Harper Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Harper," meticulously crafted by Warner Archive, showcases the exceptional cinematography of Conrad Hall in stunning detail. This 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer, sourced from a 2K scan of an interpositive, brilliantly retains the iconic visuals of Hall's work. The film is accurately framed at 2.35:1, with a sharp image and exceptional clarity throughout. Blacks are deep and solid, while the natural grain structure is finely preserved, contributing to an authentic and pleasingly cinematic texture.

Contrast and shadow details are particularly notable, enhancing the visual storytelling in scenes ranging from the shadowy marine warehouse to the derelict ship sequences. Hall's ability to illuminate even the darkest scenes is evident, maintaining key light on actors in dim settings, a testament to his fearlessness with darkness in cinematography. The color palette remains faithful to the original dye-transfer Technicolor print used as a reference, capturing the transitional Sixties-era California fashion and décor with a stylish finesse. Despite the film's predominantly muted hues of gray and brown, occasional vivid colors, especially highlighted around female characters like Lauren Bacall's character under tanning lamps, add a dynamic visual contrast.

Warner Archive's standard practice of mastering at a high average bitrate is maintained here, with "Harper" benefiting from a substantial 34.99 Mbps encoding rate. This high bitrate ensures the film's sharpness and detail are consistently excellent throughout the entire presentation. Overall, this Blu-ray transfer of "Harper" has garnered high praise for its flawless execution, providing an exquisite visual experience that honors Conrad Hall's iconic cinematographic work.

The audio presentation of "Harper" on Blu-ray features its original mono track, meticulously taken from the magnetic master and encoded in lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0. The source material was in commendable condition, necessitating only minimal restoration to ensure a pristine listening experience. The track effectively prioritizes dialogue, ensuring clarity and intelligibility, while the environmental sound effects are aptly rendered to reflect the diverse scenarios encountered by Harper. These range from bustling airfields to atmospheric nightclubs and serene mountain tops, each locale enriched by the subtle yet impactful audio details.

This lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0 track offers commendable dynamic range for its period, with particular attention paid to maintaining the integrity of Johnny Mandel's engaging score. The music forms a perfectly harmonious background to Harper's convoluted investigation, enhancing the narrative without overshadowing it. Additionally, for accessibility, English SDH subtitles are provided. Overall, the audio presentation stands out for its crystal-clear dialogue and faithful reproduction of the soundtrack, creating an immersive and authentic auditory experience that faithfully complements the film's visual elements.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Harper" have been carried over from Warner’s 2006 DVD, with the notable exception of the TCM introduction by Robert Osborne. The trailer has been remastered in 1080p, offering a crisp and nostalgic glimpse of the film’s promotional tactics reflective of Paul Newman's status as a sex symbol. The highlight of the extras is the commentary track by renowned screenwriter William Goldman. Known for his candid and often acerbic insights, Goldman delves into the genesis of the project, shares anecdotes about Newman and the cast, and critiques modern filmmaking, though there are occasional pauses towards the end.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Screenwriter William Goldman: Engaging insights and anecdotes from Goldman, discussing the film's inception and cast and sharing his views on contemporary cinema.
• Trailer: A remastered 1080p version featuring stars addressing the audience directly, highlighting Newman’s appeal.

"Harper," directed by Jack Smight and adapted from Ross Macdonald's 1949 novel "The Moving Target" by the talented William Goldman, represents a significant milestone in the hard-boiled detective genre of the mid-1960s. With Paul Newman in the titular role, "Harper" blends gritty detective work with sharp, cynical humor. The character introduction is masterfully concise: Newman’s Harper is first seen waking up disheveled in his office, which sets the tone for his character—a down-and-out private eye with a sharp mind. Despite his tough exterior and a rapidly deteriorating marriage, Harper's humanity shines through his interactions, particularly with the various dubious characters he encounters.

Set in the fictional coastal enclave of Santa Teresa, "Harper" spins an intricate web of deceit, wealth, and moral ambiguity. The narrative kicks off when Harper is hired by the contemptuous Elaine Sampson (Lauren Bacall) to locate her missing husband. As the story unfolds, Harper navigates a labyrinthine world filled with memorable characters: a flirtatious stepdaughter (Pamela Tiffin), an alcoholic has-been actress (Shelley Winters), a smooth-talking yet shady operator (Robert Webber), and a cult leader (Strother Martin) who claims to spread love but harbors sinister ambitions.

The film's pacing is deliberately slow, which can be challenging for contemporary audiences accustomed to the brisk tempo of classic thrillers. Still, the patience is rewarded with outstanding performances and cleverly written dialogue that leverages Newman’s inimitable charm. Conrad Hall’s cinematography further elevates the material, capturing the essence of 1960s California with stylish flair. Despite certain slow sequences, "Harper" stands out for its rich characterizations and Newman's comically cynical reactions amidst the convoluted plot twists, making it an essential view for fans of detective cinema.

Harper," directed by Jack Smight and starring the legendary Paul Newman, is a private eye film that, while not always considered among Newman's finest, has nonetheless earned its place as a box office hit and a beloved classic for many fans. The film boasts an intriguing plot underscored by stellar performances, not least of which is Newman's portrayal of the sharp-tongued detective. With a script penned by William Goldman, the dialogue crackles with wit and tension, ensuring that Newman's character remains eminently watchable throughout.

The Blu-ray release by Warner Archive Collection (WAC) does justice to this cinematic gem, providing an exceptional image quality that showcases Conrad Hall's masterful cinematography. The restoration work pays off in spades; the visuals are crisp and vibrant, enhancing the viewing experience and drawing attention to the film’s meticulously crafted aesthetics. This level of care ensures that both long-time fans and new viewers can appreciate the visual nuances that contribute to the film's enduring charm.

In conclusion, "Harper" may be an acquired taste for some, but its strong narrative, compelling performances, and technical polish make it a worthwhile addition to any collection. The Blu-ray's superior presentation is a high point, making it highly recommended for enthusiasts of classic cinema and Newman aficionados alike. Whether revisiting the film or viewing it for the first time, this release provides a definitive way to experience "Harper.