Under Capricorn Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Under Capricorn", featuring a brand new 4K restoration, is presented in an AVC encoded image with a 1.31:1 aspect ratio, closely aligning with its original theatrical ratio of 1.37:1. This Technicolor film's visual appeal is highlighted by pronounced hues, especially in period costumes which resonate with historical authenticity. The skin tones are rendered appealingly, aligning with the movie's heightened visual style. Detail levels impress, particularly in close-ups where facial textures and fabric fibers are distinctly visible. While grain is maintained at a fine, filmic level, some source imperfections like mild scratches, speckling, and occasional chemical blotches are present, along with sporadic judder noted around the 98:00 mark.

However, it's noteworthy that the color palette can occasionally appear washed out and pastel-like, diverging from the expected vibrancy of Technicolor. This issue likely stems from minor registration problems that cause slight color fringing but remain relatively infrequent. Despite these color fidelity concerns, the overall presentation is clean and stable, containing only occasional debris and scratches. These minor issues notwithstanding, this release of "Under Capricorn" represents the best visual quality available on home media, providing a satisfying viewing experience for fans of Hitchcock and classic cinema enthusiasts alike.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix of "Under Capricorn" makes a notable first impression with an assertive burst of scoring that tests the upper limits of stability, although this quickly settles down, allowing for a more measured and coherent musical experience. The dialogue delivery is impressively handled, capturing both the dramatic intensity and the softer exchanges effectively. There is, however, a consistent mild hiss present throughout the audio track.

Presented in a lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0 format, the audio decodes into the center channel seamlessly. While occasional moments of music mixing lean towards a louder volume, overall, the mix maintains a balance that highlights the clarity and precision of the dialogue. This ensures that the performances are preserved with a sense of urgency and naturalism. English subtitles are available as an optional feature, providing additional support where necessary.

The Blu-ray extras for "Under Capricorn" are insightful, albeit varied in their execution. Kat Ellinger’s audio commentary is well-researched but suffers from a lack of structure and an overly reverential tone. The highlight is the audio-only "Hitchcock/Truffaut: Icon Interviews Icon," where Hitchcock openly critiques "Under Capricorn," despite translation awkwardness. "Cinema of Signs: Claude Chabrol on Alfred Hitchcock" offers a rich, albeit poorly subtitled, French analysis of Hitchcock's films, including an in-depth look at "Under Capricorn." The original theatrical trailer misrepresents the film as a suspense thriller rather than a drama. Additional Kino trailers offer some value but are inconsistent in quality.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Kat Ellinger: Informative but disorganized track filled with insights on the film and its creators.
• Hitchcock/Truffaut: Icon Interviews Icon: Audio interview discussing Hitchcock’s views on "Under Capricorn," translated.
• Cinema of Signs: Claude Chabrol on Alfred Hitchcock: French documentary analyzing Hitchcock’s work and his critical reception.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Misleading trailer emphasizing suspense elements.

Alfred Hitchcock's 1949 offering, "Under Capricorn," adapted from Helen Simpson's 1937 novel, endeavors to merge a historical drama with the director's trademark technical prowess. Despite the commendable effort, the result is a film that struggles to find its footing. Set against the backdrop of colonial Australia in 1831, the movie introduces us to Charles Adare (Michael Wilding), who aspires to wealth and quickly crosses paths with Sam Flusky (Joseph Cotton) and his distressed wife, Henrietta (Ingrid Bergman). The narrative revolves around their turbulent relationships and long-buried secrets, but the plot's inherent lethargy proves challenging to overcome.

Hitchcock reuses stylistic devices from his previous work, notably the extended single-take approach from "Rope." However, what worked to create a claustrophobic intensity in "Rope" feels ill-suited here. The disjointed pacing, oscillating between long takes and traditional cinematic techniques, disrupts narrative cohesion. Unlike the immediate suspense typical of Hitchcock's films, this story’s emphasis on prolonged character development without sufficient early engagement leaves the audience disengaged for much of the runtime.

Performance-wise, the cast attempts to rise above the material's limitations but often falls short. Ingrid Bergman’s portrayal of the troubled Henrietta lacks resonance, encumbered by an unconvincing backstory. Cotton’s appearance as Sam offers sporadic intensity but lacks depth, while Wilding brings a notable presence that feels mismatched with the film’s underlying tone. The dramatic tension expected from a Hitchcock film is conspicuously missing, rendering it less compelling compared to his other works. Ultimately, despite its ambition and polished moments, "Under Capricorn" remains a lesser entry in Hitchcock’s illustrious canon due to its underwhelming storytelling and misaligned technical execution.

Kino has presented Alfred Hitchcock’s "Under Capricorn" on Blu-ray, delivering a transfer that, while not exceptional, significantly outpaces previous home media releases. The picture quality is a considerable step up, displaying improved clarity and detail, although some room for enhancement remains. Additionally, the inclusion of vintage bonuses and a newly commissioned audio commentary enrich the package, offering fans insightful context and deeper engagement with the film.

The performances in "Under Capricorn" are commendable, with Ingrid Bergman and Joseph Cotten providing invested portrayals that anchor the narrative. Their extended screen time allows them to explore their characters deeply, bringing emotional intelligence to the forefront. However, despite these strong performances and high production values, the film struggles to maintain dramatic tension. The plot, set against the backdrop of 1800s Australia, simmers without boiling over, failing to ignite the emotional intensity one might expect from Hitchcock.

In conclusion, "Under Capricorn" isn't a complete miss but rather a minor work from a master filmmaker. It showcases competent craftsmanship and engaging character work but ultimately falls short of delivering the emotional intensity typical of Hitchcock’s more celebrated efforts. This Blu-ray release by Kino, while not flawless, provides a worthy upgrade for collectors and Hitchcock enthusiasts, enhanced by thoughtful extras that offer additional value.