The Wages of Fear

Criterion's Blu-ray edition of "The Wages of Fear" delivers a commendable 1080p transfer that breathes new life into Henri-Georges Clouzot's classic, retaining the film's original 1.33:1 aspect ratio with an MPEG-4 AVC encoding. Praise is due for the meticulous restoration work, which delicately balances cleaning up a significant amount of debris, scratches, and specks while preserving the authentic grain structure that adds so much to the film's gritty atmosphere. Although the contrast occasionally seems slightly dialed up, affecting the brightness balance and potentially leading to scenes that might have preferred a sharper delineation, this heightened contrast enhances the sun-bleached landscapes and interiors, imbuing them with a realistic harshness reflective of the narrative's tension.

Detail and clarity receive a particular boost in this HD transfer, with textures on clothing, vehicles, and environments revealing a depth and crispness unseen in previous editions. The sharpness in close-ups brings out minute nuances in the actors' expressions, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience. Despite the impressive cleanup, some limitations intrinsic to the source material's age become evident in occasional soft edges and the inherent graininess. Still, these do not detract from the overall quality of the presentation. The black levels are commendably deep, albeit with a few instances veering towards gray. Night scenes maintain their clarity without succumbing to crush, and the flames in the oil field scenes billow with newfound intensity.

This release confirms Criterion's commitment to presenting films in their best possible light, offering both old fans and newcomers an excellent opportunity to experience "The Wages of Fear" as never before. The absence of digital filtering ensures that the film maintains its original texture and atmosphere, making it particularly appealing for projector owners who can appreciate the finer details and improvements on a larger scale. While those familiar with Criterion’s earlier release may not find the visual enhancements groundbreaking, there is enough refinement here to make an upgrade justifiable for aficionados seeking the ultimate fidelity to Clouzot’s vision.

The Criterion Collection's release of "The Wages of Fear" presents its French PCM uncompressed mono audio track with a level of cleanliness and attention to detail that sets a high standard for restoring the auditory experience of classic films. Despite the inherent limitations of the original monaural track, this restoration maximizes the depth and clarity of the film's sound. Voices come through with exceptional clarity, avoiding any issues with dropouts, hiss, or cracks, maintaining the integrity of dialogue throughout. Environmental sounds and effects, from the rumble of trucks to the crunch of explosions and the ambient noise of the film's setting, are given ample presence, contributing to a soundscape that's both naturalistic and immersive. Criterion's meticulous work ensures that these key elements resonate with a depth that belies the mono track’s constraints, although it doesn't quite reach the auditory depth achieved in some of their other notable releases.

The audio track's handling of specific sound effects, such as the throaty roar of the trucks and the shrillness of the sirens, showcases a particular care in balancing realism with the technical challenges of restoring older, location-shot films. These sounds penetrate the mix with a vigor that can fill a room, prompting real-world reactions to their intensity. Georges Auric's sparse but impactful score is treated with the same respect, its nuances bright and clear, adding to the overall atmosphere without overwhelming. Despite some limitations in dynamic range and slight nods to the track's age with minor hiss and the rare hollow note, Criterion's efforts have largely overcome these issues, resulting in an audio experience that is probably as close to the director's original intention as modern audiences can get.

The restoration brings forward a rich tapestry of auditory details, enhancing the film’s tense and atmospheric narrative without succumbing to the pitfalls typical of vintage mono tracks. Preserving and prioritizing every squeal, whistle, and dialogue exchange within the film's audio track demonstrates Criterion’s commitment to authenticity and quality. The slight sense of spatial appreciation achieved, even within the mono sound field, adds an unexpected dimension to the viewing experience. While some may find moments where the audio shows its age or seems pushed to its limits, it's clear that Criterion has done an admirable job in presenting "The Wages of Fear" in the best possible auditory light, making this release a definitive experience for both cinephiles and audiophiles alike.

