The Misfits Blu-ray Review

The Misfits on Blu-ray delivers an exceptional visual experience with its 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that represents a significant leap in clarity and quality from previous standard-definition releases. The nearly pristine source print shows minimal debris, limited to a few scattered white specks and minor brightness flickering in some scenes. The film's rich grain structure is preserved without any signs of digital noise reduction (DNR) or excessive edge enhancement, providing a clean, natural, and crisp image. The grey scale is particularly impressive, with deep blacks that preserve shadow detail, bright whites that avoid overexposure, and smooth contrast gradients in between.

Moreover, the level of detail is markedly improved. Facial textures and clothing details are sharply defined, even in historically softer shots. Although some scenes exhibit slight moiré patterns, such as on Clark Gable’s checked cowboy shirt, these issues are minor and likely unavoidable. The aspect ratio of 1.66:1 is well-maintained, delivering a strong sense of dimensionality and depth, although certain close-ups of Marilyn Monroe appear intentionally soft. Overall, the video quality of The Misfits on this Blu-ray is a superb black-and-white transfer that maintains the original filmmakers' vision while offering a visually engaging experience.

The audio presentation of "The Misfits" in this Blu Ray release is praiseworthy for its fidelity to the original source material. MGM has opted for a DTS-HD Master Audio mono mix, which ensures that the film’s core elements, particularly its dialogue, are rendered with remarkable clarity. The dialogue is clean, strong, and exhibits no signs of muffling or crackling, which is crucial given Arthur Miller's dialogue-heavy script. While there are some minor modulations in vocal volume noticeable early in the film, these appear intentional and do not detract significantly from the listening experience.

In addition to the pristine dialogue, Alex North's evocative score brings a depth and expressiveness as much as a single-channel mix can provide. Though dynamic range remains relatively flat, the audio does manage to show some scale during high-energy scenes such as the rodeo sequences. The few sound effects present, mainly in the film's climactic scenes, also maintain a decent presence without overpowering the dialogue or score. Despite the absence of significant low-end bass, the balance between the different audio elements is managed adeptly, ensuring a cohesive and engaging auditory experience.

Furthermore, the audio offerings are extensive with English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono available alongside Spanish, French, and Portuguese Dolby Digital Mono tracks, as well as Italian and German DTS Mono tracks. This is complemented by an ample selection of subtitles including English SDH, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, German, Castilian, and Dutch. Overall, this respectful audio presentation enhances the film’s narrative and dramatic impact without distorting or distracting from its original qualities.

The Blu Ray release of "The Misfits" is significantly lacking in supplementary material, which is a missed opportunity given the film's storied production history. Despite being an iconic film, it includes no behind-the-scenes documentaries, featurettes, or retrospectives, and thus does not provide viewers with additional context or insight into this classic. The absence of more extensive bonus content is a notable downside, detracting from the overall value of this release for cinephiles and fans alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: The movie's original theatrical trailer is presented in 1080p with Dolby Digital sound.

"The Misfits" is a deeply evocative film that serves as the last completed project for both Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe, lending it a poignant historical weight. Directed by John Huston and penned by Arthur Miller, this 1961 film explores themes of loneliness, disillusionment, and the yearning for belonging. Monroe's portrayal of Roslyn Tabor, a newly divorced woman who meets a group of societal outcasts, is intensely emotional. The film's turbulent production, including on-set struggles with Monroe's substance use and personal issues, adds an additional layer of poignancy. Despite these challenges, "The Misfits" stands as an almost-masterpiece, showcasing Gable's tender performance as Gay Langland, an aging cowboy, and magnificent supporting roles by Eli Wallach and Montgomery Clift.

The narrative focuses on Roslyn as she becomes entangled with three men: the grandfatherly Gay, the bitter Guido (Wallach), and the sensitive rodeo cowboy Perce (Clift). The characters' interplay is rich in emotional texture and insight, reflecting Miller's knack for deep psychological and societal examination. While Gay sees in Roslyn a chance to reclaim lost opportunities, Guido's hardened exterior belies his inner turmoil. Perce's lighthearted yet emotionally potent presence adds another dimension to the ensemble. Each man seeks solace in Roslyn, who herself grapples with profound empathy and emotional disconnection.

Huston's direction complements Miller's script, blending naturalistic performances with a mythic, almost "Faulknerian" undertone. The black-and-white cinematography accentuates the emotional gravity and forlorn atmosphere. However, the film isn't without its flaws; certain narrative threads, such as the abrupt disappearance of Isabelle (Thelma Ritter), feel unfinished. Moreover, some scenes border on melodrama. Yet, these issues do little to overshadow the overall impact: a powerful exploration of human vulnerability and yearning. "The Misfits" remains a compelling cinematic experience driven by stellar performances and evocative storytelling.

"The Misfits" Blu-ray release delicately balances the melancholic charm of its narrative with strong technical execution. The film, directed by John Huston, carries an emotional weight, partly due to the performances of Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable in their final roles. The storyline, addressing themes of disconnectedness and existential struggle, benefits greatly from Arthur Miller’s evocative, albeit somewhat meandering script. While it may lack some narrative cohesion that would elevate it to unequivocal classic status, its poignant exploration of characters out of sync with their changing world remains compelling.

On the technical side, MGM has done a commendable job with the Blu-ray transfer. The video quality is crisp and preserves the black-and-white cinematography's atmospheric depth, enhancing the film’s somber tone. The audio is robust, capturing the nuances of both dialogue and ambient sound effectively. However, it is worth noting that this release is sparse in supplementary material — a point which may disappoint ardent collectors or those seeking more contextual extras.

Conclusively, despite some minor flaws in the narrative structure and a lack of bonus content, "The Misfits" on Blu-ray is a noteworthy release. The powerful performances and thoughtful direction shine through, making it a must-see for classic film enthusiasts. MGM's proficient handling of the film's audio-visual elements ensures that "The Misfits" receives the polished presentation it deserves. Recommended.