They Live by Night Blu-ray Review

Criterion's presentation of Nicholas Ray’s They Live by Night on Blu-ray is an exceptional example of film restoration. Encoded in 1080p with an AVC MPEG-4 transfer, the film is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The new digital transfer was created in 2K resolution from a 35mm safety fine-grain positive, meticulously scanned using a Lasergraphics Director film scanner. Thousands of imperfections were manually removed using MTI Film's DRS, complemented by Digital Vision's Phoenix for jitter, flicker, small dirt, grain, and noise management. The overall stability of the image is outstanding, although there are minor density fluctuations, reflecting the varied shooting conditions of the original footage.

The grayscale range is impressively captured, showcasing healthy and balanced grays, whites, and blacks that maintain the film’s cinematic quality. The rich black levels only occasionally show minor instances of crush, while the whites remain bright without blooming. Grain levels fluctuate but enhance the film's organic feel rather than distract. Criterion's efforts have essentially eliminated large debris and damage marks, making age-related artifacts nearly absent. The visual sharpness is consistently high except for a few scenes where the original photography was not precise.

The mix of gritty location shoots and polished studio interiors poses significant challenges, yet the Criterion restoration team adeptly surmounts them. Close-ups reveal superb detail and classic Hollywood glamour, particularly in the faces of Granger and O'Donnell. Rich contrast and clarity further elevate the viewing experience, blending outdoor location scenes seamlessly with studio shots. With only a few discrete markings remaining on the restored source material, They Live by Night never looked better on Blu-ray. This release stands as a testament to Criterion's dedication to preserving cinema history with technical finesse and respectful authenticity.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "They Live by Night" features a newly remastered LPCM mono track that stands out for its clarity and lack of distortion. The dialogue is exceptionally clean and stable, making it consistently easy to follow. Although minor variations in depth and fluidity can be noticed, these are likely inherent to the original audio mix rather than a flaw. Environmental sounds, such as crickets, car engines, and flames, are rendered effectively, adding to the film's atmospheric quality. Leigh Harline's score, known for iconic pieces like those in Walt Disney's "Pinocchio," fills the room with a warm, enveloping presence.

Technical fidelity of the LPCM mono track is commendable, despite slight compression that hints at significant restoration efforts. Fortunately, this results in an audio experience free of age-related hiss, pops, or crackles. The PCM 1.0 (1.1 Mbps) track ensures a robust yet balanced portrayal of the era’s pop songs and Harline's original score intertwined seamlessly with the film's atmospheric effects. While not the most dynamic or active track, it complements the film’s tone perfectly and should impress both cinephiles and audiophiles alike.

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of "They Live by Night" includes a meticulous array of extras, providing insightful context to the film. Eddie Muller's commentary with Farley Granger, though occasionally hampered by Granger's reticence, delivers rich historical insights and comparisons to other noir classics. Imogen Sara Smith's interview delves into the film's innovative approach within the genre and Nicholas Ray's directorial nuances. The disc also features a 1956 audio interview with producer John Houseman, providing historical context to the production roles at the time. The archival featurette, "They Live by Night: The Twisted Road," supplements these with observations from notable film industry figures and historians. An informative leaflet authored by Bernard Eisenschitz rounds out the collection.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Eddie Muller and Farley Granger discuss the film's production and its novel origins.

Interview with Imogen Sara Smith: In-depth analysis of the film’s unique noir elements and Nicholas Ray.

Audio Interview with John Houseman: Insights from the producer on his career and film production.

They Live by Night: The Twisted Road: Featurette with perspectives from film experts and industry figures.

Leaflet: Bernard Eisenschitz’s essay on the film’s impact and importance.

Nicholas Ray’s debut, They Live by Night, intricately melds romantic melodrama with the unwavering fatalism of classic noir cinema. The film opens with an innovative aerial helicopter shot that thrusts viewers into the escape of three convicts, establishing its technical prowess early on. Among them, Bowie (Farley Granger) stands out as a young man unjustly imprisoned for murder. As he recuperates on a secluded farm, Bowie forms a delicate bond with Keechie (Cathy O'Donnell), Chickamaw's niece, who faces her own struggles with an abusive father. Their resulting relationship and attempt to achieve a semblance of normalcy injects warmth into the stark reality of their circumstances.

Ray’s nuanced direction ensures that the movie transcends typical genre boundaries. He deftly balances tender moments enriched by lush lighting and close-ups with a muscular style marked by dynamic camera work and gritty settings. This balance is evident as the narrative shifts from noir to romantic fantasy territory, coining what can be termed as "romance noir." The film’s raw emotional core is brought to life through the compelling performances of Granger and O'Donnell, whose chemistry delivers a palpable sense of vulnerability and determination. They embody not just tortured souls but hopeful youths longing for safety and stability amidst relentless adversities.

The supporting cast, including Howard Da Silva and Jay C. Flippen, further elevate the film, depicting a world teetering between rough criminal undertakings and fleeting moments of grace. George Diskant’s deep focus photography allows actions and reactions to unfold seamlessly within single frames, enriching the visual storytelling. Overall, Ray’s strong insights into human suffering and resilient hope make They Live by Night a standout piece that resonates deeply, encapsulating the director’s vision of outsiders navigating a world of grime and corruption in their quest for tranquility.

Nicholas Ray’s They Live by Night is a standout entry in the film noir genre, uniquely blending post-World War II realism with a poignant, tragic romance. The film follows the tale of an escaped convict trying to break free from a life of crime and his earnest girlfriend who believes in his potential for redemption. Ray's directorial debut strikes a deep emotional chord, combining tender moments with the familiar tension and darkness of noir. Farley Granger and Cathy O'Donnell deliver stellar performances, driving the film's powerful narrative.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of They Live by Night is sourced from an exceptional new 2K restoration. This upgrade offers a significant improvement in both video and audio quality compared to Warner Bros.' decade-old North American DVD release. The presentation showcases high-definition transfers that capture Ray’s nuanced direction and the film’s atmospheric details with remarkable clarity. Additionally, the release is packed with a comprehensive array of supplementary materials, offering an immersive experience for both new viewers and long-time fans.

What makes Nicholas Ray’s They Live by Night a special film—aside from the fact that it is truly a stunning directorial debut—is the simplicity and effectiveness with which it rearranges major genre elements. It really has the heart of a rebel, though admittedly it is not quite as bold as Ray’s groundbreaking western Johnny Guitar. Criterion’s Blu-ray release of They Live by Night is an essential upgrade for any film enthusiast. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.