Wake in Fright Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Wake in Fright" delivers a highly respectable and nuanced visual experience that is especially noteworthy given the film's complicated restoration process. Rendered in 1080p HD resolution with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the image achieves a remarkable balance, featuring bright, vivid daytime scenes and appropriately graded shadows during nighttime moments. The restored colors capture the essence of the Australian outback, showcasing an array of reds, yellows, browns, and deep blues for the sky. Shadows and black levels in contrast-heavy scenes are particularly well-executed, enhancing the dramatic visual tone intended by director Ted Kotcheff.

Much debate has surrounded the film's smooth picture quality and perceived lack of grain, often attributed to the use of digital noise reduction (DNR). However, insights from the director underscore that significant effort was put into ensuring color fidelity and detail extraction from a deteriorated negative. The restoration involved a digital process, supervised by the Australian National Film and Sound Archive’s top craftsmen, who opted against introducing artificial grain to preserve authenticity. The result is an image free from excessive artifacts and devoid of the "wax dummy" effect often associated with aggressive DNR.

Notably, Kotcheff and editor Buckley have highlighted numerous details now visible for the first time, arguing against claims of detail being stripped away. Their commentary confirms that many of these details were latent in the original negative and only revealed in this restoration. This approach adds to the film’s historical value while aligning with the creators' vision. The effort of the restoration team can be seen as a conscientious decision to present a cleaner, more visually compelling rendition of "Wake in Fright," aligning closely with what was theoretically possible with the original film material.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray of "Wake in Fright" is offered in both DTS-MA 2.0 and DD 2.0 formats. While the expectations for an intense, tension-filled film might lean towards a more immersive audio experience, these tracks manage to deliver a solid performance. Despite some limitations in dynamic range, which may be attributable to the source material itself, the sound design effectively covers dialogue-heavy scenes as well as action sequences. It’s worth noting that Grant’s dialogue remains clear, though the thick Australian accents of some supporting characters may necessitate the use of subtitles.

The sophisticated sound editing of "Wake in Fright" utilizes unusual volume levels, sounds that seem out of place, and abrupt silences to heighten Grant’s sense of dislocation and the overall eerie atmosphere. Both audio tracks convey these elements adequately, though there are moments, particularly during intense dream sequences, where the score may appear slightly distorted. This distortion, however, seems to be an intentional aspect of the original sound design. Additionally, the soundtrack by John Scott is surprisingly well-handled, with both formats doing justice to its integration within the film’s auditory landscape.

Overall, while the DTS-MA 2.0 and DD 2.0 tracks may not offer a full-range, immersive audio experience typical of modern releases, they do a commendable job given the material's context. The modest but effective sound quality preserves the unsettling nature of "Wake in Fright," securing its position as an audibly compelling film revival.

The Blu-ray extras for "Wake in Fright" provide a comprehensive deep dive into the film's production, restoration, and legacy. The Commentary with Director Ted Kotcheff and Editor Anthony Buckley is particularly informative, highlighting previously unseen details and offering a mixture of anecdotally rich recollections and technical nuances. Kotcheff also shares insights in the To The Yabba and Back interview, which offers similar material but in a more concise format. The Q&A at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival serves as an extended session, covering broader aspects of the film's history and production challenges. Vintage segments like Who Needs Art? and Chips Rafferty's Obituary provide historical context, while the ABC's 7:30 Report tackles the rediscovery and restoration process. Additionally, a variety of trailers and an informative booklet enhance the disc's value.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Ted Kotcheff and Editor Anthony Buckley: Detailed commentary on the film’s production and restoration.
• To The Yabba and Back: An interview with Ted Kotcheff.
• Q&A with Ted Kotcheff at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival: Extended discussion on the making of the film.
• Who Needs Art?: Vintage segment on the film's production.
• Chips Rafferty's Obituary: Tribute to the actor’s career.
• ABC’s 7:30 Report on the Rediscovery and Restoration of the Film: News report on the film’s recovery.
• Trailers:
  • Wake in Fright
  • The Ambassador
  • Bullhead
  • Klown
  • Miami Connection
  • Drafthouse Alliance
• Booklet:
  • Essays on the film’s search, restoration, and legacy by various contributors.

