Touch of Evil Blu-ray Review

Eureka Entertainment's Blu-ray release of Orson Welles's "Touch of Evil" presents a meticulously crafted video transfer via five different versions, each in 1080p High Definition and employing MPEG-4 AVC encoding. The standout is the 1998 Reconstructed Version, available in both 1.37:1 and 1.85:1 aspect ratios. This preferred version showcases excellent detail with minor, negligible softness, presenting rich blacks, a balanced array of greys, and soft whites. While minor DNR processing has reduced aberrant noise, a significant filmic grain remains intact, ensuring a classic cinematic texture. The fullscreen 1.37:1 ratio is marginally superior to the 1.85:1 variant due to the minimized image size on the screen which masks most defects effectively.

The 1958 Theatrical Version, also available in 1.37:1 and 1.85:1, mirrors the reconstructed version in terms of quality but shows minor sources of digital artifacts slightly more noticeable yet still non-disruptive. The Preview Version (1957/1958), presented solely in 1.85:1, while visually similar, is comparatively softer and exhibits mild noise issues. Regardless, viewers approaching this version as a tertiary option will find it satisfactory with its marginally vibrant look and consistent color scheme, matching the other editions’ visual fidelity.

Technically, the Reconstructed Version’s comparison to the SDVD release reveals substantial upgrades including crisper details in close-ups and panoramic shots, clearer textures, and smoother camera zooms. The color reproduction is particularly noteworthy; blacks are vibrant and well-saturated, greys balanced, and whites remain gentle and natural. Despite minor instances of unresolved grain and negligible sharpening traces on larger screens, the overall integrity remains robust, with only minuscule negative wear visible throughout the print. While some mild compression artifacts are noted in the theatrical versions, specific sequences boast quality on par with the reconstructed edition, suggesting an overall impressive restoration effort by Eureka Entertainment.

The audio presentation of "Touch of Evil" on Blu-ray is consistently impressive across all versions, each featuring a remastered DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. The audio sources differ—ranging from the theatrical version to the reconstructed and preview versions—yet there is little discernable difference in quality among them. The dialogue is clear and well-pronounced, primarily emanating from the front and center channels. The tracks avoid any distracting audio defects such as tinny moments, screeching, or background hiss, ensuring a stable and refined listening experience.

The sound effects are well-rendered, with particular scenes offering a striking auditory impact, such as the early driving shot recorded in transit. The surround utilization provides adequate scope for the material. Henry Mancini's score, which features prominently, benefits greatly from the lossless DTS-HD Master Audio treatment. It comes through crisp, vibrant, and dynamically active without distortion or imbalance. Additionally, audio stabilizations have evidently been applied, resulting in consistently crisp dialogue and enhanced unique audio effects towards the film's conclusion. Optional English SDH subtitles are also provided, enhancing accessibility.

In summary, the Blu-ray's audio presentation of "Touch of Evil" effectively preserves the film's historical fidelity while leveraging modern audio mastering techniques to deliver a clean, dynamic, and engaging auditory experience.

The "Touch of Evil" Blu-ray release is an exemplar of comprehensive and well-curated extras that provide deep insights into the film's production, history, and lasting impact. The array of audio commentaries, featurettes, and an exhaustive booklet ensure that cinephiles and scholars alike can appreciate every nuance of Orson Welles' vision. With contributions from cast members Charlton Heston and Janet Leigh, producers, restorers, and critics, each piece offers unique perspectives and valuable information. The commentaries vary in style and depth, offering a broad spectrum of critical analysis and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. The thoughtfully crafted featurettes delve into the intricacies of the film's creation and subsequent restoration work. The illustrated booklet is a rich resource, with essays, reviews, interviews, and analytical notes that enhance the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Four distinct tracks featuring industry luminaries.
• Bringing Evil to Life: Comprehensive interviews on the film's production.
• Evil Lost and Found: Detailed retrospective on the film's restoration.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Authentic promotional trailer.
• Illustrated Booklet: In-depth essays and analyses on the film's different versions and technical aspects.

Orson Welles's "Touch of Evil" (1958) stands as a monumental achievement in classic-era film noir, with a production history as colorful as the film’s labyrinthine narrative. The events unfold in a seedy border town between the U.S. and Mexico, a place brimming with shady characters, cheap restaurants, and strip clubs. The plot centers on Mexican drug enforcement agent Mike Vargas (Charlton Heston) and his American wife, Susan (Janet Leigh), who find themselves entangled in a complex murder investigation led by the corrupt American detective Hank Quinlan (Orson Welles). What follows is a gripping tale defined by themes of racism, police corruption, and societal decay. Adding to the film's atmosphere is the hauntingly beautiful cinematography by Russell Metty and a mesmerizing soundtrack by Henry Mancini, both of which are pivotal in creating an unforgettable visual and auditory experience.

The film's recent release by Eureka Entertainment on Blu-ray serves as a definitive edition, featuring three different cuts of the movie—including the Reconstructed Version in 1.37:1 aspect ratio, which is highly recommended for those seeking Welles's original vision. The package is enhanced with superior video and audio quality and arrives loaded with supplemental features such as four audio commentaries and insightful featurettes. A lavish illustrated booklet boasting essays from renowned critics like Francois Truffaut and Andre Bazin further enriches this release, providing a deep dive into "Touch of Evil"'s enduring legacy.

The cast delivers powerhouse performances, with Welles being incredibly compelling as the grotesque and tyrannical Quinlan. Heston is strong as Vargas, despite lacking an authentic Mexican accent, while Janet Leigh brings a blend of elegance and vulnerability to her role as Susan. The supporting cast, including Akim Tamiroff’s sinister portrayal of Uncle Joe Grandi and memorable cameos by Dennis Weaver, Zsa Zsa Gabor, and Marlene Dietrich, adds layers of depth to this dark, atmospheric masterpiece. Each frame and musical note is meticulously crafted, making "Touch of Evil" a timeless work of art that continues to captivate generations.

The Blu-ray release of Orson Welles' "Touch of Evil" embodies a remarkable transition to high definition, capturing the essence of this film noir masterpiece with precision and care. The video quality is exceptionally crisp, presenting a clean and detailed image that maintains the film's original grain structure without any intrusive digital noise reduction or artificial enhancements. The rich black levels and stark contrasts amplify the tension and depth of the narrative, enhancing the characteristic visual style that defines Welles’ directorial prowess. The audio track, equally impressive, offers a clear and robust presentation that supports the impactful score and dialogue delivery, ensuring an immersive viewing experience.

Supplementary materials included in the Blu-ray release are extensive and insightful, providing a thorough historical context and deeper understanding of the film’s production challenges and artistic achievements. The inclusion of multiple versions of the film, such as the theatrical cut and the restored version based on Orson Welles' original vision, caters to both purists and new viewers alike. The commentary tracks and documentary features enrich the viewer’s appreciation of Welles’ intricate directorial style and thematic concerns, emphasizing the enduring significance of "Touch of Evil" in the annals of cinema history.

I can only echo the comments I left in our review of Silent Running -- I hope that the recently announced collaboration between Eureka Entertainment and Universal Studios will last a long time so that we can see as many classic films transition to Blu-ray as possible. If the Blu-ray release of Orson Welles' Touch of Evil, arguably one of the greatest film noirs ever made, is a sign of things to come, then I am absolutely convinced that 2012 will be a very special year. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.