Woman in Hiding Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Woman in Hiding" is presented in a high-definition 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded transfer, maintaining the film's original 1.37:1 full-frame aspect ratio. The image quality is noticeably filmic, capturing intricate details that enhance the visual experience. Despite minor scratches and blemishes, which occasionally draw attention, the overall transfer showcases impressive depth and clarity. The cinematography, particularly in black and white, is preserved with excellent fidelity, contributing to the movie's atmospheric undertones.

Although the restoration could have benefitted from more extensive work to eliminate imperfections, the current state of the print remains generally satisfactory. The detail retention is commendable, making the viewing experience enjoyable for both new viewers and long-time fans. Additionally, black levels are consistently robust, further contributing to the high-quality presentation. Ultimately, while minor flaws persist, the significant effort put into this transfer ensures it meets professional standards and holds up well under critical scrutiny.

The audio presentation of Woman in Hiding on Blu-ray is impressively delivered through a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio mono soundtrack. Dialogue reproduction remains exceptional throughout the film, ensuring clarity and ease of understanding. This design choice offers a strong fidelity, with the audio performing well across various dynamic scenes. The soundstage is somewhat limited by the mono format, but the overall sound quality and clarity make up for this, providing an engaging auditory experience that matches the film's intense narrative. Importantly, optional English subtitles are included to assist those who are hearing impaired.

From the dramatic crash scenes to the constant whirring of factory motors, this soundtrack effectively enhances the tension and atmosphere of Woman in Hiding. The precise clarity in dialogue extends even to outdoor scenes and other complex sound environments like the boisterous party scene, which competently contrasts with the quieter moments of suspense. The DTS-HD Master Audio format ensures that all sonic elements, whether they're subtle background noises or significant sound effects like a car crashing into a river, are rendered with impressive authenticity.

The Blu-ray release of "Woman in Hiding" features a strong collection of extras that provide an enriching perspective on the film. The highlight is the audio commentary by esteemed film historian Kat Ellinger, who offers extensive insights into the film's production, themes, and historical context. Additionally, the disc includes trailers of various classic films from distributor Kino Lorber, providing an appreciation of the broader cinematic landscape of the era. These supplementary materials collectively enhance the viewing experience, making this release invaluable for film enthusiasts and historians alike.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary by Film Historian Kat Ellinger: In-depth insights on production, themes, and historical context.

Trailer for Naked Alibi: Preview of another classic film from Kino Lorber.

Trailer for He Ran All the Way: Preview of another classic film from Kino Lorber.

Trailer for Cry of the City: Preview of another classic film from Kino Lorber.

Trailer for It Always Rains on Sunday: Preview of another classic film from Kino Lorber.

"Woman in Hiding" presents a compelling drama laced with thriller undertones that will captivate Ida Lupino's fans. This riveting film begins with a gripping opening scene featuring the newlywed Deborah Chandler (Lupino) fearfully racing her car along perilous roads before crashing into a river. The plot then unfolds through an extended flashback revealing that Deborah's seemingly accidental discovery of her father’s death may have actually been orchestrated by her new husband, Selden Clark (Stephen McNally). The gripping narrative follows Deborah as she flees to evade danger, adopting a new identity and encountering the tough-mannered Keith Ramsey (Howard Duff), who may hold the key to unraveling the mystery.

Ida Lupino's performance is a standout element, providing significant emotional gravity and depth to an intricately crafted screenplay by Oscar Saul (A Streetcar Named Desire). lupino’s nuanced portrayal adds an indispensable layer to the storytelling, capturing the audience’s attention with her natural charisma. William H. Daniels’ splendid black-and-white cinematography further enhances the film's captivating atmosphere, creating a perfect noir setting that complements the intense narrative.

The film’s aesthetic elements also deserve commendation. Orry-Kelly’s costume design makes a substantial impact, accentuating the characters' complexities and adding a dimension of visual elegance. Directed by Michael Gordon, known for films like "An Act of Murder," the meticulous craftsmanship results in an impressive blend of suspense and drama. While it might not be Lupino's finest work, "Woman in Hiding" remains a quality film that showcases creativity and compelling storytelling, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.

"Woman in Hiding" on Blu-ray delivers a cinematographically absorbing experience, highlighting Ida Lupino's stellar performance. The film seamlessly blends elements of a woman's picture and film noir, evoking kinetic energy from the outset with its gripping car crash sequence. Michael Gordon's direction makes strategic use of mirrors and windows to emphasize the protagonist's entrapment and longing for escape. Notable technical aspects include the expert cinematography by William H. Daniels, known for capturing emotional detachment through stark imagery, especially notable in the climactic factory scenes infused with typical noir lighting.

The Blu-ray’s presentation is impressive, featuring an enhanced visual quality that respects the film's original atmosphere while providing a clearer, crisper image. The added audio commentary by film historian Kat Ellinger gives valuable insights, describing key themes such as betrayal and the significance of Lupino’s role in the broader context of her career. The commentary also touches upon Howard Duff's transition to film, adding depth to his character portrayal in "Woman in Hiding." However, it largely focuses on scene descriptions with minimal background information on production history.

What a splendid surprise "Woman in Hiding" turned out to be. Surpassing expectations, "Woman in Hiding" is a dramatic-thriller that works in spades. Ida Lupino delivers a first-rate performance which should be considered a must-see for fans of the beloved actress. The Blu-ray features an impressive presentation and comes highly recommended for fans. Worth a look.