The Set-Up Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Set-Up" by Warner Archive showcases an exceptional 1080p transfer that is both crisp and clean. This high-quality visual presentation is a product of a recent 2K scan from the master positive, coupled with extensive digital cleanup. This meticulous effort results in a purely film-like image, characterized by natural grain that avoids the processed look seen in less carefully treated transfers. The painstaking restoration ensures minimal dirt and damage, even in the most shadowy scenes and busiest frames, presenting a visually striking level of texture and fine detail throughout.

The image quality excels with its high contrast shots and gradient transitions, which do not suffer from any noticeable banding. Additionally, the Blu-ray's healthy bitrate effectively eliminates compression artifacts, underlining the disciplined approach taken in this transfer. This top-tier restoration work solidifies "The Set-Up" as a standout release that fans and collectors should value immensely.

The DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mix on "The Set-Up" Blu-ray impressively preserves its original one-channel audio, ensuring a faithful representation throughout. Absent an original musical score, the audio relies entirely on diegetic sounds and dialogue to create its atmosphere. Fortunately, the dialogue is consistently clean and crisp without any synchronization issues or noticeable defects, delivering an authentic and engaging listening experience. Background noise is properly balanced, assertively contributing to the overall soundscape when necessary, thereby maintaining robustness without overwhelming the main audio tracks.

The inclusion of optional English (SDH) subtitles is a notable addition. Unlike previous Warner Archive Blu-rays, these subtitles are formatted correctly, avoiding the all-caps typography issue that plagued past releases. Though they retain the somewhat unattractive yellow coloring, the refinement in font selection and menu design marks a significant improvement. This ensures that viewers who rely on subtitles can enjoy a better reading experience without distraction. The overall audio presentation adheres closely to the source material’s quality, offering an enhanced, yet faithfully preserved auditory experience.

Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of "The Set-Up" arrives with a standard keepcase, featuring poster-themed artwork and no inserts. Despite the absence of a trailer, the disc includes a fantastic audio commentary from the DVD era. This feature-length commentary combines interviews with late director Robert Wise and filmmaker Martin Scorsese. The track offers valuable insight despite some gaps and lack of scene-specific commentary. Wise's first-hand experiences and Scorsese's insightful observations, particularly relating to "Raging Bull," make this a compelling addition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Combines separate interviews with late director Robert Wise and filmmaker Martin Scorsese, offering insightful observations and valuable context.

"The Set-Up," directed by Robert Wise, remains a standout example of film noir craft, delivered with a precision that elicits palpable tension and intimacy. The story follows aging boxer Bill Stoker Thompson (Robert Ryan) in real-time, as he prepares for a match with rising middleweight Tiger Nelson (Hal Fieberling). Underscoring Stoker's struggle, his manager Tiny (George Tobias) takes dive money from gangster Little Boy (Alan Baxter) without Stoker's knowledge, anticipating his defeat. The film's ability to build suspense while Stoker asserts a quiet authority in the locker room is commendable. At the same time, the stark absence of his wife Julie (Audrey Totter), who can no longer bear his dwindling aspirations, adds layers of emotional resonance.

For those who favor straightforward narratives executed with finesse, "The Set-Up" excels in portraying the darker contours of boxing—highlighting its capacity to exploit athletes while inciting a frenzied crowd. Robert Ryan delivers a masterful performance as the resilient yet wearied Stoker, navigating the bout and his impending decisions with a nuanced gravitas. Julie’s storyline, juxtaposed against Stoker’s turmoil, underscores a tension where personal well-being supersedes financial gain. Supporting performances are solid, although Alan Baxter's portrayal of Little Boy lacks the necessary menace, slightly undermining the gangster subplot. The crowd reaction shots act as crucial narrative waypoints, enriching the fight sequences.

The film’s cinematography by DP Milton Krasner is exceptional, creating a moody and immersive atmosphere from the locker room's mundanity to a climactic, shadow-laden alley encounter. The Warner Archive Collection Blu-ray amplifies these visuals through an outstanding 1080p transfer, accompanied by lossless audio. A vintage audio commentary featuring Robert Wise and Martin Scorsese enriches this edition, making it indispensable for both devoted fans and newcomers discovering this noir gem.

The Set-Up, directed by Robert Wise, remains a quintessential boxing film that has profoundly influenced later sports dramas, such as Raging Bull, Rocky, and Creed. The film's remarkable action choreography and riveting human drama offer a compelling narrative that has withstood the test of time. What truly sets this classic apart is its exceptional visual storytelling and a brisk, real-time pacing that maintains momentum from start to finish.

The recently released Blu-ray from Warner Archive Collection elevates the experience with a superior A/V presentation. The high-definition transfer showcases clean, crisp visuals with excellent contrast, capturing the gritty, noir-esque ambiance of the film beautifully. The audio quality is equally commendable, delivering a balanced and clear soundtrack that complements the dramatic tension onscreen.

In addition to the impressive technical aspects, the Blu-ray includes a classic audio commentary that provides insightful perspectives into the production and legacy of The Set-Up. This feature enriches the viewing experience, making it a valuable addition to any film aficionado's collection. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to this cinematic gem, this release is highly recommended.

Robert Wise's wonderfully entertaining The Set-Up is a classic boxing movie that still holds up today. Its influence has lasted for decades and clearly set the stage for future classics like Raging Bull and Rocky (and by extension, Creed), featuring terrific fight choreography and effective human drama that provides the framework. The Set-Up has also aged well for a 70-year-old sports film, mainly thanks to its excellent visual storytelling and a brisk, real-time pace that locks in momentum from start to finish. Warner Archive Collection's excellent new Blu-ray offers plenty of support with a top-tier A/V presentation and a classic audio commentary. Highly recommended to fans and first-timers alike.