Human Desire Blu-ray Review

"Human Desire" arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer using the MPEG-4 AVC codec, presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Sourced from an older remaster likely provided by Sony Pictures, this release by Kino Lorber impresses with its film-like character, maintaining Burnett Guffey's stark cinematography. The image stability is excellent, with no age-related imperfections, offering a clean and consistent viewing experience. Clarity and contrast levels occasionally fluctuate, but they effectively capture the essence of the film. This Region-Free Blu-ray allows playback across geographic locations.

The grayscale ranges effectively, enhancing the depth with lush blacks and crisp whites that avoid blooming. Shadow delineation is noteworthy, emphasizing fine detail and minimizing crush in darker scenes. While a new 4K master could potentially offer superior visuals, this transfer maintains an attractive organic appearance that will satisfy most viewers. Areas where density levels drop lend the film a documentary quality integral to its aesthetic. Minor adjustments could improve blacks and grays, yet the current master already performs commendably in handling these elements.

Film grain and fine details are rendered faithfully, surpassing previous DVD versions and offering likely the best home video presentation of "Human Desire." Although minor scratches and marks are present, they do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience. Fans with the 2010 DVD edition will find this Blu-ray a worthy upgrade, while those owning the 2019 Eureka release might not deem it necessary to double-dip. Overall, this Blu-ray offers a well-rounded visual presentation that aligns with professional expectations for classic film restoration on contemporary home media.

The Blu-ray release of "Human Desire" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track that impressively preserves the sonic integrity of this classic film. The audio presentation is defined by its clarity and stability, offering a listening experience free from age-related imperfections such as hiss, pops, and crackle. Dialogue is consistently clear and easily comprehensible, which maintains the authenticity of the film's interpersonal tensions. Optional English SDH subtitles enhance accessibility for viewers who may require them.

This audio track handles Daniele Amfitheatrof's score with a wide dynamic range, allowing for the melodramatic highs and lows to be presented without distortion. The strong bass frequencies adeptly convey the atmospheric rumblings of the train, which serves as a central auditory element within the film. Distinct sonic details, including facial slaps and train whistles, contribute to a soundscape that is both engaging and immersive.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track represents a significant upgrade over previous DVD releases, presenting "Human Desire" with enhanced audio fidelity on home video. It captures the full spectrum of sound with precision, allowing audiences to fully appreciate the rich acoustic nuances that define Fritz Lang's black-and-white classic.

The Blu-ray of "Human Desire" includes a robust set of extras, albeit missing an anticipated audio commentary. The absence of such a track is peculiar given the presence in similar releases, yet the disc's content still provides valuable insights. The highlight is "Terror and Desire," a featurette with actress Emily Mortimer, who thoughtfully explores the film's themes, claustrophobic tension, and the influence of German Expressionism, while also noting Gloria Grahame's enigmatic performance. Despite the mystery around Mortimer's selection for this task, her commentary is insightful and adds depth to the understanding of the film. The additional inclusion of a vintage theatrical trailer further complements the viewing experience by giving historical context to the film’s marketing approach. Collectively, these extras enrich the value of this release for aficionados and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Terror and Desire: Emily Mortimer discusses film themes and style.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview highlighting the film’s intrigue.
• Bonus KLSC Trailers: Trailers for other notable films.

"Human Desire" (1954), directed by Fritz Lang, is a notable entry in the film noir genre, even if it doesn't fully meet the lofty expectations set by Lang's previous masterpieces. The film, a remake of Jean Renoir’s "La Bête humaine," adapts Émile Zola's novel with some unique twists. The narrative seamlessly transplants the story from 1930s France to post-World War II America. The new setting enriches the narrative's dark tone and visuals, skillfully captured by cinematographer Burnett Guffey. Lang's directing prowess shines as he layers gritty realism with the stylization emblematic of film noir, creating a foreboding atmosphere that is expertly punctuated by the actual railroad scenes.

The story revolves around Jeff Warren (Glenn Ford), a war veteran caught in a treacherous love triangle with Vicki Buckley (Gloria Grahame) and her possessive husband Carl (Broderick Crawford). Ford brings his characteristic cocksure presence to Jeff, evoking the internal conflict of a man torn between seduction and morality. Grahame delivers an impactful performance as Vicki, embodying the femme fatale archetype with depth and nuance that might have been elusive with an actress like Rita Hayworth. Crawford's portrayal of Carl brings palpable menace to the screen, enhancing the film’s tense dynamics. These character portrayals are crucial, given that the plot sometimes stretches believability, hinging on dubious motivations and substantial plot holes.

While "Human Desire" holds its place as a solid noir film, it grapples with pacing issues and occasionally struggles to sustain its narrative momentum. Still, its emotive performances and strong visual style make it a compelling watch for noir enthusiasts. Though not Lang’s best, this film presents an intricate tale of lust and betrayal that provides fleeting yet profound cinematic pleasures.

"Human Desire," directed by Fritz Lang, is a compelling yet divisive piece within the noir genre, with its roots embedded in Emile Zola's novel. The film diverges significantly from Jean Renoir's "La Bête Humaine," with which it shares an inspirational source, offering a distinct American interpretation that takes the narrative in an entirely new direction. Lang's characterizations stand out for their depth, particularly Gloria Grahame's performance, which many reviewers regard as one of her finest. Grahame's portrayal is nuanced and compelling, surpassing initial plans to cast Rita Hayworth in the role.

The technical aspects of the Blu-ray release by Kino are noteworthy, featuring excellent video and audio transfers that enhance the film’s moody aesthetic. This release also includes engaging extras such as a candid interview with actress Emily Mortimer and a vintage trailer, adding layers to the film’s historical appreciation. While some critics argue that the film doesn’t reach the height of Lang's preceding work, "The Big Heat," the stylish direction and potent themes of infidelity and jealousy make it a worthwhile addition to any noir enthusiast's collection.

In conclusion, although "Human Desire" may not fully meet the high expectations typically associated with Fritz Lang's oeuvre, it remains a stylistically impressive and narratively intriguing film. Its compelling performances, particularly by Gloria Grahame, along with Kino’s high-quality Blu-ray presentation, render this film highly recommended for both classic cinema fans and those interested in the intricacies of noir storytelling.