Spellbound Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Spellbound" (1945) generally offers a visually compelling and rich experience that stays true to its cinematic roots, though it is not without imperfections. Packaged in a 1.37:1 AVC encoded 1080p transfer, the film retains a notable degree of grain, which is essential for maintaining its authentic film-like texture and depth. This is particularly notable when considering the film’s historical context, providing a visual experience in line with other recent Hitchcock releases such as "Rebecca" and "Notorious." Grain is prominent but never overwhelmingly so, fostering an organic quality to the picture. However, viewers should be prepared for occasional instances of print damage, including minor speckling and some fleeting black and white vertical lines, which can evoke a sense of viewing the film in its original theatrical release.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray transfer achieves a commendable level of detail and clarity. Close-ups are particularly impressive, capturing intricate patterns on fabrics and the subtleties of facial highlights, although these can sometimes appear slightly overexposed, contributing to an occasional blooming effect. Shadow detail and black levels vary throughout the presentation; while some scenes showcase almost inky blacks enhancing their atmospheric quality, others appear somewhat washed out. The Dali-designed dream sequence stands out vividly, benefiting from striking contrast values that bring its surreal elements to life. Nevertheless, mild fluctuations in contrast and gray scale can occasionally result in a somewhat milky appearance, particularly when juxtaposed against Criterion’s previous DVD release, which may show better black levels and contrast overall.

Additionally, the transfer manages to avoid overt use of Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), an essential factor in maintaining the film's natural appearance though some sequences exhibit minor edge enhancement and digital noise. The image quality is mostly consistent, offering less visual blemishing compared to older releases. The single vivid flash of red/orange during the pivotal scene has been preserved excellently, maintaining its intended dramatic impact. In summary, this Blu-ray transfer serves well in providing an engaging visual experience, presenting "Spellbound" better than it ever has looked on home video, despite certain imperfections and areas for potential improvement.

The Blu-ray release of "Spellbound" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix. While the track remains true to its vintage origins, there is some evident hiss and crackle, which adds an authentic old-school ambiance. Dialogue clarity is commendable, with voices, particularly Ingrid Bergman's and Michael Chekhov's, reproducing with a nuanced, unmuffled quality. However, occasional difficulty in understanding hushed conversations and moments where dialogue gets overshadowed by the music indicates limited dynamic range in the mix.

Miklos Rozsa's score, however, stands out as a highlight, richly reproduced with passion and symphonic intensity, enhancing the film's suspense and romantic elements. The inclusion of both the Overture and Exit Music, pieces not originally composed by Rozsa but compiled from his suite of highlights, adds an extra layer of grandeur and mystery. Despite these strengths, the score's fidelity lacks depth, often sounding flat and tinny with limited instrumental detail.

Overall, the audio presentation reflects its era with fidelity adequately preserved. Some restorative work could have attenuated the pervasive hiss and surface noise that intermittently intrude. The audio is functional for a film of this age, but additional clean-up would have significantly improved fidelity and reduced age-related deficiencies. This is especially important for those who appreciate high-fidelity soundscapes free from distracting artifacts.

The Blu-ray extras for "Spellbound" offer a compelling array of supplemental content that delves deeply into the film's thematic and stylistic nuances. The commentary by film professors Thomas Schatz and Charles Ramirez Berg, while occasionally grating, provides insightful analysis on themes, directorial style, and behind-the-scenes trivia, making it worthwhile for both Hitchcock novices and aficionados. The featurettes add significant value to the viewing experience; "Dreaming with Scissors" explores Salvador Dali's collaboration with Hitchcock and the surrealist dream sequences, while "Guilt by Association" contextualizes the film within the psychoanalytic culture of its time. Additionally, actress Rhonda Fleming nostalgically recalls her early career in "A Cinderella Story," and the radio adaptation offers an intriguing alternative take on the narrative. The package also includes Peter Bogdanovich's engaging audio interview with Hitchcock and the original theatrical trailer, ensuring comprehensive insights into this classic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Thomas Schatz and Charles Ramirez Berg: Insightful but occasionally grating commentary focusing on themes and directorial style.
• Dreaming with Scissors: Hitchcock, Surrealism, and Salvador Dali: Explores Dali’s contributions and censorship issues around the dream sequences.
• Guilt by Association: Psychoanalyzing Spellbound: Discusses the film’s groundbreaking focus on psychoanalysis.
• A Cinderella Story: Rhonda Fleming: Actress Rhonda Fleming reminisces about her debut.
• 1948 Radio Adaptation: Joseph Cotten and Alida Valli star in this condensed version of the story.
• Peter Bogdanovich Interviews Alfred Hitchcock: Engaging audio interview about the film’s conceptualization.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Original preview with some wear and tear but a welcome inclusion.

"Spellbound," directed by Alfred Hitchcock, remains a divisive classic from the 1940s. While its illustrious cast includes legends like Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck, some critics find the film's marriage of psychoanalysis and suspense disappointingly lackluster. Though Hitchcock's collaboration with Salvador Dalí yields some mesmerizing dream sequences, many argue that the film oversimplifies its psychological themes and lacks the usual tension and excitement associated with the director's work. The subplot revolving around amnesia and murder attempts to add depth but often appears contrived to modern viewers, leading to sentiments of tedium rather than thrill.

Alfred Hitchcock's distinct style permeates "Spellbound," with its strategic use of shadow and light, subjective camera angles, and close-up shots that captivate the audience. Despite its flaws, the film's visual elements offer a stark, elegant presentation that reinforces its psychoanalytic narrative. Salvador Dalí's involvement brings a surreal avant-garde edge to the dream sequences, representing some of the film’s most memorable moments. These images, although striking, are dissected through a literal Freudian lens that may feel overly simplistic for contemporary audiences.

Performances by Bergman and Peck form the emotional core of the narrative. Bergman portrays Dr. Constance Petersen with a beautiful blend of sensitivity and strength, making her character both relatable and compelling. Gregory Peck, on the other hand, exudes magnetism as the troubled John Ballantyne but sometimes errs towards melodrama. Despite these robust performances, the film’s pacing issues—most notably its sluggish start and melodramatic climax—detract from its overall impact. Nonetheless, "Spellbound" paved the way for future psychological dramas, presenting complex themes in an accessible manner.

Spellbound is an Alfred Hitchcock film that intricately blends elements of mystery and romance, creating a captivating experience for viewers. The story's climax may offer a somewhat pat resolution, but it's important to consider the groundbreaking nature of its themes at the time of its release. Elevated by George Barnes' evocative proto-noir cinematography and an over-the-top yet glorious score by Miklos Rozsa, the film also uniquely features Salvador Dali’s surrealistic input, providing film enthusiasts with a rare treat. Although the film exhibits some creakiness characteristic of its era, it remains immensely enjoyable.

In terms of presentation, MGM's Blu-ray release delivers fairly good video quality and adequate audio, though it might not be the standard-bearer fans hope for should Criterion release their own version. This release includes an acceptable array of supplementary materials that enhance the overall viewing experience. Hitchcock aficionados will no doubt appreciate the nuanced performances, stylish direction, and suspenseful plot, even though some moments may feel sluggish.

Overall, while 'Spellbound' may not be considered a premier Hitchcock film, it undeniably holds enough substance and intrigue to warrant a place in any film lover's collection. The Blu-ray edition provides solid albeit not pristine digital quality and offers an interesting glimpse into a uniquely Hitchcockian psychological narrative. Recommended.