Pickup on South Street Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Pickup on South Street" is a masterclass in high-definition restoration and presentation. The film is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1 and boasts a 1080p transfer, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. The meticulous restoration process includes thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps manually removed during the 4K scan from a 35mm negative on an Oxberry film scanner. Enhanced by Digital Vision's Phoenix for jitter, flicker, grain, and noise management, the result is a flawless visual experience that remains faithful to the original cinematography by Joseph MacDonald. This restoration was initially conducted by Twentieth Century Fox, but Criterion's iteration shines brilliantly with improved gamma settings compared to previous region-specific releases.

The film’s grayscale is particularly impressive, capturing an array of visual contrasts that elevate its noir aesthetic. The video quality maintains excellent image stability while preserving the organic texture and finely resolved grain that high-quality 4K makeovers yield. Close-up shots benefit from this clarity, revealing intricate details such as the stubble on Richard Widmark's cheeks or the subtle sweat on characters' faces. The deep blacks, well-defined whites, and varied grays produce an immersive depth that adds to the film’s suspenseful atmosphere without any visual anomalies like blooming or crush. Shadow delineation is expertly handled, enhancing both the dynamic range and the visual narrative.

This Blu-ray edition exemplifies Criterion's dedication to preserving cinematic history with modern technology's help. Every scene, from the bustling New York City streets to the tension-filled interiors, is presented with pristine clarity and precision. This release not only highlights the striking cinematography but also reinforces the gritty and atmospheric qualities of Samuel Fuller's crime drama. Criterion’s transfer is a stellar technical achievement, ensuring "Pickup on South Street" looks better than it ever has in the digital format.

The Blu-ray release of "Pickup on South Street" features an English LPCM Mono (48kHz, 24-bit) track, which has been meticulously remastered from the original 35 mm optical soundtrack negative. The restoration results in a remarkably clear and sharp audio experience for a film from the early 1950s, with no traces of aging or wear. Dialogue clarity is superb, ensuring all of the snappy exchanges are easy to follow. Sound effects, from the rumbling of the subway to the clanking of costume jewelry, are distinctly rendered, showcasing a robust dynamic range that handles both subtle and intense audio moments with precision.

The soundtrack's dynamic intensity captures the sweeping highs of Leigh Harline’s jazzy score without distortion, providing a lush and vibrant auditory backdrop. Strong bass frequencies punctuate the action scenes effectively, adding depth and immersion to the experience. Importantly, the LPCM mono track is free from unwanted age-related artifacts such as hiss, pops, or crackle. Despite being mono, the track impresses with its ability to convey a rich aural atmosphere, making it feel lively and authentic. This top-notch audio presentation, paired with high-quality video restoration, delivers a thoroughly engaging and immersive cinematic experience that honors the film's original sound design while appealing to modern standards of audio fidelity.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Pickup on South Street" provide rich insights and context, enhancing the appreciation of Samuel Fuller's distinctive filmmaking style. Highlights include a fascinating archival interview with Fuller where he discusses the visual emotions that drive great cinema, his collaborations with Darryl F. Zanuck, and the film’s anti-Communist themes. Critic Imogen Sara Smith's new featurette delves into the film's production history, examining its Cold War context and Fuller's innovative techniques. The inclusion of a vintage French TV documentary and a full radio adaptation further enriches this collection. The trailers and an illustrative booklet add comprehensive coverage of Fuller's career, underscoring his lasting impact on cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Samuel Fuller: Archival interview discussing filmmaking philosophy, relationship with Zanuck, and the conception of the film.
• Imogen Sara Smith: Commentary on the film's production, style, and cast.
• Cinema cinemas: Vintage French TV segment with Fuller analyzing specific sequences.
• Hollywood Radio Theater: Full radio adaptation broadcast in 1954.
• Trailers: Collection of trailers from various Sam Fuller films.
• Booklet: Essay by critic Angelica Jade Bastién and an excerpt from Fuller’s autobiography.

Samuel Fuller's 1953 film "Pickup on South Street" is an exemplar of classic film noir, marked by its raw, gritty realism and masterful storytelling. The plot centers on a deft pickpocket, Skip McCoy (Richard Widmark), who unwittingly steals a microfilm of national importance from Candy (Jean Peters), a vulnerable woman trying to leave her dubious past behind. This theft thrusts both characters into a web of Cold War espionage, causing tensions to escalate as both communists and the FBI scramble to retrieve the stolen film. Widmark delivers an electrifying performance, portraying McCoy as a complex anti-hero driven by self-interest rather than patriotism. Jean Peters adds depth to Candy's character, transitioning from a pawn in a grander scheme to a woman valiantly asserting her agency.

The supporting cast further amplifies the narrative's pulse, including Thelma Ritter's compelling portrayal of Moe, a cynical yet endearing informer who steals the spotlight with her pragmatic worldview. Fuller's direction balances suspense with moments of intense emotional drama, demonstrated in scenes such as Joey’s (Richard Kiley) brutal assault on Candy and the thrilling altercations between McCoy and law enforcement. Cinematographer Joseph McDonald's stark, noir-heavy lensing adds visual richness, transforming New York City locales into atmospheric backdrops that enhance the film's tension and thematic weight. Additionally, Leigh Harline's evocative score underscores the film’s bleak yet captivating environment.

Beyond its surface-level thriller elements, "Pickup on South Street" explores deeper themes of moral ambiguity and loyalty amidst the pervasive paranoia of the Cold War era. Fuller's script offers biting social commentary without sacrificing character complexity or authenticity. The film's layers of intrigue culminate in a gripping climax that cements its standing as a significant yet often underrated noir classic. Criterion’s Blu-ray release not only preserves the film’s visual and auditory integrity but also enriches the viewing experience with insightful supplements that contextualize Fuller's cinematic approach.

Sam Fuller's Pickup on South Street delivers a gripping portrayal of a petty thief who inadvertently becomes entangled in the world of espionage, leading to interactions with federal agents, communist spies, and intriguing, morally nuanced characters. The film's intense narrative is further enriched by Fuller's ability to create a vivid, raw atmosphere populated by complex, self-serving individuals. These impeccably crafted characters are both compelling and authentic, evoking a world where betrayal is commonplace, yet personal redemption can also emerge from unexpected quarters.

Criterion's Blu-Ray release of this noir classic is exceptional, sourced from an outstanding 4K restoration by Twentieth Century Fox. The technical aspects of the transfer are top-notch, showcasing a crisp video presentation that preserves the gritty aesthetic of Fuller's original vision. The robust audio complements the stunning visuals, providing a fully immersive viewing experience. Additionally, the release includes a variety of worthwhile bonus features designed to deepen viewers' appreciation of the film. However, the absence of an audio commentary from noir expert Eddie Muller is a missed opportunity that could have further elevated this release.

In conclusion, Pickup on South Street remains a potent example of Fuller's masterful storytelling and distinct style. Its fast-paced 80 minutes engage and entertain thoroughly, with standout performances from Richard Widmark, Jean Peters, Thelma Ritter, and Richard Kiley adding to its enduring appeal. Criterion’s meticulous Blu-ray release not only honors the film’s legacy but enhances it through superb technical quality and engaging supplementary content. For aficionados of classic noir and seminal filmmaking, this Blu-ray is unequivocally a must-have addition to your collection. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.