Crimes and Misdemeanors Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Crimes and Misdemeanors" is commendable, utilizing an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The collaboration between Orion, 20th Century Fox, and MGM has resulted in a clean and well-preserved visual experience, with minimal blemishes. The contrast is robust, delivering a solid sense of depth and detail, particularly in close-ups. Colors are well-saturated, bringing moments such as Alda's salmon-tinted sweater vividly to life. While the film doesn't boast vibrant visuals, taking into account its wintry New York setting, the transfer respects the original organic look of the film with only minor stability issues, such as those seen in Judah’s pinstripe shirt.

Grain presence is noticeable yet not disruptive, enhancing the overall texture of the film without degrading the viewing experience. Background elements carry sufficient detail, with rich black levels providing depth and stability. Instances of faint white speckling observed on occasion, mainly during darker scenes and opening titles, do not detract significantly from the enjoyment. Importantly, the transfer avoids overcorrective measures like edge sharpening or digital noise reduction, preserving the film's integrity. Allan’s artistry is well-served by this high-quality transfer, ensuring that fans of "Crimes and Misdemeanors" will find this Blu-ray edition a worthwhile and visually faithful representation of the original film.

The audio presentation of "Crimes and Misdemeanors" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mix that excels in faithfully replicating the original soundscape of the film. Dialogue is given precedence and remains clear and meticulously modulated, ensuring that every line—whether a whisper or a heated exchange—is perfectly intelligible. This mix adeptly balances the narrow yet nuanced combination of dialogue, effects, and music, even in dynamic scenes like crowded clubs without compromising the intelligibility of conversations. Notably, the track is devoid of any age-related imperfections such as hiss, pops, or crackles, which significantly enhances its technical fidelity.

Musically, the track impresses with its handling of a diverse array of selections ranging from Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hart to classical pieces by Bach and Schubert. Each musical element is rendered with high fidelity, ensuring that the nuances of every composition are preserved and delivered with clarity. Ambient effects, though subtle, are distinct and contribute to an immersive listening experience. While this is a straightforward mono mix without the expansive qualities of modern surround sound formats, it seamlessly blends all audio components to create a cohesive and engaging auditory experience, satisfying what can be expected from such a format.

The Blu-ray extras for "Crimes and Misdemeanors" are sparse but notable. The collection includes an isolated score and effects track in DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, providing a unique auditory experience separate from the film's dialogue. Also, the original theatrical trailer is present, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the film's initial presentation. While some may argue that the absence of in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes features is a missed opportunity, the available material is still appreciated by purists who prefer a straightforward archival approach.

Extras included in this disc:

MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: A celebration of MGM's history.

Theatrical Trailer: Original preview of the film.

Isolated Score and Effects Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, allowing focus on the film's score and sound design.

Woody Allen’s Crimes and Misdemeanors masterfully examines profound questions of morality, ethics, and the human condition with a blend of ironic humor and incisive introspection. The narrative pivots around two primary stories: Judah Rosenthal (Martin Landau), an esteemed ophthalmologist trapped in an incriminating affair with Dolores Paley (Anjelica Huston), and Cliff Stern (Woody Allen), a struggling documentary filmmaker envious of his successful brother-in-law, Lester (Alan Alda). Allen’s script navigates through these characters’ moral dilemmas, exposing their vulnerabilities and ethical double binds. Landau’s portrayal of Judah, a man besieged by guilt and existential fears of divine retribution, contrasts starkly with Cliff's comparatively benign yet disheartening professional and personal trials.

A tightly woven screenplay anchors the film, burdened only by occasional lapses where dialogue and narrative devices become stilted. Nonetheless, Allen's exploration of visual motifs is strikingly effective, particularly the recurrence of sight and blindness metaphors. Judah’s professional clarity juxtaposed with his moral opacity, alongside Rabbi Ben’s (Sam Waterston) literal vision loss paralleling spiritual and societal darkness, underscores Allen’s thematic concerns. The intertwined relationships resonate deeply, pushing viewers to introspect about their own moral compass amidst life’s complexities.

Despite its occasional theatrical excesses, Crimes and Misdemeanors remains compelling for its raw dissection of human frailty. The juxtaposition of Judah’s consequential crime with Cliff’s personal misdemeanors poignantly illustrates Allen’s contemplation on the disparity between sins of action and inaction. The film's wintery setting accentuates the emotional frigidity experienced by characters, culminating in a poignant reflection on guilt, justice, and the extent to which divine watchfulness influences human actions. Allen challenges audiences to ponder over these loaded queries without offering definitive answers, solidifying Crimes and Misdemeanors as a thought-provoking piece that skillfully balances searing drama with reflective humor.

"Crimes and Misdemeanors" stands as a testament to Woody Allen's unique filmmaking prowess, blending profound character studies, resonant themes, and wry humor into a cohesive, thought-provoking narrative. The film, which remains one of Allen's finest alongside classics like "Annie Hall" and "Manhattan," delves into deep philosophical questions with almost Talmudic exposition. Martin Landau delivers one of his best performances, backed by an equally compelling ensemble cast, making it an enduring piece worthy of reflection and discussion.

The Blu-ray release of "Crimes and Misdemeanors" is commendable for its generally excellent video and audio quality. Twilight Time's transfer captures the film's aesthetic intricacies, enriching the viewing experience. However, the supplements are minimal, a common issue with Allen's home media releases. Despite this, the technical execution ensures that the film’s meticulously crafted visual and auditory elements are preserved, offering fans a pristine presentation.

In conclusion, "Crimes and Misdemeanors" is a must-watch for those who appreciate substantive, adult cinema. While recent controversies may cloud perceptions of Allen's work, the film itself remains a masterful exploration of moral ambiguities and emotional complexities. The Blu-ray’s stellar audiovisual quality makes it a worthwhile addition to any collection, despite the sparse extras. Highly recommended.