The Enemy Below Blu-ray Review

"The Enemy Below" on Blu-ray comes with an AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation that unfortunately leaves much to be desired. The transfer lacks the benefit of a recent remaster, which is evident in its overall aged and fatigued appearance. Details appear soft, with production choices and period cinematographic techniques contributing to the generally uninspiring texture. Colors struggle to impress, with skin tones failing to convey natural hues and ocean scenes missing the vivid, sparkling blue depth one might expect. The source material itself shows signs of wear with frequent scratching and speckling, accompanied by minor horizontal stretching that subtly distorts the image.

Despite some positive aspects like consistent fine film grain and commendable black levels that provide a sense of three-dimensional depth, the viewing experience remains inconsistent. Grain retention brings pleasing detail levels in most scenes but becomes notably noisier during special effects sequences involving model ships. The color palette often fluctuates, unable to settle into a cohesive natural look, with blues particularly wavering from deep tones to pale blue-grey inconsistently. While marginally better than previous home video formats, such as DVD and Laserdisc, the transfer remains far from optimal, leaving a significant need for comprehensive restoration to truly elevate the visual quality of this classic film. It is serviceable at best for current standards but far from exceptional.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix for "The Enemy Below" effectively enhances the feature's grandeur, handling the cinematic elements with precision and vibrancy. The bold scoring cues are rich and maintain their full sound and instrumentation, contributing significantly to the film's atmosphere. Dialogue exchanges are clear and articulate, with accents being managed well through pronounced looping. Sound effects are dynamic and impactful, with explosions and water-based actions being particularly boomy and immersive.

The audio mix provides a strong and reliable English DTS-HD MA 2.0 track. Dialogue is consistently crisp and clear, free from interference caused by sound effects or scoring. While the sound effects might occasionally appear slightly canned during battle sequences, they sound convincingly natural within settings like the U-boat's engine room and crew quarters, where the balance feels authentic and life-like. Despite the original mono release’s front-loaded imaging, there remains a commendable sense of direction and space. Volume levels are balanced well throughout, ensuring that whether in the heat of action or during calmer, conversational scenes, no adjustments are necessary. Minor hiss can be detected intermittently but is not severe enough to detract from the experience. Overall, this audio track significantly enhances this Blu-ray release's appeal.

The Blu-ray release of "The Enemy Below" offers a solid collection of extras that complement the main feature, providing both historical context and additional entertainment value. The extras include an array of trailers for both the featured film and other related titles, covering a range of visual and historical perspectives. Despite their varying quality, these additions enrich the viewing experience by showcasing the promotional styles of the era and offering a glimpse into similarly themed productions. HD and SD formats cater to different preferences, ensuring compatibility with various viewing setups. As a result, these supplementary materials not only elevate the overall value of the disc but also deepen the viewer's connection to the content.

Extras included in this disc:

• 'The Enemy Below' Trailer: Original trailer in HD.
• 'The Secret Invasion' Trailer: Additional HD trailer.
• 'Fixed Bayonets!' Trailer: Another engaging HD trailer.
• 'The Train' Trailer: Exclusive SD trailer.
• 'Run Silent, Run Deep' Trailer: Final HD trailer offering.

"The Enemy Below" (1957) effectively captures the intensity and strategic intricacy of WWII naval warfare, under Dick Powell's adept direction. Adapted from Denys Rayner's novel, the plot centers on the psychological cat-and-mouse game between an American destroyer, helmed by Captain Murrell (Robert Mitchum), and a German U-boat commanded by Kapitän von Stolberg (Curt Jurgens). Powell's strength lies in his ability to emphasize the human element over mere spectacle, bringing the moral and psychological dilemmas faced by both sides to the forefront.

Robert Mitchum and Curt Jurgens deliver compelling performances, embodying men of honor defined by their wartime experiences. The character-driven narrative allows viewers to delve into the backstories and ideologies of the combatants, creating a multi-faceted portrayal of wartime duty. Mitchum's Murrell carries the scars of past encounters while leading his skilled crew aboard USS Haynes with resilience. In contrast, Jurgens's Stolberg, though a reluctant Nazi, commands with a focus on the survival of his crew over ideological commitment. Their interactions underscore respect and empathy, adding richness to their adversarial relationship.

Powell masterfully balances documentary-like precision with thrilling suspense. The film's opening half methodically introduces audiences to the operational capabilities and limitations of both vessels through detailed exposition. The tactical maneuvering and strategic exchanges elevate the tension as the narrative progresses, culminating in a gripping battle of wits rather than sheer firepower. Powell’s measured pacing ensures that every technical detail, every strategic move, serves the broader narrative, making "The Enemy Below" not just an action film but a profound character study and testament to human perseverance amid war’s chaos.

"The Enemy Below" on Blu-ray is a gripping dive into World War II naval warfare, boasting intense battles and strategic ingenuity. The film, headlined by Robert Mitchum and Curt Jurgens, stands out as a classic war thriller with its expertly paced narrative and meticulously crafted tension. The robust screenplay, coupled with dynamic performances, delineates not just the action but also the psychological warfare between the American destroyer crew and the stealthy German U-boat. Depth charges, torpedoes, and brilliant tactics keep WWII enthusiasts engaged, along with an insightful portrayal of leadership and sacrifice.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release delivers a commendable package, albeit with some reservations. The video transfer, while serviceable, might leave perfectionists desiring a more nuanced restoration. Conversely, the audio track is stellar, capturing the sonic landscape of naval warfare with remarkable fidelity. Supplementary material includes a collection of trailers, which, though limited, add some value for collectors and fans of the era. This release is particularly enticing for those who do not already possess a copy; however, buyers are advised to maintain moderate expectations regarding image quality.

In conclusion, "The Enemy Below" doesn't skimp on battles, periodically sparking to life as the sides exchange gunfire and torpedoes, while depth charges supply most of the suspense, with the Americans trying to locate and destroy the stealthy German U-boat. Powell comes armed with explosions and quick thinking, giving WWII enthusiasts plenty of recreation to salivate over. However, there's more to The Enemy Below than simple chases, contributing a satisfying understanding of leadership and sacrifice facing captains unsure if destroying each other is truly necessary.