The Big Clock Blu-ray Review

Arrow Academy’s Blu-ray release of "The Big Clock" presents the film with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1:34:1. The master, prepared in High Definition by Universal Pictures, offers a serviceable yet inconsistent visual experience. The grain field is notably gritty and uneven, with contrast issues that occasionally impair clarity. The film is laden with optical dissolves, which contribute to some of the visual roughness. Damage such as nicks, speckling, white flecks, and intermittent scratches is recurrent, and noticeable flicker is prevalent, especially during darker sequences featuring opticals.

While there are moments of commendable detail – particularly in close-ups where the clarity can be exceptional – the overall presentation feels dated. Grain appears pronounced and somewhat chunky, possibly due to light sharpening or by virtue of an older scan. Additionally, the grayscale fails to achieve the necessary density in shadowed scenes, leaving some dramatic moments washed out and lacking impact. Despite these flaws, the transfer remains watchable and could be considered satisfactory given the age and condition of the source material. However, in comparison to modern 2K/4K restorations, this release doesn't quite meet contemporary expectations for high-definition home video presentations.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Big Clock" offers a serviceable LPCM Mono track, maintaining the period's characteristic boxiness while avoiding more glaring issues present in the video transfer. The track does have a noticeable background hiss, an artifact unlikely to disrupt the viewing experience significantly. Notably, Victor Young’s score sounds full-bodied, and dialogue clarity is consistently high, ensuring a coherent auditory experience despite the age of the film. One minor issue observed was an occasional audio pop right before the Universal masthead when restarting the film, although this was infrequent.

In technical terms, the original mono soundtrack is well preserved in this 1.0 PCM track. However, the piano work in the opening credits tends to strain the highs, rendering them coarse and somewhat overloaded. This harshness extends to much of the film's audio profile, maintaining a treble-heavy sound with a bit of static that runs through the center channel. It is clear that little effort was made to remaster the track substantially, leaving it feeling untouched and somewhat stale. Nonetheless, the strong dialogue clarity and robust fidelity of Victor Young’s background score contribute to making this likely the best the movie will ever sound on home video.

The Extras on the Blu-Ray of "The Big Clock" are a comprehensive addition to the experience, enriching the viewer’s understanding and appreciation of the film. Adrian Martin’s audio commentary provides an insightful deep dive into the production, source material, and overarching themes of the film. Adrian Wootton’s engaging video essay offers a 23-minute nuanced appreciation and analysis of the cinematic intrigue and thematic elements. Simon Callow’s 17-minute featurette focuses on Charles Laughton’s impactful performance, offering a commendable analysis of his acting prowess. The inclusion of a 1948 Lux Radio Theater adaptation featuring original cast members Ray Milland and Maureen O’Sullivan adds a historical depth. Promotional materials such as the theatrical trailer, image galleries, and posters round off a set of extras that reflect thoughtful curation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Adrian Martin: Explores film production, source material, and themes.
• Turning Back the Clock: Adrian Wootton’s analysis and appreciation.
• A Difficult Actor: Simon Callow on Charles Laughton’s performance.
• Lux Radio Theater: The Big Clock: 1948 radio broadcast with original cast.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film.
• Image Gallery: Production stills and promotional posters.

"The Big Clock," based on Kenneth Fearing's novel, merges film noir with screwball comedy, creating a highly engaging and multifaceted narrative. Under John Farrow’s direction and Jonathan Latimer’s screenplay adaptation, the film delivers a compelling tale with dark satire and unexpected humor. Ray Milland stars as George Stroud, a devoted family man and editor who finds himself embroiled in a frantic manhunt after a fateful night out with his boss's mistress, Pauline York (Rita Johnson), results in her murder. Stroud’s frenzied evasion within the corporate behemoth Janoth Building is masterfully shot, and Milland’s portrayal of a man caught in a sinister web he must unravel injects an effective edge of anxiety throughout the film.

Charles Laughton dominates as Earl Janoth, the tyrannical publisher whose time-obsessed, profit-driven ruthlessness embodies post-WWII corporate America’s darkest traits. Hans Dreier’s production design, especially the imposing clock within the Janoth Building, visually underscores the film’s thematic conflict with time and corporate manipulation. Secondary characters also shine, particularly Elsa Lanchester, providing comic relief as a vibrant modern artist, and George Macready as the ominous Steve Hagen, with a subtly suggested homoerotic dynamic adding layers to his character.

The meticulous attention to detail from Farrow, combined with a strong cast and intricately woven plot, respects the novel’s tone while injecting memorable humor. The film walks a fine line between genres, achieving a balance that remains dynamic and refreshingly unpredictable. The inclusion of light comedic moments amid dark suspense not only broadens its appeal but also adds depth to its critique of societal norms and corporate machinations during that era. "The Big Clock" transcends its time as an exemplary hybrid of suspense and satirical comedy, resonating deeply with audiences even today.

"The Big Clock" on Blu-ray is an exemplary representation of the screwball noir genre, seamlessly blending thrilling suspense with moments of genuine humor. Directed masterfully by John Farrow, the film captures the essence of a working man's life through its clever satire and endearing personal anecdotes. Ray Milland, Maureen O'Sullivan, and Charles Laughton deliver energetic performances that elevate the film’s engaging narrative.

Arrow’s Blu-ray release of "The Big Clock" stands out in terms of technical quality. While some might find the video transfer slightly inconsistent, the overall visual presentation is commendable with clear details and strong contrast. The audio tracks are pristine, providing a balanced and immersive auditory experience. Arrow has also outdone itself with an impressive range of special features, adding significant value for both new viewers and long-time fans upgrading from the previous Universal DVD release.

In conclusion, "The Big Clock" is a brilliant showcase of genre fusion, maintaining its relevance and charm through decades. Arrow's meticulous work on this Blu-ray release ensures that both newcomers and existing fans will find plenty to enjoy. Highly recommended for aficionados of classic cinema and those appreciating the blend of suspense and humor distinct to screwball noir.