careful and meticulous restoration effort.

In sum, Criterion delivers a high-quality HD transfer that surpasses its former DVD version. The grain remains authentic and filmic, with occasional heavier presence in stock wildlife footage. Colors bloom vividly, and fine details persist throughout with robust shadow delineation. Minimal instances of visual noise such as scratches or speckling can occasionally be noticed but do not detract from the viewing experience. This is undoubtedly another exemplary output from Criterion, showcasing their commitment to preserving cinematic history while pushing the boundaries of home video presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "The Naked Prey" features an English LPCM 1.0 audio track, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles that appear within the image frame when activated. The film's soundtrack excels in its organic quality, utilizing an array of natural sounds and noises that highlight the film’s raw ambiance. Despite these dynamics, there are some inherent limitations in intensity, which is typical for the period's audio technology. Nonetheless, the soundtrack's clarity, depth, and stability are commendable, with no notable balance issues.

Additionally, the original mono soundtrack is impeccably presented in a monaural DTS-HD Master Audio format. The sparse dialogue within the film is robust and clearly discernible, while the sound effects and musical elements exhibit a high level of clarity and fidelity without becoming overpowering. Criterion's meticulous work ensures that this film’s audio has likely never sounded better on home video, retaining the integrity and authenticity of its original sound design.

The Blu-ray release of "The Naked Prey" excels with an impressive collection of extras, meticulously preserving and extending the content found in the original 2008 DVD release. These features enhance the viewer’s understanding of the film's production and thematic depth. The audio commentary by film scholar Stephen Prince delivers insightful analysis, ensuring a compelling and informative experience. "John Colter's Escape" narrated by Paul Giamatti combines historical narration with visually engaging accompaniments. The original soundtrack presented here, recorded by Cornel Wilde and directed by Andrew Tracey, provides an immersive experience through South African tribal chants and instrumental cues. Additionally, a text-form statement by Tracey offers further insights into the film's music. An illustrated booklet includes a critical essay by Michael Atkinson and a vintage interview with Cornel Wilde, providing deeper context.

Extras included in this disc:

• English Trailer: Original trailer for The Naked Prey.
• John Colter: Reading of John Colter's Escape by Paul Giamatti.
• Soundtrack: Original soundtrack with South African tribal chants and instrumental cues.
• Statement by Andrew Tracey: Written statement for Criterion in 2007.
• Audio Commentary: Commentary by film historian Stephen Prince.
• Booklet: 24-page booklet with an essay by Michael Atkinson and vintage interview with Cornel Wilde.

Cornel Wilde's "The Naked Prey" (1965) is a hallmark of realistic survival cinema, newly available on Blu-ray through Criterion. The film relocates the true story of 19th-century trapper John Colter's escape from the Blackfoot Indians to the grittier, more exotic setting of colonial-era Africa. Here, Wilde, playing a safari guide, is stripped and hunted by a native tribe through the unforgiving African veldt—an arena of relentless heat, wildlife perils, and human violence.

The film's narrative is uniquely stark, relying on visual storytelling rather than dialogue. Clint Johnston and Don Peters' script is minimalistic yet effective, capturing characters' intentions and emotions through their actions. Wilde's performance is notably not just in acting but in doing almost all his stunts—an astonishing feat given he was 52 years old and ailing during production. This dedication to authenticity elevates the film's realism to unprecedented heights for its time. Additionally, Wilde maintains a consistently gripping pace as director, skillfully intertwining scenes of human pursuit with wildlife footage to emphasize the brutal natural order.

However, "The Naked Prey" is not without its controversies. The film includes uncut, graphic depictions of violence, including animal killings—which viewers might find distressing. Despite these contentious elements, or perhaps because of them, the film stands as a bold exploration of human savagery and resilience. The Blu-ray release remains true to this vision, preserving its raw power while enhancing its visual and auditory experience.

Cornel Wilde's "The Naked Prey" is a captivating but flawed cinematic endeavor. The film, which has grown in stature since its original release, combines stunning visuals and an evocative atmosphere with a narrative that sometimes feels disjointed. Criterion's Blu-ray edition offers significant enhancements over previous releases, providing superior audio and visual fidelity. This transfer is sourced from the same master used by Eureka Entertainment, ensuring high-quality images that bring Wilde's intense jungle pursuit to life more vividly than ever before.

Despite the technical brilliance of the Blu-ray release, the film itself invites mixed reactions. It attempts to balance themes of survival and human savagery but often heads in conflicting narrative directions that undermine its thematic coherence. Fans of the genre may find Wilde's naturalistic approach compelling, though some may argue that it doesn’t measure up to similar works like Mel Gibson's "Apocalypto," which tells a comparably elemental story with greater cohesion and emotional impact.

In conclusion, while "The Naked Prey" presents an intriguing but uneven experience, Criterion's Blu-ray release does the film justice with its impeccable restoration and thoughtfully curated bonus features. For those interested in seeing the film in its best possible form, this edition is highly recommended.