The Parallax View Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.39:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Criterion’s Blu-ray release of "The Parallax View" utilizes a 1080p transfer derived from a new 4K restoration. This meticulous digital transfer, created in 16-bit 4K resolution on a Lasergraphics Director film scanner from the original 35mm camera negative, showcases a pristine and detailed visual presentation. The color grading, supervised by the original color timer Jon Boorstin, remains faithful to Gordon Willis’ vision, offering a more refined version compared to previous masters. The restoration process involved manual removal of thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps using MTI Film's DRS, while Digital Vision's Phoenix addressed jitter, flicker, small dirt elements, grain, and noise management.

The resulting transfer exhibits outstanding image stability and showcases an authentic ’70s era grain structure that enhances the film's texture and depth. The visuals are impeccably sharp, revealing intricate details such as Seattle’s skyline and facial features in close-ups. The color palette is vibrant yet controlled; primaries like reds, blues, and yellows display with zeal while adhering to the film's aesthetic tone with bold tans and browns. Black levels are deep and consistent, though there is a minor crush in darker scenes in line with Willis' stylistic use of shadows. The brightness is potent and intense, aiding the visual storytelling effectively.

Overall, this Criterion release not only preserves but enhances the visual storytelling of "The Parallax View". The bold colors of parade processions, rich facial details hidden behind grain spikes, and the careful grading ensuring no digital artifacts detract from the immersive experience make this Blu-ray transfer an exemplary presentation matching Criterion's high standards.

The audio presentation of "The Parallax View" on Blu-ray features an English LPCM 1.0 track, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles that appear inside the image frame. The clarity and cleanliness of the audio stand out, with minimal intrusions from encoding anomalies. Although balance may occasionally seem uneven, this stems largely from the film’s deliberate incorporation of random sounds and noises. Michael Small's soundtrack plays a supporting role, resulting in limited dynamic activity but maintaining a vital presence.

Despite its vintage origin, the LPCM 1.0 track offers a notable auditory experience. The overall mix is clean and well-balanced, allowing dialog to dominate while the soundtrack and sound effects effectively fill the stage. The mono presentation surprisingly offers a rich sense of atmosphere and directionality, particularly evident in scenes with complex sound interactions, like the climactic convention hall sequence. While occasional instances may arise where dialog is overpowered by background whispers, these moments enhance the film's unsettling tone. Impressively, the track remains free from static, popping, hiss, or any other age-related issues, maintaining fidelity and preserving the original sound integrity.

The Blu-ray release of "The Parallax View" includes a comprehensive suite of extras that provides profound insights into the film's production, thematic elements, and visual techniques. This package offers a mixed array of archival interviews and newly produced content, ensuring both historical context and fresh perspectives. While some of the features like the Alex Cox and Jon Boorstin segments are new, a majority are sourced from archives, lacking the innovative engagement expected from modern releases. Nonetheless, these extras collectively grant a detailed exploration into the minds behind the film, elevating its analytical depth.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction: Filmed video introduction by filmmaker Alex Cox.
• Alan J. Pakula 1974: Audio conversation with Pakula at the American Film Institute discussing his background and working methods.
• Alan J. Pakula 1995: Archival interview addressing symbolic visuals and key themes.
• Gordon Willis: Archivally conducted interview on Willis' cinematographic collaboration and techniques.
• Jon Boorstin: New program featuring Boorstin discussing the creation of psychological test elements for the film.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet with an essay by critic Nathan Heller and a 1974 interview with Pakula.

Alan J. Pakula's The Parallax View delves into the murky waters of conspiracy theories with a gripping, edge-of-your-seat narrative that remains profoundly relevant today. The film begins with the assassination of a senator at Seattle’s Space Needle, witnessed by reporter Joseph Frady (Warren Beatty), who subsequently discovers a web of conspiracies linking the incident to a clandestine organization. As Frady's investigation deepens, he descends into a labyrinth of deceit and paranoia that pushes him, and the audience, to question every piece of information presented.

The film’s intricate use of visual storytelling elevates the sense of paranoia, using shadows and meticulously staged shots to mirror the unseen forces pulling the strings in the background. This theme is poetically captured in the title itself; "Parallax" suggests a change in perspective that alters perception—a perfect metaphor for the ever-shifting truths Frady encounters. While Pakula's direction ensures the narrative unfolds at a taut pace, it also incorporates deliberate pauses that build tension without overt dramatization. Notable sequences, such as a nerve-wracking plane scene and an explosive car chase, are executed with a restrained yet impactful touch, highlighting the film’s ability to maintain suspense through understated techniques.

The Parallax View’s resonance is amplified by its temporal context, released in an era shadowed by political assassinations and scandalous revelations like Watergate. The story’s unnerving assertion about secretive forces manipulating societal structures aligns disturbingly well with contemporary issues, from governmental overreach to corporate malfeasance. Pakula masterfully crafts a narrative that oscillates between stark realism and speculative fiction, compelling viewers to ponder the extent to which truth can be manipulated. Revisiting the film repeatedly provides fresh perspectives, each viewing uncovering new subtleties and reinforcing its timeless relevance in questioning the reliability and authenticity of perceived reality.

Alan J. Pakula's "The Parallax View" encapsulates the quintessential elements of 1970s paranoia cinema, delivering an intricate narrative that resonates with the complexities of its era. The film's portrayal of a convoluted conspiracy, led by Warren Beatty, keenly reflects an uncertain time through the lens of an unexpected protagonist. While some viewers may find the non-linear, elusive nature of the story frustrating, it is precisely this ambiguity that invites multiple viewings and varying interpretations, enhancing its re-watch value.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Parallax View" stands out for its superior technical achievements. Sourced from an exclusive new 4K master, this edition markedly improves upon previous home video releases, offering exceptional audiovisual quality that truly revitalizes the film. The visual fidelity and sound clarity merge seamlessly to create a more immersive viewing experience, making this release indispensable for aficionados of this cinematic genre. The bonus features, while decent, leave room for improvement; the absence of a Warren Beatty interview or commentary track is a noticeable shortfall.

In conclusion, "The Parallax View" is a seminal piece of 70s cinema that continues to provoke thought and intrigue despite some dated elements. Its exploration of conspiracy theories remains relevant, and Criterion's immaculate restoration ensures that it looks and sounds better than ever. This Blu-ray edition is highly recommended for both dedicated fans and newcomers seeking to explore Pakula's masterful storytelling.