The Red House Blu-ray Review

The Film Detective’s 1080p, AVC-encoded presentation of The Red House demonstrates a clear fidelity to the source material, despite inherent imperfections attributable to its public domain status. Derived from a release print, the image exhibits numerous small specks and minor scratches, indicative of the film's age and lack of preservation. This edition eschews the heavy digital clean-up characteristic of prior releases, retaining a more authentic, film-like texture. This choice results in marginally improved image detail, although the enhancement is subtle and may only be noticeable through direct comparison. With an average bitrate of 28.48 Mbps, the compression is proficiently managed, maintaining the integrity of the visual experience.

While the transfer retains several issues such as nicks, scratches, and variable grain levels, lengthy segments feature commendable clarity, contrast, and grayscale variance. Notably, day-for-night scenes are particularly effective, and close-ups afford a rich presentation of Julie London’s glamor, Allene Roberts’ purity, and Rory Calhoun’s ruggedness, complementing Edward G. Robinson’s nuanced visage. The absence of unnecessary digital enhancements differentiates this release from its predecessors, such as the Film Chest version, offering a more faithful representation of the original cinematography. Despite these efforts, the overall visual quality remains somewhat compromised by the limitations of the extant source material.

In summary, The Film Detective’s rendering of The Red House authentically captures the essence of this classic film within the constraints of its historical condition. Viewers will appreciate the film-like feel and occasional moments of visual lushness, although some flaws in the source material persist. The processing choices made for this Blu-ray release provide a refreshing alternative to overly processed versions, making it a noteworthy, albeit imperfect, addition to any classic film collection.

The audio presentation of "The Red House" Blu-ray, encoded in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono, demonstrates notable variability in quality. Dialogue clarity is commendable, maintaining high intelligibility throughout, but the Miklós Rózsa score reveals issues that are tough to overlook. Early moments of mild distortion and ongoing background hiss underline the aged nature of the source material. The dynamic range is limited, which impacts the richness of the score's harmonics, occasionally rendering it muddy. Even with the application of advanced digital processing techniques, substantial improvements appear improbable without access to a superior source.

Despite these limitations, the track provides some distinct and atmospheric effects that enhance the overall viewing experience. Sound effects such as chirping birds, school bells, and rumbling bus engines are crisp and pronounced, adding a layer of realism. Particularly noteworthy is the excellent portrayal of the raging wind in a key sequence, which holds significant power and presence. However, during more intense moments, the music sometimes becomes shrill and overpowering, overwhelming the frail track. While this release surpasses past treatments in certain aspects given the film's age, it still leaves room for improvement in presenting a fully immersive audio experience.

The Blu-ray Extras section of "The Red House" provides valuable insights and enhances the viewing experience beyond the film itself. Each featurette provides a deeper understanding of the restoration process, along with contextual elements that were missing from other releases.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by William Hare: Enlightening commentary track providing detailed insights.
• Trailer: Original trailer for the film.
• Before-and-After Restoration Featurette: Short segment showcasing the restoration process.
• DVD Copy: Included for additional viewing flexibility.

This comprehensive inclusion offers viewers a robust understanding of the film's background and restoration journey.

"The Red House," directed by Delmer Daves and starring Edward G. Robinson, is a 1947 farmhouse noir that effectively transports the film-noir genre from urban settings to the American heartland. Daves, known for his later work on classic westerns like "3:10 to Yuma" and "Broken Arrow," brings a hauntingly melancholic atmosphere to this psychological thriller. The film's narrative revolves around complex secrets harbored by Robinson's character Pete Morgan, whose seemingly benign exterior conceals far darker intentions. This juxtaposition of normalcy and underlying malevolence elevates the film's creepiness, making it not just a formidable noir but also a stirring portrayal of human frailties.

Edward G. Robinson’s performance is a standout, compellingly capturing Pete’s duality with haunting facial expressions and an ever-present aura of menace. The director utilizes Robinson’s unique ability to imbue even the simplest gestures with tension, thus amplifying the film’s suspense. The cinematography by Bert Glennon is another notable aspect, punctuating the narrative with visually evocative scenes that hint at underlying darkness even in serene settings. The score by legendary composer Miklós Rózsa further intensifies the film’s atmosphere, enhancing the sense of unease that pervades this seemingly idyllic environment.

Although the story's ultimate reveal might not be as surprising as intended, the journey there is remarkably engaging. The film's exploration of themes such as frustrated passions and hidden desires keeps it compelling throughout. "The Red House" owes much of its success to its aesthetic elements: visually arresting shadows, intricate character studies, and a powerful musical score. These combined features ensure that “The Red House” remains a riveting and visually satisfying contribution to the noir genre.

Delmer Daves' "The Red House" (1947) offers an unsettling glimpse into the darker facets of rural America, distinctively blending film noir elements with pastoral settings. At the center of the narrative is Edward G. Robinson's gripping portrayal of a crippled farmer tormented by a haunting secret. With supporting performances from Judith Anderson and an ensemble of promising actors, the film maintains a steady pace that keeps viewers engaged despite its predictable climax. Daves' direction adeptly navigates through themes of shame and obsession, creating an atmosphere replete with tension and intrigue.

The Film Detective's Blu-ray release of "The Red House" ensures that this eerie tale is presented with notable improvements in both video and audio quality, enhancing the overall viewing experience. While the transfer does not include any supplementary material, the upgrade in fidelity is evident when compared to previous releases. The clarity of images and the enhanced sound quality significantly contribute to a more immersive rewatch, making it a recommendable choice for first-time buyers.

However, for current owners of an earlier edition, the incremental benefits may not justify the higher price point. The advancements in this Blu-ray edition, while appreciable, may seem marginal if one already possesses a decent version of the film.

In conclusion, The Film Detective continues to champion the release of public domain titles in enhanced formats. While this Blu-ray edition of "The Red House" doesn't mark a substantial leap over its predecessor, it remains an appealing option for newcomers to the film. Longtime fans and first-time viewers alike will find its improved fidelity a testament to preserving this classic's eerie charm.