On the Waterfront Blu-ray Review

The Criterion release of On the Waterfront on Blu-ray presents an exceptional video restoration, maintaining the film’s historical cinematic purity while offering remarkable technical enhancements. Presented in three aspect ratios – 1.66:1, 1.85:1, and 1.33:1 – and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, this edition is anchored by a new 4K digital transfer from the original 35mm camera negative. The restoration, supervised by Grover Crisp at Sony Pictures and executed by Cineric using Oxbury Scanner equipped with wetgate processing, ensures that fidelity to the original film is maintained while achieving the highest quality visuals possible.

The restoration work impressively addresses previous shortcomings, such as blockiness and sharpening artifacts seen in earlier releases, creating a flawless contrast and depth. Nighttime sequences, which were previously problematic, now boast improved shadow definition and clarity. Furthermore, the consistent grain enhances the film’s texture without being intrusive. Critically, the clean source material shows no debris, scratches, or damage marks, enhancing visual immersion without digital distractions.

Boris Kaufman's Oscar-winning cinematography has been faithfully preserved and highlights Criterion's meticulous attention to detail in highlighting the frigid winter scenes, atmospheric street views, and gritty dockside exteriors. Despite occasional minor noise in some solid backgrounds and slight softness in certain scenes, the overall image quality remains superior. The grayscale consistency and denser blacks especially enrich indoor shots, while external night scenes benefit from shadowy depth. Close-ups reveal stunning details, from Brando's emotive expressions to the intricate textures of the laborers' attire and the surrounding environments. Criterion's presentation of On the Waterfront in this Blu-ray release ensures an unmatched visual experience for both film purists and modern audiences.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "On the Waterfront" features two audio tracks: English LPCM 1.0 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Both tracks provide distinctly unique audio experiences, allowing viewers to select based on preference. The English LPCM 1.0 track retains the film's original mono sound, which many purists favor for its authentic representation of the movie's initial release. This track offers a balanced combination of Leonard Bernstein's score and dialogue, free from distortions, hiss, pops, or dropouts. The dynamic movement is particularly well-presented, making the LPCM 1.0 track highly satisfying, especially in its ability to handle Bernstein's complex musical compositions.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, also derived from the original 35mm magnetic tracks and stereo music recordings, provides a more modernized sound experience. Although it mostly anchors the audio upfront, it utilizes rear speakers to add ambient nuances such as bar noises and exterior atmospherics. This track sounds smoother and warmer compared to the monaural option. Elements like bass frequencies from foghorns and truck rumbles, along with accents like shattering glass and screeching tires, are delivered with exceptional clarity and weight. The broader soundstage offered by the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 enhances the film score's richness and adds depth to the overall sound landscape, offering a slightly different auditory dimension.

Both audio tracks are meticulously crafted and maintain high fidelity to the original film score by Leonard Bernstein. The dialogue is clear and stable on both tracks, although occasional mumbling due to actor accents and certain crescendos in the music might pose minor challenges. Overall, Criterion has succeeded in providing high-quality audio options that complement this cinematic classic. Selecting between the LPCM 1.0 and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks will largely depend on whether one prefers a more traditional or an enriched modern audio experience.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "On the Waterfront" comes with a substantial array of supplemental content that provides an exhaustive exploration of the film's historical, technical, and cultural contexts. These extras include insightful interviews and documentaries with luminaries such as Martin Scorsese and Eva Marie Saint, offering in-depth analyses of director Elia Kazan's methods, the film's production nuances, and the impact of Method acting. Further, notable figures like film historian Richard Schickel and critic Kent Jones share their expertise, enriching the viewer’s understanding of this classic movie. Furthermore, the inclusion of contextual features on the multiple aspect ratios and Leonard Bernstein’s score highlights Criterion’s dedication to film preservation and education.

