So Dark the Night Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "So Dark the Night" on Blu-ray, produced by Arrow Academy, showcases a high-quality AVC encoded 1080p transfer, framed in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1. This transfer, sourced from a 2K restoration provided by Sony Pictures, generally maintains a pleasing film-like quality with minimal blemishes or signs of wear. Compared to similar releases, such as "My Name is Julia Ross," the visual fidelity might appear slightly less organic during sequences with optical dissolves, and some stylistic lighting choices might exhibit a digitized appearance. Nevertheless, this minor issue is compensated by the absence of flicker and the profound chiaroscuro moments expertly captured by cinematographer Burnett Guffey.

The restoration brings remarkable detail to the forefront, with a stellar resolution that highlights a pure, well-resolved grain structure. Facial details and set definition boast dazzling clarity uncommon for films of this era. Sharpness is consistently strong, only compromised during chemical dissolves and the glamorous shots typical of '40s cinematography. Additionally, Arrow's meticulous compression work ensures no presence of damage or dirt, maintaining a flawless gray scale that perfects the balance of dense blacks and calibrated whites.

Overall, Arrow's Blu-ray treatment of "So Dark the Night" furnishes an exceptional visual experience. Despite some slight digital imperfections, fans and purists alike will appreciate the high-definition clarity and the robust contrast that bring out the film's unique noir aesthetic.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "So Dark the Night" features an LPCM 2.0 mono track that delivers an overall satisfactory performance. Dialogue clarity is consistently maintained without distortion, contributing to an immersive auditory experience attributed to the natural tonal quality of the restoration. While the track does not exhibit notable robustness, particularly in the underscore which sometimes sounds slightly shallow, there appear to be no significant instances of dropouts or damage.

The uncompressed PCM track stands out by retaining an organic and pure quality, marked by minimal digital clean-up. This results in a strikingly authentic sound environment, despite minor static and popping towards the final reel. Hugo Friedhofer’s score is a highlight, with its dynamic transition from light to dark tones enhancing the film's atmospheric progression. The audio's aged quality complements the period piece, successfully preserving its original essence while ensuring intelligibility in every line of dialogue.

Overall, the Blu-ray's LPCM 2.0 mono audio supports "So Dark the Night" with a commendably clear and largely faithful auditory experience. Though it may lack modern-day depth and richness, its integrity and careful preservation make it an engaging listen, especially appreciated by purists and enthusiasts.

The Blu-ray extras for "So Dark the Night" offer an engaging look into the film's background, with contributions from distinguished film historians and critics. The commentary track by Glenn Kenny and Farran Smith Nehme provides an informed and lively discussion, illustrating nuanced insights into Joseph H. Lewis's directorial techniques. The video essay "A Dark Place" by Imogen Sara Smith adeptly contextualizes Lewis' work within his broader filmography, enhancing the viewer's understanding of his stylistic choices and career trajectory. Complementing these narrations, the package includes a theatrical trailer and an elegantly designed insert booklet with essays, which provide additional layers of appreciation for the film. While the extras are somewhat limited, their quality and depth significantly augment the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Glenn Kenny and Farran Smith Nehme: Engaging and insightful commentary on the film.
• A Dark Place: Joseph H. Lewis: Video essay by Imogen Sara Smith exploring Lewis' career.
• Theatrical Trailer: Provides a classic promotional glimpse of the film.
• Insert Booklet: Features essays that offer deeper understanding and analysis.

"So Dark the Night" (1946) presents a psychological thriller cleverly disguised as a police procedural. Directed by Joseph H. Lewis, the film follows Inspector Henri Cassin (Steven Geray), a workaholic Parisian detective sent on a much-needed vacation to the quiet village of St. Margot. There, Cassin becomes romantically involved with Nanette Michaud (Micheline Cheirel), the daughter of his innkeepers, only for her to be found murdered shortly after. The investigation that unfolds offers substantial misdirection before delivering a twist that reshapes the entire narrative. Cassin’s descent from an affable public figure into the dark recesses of his psyche is meticulously constructed, all under the shadow of impending doom. The plot navigates through themes of jealousy and unfulfilled desires, heightened by the noir cinematography that transforms the quaint French village into a foreboding labyrinth.

Lewis successfully packs substantial content into a mere 71 minutes, echoing his prior work, My Name Is Julia Ross. The screenplay by Dwight V. Babcock and Martin Berkeley is straightforward yet deeply layered, offering insightful reflections on human nature and existential despair. The film transitions from a cheerful beginning to a haunting, mood-laden noir, utilizing the setting and character interactions to build tension. Nanette’s relationship with Cassin is underpinned by ulterior motives, reflecting a broader existential angst that permeates the film.

Burnett Guffey’s cinematography plays a pivotal role in establishing the movie's atmosphere, shifting from sunlit scenery to noirish visuals that emphasize emotional turmoil. His controlled use of framing and lighting underscores thematic elements without undue flashiness, enhancing critical narrative moments with visual restraint. Art Director Carl Anderson lends the film an unexpectedly refined look that belies its modest production budget. Supporting performances, such as Theodore Gottlieb's unique portrayal of a village hunchback, add depth and color to this compelling story. Ultimately, "So Dark the Night" stands out not just for its narrative intricacies but also for its subversion of Hollywood norms, leaving viewers unsettled long after its closing scene.

"So Dark the Night" showcases director Joseph H. Lewis' knack for elevating low-budget productions with cunning visual techniques and stylistic ingenuity. The film transitions seamlessly from a bright, idyllic beginning to a dark, moody noir, driven by an unlikely catalyst: a seemingly perfect romance turned tragic. Cinematographer Burnett Guffey's adept use of lighting conveys this tonal shift effectively, capturing sunny streets before descending into a more shadowy, foreboding aesthetic.

Lewis’ career trajectory is somewhat analogous to contemporaries like Anthony Mann, though Lewis faced obstacles including health issues that arguably curtailed his rise within the studio system. His inventive compositions in "So Dark the Night"—shot through wagon wheels, tree branches, windows, and other irregular frames—are indicative of his resourcefulness and technical prowess. The film's narrative is rooted in a Reader’s Digest story, reflecting the era's trend of adapting magazine tales for the silver screen.

The commentary provided by critics Glenn Kenny and Farran Smith Nehme offers invaluable insights into Lewis' directorial style and the film’s production, emphasizing the importance of viewing the film prior to listening due to spoilers. The supplementary materials also shed light on the careers of the supporting cast and the historical context of the film's release. "So Dark the Night" not only exemplifies Lewis' talent in making low-budget films appear more grandiose but also offers a compelling study in mid-20th century cinema techniques.

In conclusion, "So Dark the Night" relies on a patent misdirection gimmick which may leave some viewers raising their eyebrows in a veritable "Really??" when it's finally revealed. But the film offers some of the stylistic flourishes that would define Lewis' career, and it's fun to see frequent supporting actor Steven Geray get his chance at a lead role. Technical merits are generally solid, and the supplementary package appealing, for those considering a purchase.