The Third Man Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "The Third Man" sets a new gold standard for the presentation of black and white films from the classic era. Featuring an MPEG-4 AVC 1080p transfer in the film's original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, the restoration work is evident from the first frame. Criterion has painstakingly cleaned up the print, reducing instances of damage, flicker, and debris that were previously noticeable in older versions. Despite these improvements, the film retains its natural grain, maintaining the authentic filmic texture that is so critical to its atmospheric setting. Viewers will be pleased to find that issues such as wavering vertical lines and slight motion drag have been addressed, enhancing the viewing experience without resorting to obtrusive digital noise reduction.

Detail and contrast receive significant upgrades in this release. The deep-focus photography of Robert Krasker comes alive with a newfound clarity, offering a depth of field that brings Vienna's post-war streets and shadowy sewers into stark relief. The richness of the blacks and the cleanliness of the whites contribute to a more nuanced grayscale that showcases the film's signature chiaroscuro lighting with greater fidelity. Facial features, clothing textures, and the urban decay of Vienna are rendered with stunning detail, elevating the visual storytelling to new heights. Furthermore, the elimination of previous issues like background flicker and noise in white areas ensures a smoother and more immersive viewing experience.

While some minor imperfections remain—such as residual specks and a touch of flicker—these do not detract from what is arguably the finest home presentation of this film to date. Viewers will appreciate the balance struck between removing distractions and preserving the original character of the film. The result is a masterful video presentation that respects the source material while leveraging modern restoration technologies to bring "The Third Man" to life for contemporary audiences. With no edge enhancement or artificial sharpening, Criterion’s Blu-ray offers an authentic cinematic experience that both purists and newcomers will find deeply satisfying.

The Criterion release of "The Third Man" on Blu-ray is heralded for its uncompressed mono track, which shines in comparison to the previous DVD's lossy mono counterpart. This track excels in clarity, depth, and stability, providing an audio experience that is both purer and more refined. Notably, the uncompressed track enhances the dialogue's character and presence, granting it greater depth and a slight increase in pronouncement for the film’s limited effects. Anton Karas' zither score benefits immensely, offering warmth and crispness that were somewhat muted in the standard definition release. Scenes rich with dialogue and the iconic score are more engaging, thanks to this meticulous restoration.

Further enhancing the experience are the atmospheric sounds and action sequences. The sewer chase scene, with its echoing footsteps and gunshots, demonstrates the track's dynamic range and the successful minimization of background hiss and audio artifacts. This attention to detail ensures that each sound, from the heavy pounding of boots on concrete to the splash of water and clang against metal, is captured with precision. The dialogue remains crystal clear throughout the film, effortlessly rising above the score and environmental sounds. However, a minor critique surfaces with occasional bass-heavy thumps in dialogue, a small imperfection in an otherwise stellar audio presentation.

In essence, this release strikes an ideal balance for purists and audiophiles alike. It refrains from adding unnecessary enhancements, opting instead to preserve and polish the original audio elements. The improvements, while subtle, make a significant difference, elevating "The Third Man" to the best-sounding version available for home video. This achievement in audio restoration affirms Criterion's commitment to delivering an authentic and superior listening experience, underscoring the care applied to preserving this cinematic treasure's auditory legacy.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray extras for "The Third Man" offer a rich, detailed exploration of the film's creation, impact, and enduring legacy. An introduction by Peter Bogdanovich and incisive commentaries by Steven Soderbergh, Tony Gilroy, and film scholar Dana Polan illuminate both production intricacies and broader cinematic influences. Particularly noteworthy are the comprehensive making-of documentary "Shadowing The Third Man," and "Graham Greene: The Hunted Man," offering rare insights into the author's life. The collection is further enhanced by unique features like the abridged "The Third Man" treatment read by Richard Clarke, and "Who Was The Third Man?" produced by the Vienna Sewer Dept, alongside radio plays that expand the film's universe. Despite some packaging issues noted in Criterion releases, this collection stands out for its meticulous assemblage of archival footage, interviews, and scholarly analysis, somewhat overshadowing the absent essays from earlier DVD releases but still presenting an in-depth look at the classic film's production, themes and cultural significance.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Steven Soderbergh and Tony Gilroy: Insightful discussions on the film's production and impact.
• Audio Commentary by Dana Polan: A detailed analysis of "The Third Man" from a film scholar's perspective.
• Peter Bogdanovich Introduction: Overview of the film's significance by the actor/filmmaker.
• Shadowing ‘The Third Man’: A documentary narrated by John Hurt, exploring the film's production truths and myths.
• Who was the Third Man?: A commemorative German documentary highlighting the cultural impact in Vienna.
• “A Ticket to Tangiers”: A prequel radio play starring Orson Welles as Harry Lime.
• Lux Radio Theatre Presents “The Third Man”: Radio adaptation featuring Joseph Cotten.
• Insider Information: A gallery of behind-the-scenes photos with narration providing insights into the film-making process.
• U.S. vs. UK Version: Comparison of the different opening voiceovers used in the film.
• Kind to Foreigners: Examination of non-English lines in the film with subtitles.
• Original U.S. Trailer: Classic film trailer showcasing the audio and video quality upgrade in this release.
• Original UK Press Book: Gallery form presentation of press book pages.
• Anton Karas at London’s Empress Club: Footage of Karas playing the zither.
• In the Underworld of Vienna: Vintage clip detailing police duty in Vienna sewers.
• ‘The Third Man’s’ Vienna: A photo gallery with backstory on post-war Vienna.
• Graham Greene: The Hunted Man: BBC profile offering an in-depth look at the novelist behind "The Third Man".