Extras included in this disc:

• Martin Scorsese and Kent Jones: Discussion on Elia Kazan's film and its impact.
• Elia Kazan: An Outsider: 1982 documentary on Kazan’s life and career.
• I'm Standin' Over Here Now: Documentary with film scholars discussing the film.
• Eva Marie Saint: Interview with the actress on her experiences during production.
• Elia Kazan: Archival interview with Kazan.
• Thomas Hanley: Interview with a local actor from the film.
• Who is Mr. Big?: Insight into the real-life influences behind the story.
• Contender: Mastering the Method: Examination of the famous taxicab scene.
• Leonard Bernstein's Score: Analysis of Bernstein's only film score.
• On the Aspect Ratio: Explanation of the film's multiple aspect ratios.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Commentary: Audio commentary by Richard Schickel and Jeff Young.
• Booklet: Featuring an essay and historical documents related to the film.

Elia Kazan’s 1954 film, On the Waterfront, is an exemplar of classic cinema, significantly contributing to the landscape of American film with its potent narrative and brilliant direction. This cinematic gem centers on Terry Malloy, portrayed by Marlon Brando, an ex-boxer whose life lacks direction until he unwittingly becomes involved in a murder orchestrated by the corrupt union boss, Johnny Friendly. The film depicts Terry's intensifying moral struggle, accentuated by his interactions with Edie Doyle, the victim's sister, and Father Barry, a determined local priest. The film's layered narrative, inspired by Budd Schulberg’s original story and Malcolm Johnson’s investigative articles, unravels amidst the gritty realities of Hoboken’s docks. It's a riveting exploration of conscience, loyalty, and redemption.

Visually, the film bears the hallmarks of Italian neorealism, with Boris Kaufman’s adept cinematography capturing the raw and sometimes bleak essence of dockside life. The film’s authenticity is heightened by its use of real longshoremen as extras and its on-location shoots in Hoboken. This documentary-like realism melds seamlessly with film noir elements, creating high emotional stakes and suspense. In concert with this is Leonard Bernstein’s poignant score—his only work composed for a non-musical film—which fuses melancholic horn solos with dynamic jazz themes, amplifying the film’s emotional landscape.

The performances are universally lauded, with Marlon Brando delivering what is widely considered one of his finest roles. Brando’s Terry Malloy is a complex mix of toughness and vulnerability that resonates deeply. Eva Marie Saint's portrayal as Edie Doyle is both tender and resolute, establishing her as a significant talent. Karl Malden, Rod Steiger, and Lee J. Cobb provide stellar support, creating vivid portrayals that contribute to the film’s tense, emotionally charged atmosphere. This blend of realistic performances, meticulous direction, and compelling narrative cements On the Waterfront as an enduring cinematic masterpiece.

Criterion’s rendition of Elia Kazan's "On the Waterfront" on Blu-ray is nothing short of a triumph. The restoration in 4K brings an unparalleled visual quality, ensuring that the film appears more vibrant and crisp than ever before. The meticulous attention to detail in the transfer highlights the film’s naturalistic photography, from its extensive location shooting to the compelling close-ups that underscore Marlon Brando's career-defining performance. This two-disc set not only preserves the integrity of a cinematic masterpiece but enhances it, spotlighting the film’s authentic look and feel, which echoes its powerful themes of corruption and redemption.

The Blu-ray set comes packed with an impressive array of supplemental features, many of which are brand new and exclusive to this release. These extras provide a deep dive into the film’s production, context, and lasting impact, making it an invaluable addition for fans and scholars alike. The high-def presentation features exceptional video and audio transfers, further reinforcing Criterion's commitment to quality. Viewers are not only treated to a visual feast but also gain extensive insights into the film's significance and the craftsmanship behind it, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, Criterion's presentation of "On the Waterfront" stands as one of the best releases in recent memory. It is a masterfully produced package that does justice to one of American cinema’s true greats, ensuring its relevance for contemporary audiences while honoring its historical importance. Highly recommended, this Blu-ray release is more than just a collector's item; it is an absolute must-own for anyone serious about film. Enjoy.