Dial M for Murder Blu-ray Review

Warner Brothers' Blu-ray presentation of "Dial M for Murder" in both AVC (2D) and MVC (3D) encoded transfers offers a mixed visual experience. The 1.78:1 transfer provides lush and vibrant colors, especially notable in Kelly's red gown and the natural, warm flesh tones throughout the film. Close-up shots offer sharp details, with strong contrast that enhances sequences in low light, such as the dramatic scene where Margot encounters her attacker. A natural layer of grain adds authenticity to the film, yet there are significant technical drawbacks, including some of the most pronounced ringing encountered in both the 3D and 2D versions. These artifacts impact midrange and wide shots, often reducing them to indistinct blobs of color and diminishing overall clarity.

The 3D aspect of the film was a novelty for its time, yet it falls short by today’s standards. While Hitchcock employs various techniques to create depth—such as strategic placement of props and actors—the resulting dimensionality is often superficial. Despite some standout effects in the murder sequence and the dynamic opening credits, much of the 3D imagery appears flat and underwhelming, marred by artifacts from early 3D processes which are exaggerated in high definition. Medium and long shots can appear fuzzy with halos, impacting the cohesion and consistency of the frame.

Despite these limitations, there are positive aspects to the transfer. The film has been meticulously restored to its original widescreen aspect ratio, eliminating any prior cropping issues. Colors remain vivid and black levels are solid, which heightens the visual drama of key scenes. However, viewers should temper their expectations; while this release may represent the original film more accurately than previous home video editions, it does not meet the high standards set by other Hitchcock Blu-rays. For those seeking a visually flawless experience akin to 'North by Northwest' or 'To Catch a Thief,' disappointment is inevitable due to the inherent imperfections associated with early 3D technology.

The audio presentation of "Dial M for Murder" on Blu-ray, offered in a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mix, displays commendable fidelity and clarity, capturing the essence of the original recording impeccably. The soundtrack is predominantly free from age-related artifacts such as clicks, pops, or background hiss, ensuring an engaging listening experience. Dialogue intelligibility is excellent throughout the film, consistently clear and never obscured by other sounds emanating from the central channel. Dimitri Tiomkin's score, although sometimes feeling incongruent with the genre, comes through with strong fidelity and benefits from the wide dynamic range that allows both dramatic highs and subtle lows to be distinctly articulated.

This soundtrack, despite its monaural nature, holds up remarkably well against the test of time. It is relatively thin-sounding at times but without any egregious damage or distortion to report. The audio remains straightforward and functional, aligning perfectly with the film's no-nonsense narrative style. Long segments of dialogue dominate much of the runtime, and this DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track ensures these sequences are reproduced with clarity and precision. Critical sound effects, such as phone mechanisms and key turns, are rendered with crispness and distinction against the dialogue. The straightforwardness of this workmanlike track might lack the complexity of other Hitchcock films but is nonetheless effective in faithfully transmitting the film’s audio components.

The Blu-ray release of "Dial M for Murder" includes a couple of extras ported from the 2004 DVD, albeit without any discussion on the integral aspect of 3D in the movie. The 21-minute "Hitchcock and Dial M" featurette offers an insightful examination of the film's production and impact, with contributions from Peter Bogdanovich, M. Night Shyamalan, and other prominent figures. Despite its thorough exploration of Hitchcock's themes, including class dynamics and confined settings, it misses the mark by not addressing the unique challenges and Hitchcock’s perspective on using 3D technology for the only time in his career. The inclusion of these respected voices still adds value, celebrating Grace Kelly's iconic role and detailing performances by Anthony Dawson and John Williams. Additionally, the original theatrical trailer is preserved, effectively capturing the era's promotional style.

Extras included in this disc:

• Hitchcock & Dial M: A background documentary featuring insights from notable directors and critics.
• Theatrical trailer: The original preview showcasing a classic promotional style.

In "Dial M for Murder," director Alfred Hitchcock crafts an engaging narrative that pivots on themes of infidelity, blackmail, and murder. The plot centers on Tony Wendice (Ray Milland), a former tennis pro, who, upon realizing his wealthy wife Margot (Grace Kelly) is having an affair with American writer Mark Halliday (Robert Cummings), concocts a meticulous plan to have her killed. Tony blackmails small-time crook Charles Swann (Anthony Dawson) into carrying out the murder, but when the attempt fails and Swann is killed in self-defense, Tony devises a new scheme to frame Margot for premeditated murder. The cat-and-mouse dynamic among Tony, Margot, and Mark creates a tense atmosphere laden with strategic manipulation.

Despite being forced by Warner Bros. to shoot in 3D—a technique Hitchcock reportedly disliked—the film navigates its confined setting with relatively static but thoughtfully composed cinematography. The use of 3D mainly serves to create depth rather than indulge in gimmicks, lending a subtle layer of complexity to the visual experience. The dialogue remains a pillar of the storytelling, delivered with finesse by the cast. Milland’s portrayal of the duplicitous Tony Wendice exhibits a blend of charm and malevolence, while Kelly’s performance radiates both elegance and vulnerability. However, Cummings' portrayal as the lover lacks the vigor expected for such a pivotal role.

While the film's extended dialogue scenes may feel verbose and stage-bound, they establish a cerebral tone that shifts into high gear during the climactic moments. The standout sequence featuring the attempted murder is quintessential Hitchcock—intense and masterfully executed—highlighting the potential brilliance within this otherwise restrained setup. Though it doesn't reach the visual or emotional peaks of Hitchcock’s other works, "Dial M for Murder" remains an intellectually stimulating thriller that, through its precise plotting and nuanced performances, delivers a compelling examination of moral ambiguity and human deceit.

"Dial M for Murder" is a classic Hitchcock piece that unfortunately falls short in its transition to Blu-ray. This release showcases luscious colors and well-preserved details in close-ups, bringing Grace Kelly's beauty and Ray Milland's menacing performance to the forefront. However, the 3D effects, which the film sporadically exploits, feel more like a novelty than an enhancement, indicative perhaps of Hitchcock's skepticism about the format. The plot, while tight and intelligent, can appear overly talkative and static, which may not appeal to all viewers, especially when compared to Hitchcock's more dynamic works like "Vertigo" or "Rear Window."

Technically, the Blu-ray's video transfer leaves much to be desired, with noticeable haloing detracting from the overall visual experience. Despite these shortcomings, the colors remain vivid and the image sharp. Audio quality is competent but not exceptional, serving its purpose without offering anything spectacular. The Blu-ray release is also surprisingly sparse in terms of supplemental content, which is disappointing considering the film's pedigree and Hitchcock's stature in cinema history.

In conclusion, while "Dial M for Murder" may not stand amongst Hitchcock's most revered works, it remains a meticulously crafted thriller with moments of cinematic brilliance. Its Blu-ray presentation is a mixed bag; while certain aspects are impressively preserved, others falter under scrutiny. Hitchcock aficionados may appreciate this release more for its historical value than its technical execution. For those less committed, renting the Blu-ray before purchasing might be a prudent choice.