Violent Saturday Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Violent Saturday" boasts an impressive AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 2.55:1 aspect ratio. Utilizing what appears to be a new HD transfer initially created by Fox, this release delivers a fantastic viewing experience that showcases Charles G. Clarke's Cinemascope lensing with exceptional clarity. While there are minor instances of a slightly brownish hue, likely a result of the Deluxe Color palette, it remains a minor concern. Overall, the transfer's contrast and color consistency are superb, free from digital manipulation. Outdoor scenes, in particular, exhibit remarkable depth of field and a meticulous reproduction of Clarke’s sometimes shimmering, sometimes gritty visuals.

Twilight Time's handling of the source material is exemplary, providing a sharp and detailed image through their 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode. The presentation benefits from a very fine layer of natural grain that enhances its cinematic quality. Whether it's the intricate detailing in clothing and facial complexions or the clarity of sign lettering and individual bricks, the definition and clarity are top-notch. Black levels are rich and well-defined, with strong shadow delineation, while the contrast perfectly balances crisp whites. The colors are richly saturated and bold, lending outstanding depth and warmth to the 2.55:1 image and beautifully complementing the deep focus photography for which Clarke is renowned. Despite minimal signs of age-related yellowish tints in a few scenes, the overall source condition remains excellent, ensuring an engaging viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "Violent Saturday" on Blu-Ray is anchored by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that effectively repurposes the film's original four-track stereo soundtrack. The result is a front-heavy mix befitting the film's era, yet it excels in providing a clean and precise soundstage. Dialogue is consistently clear and well-timed with on-screen actions, while Hugo Friedhofer's score is presented with enough breadth and clarity to be thoroughly enjoyable. Background activity benefits from excellent separation, creating a convincingly busy environment, particularly in scenes set in downtown Bradenville.

The audio’s fidelity is commendable, with off-screen effects and ambient sounds offering a wide and welcoming soundstage. Surround speakers are utilized to enhance certain effects and music, contributing to a broader soundscape, even though speaker-to-speaker activity might not always be pronounced. The mix achieves clear channel separation and effective panning, making movements between speakers fluid and dynamic. The mid-range tones are detailed and distinct, while low-end bass, although modest by modern standards, carries sufficient weight for a film of this period.

Overall, while some foley effects, such as gunshots, may not always convince due to ambient reverb, the DTS-HD 5.1 track does an admirable job of updating the original soundtrack. The absence of subtitles is unfortunate but does not detract significantly from the solid audio quality showcased in this release.

The Blu-ray release of "Violent Saturday" features a selection of enriching extras that provide valuable insights into the film's production and themes. Leading the list is an audio commentary by author and film historian Julie Kirgo, joined by Twilight Time co-founder Nick Redman. The duo delves deeply into the production history, cast, and thematic elements, including an intriguing environmental subtext. This conversational commentary is both informative and engaging for enthusiasts and scholars alike. Complementing the commentary, the disc also includes an isolated music score presented in high-fidelity DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the film's musical compositions in pristine quality.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: An insightful conversation by Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman.
• Isolated Music Score: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo.

"Violent Saturday," directed by Richard Fleischer, is an intriguing blend of noir and melodrama initially released in 1955 by 20th Century Fox in the CinemaScope format. The film boasts a notable ensemble cast, including Victor Mature, Lee Marvin, and Ernest Borgnine, among others. The narrative weaves together the lives of numerous characters in the small town of Bradenville, all leading up to and following a major bank robbery. Interestingly, the heist itself is almost secondary to the movie's primary focus: the richly detailed personal lives and hidden secrets of the townsfolk, which contribute to an engaging character study.

Fleischer masterfully introduces the audience to Bradenville via keen observations and interactions among its residents. The script, written by Sydney Boehm and adapted from William L. Heath's novel, intersperses scenes of the heist's meticulous planning with vignettes of small-town life, creating a multilayered narrative. Standout characters include Shelley Martin (Victor Mature), a war veteran troubled by perceptions of cowardice from his son, and Boyd Fairchild (Richard Egan), whose marital troubles lead him astray. These personal dilemmas are thoughtfully juxtaposed against the suspenseful buildup to the heist, creating an overarching sense of impending crisis.

The film also explores deeper themes through its climax, particularly with the inclusion of an Amish farmer, Stadt (Ernest Borgnine), whose pacifist beliefs are starkly challenged during the violent aftermath of the heist. Fleischer’s direction ensures that each subplot and character arc ties back into the central narrative cohesively, supported by Charles G. Clarke's striking CinemaScope cinematography. This visual richness enhances the film's tension and aesthetic appeal, underscoring "Violent Saturday" as a sophisticated examination of 1950s American life under duress.

Richard Fleischer's "Violent Saturday" is a film that has matured in recognition over the years, evolving from a lukewarm reception upon its original release to a now highly regarded crime drama. This taut, intelligently structured narrative places a trio of criminals in a seemingly placid American town, underpinning a brilliant examination of the American Dream's fragility. Twilight Time’s Blu-ray presentation does justice to the film's cinematographic excellence. The transfer quality is exemplary, bringing the 1950s visuals to life with vibrant hues and meticulously maintained grain.

While "Violent Saturday" culminates in an action-packed denouement, it is the intricate character studies and psychological underpinnings that engage viewers. Fleischer adeptly balances tension and dramatic build-up through meticulous pacing and strong performances. However, it’s the climax that truly rewards the audience’s investment. Twilight Time complements the visual excellence with an equally robust audio track, enveloping the viewer in the film's atmospheric sound design. This Blu-ray release shines technically, even if it falls short on supplemental content.

Call it a noir, call it a melodrama, call it a thriller, call it a hybrid, just call it must-see cinema. This is one of the most distinctive films that foists a bunch of violent criminals off on unsuspecting middle Americans, and its rather trenchant examination of a crumbling American Dream is really fascinating. While supplements here are a bit slim, technical merits are first-rate, and "Violent Saturday" comes highly recommended.