Shake Hands with the Devil Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Shake Hands with the Devil" by Kino Lorber, presented in an aspect ratio of 1.67:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, exhibits impressive visual quality, leveraging a recent 2K master. While minor fluctuations in density and clarity are occasionally apparent, they don't detract significantly from the overall presentation. The 1080p transfer maintains a pleasingly organic appearance, with a well-graded master that handles darker scenes with commendable balance between blacks, whites, and grays. Notably, no digital corrections mar the picture, and stability remains reliable throughout. This Region-A locked release requires compatible play for access.

Faithfully preserving film grain along with grayscale and fine details, this Blu-ray edition surpasses previous DVD incarnations significantly. Minor artifacts such as scratches, tears, dirt, and vertical lines are minimally present, ensuring that the image quality is largely uncompromised. Sourcing from this 2K master likely positions this release as the best visual rendition of the film available to date on home video, marking a substantial upgrade from prior full-screen formats. Overall, the meticulous attention to technical presentation makes "Shake Hands with the Devil" an exemplary showcase of restored vintage cinema on Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray release of "Shake Hands with the Devil" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. Despite the film’s vintage nature, the audio presentation is decidedly crisp and faithful to the original, effectively capturing the dialogue clarity expected from a mono source. The soundscape is largely devoid of anomalies such as distortion or hissing, allowing for clear dialogue delivery. Outdoor scenes may occasionally reveal some thinness in the audio, but these inherited limitations are minor.

The sound mixing stands out particularly well in complex scenes. For instance, during a dock scene, dialogue, ambient sounds, and machine noises blend seamlessly to create an engaging audio environment. This precision reflects an effective use of available technology to bring depth to these sequences. The soundtrack composed by William Alwyn is integrated adeptly, enhancing action sequences with strategic music placement while maintaining its restraint in non-critical moments.

Overall, this audio presentation ensures an immersive experience by preserving the integrity of the original mono soundtrack. With dynamic intensity befitting a film from the late 1950s, this release represents a significant improvement over previous home video editions. It skillfully balances authentic representation with modern clarity, delivering a satisfying auditory experience for both purists and casual viewers alike.

The Blu Ray extras for "Shake Hands with the Devil" offer engaging insights and historical context that enhance the film's experience. Notably, the exclusive video interview with actor Don Murray delves into his career inception and experiences on set, providing an enriching narrative of his interactions with the likes of James Cagney and reflections on Method acting. These extras capture the ambience of shooting locations and discuss historical sensitivities regarding the film's portrayal of the IRA. Another highlight includes a remastered vintage trailer that adds nostalgic value. These additions cater to both cinephiles interested in film history and those keen on contextual backstories.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A remastered vintage trailer in English.
• Interview with Actor Don Murray: Detailed insights into Don Murray's career, filming experiences, and industry anecdotes.
• The Devil and Don Murray: A supplementary interview complementing Murray's previous discussion.
• Bonus KLSC Trailers: Featuring trailers for various classic films.

Michael Anderson's "Shake Hands with the Devil" (1959) presents an intricate blend of fact and fiction, set against the tumultuous backdrop of Dublin in 1921. The narrative follows Kerry O'Shea, an American medical student played by Don Murray, who finds himself entangled in the violent struggle of the Irish War of Independence. The film navigates the complex dynamics between the Irish Republican Army and the British Black and Tans, emphasizing the personal transformation O'Shea undergoes after witnessing the brutalities of the conflict. James Cagney delivers a compelling performance as Professor Sean Lenihan, whose dual role as educator and resistance fighter adds depth to the character-driven story. While some viewers may find historical inaccuracies in the depiction of peace proposals and strategic decisions, the film's focus on individual experiences and emotional conflicts remains impactful.

The film is lauded for its powerful performances, particularly those of Murray and Cagney. Murray effectively captures O'Shea's evolution from a reluctant observer to an active participant in the fight for Irish independence. Cagney embodies Lenihan with unrelenting intensity, showcasing a nuanced portrayal that underscores his character's internal conflicts between vengeance and a quest for freedom. Dana Wynter offers a notable contribution as Jennifer Curtis, whose romantic subplot with O'Shea adds another layer to the narrative. The supporting cast, including Michael Redgrave as The General, enriches the film with their well-crafted portrayals.

Cinematographer Erwin Hillier enhances the film's authenticity with striking visuals that highlight Ireland's dramatic landscapes and intimate wartime moments. The cinematography, coupled with Anderson's adept direction, captures the era’s tension and uncertainty, resulting in a cinematic experience that is both historically resonant and visually engaging. This Blu-ray release finally allows viewers to appreciate Hillier's work in its proper widescreen format, adding a new dimension to this absorbing tale of resistance and personal sacrifice.

"Shake Hands with the Devil" is a profound exploration of moral ambiguity during turbulent times, set against the backdrop of the Irish 'troubles.' Tony Luraschi's direction brings to the forefront a narrative that resonates widely, emphasizing the challenge of neutrality in war. The film draws parallels with "The Outsider," featuring an American protagonist caught in a moral quagmire. This cinematic masterpiece makes a compelling addition to any collection, with its powerful universal message about conflict and allegiance.

At the heart of the film is James Cagney, whose late-career performance is nothing short of mesmerizing. Known for his indignant rage and screen command, Cagney elevates the film to remarkable heights. His portrayal is reminiscent of his best performances in classics like "White Heat" and "Public Enemy." Despite evolving perspectives on terrorism post-9/11, Cagney's performance ensures that the film remains engaging as both an action-packed thriller and a political commentary.

This Blu Ray release finally provides "Shake Hands with the Devil" the presentation it deserves. Kino’s high-definition treatment offers a pristine view in its original aspect ratio, enhancing the film’s visual experience significantly. The added interview with Don Murray offers valuable insight, adding depth to the viewing experience. This upgrade from previous DVD editions is both substantial and justified.

In conclusion, "Shake Hands with the Devil" stands as a testament to cinematic artistry and historical storytelling, making it highly recommended for its powerful narrative and exceptional performance by Cagney. This release enriches any film collection and is an upgrade not to be missed.