Suddenly Blu-ray Review

"Suddenly" has been given a 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer that brings new life to the film's video quality. Described as originating from an original 35mm studio fine grain master print, this Blu-ray release shows a remarkably clean source, displaying only occasional blemishes such as scratches or missing frames. The grain is finely preserved, adding a pleasing filmic texture without introducing artifacts or compromising detail. The richness of blacks and the nuanced grays stand out, providing depth and clarity to the film’s visual storytelling. The transfer allows for detailed scrutiny of facial expressions and costume textures, retaining much of the authenticity associated with the original print.

However, several technical critiques shadow this positive presentation, particularly regarding the aspect ratio. The release presents the film in an open-matte 1.33:1, diverging from what many believe to be its intended 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This decision leaves excessive headroom and slightly distorts narrative focus, sometimes leading to misalignment in dramatic sequences. Additionally, some scenes exhibit a blurring effect around the frame edges, occasionally detracting from immersion. Despite these issues, the overall image quality sustains a filmic charm with balanced contrast and accurate detailing, even if the right amount of cinematic texture is sometimes missing. The choice of aspect ratio, while controversial, doesn't derail the entire experience but certainly limits its potential.

The audio presentation of "Suddenly" on Blu-ray features a meticulously preserved mono track, offered in DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0. This format delivers an exceptional auditory experience, maintaining clean, crisp dialogue and minimal background noise. The track successfully represents the sounds intrinsic to the film, including incidental street traffic and train whistles. The foreboding score by David Raksin is presented clearly and effectively, enhancing the atmosphere without any noticeable distortion or imbalance.

Despite its limitations, the mono track manages to create an immersive sound environment. Ambient sound details, such as the commotion within the small confines of a home, are reproduced with remarkable authenticity. This goes a long way in making up for the lack of multi-channel surround sound. Moreover, the dialogue remains distinct and intelligible even amidst more complex audio scenarios, attesting to the careful sound mixing. The low-end frequencies could have been more pronounced, but this minor shortfall does not significantly detract from the overall experience.

In summary, "Suddenly" excels in delivering a high-fidelity audio experience through its lossless DTS-HD MA Mono track. The balance between dialogue, sound effects, and musical score ensures an engaging viewer experience, demonstrating that a mono track can still provide rich and dynamic audio in an age dominated by multi-channel surround formats.

The Blu-ray extras for "Suddenly" provide a rich, engaging look into the film's production and historical context. Frank Sinatra Jr.’s commentary offers a deeply personal narrative, recounting his on-set experiences and situating the film within his father’s career. This commentary provides intriguing, candid insights into scenes and performances. Meanwhile, Dr. Drew Casper delivers a highly academic analysis, focusing on thematic elements and providing historical tidbits, such as Sterling Hayden's controversial past. The included short film by Francis Thompson, "N.Y., N.Y.: A Day in New York," stands out for its artistic portrayal of 1950s New York through innovative prismatic lenses, set to a captivating score by Gene Forell. Additionally, the image gallery featuring marketing materials for "Suddenly" adds a nostalgic touch by highlighting the film's promotional history.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Frank Sinatra, Jr.: Personal insights and historical context from Sinatra Jr.
• Commentary by Dr. Drew Casper: Academic analysis and historical tidbits.
• Short Film by Francis Thompson, N.Y., N.Y.: A Day in New York: Artistic 1957 short film with prismatic imagery.
• Image Gallery: Marketing materials and ads for "Suddenly".

Review Section: The Movie “Suddenly”

"Suddenly," released in 1954, is a compact but potent thriller that has gathered considerable baggage over the years. It was tainted by associations with the Kennedy assassination and suffered from a poorly executed colorization effort that turned Sinatra into "Old Brown Eyes." Despite this, the film, directed by Lewis Allen and featuring a taut script by Richard Sale, emerges as a notable piece of early noir cinema. Frank Sinatra, fresh off his Oscar win for "From Here to Eternity," chose this independent, low-budget production to further solidify his acting prowess. His portrayal of John Baron, an ex-military marksman planning to assassinate the President, diverges sharply from his previous roles and showcases his intense, chilling villainy.

The narrative unfolds in Suddenly’s titular small town, convincingly portrayed as ordinary yet rendered tense by the impending assassination plot. Sterling Hayden’s Sheriff Tod Shaw and Nancy Gates’ pacifist war widow Ellen Benson serve as formidable counterparts to Sinatra’s remorseless Baron. The confined setting—the majority of the film takes place in the Benson household, strategically chosen for its vantage point over the train station—enhances the tension, creating an almost claustrophobic atmosphere. This tight confinement is compounded by the screenplay’s effective use of time and space, emphasizing Baron's unraveling psyche and heightening the suspense.

Sinatra shines as Baron, skillfully balancing menacing charm with unnerving unpredictability. His performance is crucial to the film’s impact, making Baron a memorably chilling antagonist. Allen’s direction ensures that while "Suddenly" explores themes of violence, pacifism, and gun use without didacticism, it maintains a brisk pace and engrossing narrative. At 76 minutes, this thriller moves with purpose while providing depth through its character portrayals and thematic content. Despite its historical baggage and subsequent public domain releases, "Suddenly" remains a compelling showcase of Sinatra's range and a fine example of mid-century American noir.

"Suddenly," a classic noir film, shines on Blu-ray with its gripping narrative and robust performances, particularly from Frank Sinatra. The film, with its post-war sensibilities, exudes a unique sense of outdated violence and post-war trauma, making it a deeply engaging watch. Excitingly, the Blu-ray transfer delivers a good representation of the source material, though it is not without minor flaws that are occasionally noticeable. Nevertheless, the high definition transfer highlights the film's strengths and makes it an important addition to any film enthusiast's collection.

Technically, the Blu-ray excels with a detailed DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track. Dialogue and sound effects are clear with minimal background noise, and David Raksin’s score complements the tension seamlessly. English SDH subtitles ensure accessibility. Of particular note are the two commentary tracks, providing deeper insights into the film's production and historical context. Uniquely, the supplemental 1957 short film “N.Y., N.Y.: A Day in New York” presents an eclectic, if unrelated, visual treat with its kaleidoscopic lens work and evocative musical score.

As a fascinating byproduct of its era, "Suddenly" portrays political assassination in a manner reflective of mid-20th-century America’s disbelief and shock at such violence, a perspective subtly interwoven by screenwriter Richard Sale. This historical lens offers modern viewers a contrasting perspective to today's more cynical acceptance of such themes as merely plot devices. Ultimately, "Suddenly" on Blu-ray is highly recommended for its historical significance, strong performances, and the solid technical quality of this release.