Shock Corridor Blu-ray Review

Presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Samuel Fuller’s "Shock Corridor" receives a high-definition 1080p transfer that demonstrates Criterion's commitment to quality. The film benefits from a meticulous digital restoration process, utilizing a Spirit Datacine to create the transfer from a 35mm master positive. MTI's DRS system and Pixel Farm's PFClean system tackled thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, jitter, and flicker, while Digital Vision's DVNR system addressed minor dirt, grain, and noise. This ensures a remarkably clean and stable presentation.

The resulting video quality is impressive, featuring consistent contrast and strong detail despite occasional softness. Color reproduction is notably pleasing; whites and grays appear stable and healthy, and blacks are deeply saturated. During the film’s brief color sequences, the hues display a vibrant vitality that stands out. Although edge enhancement is visible in some scenes, it is not a significant issue. Macroblocking, which was a problem in Criterion's earlier SDVD release, has been effectively eliminated. The transfer maintains a fine layer of grain that contributes to the film's texture without becoming obtrusive.

Overall, this high-definition digital transfer of "Shock Corridor" offers a visual experience that is clean, crisp, and faithful to the original film's aesthetic. Random noise corrections have been executed expertly, and no large defects such as damage marks, stains, or cuts were detected. The transfer's minor stability issues are few and far between. Criterion's Blu-ray release will undoubtedly delight both long-time fans and new viewers with its restored visual integrity, superb detail, and well-maintained filmic quality.

The Blu-ray of "Shock Corridor" features a singular audio track, an English LPCM 1.0, supplemented by optional English SDH subtitles. Criterion's meticulous approach to audio fidelity is evident in their remastering process: the original monaural soundtrack was remastered at 24-bit from a 35mm monaural magnetic track. Clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum were effectively removed using Pro Tools HD, and crackle was attenuated with AudioCube's integrated audio workstation.

While a mono track, the English LPCM 1.0 impressively delivers an organic and clear auditory experience. Dialogue remains crisp, clean, and stable throughout the feature; high frequencies are balanced without sounding overly sharp. Paul Dunlap's score also benefits from the remastering, where no balance issues are apparent. The track retains a surprising amount of atmospheric dimensionality, contributing to an immersive experience reflecting the film's setting. No pops, cracks, or audio dropouts were detected, and there's a remarkable absence of the muddiness typically associated with older film audio.

This remastering effort deserves praise for maintaining clarity and authenticity while eliminating distracting audio artifacts. The dynamic amplitude may be limited, but the overall result is pleasingly faithful to the original sound design. In sum, this is a solid audio presentation that elevates the viewing experience of "Shock Corridor."

The Blu-ray extras for "Shock Corridor" are extensive and meticulously curated, providing invaluable context and insights surrounding Samuel Fuller's work. One highlight includes an engaging video interview with lead actress Constance Towers, conducted in 2007 by Charles Dennis, where Towers shares her experiences working on the film and with directors Samuel Fuller and John Ford. Another standout is the enthralling documentary "The Typewriter, The Rifle & The Movie Camera," offering a comprehensive look into Fuller's legacy with contributions from renowned filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino. The original theatrical trailer is also included, giving viewers an authentic glimpse of the film's initial marketing. Additionally, a 28-page booklet features critical essays and excerpts from Fuller's autobiography, providing deeper textual analysis and personal anecdotes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Constance Towers Video Interview: Actress recounts memories and experiences with Fuller and John Ford.
• The Typewriter, The Rifle & The Movie Camera: Documentary featuring industry insights into Fuller's legacy.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Authentic representation of the film's original marketing.
• Booklet: Contains critical essays and excerpts from Fuller's autobiography.

Samuel Fuller's Shock Corridor (1963) delivers an intense and unsettling cinematic experience, further enhanced in its Criterion Collection Blu-ray release. The film follows ambitious journalist Johnny Barrett (Peter Breck), who voluntarily commits himself to a mental hospital under the guise of insanity to investigate a mysterious murder, aiming for a Pulitzer Prize. From the outset, Fuller immerses the audience into the claustrophobic and oppressive atmosphere of the asylum with remarkable precision, where the use of gritty, tactile cinematography effectively conveys the suffocating environment. Breck's performance is compelling, as his character's grip on reality begins to fray, diving deeper into the mental chaos around him.

Fuller's narrative excels in its exploration of sanity and societal norms. The secondary characters add layers of depth: Cathy (Constance Towers), Johnny's devoted girlfriend, provides a poignant emotional anchor, while patients like Pagliacci, Dr. Boden, Stuart, and Trent represent fractured psyches each contributed to the film’s examination of post-war American anxieties. The director’s deliberate pacing aligns with Barrett’s spiraling descent into madness, climaxing in intense scenes of shock therapy that blur the lines between Johnny's delusions and reality.

Fuller's direction, influenced by his war experiences and affinity for film noir, creates an almost palpable tension that resonates throughout. The film’s mise en scène, coupled with inventive camera techniques, including sequences later echoed by Martin Scorsese in Raging Bull and Shutter Island, encapsulates this psychological deterioration. As Johnny navigates his treacherous path, Fuller challenges viewers to question their understanding of sanity within a conformist society. The Blu-ray transfer by Criterion does justice to Fuller’s vision, preserving every intricate visual detail and ensuring Shock Corridor remains a provocative and essential piece of American cinema.

Samuel Fuller's 'Shock Corridor' remains a crucial work in the cinematic landscape, showcasing his exceptional ability to blend intense drama with profound social commentary. The film's narrative, rich with psychological complexity and emotional depth, offers a gripping exploration of human nature and institutional failings. Criterion's Blu Ray edition honors this masterpiece with a meticulous high-definition transfer, ensuring that both the striking visuals and haunting audio are presented in their best possible form.

Criterion's package impressively preserves the film's integrity, enhancing the viewing experience with remarkable clarity and sharpness. The monochromatic palette is handled with care, maintaining the intensity of the original print. Furthermore, the restoration work on the audio track delivers crisp dialogue and an evocative score, crucial for immersion into the film’s atmosphere. Despite the slim selection of additional features, the included documentary 'The Typewriter, The Rifle & The Movie Camera' offers valuable insights into Fuller's filmmaking approach, making it a noteworthy addition.

Brilliantly conceived and executed, 'Shock Corridor' is undoubtedly one of Samuel Fuller's most provocative films. It reaches so far and delivers lessons that are so effective, it is hard to believe that it was filmed nearly half a century ago. As expected, Criterion have put together a wonderful package for it. Make sure to see the wonderful documentary 'The Typewriter, The Riffle & The Movie Camera'. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.