Murder by Death Blu-ray Review

Shout Select’s Blu-ray release of "Murder by Death" (#58 in their boutique label series) features an MPEG-4 AVC-encoded BD-50, exhibiting the film in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The HD transfer, sourced from a high-definition DI print rather than a recent restoration or SD upscaling like Sony's Spanish Blu-ray, presents solid blacks with limited shadow detail. Colors, especially the actors' costumes inside the mansion, are shown with bold and vivid accuracy. Speckling is minimal and non-intrusive, ensuring a clean visual experience throughout the film’s 95-minute duration.

David M. Walsh’s chillingly atmospheric cinematography, lauded by David Sterritt from the Christian Science Monitor, shines through in this transfer. The studio-produced fog on the New England country dirt road highlights Walsh's adept use of atmospheric elements. The feature is encoded at an average video bitrate of 34000 kbps, providing a robust and stable visual presentation. The disc also accommodates twelve scene selections, enhancing navigation through this classic mystery-comedy.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Murder by Death" features the original monaural mix on a DTS-HD Master Audio Dual Mono track (1646 kbps, 24-bit). The source material is remarkably clean, free from any pops, crackles, or tape dropouts. The dialogue, delivered by a diverse cast of American and British actors, is clear and easily discernible, ensuring an enjoyable viewing experience. The optional English SDH subtitles provide an accurate transcription of the dialogue, identifying the character speaking, which further enhances accessibility.

Dave Grusin's score for "Murder by Death" is a notable highlight. Unlike his typical jazz compositions, Grusin blends various musical styles to reflect individual character personalities. The audio track effectively captures these leitmotifs, such as Asian music for Sidney Wang and his adopted son, a Parisian accordion theme for Perrier and his chauffeur, and a muted trumpet for Sam Diamond. The score's fidelity on the lossless audio track is outstanding, maintaining the same rich quality as it does on its soundtrack album. The main titles feature rapid string performances with rhythmic drive, comparable to Grusin's later work in "The Goonies" but sans the bass enhancement.

In terms of technical execution, the English 2.0 mono DTS-HD track is clear throughout, with well-prioritized sound effects and ample breathing room for Grusin's memorable score. There are no detectable instances of hiss, crackle, or dropouts, and the overall sound quality remains distortion-free. The clarity and balance of this audio presentation significantly contribute to the film's ambiance and dialogue comprehension, making it a solid choice for audiophiles and fans of vintage cinema alike.

The Blu-ray release of "Murder by Death" boasts a robust collection of extras, providing insightful and historically rich content for film enthusiasts. The new audio commentary with film historian Lee Gambin is particularly informative, filled with numerous anecdotes and trivia about the film’s cast and crew, along with comparisons to the 1985 film "Clue." “A Conversation with Neil Simon” offers a fascinating glimpse into Simon’s creative process, contrasting his experiences writing for the stage versus the screen, and includes engaging stories involving Alec Guinness, Peter Falk, and Orson Welles. The archival theatrical trailer and TV spot are presented in their original unrestored forms, maintaining their authenticity despite notable artifacts. Additionally, the photo gallery is extensive, featuring a plethora of images from the set, promotional materials, and production documents, making it comprehensive and one of Shout's finest efforts.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Audio Commentary with Film Historian Lee Gambin: An abundance of anecdotes and trivia.
• A Conversation with Neil Simon: Simon discusses his writing process and personal anecdotes.
• Theatrical Trailer: Unrestored original trailer with artifacts.
• TV Spot: An old analog tape spot encouraging multiple viewings.
• Photo Gallery: Extensive slide show of 102 images including promotional materials.

"Murder by Death" (1976) stands as a standout ensemble piece from the Seventies, showcasing Neil Simon’s adeptness at blending humor and mystery. The film, not adapted from a play but scripted directly for the screen, marks Robert Moore’s directorial debut in cinema. Known for his theater work and television credentials, Moore helms this project with an eye for both narrative continuity and comedic timing. The plot revolves around an eccentric millionaire, Lionel Twain (played by Truman Capote), who invites five renowned detectives to his Victorian mansion for a dinner and murder mystery challenge. Each detective parodies famous literary figures, from James Coco’s Hercule Poirot-inspired Milo Perrier to Peter Sellers’ comically exaggerated Charlie Chan-as Sidney Wang.

The cast, an eclectic mix of acting styles and reputations, brings their respective characters to life with varying degrees of success. Capote, though polarizing among critics, plays the curator of chaos with a unique flair. James Coco and Peter Sellers deliver standout performances filled with humorous idiosyncrasies that keep the narrative buoyant. However, David Niven and Maggie Smith, portraying characters akin to Hammett's Nick and Nora Charles, seem underutilized within Simon's script, which provides them little stimulation for their otherwise formidable talents.

The synergy between the comedic script and suspenseful plot offers a dual-layered experience: not only does it satirize classic detective tropes, but it also provides an engaging mystery. The character interactions are rich with playful banter and sharp colloquialisms that align with Simon's signature style, maintaining levity amidst the impending murder scenario. Described by some critics as one of the funniest films of its year, "Murder by Death" receives commendations for its humorous narrative that remains entertaining through both its mockery and tributes to the detective genre.

"Murder by Death" is a delightful comedy written by Neil Simon, featuring a star-studded cast. Comparable in its cleverness to the recent hit "Knives Out," this film stands out for its engaging satire of the classic murder mystery genre. The Blu-ray release by Shout Select boasts a commendable transfer, sourced from an older HD master, and presents largely issue-free uncompressed monaural audio. The disc's special features are noteworthy, including a late '90s Neil Simon interview and an insightful commentary by film historian Lee Gambin. Some might regret the absence of contemporary interviews with surviving cast members such as Maggie Smith or James Cromwell, though historical context is well-covered through high-res still galleries and detailed production notes.

Neil Simon’s script takes a playful jab at traditional whodunits, bringing much-needed humor to the genre. "Murder by Death" effectively dissects and parodies classic detective narratives with outstanding performances and well-crafted set pieces. The comedic elements breathe new life into the genre making it both an enjoyable and memorable viewing experience. For aficionados of Neil Simon's works, the additional content such as the interview and commentary provides extra depth and context which further enriches the viewing experience.

In conclusion, "Murder by Death" is highly recommended for its engaging humor, brilliant performances, and thoughtful homage to classic mysteries. Shout Select’s Blu-ray release captures the film's essence and complements it with valuable special features, making it a must-have for fans of the genre. Combining these technical aspects with Neil Simon's sharp script ensures that this Blu-ray is a significant addition to any film aficionado's collection.