The supplementary segment of the Blu-Ray release of "The Wages of Fear" offers a modest yet insightful look into the behind-the-scenes and historical context of this iconic film. Through a series of interviews and featurettes, viewers are treated to personal anecdotes from assistant director Michel Romanoff and star Yves Montand, as well as an engaging biographical profile from Henri-Georges Clouzot's biographer, Marc Godin. The inclusion of "Henri-Georges Clouzot: The Enlightened Tyrant" provides a candid exploration of Clouzot's film career, complemented by perspectives from notable figures such as Brigitte Bardot. The "Censored" featurette reveals the political motivations behind the film's edits for its U.S. release, offering a tangible reflection on cinematic and societal attitudes of the time. Although the extras present an enriching experience, they leave a desire for more in-depth exploration of the film's production nuances and its seminal impact on cinema. Noteworthy is the presentation quality that Criterion is known for, despite the absence of an expected audio commentary which could have further enriched the film's contextual appreciation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Michel Romanoff: Assistant director shares invaluable insights and personal memories from the set.
• Interview with Marc Godin: A detailed account of Clouzot's life, style, and filmography from his biographer.
• Interview with Yves Montand: Montand discusses his collaboration with Clouzot and his acting career revitalization.
• Henri-Georges Clouzot: The Enlightened Tyrant: A comprehensive documentary featuring interviews with collaborators and footage that paints a complex portrait of the director.
• Censored Scenes: An analysis of scenes cut from the U.S. release, exploring themes deemed controversial at the time.

Henri-Georges Clouzot's "The Wages of Fear" is a seminal piece of cinema that transcends its era with a narrative intensity and character depth rarely matched in the action thriller genre. This riveting exposition on the human condition, framed within a high-stakes journey through a South American wasteland, receives a deserving presentation in its Criterion Blu-ray release. The film, set in a desolate oil town, follows four men bound by desperation and a faint hope of escape from their dire circumstances. They undertake a perilous mission to transport volatile nitroglycerin for an American oil company, an endeavor fraught with danger at every turn. Clouzot masterfully crafts a slow-burn thriller that meticulously develops its characters and tension, culminating in a climax that is as inevitable as it is devastating.

The movie's portrayal of American corporate greed and existential dread struck a chord upon its release, leading to significant censorship in the United States. Yet, it is the universal themes of despair, brotherhood, and the human survival instinct that imbue "The Wages of Fear" with its enduring appeal and influence. The Criterion restoration honors this legacy with an uncut, high-definition transfer that accentuates the film's raw visceral power and atmospheric tension. Enhanced by a meticulously curated selection of extras, including interviews and documentary content, this release offers an unparalleled insight into Clouzot's method and the film's historical context.

Yves Montand, Charles Vanel, Folco Lulli, and Peter van Eyck deliver performances that are as compelling as they are complex, navigating the razor's edge between heroism and humanity's baser instincts. Their portrayal of men cornered by fate, yet striving against it, provides a gripping study in contrasts—richly nuanced and brutally honest. Clouzot's direction is unflinching, using the desolate landscape and the tangible dread of the explosive cargo as characters in their own right, enhancing the story's relentless push towards its harrowing conclusion. "The Wages of Fear" remains not just a milestone in French cinema but a masterclass in suspense filmmaking, reinforcing Clouzot's standing as a director who could rival Hitchcock in weaving tension and psychological depth into the fabric of film.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Wages of Fear," a cinematic tour de force, maintains their standard of excellence in preserving classic films. This release not only underscores the movie's significance in the pantheon of modern cinema but also showcases Criterion's unwavering commitment to quality. The film itself, a cornerstone of the action thriller genre, is presented in its complete and uncut form, ensuring that aficionados and newcomers alike can experience the director's vision in its entirety. The high-quality video transfer and uncompressed audio underscore the care taken in preserving this masterpiece. Enhanced by a selection of fine supplements and presented in classy packaging, this edition is a testament to Criterion's dedication to film preservation.

The technical specifications are worth noting, as they play a crucial role in bringing the stark tension and atmospheric suspense of "The Wages of Fear" to life. Criterion's choice to offer an uncompressed audio track significantly elevates the viewing experience, allowing the film's original sound design to immerse viewers fully. Moreover, the video transfer has been handled with such care that each frame contributes to the restoration's aim of offering a definitive version of the film. These technical achievements, when combined with the film's storied legacy and Criterion's reputation for excellence, make this release a must-have for those building a serious film library.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Wages of Fear" is an essential acquisition for both film enthusiasts and casual viewers. The combination of a meticulously restored classic film, superior technical specifications, and thoughtful extras ensures that this edition not only celebrates the film’s artistic achievements but also cements its place in the collections of cinema lovers. Its relevance, elevated by Criterion's commitment to quality, makes it a highly recommended addition to any serious film collection.