Naked Alibi Blu-ray Review
Score: 65
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of Jerry Hopper's 'Naked Alibi,' with solid mastering and strong performances from Sterling Hayden, delivers a satisfying noir experience.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 66
Naked Alibi arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio; while some video noise is noticeable on lighter surfaces, solid and stable blacks, consistent grain, and impressive density levels make for a very respectable viewing experience.
Audio: 81
The Blu-ray audio presentation of 'Naked Alibi' features a single English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, boasting excellent clarity, depth, and stability. The dynamic music score is well-supported, with no audio dropouts, background hiss, or distortions, offering a superior listening experience.
Extra: 36
The Blu Ray of 'Naked Alibi' includes a 1080p vintage trailer, an additional trailer selection from Kino Lorber's catalog, and a reversible cover boasting vintage poster art. Kat Ellinger’s audio commentary delves into stars Gloria Grahame and Sterling Hayden, though often diverging from the film's core production specifics.
Movie: 66
Naked Alibi's Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber provides a conventional yet gripping noir experience, complemented by engaging performances from Hayden, Grahame, and Barry, and atmospheric cinematography by Russell Metty. While the script and direction sometimes falter, the film's core narrative and new audio commentary by Kat Ellinger offer significant insights into its production and cultural impact.
Video: 66
Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the 1080p transfer of "Naked Alibi" from Kino Lorber is sourced from a commendable and largely recent master. Density levels are robust, showcasing convincing grading with solid and stable blacks, as well as pleasing ranges of healthy grays and whites. Although there are tiny flecks sporadically, there is an absence of visible damage, and image stability is exemplary. Grain is consistently exposed throughout the film and, while it could be slightly tighter, it retains coherence even when projected.
On closer inspection, the transfer does present some peculiar video noise, particularly discernible on lighter, neutral surfaces like unadorned walls and the sky. Although this issue is not overly distracting, it does prevent the transfer from achieving its maximum potential. Despite this minor drawback, the outstanding fluidity and overall solid performance of the master ensure that the film is presented in a manner that does it justice. This release is Region-A locked, necessitating a compatible or Region-Free player for access.
Audio: 81
The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Naked Alibi" is anchored by a single English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. The quality of this lossless track is exceptional, offering clarity, depth, and stability that enhance the viewing experience. Notably, the dynamic music score is effectively showcased, providing an immersive audio landscape without any dropouts or background noise.
This DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track stands out due to its pristine sound reproduction, which ensures that there are no distortions or common anomalies typically found in older releases. The absence of background hiss and the excellent integration of the film's score affirm that a high-quality master was likely used for this Blu-ray release. Overall, the audio performance is commendable and significantly enriches the presentation of this classic film.
Extra: 36
The Blu-ray edition of "Naked Alibi" offers a comprehensive set of extras that will fascinate enthusiasts of classic cinema. The highlight is an audio commentary by film historian Kat Ellinger, who delves into the careers of stars Gloria Grahame and Sterling Hayden, though occasionally straying with broader observations about Universal's product mix from the era. This addition provides a rich contextual understanding of the film's place in mid-20th century Hollywood. The inclusion of the original theatrical trailer and trailers for other Kino Lorber titles adds to the nostalgia while providing perspective on marketing techniques of the time. Furthermore, the reversible cover featuring vintage poster art is a visually appealing bonus that enhances the package's collectability.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary: New audio commentary by critic Kat Ellinger.
- Trailer: Vintage trailer for "Naked Alibi." In English, not subtitled.
- Additional Trailers: Additional trailers for other Kino Lorber titles.
- Cover: Reversible cover with vintage poster art.
Movie: 66
"Naked Alibi" (1954), directed by Jerry Hopper, is a quintessential film noir with an intriguing blend of classic genre stylings and impressive performances. Released on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, the film includes an audio commentary by critic Kat Ellinger, adding depth to its cinematic analysis. Set against a backdrop of small-town tension, the narrative follows Police Chief Joe Conroy (Sterling Hayden) as he investigates bakery owner Al Willis (Gene Barry) for a series of violent crimes. As Conroy delves deeper, his relentless pursuit of Willis blurs the lines between lawful duty and personal vendetta, leading both men to a lawless border town where nightclub singer Marianna (Gloria Grahame) provides unexpected assistance.
Jerry Hopper's direction, enhanced by Russell Metty's meticulous cinematography, crafts a compelling atmosphere. The visuals are consistent with classic noir aesthetics, although the film occasionally bears the mark of its studio backlot origins. The interplay of light and shadow, particularly in scenes where cops tail Willis, stands out, showcasing Metty’s capability to enhance tension through visual storytelling. The script by Lawrence Roman, while competent, tends to rely on routine genre tropes without fully capitalizing on its potential for moral complexity. The character dynamics bring an authentic edge despite some plot elements feeling formulaic.
