The Crooked Way Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation of "The Crooked Way" is a testament to the effectiveness of its black and white cinematography. Detailed sequences of confrontation and investigation are well-handled, with softer lighting effectively used for more intimate human moments. Textures are richly preserved, offering viewers a clear appreciation of the film's visual design. Delineation is generally acceptable, though black levels appear slightly brightened to ensure clarity during evening encounters. The fine and filmic grain adds to the authentic viewing experience, despite periodic struggles with extended scratches and points of damage.

Kino Lorber's 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer brings excellent clarity and contrast to this film noir, essential for its stark aesthetic. However, there are a few compromises. Image instability is most apparent during the opening titles, accompanied by odd white horizontal lines in some scenes and a noticeable presence of occasional vertical lines and stray marks. Despite these flaws, rich deep blacks create striking silhouettes, and good grayscale variance contributes to the picture's overall depth. Close-ups are detailed, shadow detail is fine, and grain levels fluctuate but manage to retain a smooth, slick look overall. Missing frames and instances of crush are minimal, while the absence of digital enhancements ensures a raw and genuine presentation. Though not without imperfections, the superior clarity ultimately salvages this mixed transfer.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix for "The Crooked Way" is a solid effort, offering clarity that effectively heightens the suspense. Dialogue is distinct and delivered with ease, detailing emotional extremes without being overwhelmed by incidental noise. Although some hiss is present throughout the listening experience, it does not detract from the performances. The scoring remains loud yet well-defined, ensuring musical moments are both impactful and clearly conveyed.

Surface noise in the mono track is minimal and only noticeable during quieter stretches. The track benefits from an absence of age-related imperfections such as pops and crackles, providing an overall clean listening experience. The wide dynamic scale adeptly handles both high and low frequencies, ensuring sonic elements like gunfire and beatings are crisp and precise. Dialogue remains comprehensible throughout, and occasional dropout issues are rare and brief.

Ultimately, this DTS-HD MA 2.0 track offers a compelling audio experience that enhances the film's atmosphere and narrative drive, preserving the integrity of sound effects and dialogue alike.

The Blu Ray release of "The Crooked Way" offers minimal supplemental material, providing only a selection of theatrical trailers for related film noir titles. While the lack of in-depth behind-the-scenes features or commentary can be disappointing for enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive understanding of the film's production and legacy, the included trailers serve as valuable promotional artifacts that contextualize the era's cinematic landscape. This disc may appeal more to casual viewers than to hardcore collectors or cinephiles seeking extensive extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer for 'A Bullet for Joey': Promotional trailer for this film noir.
• Theatrical Trailer for 'He Ran All the Way': Promotional trailer that encapsulates its tension.
• Theatrical Trailer for 'Witness to Murder': An engaging look at this thriller's allure.

Film noir aficionados will appreciate 1949’s "The Crooked Way," an intense thriller that combines a gritty crime story with an amnesia plotline. John Payne stars as Eddie Rice, a World War II veteran suffering from amnesia caused by inoperable shrapnel lodged in his brain. As Eddie attempts to piece together his past, he encounters criminal elements, relentless police, and troubled women, all of whom reveal disturbing truths about his former life as a ruthless criminal involved with a gangster ring. Director Robert Florey’s skillful pacing ensures the film remains eventful and suspenseful, providing a brisk narrative filled with escalating threats and action sequences.

Adapted from a radio play, "The Crooked Way" delivers a strong visual impact primarily through John Alton’s cinematography. Alton employs striking shadow play and intricate lighting, which significantly contribute to the film's intense atmosphere. While the performances are competent, with Payne convincingly portraying a man grappling with his fragmented identity, the film’s standout features are its stylish execution and brutal yet creatively shot sequences. This isn’t continuous violence, but rather a calculated build-up of tension that culminates in climactic gunfights and fisticuffs, reinforcing the ever-present sense of danger surrounding Eddie.

Unique for its introspective angle on personal identity amidst typical noir themes, "The Crooked Way" refreshingly shifts focus to one man's internal battle rather than conventional crime-solving or betrayal tropes. This personal touch elevates it above its B-movie counterparts, drawing audiences into Eddie's quest to erase his dark past and reclaim his life. Tough and unrelenting, "The Crooked Way" impressively maintains its realism through its low-budget execution, making it not just a memorable film noir but also a gripping tale of redemption against formidable odds.

"The Crooked Way," a lesser-known film noir, offers a compelling exploration of the underworld with standout performances, particularly from John Payne. Payne's portrayal of an amnesia-stricken war hero grappling with a dubious past is nothing short of stellar and imbues the character-driven narrative with depth. As our protagonist navigates the dark streets of Los Angeles, the film meticulously constructs a tense atmosphere loaded with paranoia and physical threat.

The direction by Robert Florey, known for his adept handling of visual storytelling, ensures that "The Crooked Way" remains engaging even when the story occasionally dips in intensity. With an emphasis on genre-specific aesthetics and a careful build-up of volatility, Florey crafts a movie experience that feels both patient and assured. Although some technical imperfections are present in Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release, the overall presentation is commendable, reviving this almost-forgotten gem.

In conclusion, "The Crooked Way" isn't a non-stop thrill ride but skillfully winds its narrative with charged encounters and escalating tension. While it may not reach the pinnacle of film noir classics, its visual prowess and strong performances make it a worthwhile addition to any genre enthusiast's collection. The Kino Lorber Blu-ray, despite minor flaws, successfully brings this gritty tale back into the limelight.