The Concrete Jungle Blu-ray Review

"The Concrete Jungle" is presented on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer and an aspect ratio of 1.66:1, encoded using MPEG-4 AVC. This edition benefits from a recent 4K restoration by Studio Canal, the same source used in their Region-B release. The transfer demonstrates a robust organic quality, particularly notable on larger screens, where it offers remarkable depth and clarity. The grading job is exceptional, effectively highlighting the film's nuanced details. Grain exposure is consistent and appropriately handled without signs of digital sharpening or artificial enhancements. However, one segment exhibits sporadic softness, likely due to limitations of the source material.

While the video retains a clean appearance, some viewers may feel it is overly scrubbed, potentially due to Digital Noise Reduction (DNR). Despite the minimal grain, textures are still discernable, contributing to an authentic visual experience. Some may find the image slightly over-brightened, feeling it could benefit from darker timing to enhance its tone. Nonetheless, Robert Krasker's cinematography is preserved beautifully, showcasing adept camera movements and lighting that emphasize the documentary-like style of the film. Military precision in production design by Richard MacDonald and art direction by Scott MacGregor enriches the visual storytelling, particularly the impactful prison settings.

Overall, this Blu-ray release provides a commendable visual presentation of "The Concrete Jungle," balancing technical fidelity with the film's intrinsic aesthetic qualities. It stands out as an exemplary restoration effort, bringing an important classic to contemporary audiences with clarity and respect for its original visual intentions.

The Blu-ray release of "The Concrete Jungle" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles, ensuring clarity for all audiences. The audio captures the native qualities expected from a film of the 1960s era, delivering good clarity and depth, though minor unevenness in sound levels is present. Dialogue remains distinctly audible, minimizing the need for reliance on subtitles during general scenes. However, the dynamic intensity is relatively limited, which aligns with the film's substantial usage of borderline documentary footage. Importantly, there are no significant audio dropouts or distortions that detract from the listening experience.

One notable aspect of the audio presentation is the clarity of speech, despite occasional regional accents from the cast that might challenge some listeners. For example, Margit Saad’s performance, characterized by her German accent and whispery delivery, might necessitate a glance at the subtitles in several significant scenes. The soundtrack features a distinctive jazz score by Johnny Dankworth, infused with haunting vocal refrains by his wife, Cleo Laine. This unexpected musical choice adds to the film’s atmospheric depth and complements its overall tonal qualities effectively. The careful synchronization of musical elements and dialogue underscores the film's period authenticity and enhances the viewer’s immersive experience.

The Blu-ray release of "The Concrete Jungle" offers an array of additional content that provides further insight into the film and its creators. The disc includes a new audio commentary by critic Kat Ellinger, who delivers a casual, almost conversational analysis. While her commentary can veer into speculation, her incisive insights add depth, particularly regarding the portrayal of English class issues. Additionally, trailers for other Joseph Losey and Stanley Baker films from Kino Lorber's catalog are featured, giving viewers a broader context of these filmmakers' works.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: New audio commentary by critic Kat Ellinger.
• Trailer: A vintage trailer for The Criminal in English.
• Additional Trailers: Including titles such as "Robbery," "Accident," "It Always Rains on Sunday," and "The Mind Benders."

Joseph Losey's The Criminal (1960), also known as The Concrete Jungle, surfaces on Blu-ray via Kino Lorber, featuring vintage trailers and a new commentary by Kat Ellinger. The film follows Johnny Bannion (Stanley Baker), a distinguished yet doomed career criminal. Imprisoned and revered in his underworld community, Bannion’s release sets off a chain of events as he meticulously plans a racetrack heist. Despite assembling his old crew, led by Mike Carter (Sam Wanamaker), tensions rise, unforeseen betrayals unfold, and Bannion's fall from grace becomes inevitable.

Losey's direction, paired with Alun Owen's intelligent script, paints a stark portrayal of class divides in post-war England. Owen imbues the narrative with a heightened focus on character and socio-political dynamics rather than action, creating a rich tapestry of prison life and criminal exploits. However, viewers may notice some directorial missteps; the film suffers from inconsistent pacing and overplayed dramatic intensity. These production flaws somewhat detract from the film’s overall coherence and impact.

Cinematographer Robert Krasker’s contributions exhibit flashes of brilliance, particularly in the riot and escape scenes, though they fall short of his work in classics like The Third Man. The Criminal positions itself as an unsentimental exploration of loyalty and betrayal within the underworld. Despite moments of taut drama and insightful political commentary, the film struggles to maintain its footing amidst its ambitious narrative scope.

"The Concrete Jungle" Blu-ray Review:

Joseph Losey's "The Concrete Jungle" stands as a valuable exploration of institutional corruption and the changing societal landscape through the lens of low-budget filmmaking. Anchored by a remarkable cast of British character actors, this film captures a gritty, unsentimental portrayal of its time and place. While not reaching the genre's zenith, Losey's direction and the script's themes offer a compelling, grounded experience. The film’s tough and unfiltered narrative is undoubtedly reflective of an era of transformation, making its depiction of systemic corruption particularly notable for a British film from that period.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "The Concrete Jungle" benefits immensely from StudioCanal's recent 4K restoration. The visual clarity and sharpness provided by the 4K source are commendable, ensuring that the film’s cinematography and atmospheric elements are vividly preserved. Additionally, the sound quality has been meticulously handled, supporting an immersive viewing experience that modern audiences will appreciate. This high-quality restoration helps elevate the film's historical significance and ensure its preservation for future viewers.

In conclusion, while "The Concrete Jungle" may not achieve the greatness of some other 1960s genre films, its unflinching look at institutional corruption and societal change renders it a significant addition to Losey's oeuvre. Kino Lorber's exceptional presentation amplifies the film’s strengths and offers a visually and aurally satisfying experience. RECOMMENDED for those with a keen interest in British cinema of the era or admirers of Joseph Losey’s work.