Carol Reed's "The Third Man," a hallmark of film-noir, masterfully concocts a post-war Vienna that lures viewers into a labyrinth of intrigue, blending Graham Greene's compelling script with hauntingly beautiful visuals. Joseph Cotten's portrayal of Holly Martins, an American naive yet determined to uncover the truth behind his friend Harry Lime's (Orson Welles) mysterious death, epitomizes the clash of cultural identities amidst Vienna's bombed ruins. The infusion of Anton Karas' zither score adds a layer of complexity, its melodies weaving through the narrative and elevating the film’s atmosphere. Welles' late reveal and his iconic ferris wheel monologue underscore the film's exploration of moral ambiguity and the depths of human greed.

The city of Vienna, depicted through Krasker's exquisite cinematography, emerges as a character in its own right—its dilapidated façade and labyrinthine sewers mirroring the moral complexities and existential despair facing the characters. Reed expertly employs the war-torn cityscape to amplify the story’s atmospheric tension, juxtaposing the physical ruins against the internal turmoil experienced by both Martins and Valli's enigmatic femme fatale, Anna Schmidt. Their interactions delve into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for justice in a world still reeling from war's devastation.

Reed’s deft direction seamlessly melds neo-realism with classic noir aesthetics, producing a narrative rich with suspense, dark humor, and stark realism. "The Third Man" transcends mere post-war commentary, offering a profound critique on the human condition and the ambiguous morals of its time, encapsulated in a tragically beautiful Vienna that serves both as witness and participant in the unfolding drama. This Criterion Blu-ray presentation not only honors the film’s legacy through its stunning 1080p transfer but also ensures that "The Third Man" remains an essential masterpiece in the canon of classic cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "The Third Man" stands as a pinnacle example of how classic cinema can be revitalized through modern technology, delivering an experience that is both visually stunning and sonically immersive. With the film being recognized by both the British Film Institute and the American Film Institute as one of the greatest films of the 20th century, this release further cements its status by offering an unparalleled audio-visual quality that’s been meticulously restored. The inclusion of the same comprehensive supplements package as found in the 2006 two-disc DVD edition ensures that enthusiasts and new viewers alike have access to a wealth of background information and historical context, making it an essential addition to the Criterion Collection's library of cinematic treasures.

Technical prowess aside, the Blu-ray presentation excels in showcasing "The Third Man" in a light that does justice to its acclaimed cinematography and storytelling. As noted in various assessments, the attention to detail in the transfer process highlights the film's distinctive shadow play and atmospheric tension—hallmarks of its noir style—while the audio restoration brings new life to its iconic zither score. This release not only meets but exceeds expectations, serving as a case study in how to preserve and present classic films for current and future generations.

In conclusion, "The Third Man" on Blu-ray is not just a testament to the enduring legacy of a cinematic masterpiece; it's a showcase of how careful curation and technical excellence can bring a film back into the spotlight. Whether you're a long-time admirer or have yet to discover its charms, this Blu-ray edition offers the definitive viewing experience. Its blend of stellar video and audio quality, coupled with an impressive array of supplementary materials, makes this release very highly recommended. It represents the high watermark for what the Blu-ray format can achieve, encapsulating the essence of premium home entertainment.