"Wake in Fright" is an impeccable representation of one man's nightmarish descent into the gritty reality of Australia's outback, key in understanding Ozploitation. Directed by Ted Kotcheff, and made by an international team during the nascent stages of the Australian film industry, it embodies a raw and unvarnished portrayal of life that initially appalled local audiences. Released in 1971, the film endured criticism for its brutal depiction of its protagonist’s lost weekend filled with gambling, relentless drinking, and graphic hunting scenes—impressively maintaining its potent shock value even after decades. Though it fared poorly upon release, gaining significant recognition was a slow burn.

Gary Bond’s portrayal of John Grant is hauntingly compelling; you can't help but feel his alienation as an Englishman outdated in the unforgiving landscape. The film’s vibrant color palette enhances Grant’s unsettling journey, captured from stark, sun-bleached landscapes to garish pub interiors. Noteworthy supporting performances include Donald Pleasance as Doc Tydon, whose character epitomizes alcoholic degradation, and Chips Rafferty as the condescending lawman who imposes the town's twisted hospitality on Grant. The seamless interaction between these elements effectively transmits the suffocating atmosphere that envelopes Grant.

Kotcheff’s direction suffuses each frame with a sense of desperateness and surrealism. The infamous kangaroo hunting sequence remains one of the most controversial and visceral moments in film history, prompting a disclaimer from the creators due to its sheer brutality. The film's intensity is accentuated by the minimalist dialogue and meticulous attention to detail that inexorably draws viewers into Grant’s downward spiral. While initially rejected, "Wake in Fright" has garnered critical acclaim over the years for these very reasons—its unflinching storytelling and vivid cinematography combined to craft an indelible, haunting portrayal of self-destruction and cultural alienation in the Australian outback.

Drafthouse Films' Blu-ray release of "Wake in Fright" offers a comprehensive and immersive experience of this classic Australian film. The 1080p transfer presents the visuals with an unprecedented crispness that breathes new life into the gritty outback landscapes and the gradual unraveling of John Grant's character. The restoration team has made deliberate artistic choices, resulting in a visual presentation that is both faithful to the original and enhanced for modern viewers. While the audio presentation doesn't quite match the visual splendor, it still effectively complements the film's intense atmosphere, ensuring that the underlying tension and raw emotion resonate with the audience.

The narrative thrust of "Wake in Fright" is what sets it apart as a surreal thrill ride. From the moment we are thrown into John Grant's journey, the film grips us with its unflinching look at isolation and desperation, a fact underlined by the absence of backstory and a neatly tied conclusion. This stark storytelling choice leaves viewers pondering the deeper, more unsettling questions about human nature and societal pressures. The movie's intriguing depiction of outback allure, combined with what seems like an almost existential descent for Grant, keeps us engaged and thoughtful, long after the final frame has faded.

It would be unfortunate if debates over the restoration process overshadowed the film that has been rescued and restored. The restoration team has made its artistic choices, and what appears on this Blu-ray is how the film has been preserved for the ages. The alternative would have been to have it disappear for all time, thereby depriving the world of a unique and harrowing tale of a civilized man's systematic disassembly by . . . what exactly? That's the intriguing question that hangs over the end of "Wake in Fright." What is it about the outback that proves so irresistibly alluring to someone like John Grant—or, for that matter, Doc Tydon, in whom Grant perhaps sees too much of himself for comfort? What makes Grant take a bonded position in a place he despises and then, as soon as he's offered the opportunity for an escape, fling himself more deeply into the same vile muck? A character flaw? Sun stroke? Original sin? "Wake in Fright" doesn't even give you a hint, and that's one of its most unsettling elements. Highly recommended.