The performances are the film's highlight. Sterling Hayden and Gloria Grahame, although lacking romantic chemistry, deliver commendable portrayals that anchor the narrative. Hayden’s portrayal of the embittered cop complements Grahame’s seasoned nightclub singer, and Gene Barry’s visceral performance as Willis adds a layer of menacing unpredictability. Despite some narrative clichés, "Naked Alibi" remains a notable entry in the noir canon for its gritty exploration of justice and human fallibility. However, compared to contemporaneous works like Orson Welles' "Touch of Evil," it falls short in thematic depth and atmosphere, making it a solid yet unremarkable representation of the genre.
Total: 65
Kino Lorber's new Blu-ray release of Jerry Hopper's "Naked Alibi" offers a commendable restoration sourced from a solid master, providing a much-needed high-quality presentation of this classic film noir. Sterling Hayden delivers his usual formidable performance, embodying the quintessential characteristics required to make a noir film stand out. His presence adds depth and authenticity that elevate the viewing experience significantly. Meanwhile, Gloria Grahame adds her unique touch, making the film compelling, despite its routine narrative structure. Special note should be given to Russell Metty’s exquisite camera work which, even within the confines of a conventional crime film plot, shines through and enhances the overall visual appeal.
While "Naked Alibi" may come off as somewhat routine in its story construction, it still holds significant value for fans of mid-century American noir. Hayden and Grahame's performances, combined with Metty’s skilled cinematography, ensure that the film remains engaging. However, it is important to set expectations correctly — this is not a film that reaches the heights of genre-defining works like "Touch of Evil". Instead, it exists firmly within the bounds of its time, further cemented by strong lead performances and competent technical execution.
In conclusion, Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release stands out for its technical fidelity and respectful treatment of the source material. While "Naked Alibi" may not break new ground in the noir genre, it remains a noteworthy entry primarily for its cast and visual style. For enthusiasts of classic cinema and Sterling Hayden’s work, this release is certainly worth adding to your collection. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Blu-ray.com review by Dr. Svet AtanasovRead review here
Video: 90
All in all, the master that was used to source the release is very solid and most definitely does the film justice....
Audio: 100
(And this is another reason why I believe that the master that was used to produce this release is fairly recent)....
Extras: 30
Additional Trailers - additional trailers for the following titles from Kino Lorber's catalog: 1. It Always Rains on Sunday 2....
Movie: 80
The character evolutions are indeed in the script, but the quality of Hayden, Grahame, and Barry's performances is such that the legit connection that emerges between them justifies everything else that...
Total: 80
Kino Lorber's new release of Jerry Hopper's Naked Alibi is sourced from a very solid master that will probably make a lot of folks who have been wanting to see a quality presentation of this film for so...
Home Theater Forum review by Timothy BodzioneyRead review here
Video: 60
I don’t think it grain and is only really noticeable in lighter neutral surfaces such as unadorned walls, the sky, or light-colored cars....
Audio: 80
...
Extras: 50
Hooper may have been perfectly suited to the pace of television production, but his feature credits are nothing to champion other than directing the film that inspired the creation of Indiana Jones, which...
Movie: 60
Conroy sets out to nail Willis but is photographed in what looks like an act of police brutality and is fired from the force....
Total: 60
It’s the kind of movie that one might have caught in a theater or on the late show and thought, ‘oh, that was ok’....
Director: Jerry Hopper
Actors: Sterling Hayden, Gloria Grahame, Gene Barry
PlotChief Joe Conroy is a dedicated police officer whose reputation is called into question following the deaths of three fellow officers. When Conroy's superiors dismiss his suspicions that local baker Al Willis is behind the murders, he becomes obsessed with proving Willis's guilt. Conroy's relentless pursuit sees him initially step outside the bounds of his official duties, turning to more unorthodox methods as he trails Willis across the border to a lawless Mexican town. His single-minded fixation on Willis draws the attention of both his own department, which reprimands him for his actions, and of those in Willis's orbit who begin to see Conroy as a serious threat.
In the Mexican town, tensions rise as Conroy encounters Marianna, a nightclub singer with ties to Willis. Marianna’s own precarious position becomes evident, and she is drawn into Conroy's quest for truth even as it endangers her own safety. Shrouded in a steamy mix of seduction and peril, the atmosphere tightens with suspicion and suspense. As Conroy digs deeper, the lines between justice and obsession blur, leading to a climactic series of confrontations that will test his resolve, uncovering dark secrets and pushing each character to confront their own ethics and survival instincts in a taut and tangled web of intrigue.
Writers: Lawrence Roman, J. Robert Bren, Gladys Atwater
Release Date: 19 Jan 1955
Runtime: 86 min
Rating: Approved
Country: United States
Language: English, Spanish