Murder in Greenwich Village Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation of "Murder in Greenwich Village" successfully preserves its original cinematographic achievements, providing a pleasantly grainy but film-like experience. Detail stands out in the softer image, showcasing Wray's ornate costuming and intricate hairstyles, while male characters' woolen and ridged outfits remain convincingly fibrous. The sets are richly detailed and open for inspection, with decoration that includes numerous advertisement posters enhancing the period authenticity. Facial particulars are well-preserved, with adequate delineation throughout, though some moments of solidification occur. The source material is in commendable shape, notwithstanding some speckling, mild scratches, and a few stray hairs.

Sony's handling of this deep catalog title demonstrates their expertise in maintaining organic, film-like visuals virtually free from debris or scratches. The image quality is notable for its high level of detail, evident in features like the pinstriped suits and intricate pockmarks on Marc Lawrence’s face. Contrast is delivered superbly, producing a striking black and white image accompanied by a wide grayscale range. Film grain remains intact yet never intrusive, enhancing the viewing experience rather than detracting from it. This meticulous presentation ensures that the film retains its authentic aesthetic while benefiting from the clarity and precision of modern HD transfer techniques.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA audio presentation provides an optimal balance between dialogue clarity and overall sound quality. Focusing heavily on preserving the rapid-fire conversations, the track ensures that voices are captured with commendable clarity, making it easy to follow the film's interactions. The handling of the score and incidental music is executed with a touch of restraint, maintaining modest instrumentation and volume levels that neither overpower nor fade into irrelevance.

Performance-wise, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono track stands out with exceptional fidelity. Viewers will appreciate the clear and intelligible dialogue throughout the film, accompanied by a notable absence of distortion in both music and sound effects. The reduction of hiss is particularly commendable, allowing the audio to stand out as probably the best rendition ever for "Murder in Greenwich Village."

The Blu-ray release of "Murder in Greenwich Village" lacks any supplementary material, resulting in a purely minimalist offering. Despite the absence of even the most basic elements like trailers or a menu, the disc functions without issue when navigated using typical Blu-ray player controls. It offers a straightforward viewing experience, with no abnormal behavior observed upon pressing the Pop-Up or Top Menu buttons.

Extras included in this disc:

Nothing: No trailer, no menu, zero supplementary material.

"Murder in Greenwich Village," directed by Albert S. Rogell, subverts its somewhat menacing title to deliver a screwball comedy instead of the expected thriller. The 1937 film surprises with its emphasis on romance and lively banter, facilitated by a strong screenplay from Michael L. Simmons. The narrative follows Kay Cabot (Fay Wray), a society girl who unwittingly finds herself enmeshed in a murder investigation. When she's spotted leaving a photographer's studio, she's forced to rely on advertising artist Steven Jackson Jr. (Richard Arlen) to concoct a phony alibi. The ensuing deception leads to an improbable love-hate relationship under the watchful eye of both law enforcement and vengeful mobsters.

The film’s greatest strength is its dynamic dialogue and the energetic performances of its lead actors. Wray and Arlen’s chemistry fuels their heated exchanges, making the rapid-fire verbal sparring scenes particularly engaging. They’re supported by a strong ensemble cast, including Raymond Walburn as the perpetually inebriated 'Senator'. Though the movie lacks the suspense one might anticipate from the title, it thrives on its comedic choreography and timing, transforming what could have been a straightforward mystery into an entertaining comedic farce.

While "Murder in Greenwich Village" occasionally struggles with maintaining its comedic momentum, it benefits from a skilled cast that elevates the material. The film becomes an intriguing theatrical event, driven more by the lively performances and clever dialogue than by any sinister plot twists. Fans of classic screwball comedies will likely appreciate the unexpected direction this film takes, although those looking for a noir thriller might find themselves perplexed. Regardless, the film provides a unique viewing experience that stands out for its wit and spirited delivery.

Murder in Greenwich Village arrives on Blu-ray with a presentation that exemplifies Sony's commitment to high-quality video and audio transfers. The visual fidelity is remarkable, with sharpness and detail that bring the period settings to life. The audio quality is equally impressive, offering clear dialogue and an immersive sound environment. This release is a technical triumph and ensures that a classic older film can be appreciated by modern audiences with minimal distractions.

The film itself is an intriguing blend of genres. While it contains elements of mystery due to the central murder plot, it appears disinterested in the conventional whodunit format. Instead, it leans into the quirky dynamics and playful banter among the characters. This choice creates a somewhat uneven tone as it juggles between the grim reality of a death investigation and the lighter, more comedic elements of budding romance. The screenplay perhaps misses a cohesive integration of these themes but compensates with an engaging cast whose performances are both lively and endearing.

Seeing Murder in Greenwich Village receive a Blu-ray release is noteworthy, considering the scarcity of attention such titles usually receive today. Although this release doesn't include significant extras or special features, the exceptional quality of its core presentation makes it a valuable addition to any classic film enthusiast's collection.

In conclusion, while Murder in Greenwich Village doesn't masterfully balance its dual narrative of murder mystery and romantic comedy, its entertainment value is undeniable. The Blu-ray edition, with its superior video and audio quality, enhances the viewing experience significantly. For those who appreciate classic cinema brought to contemporary standards, this release is an indispensable opportunity to revisit or discover an enchanting, albeit tonally varied, piece of film history.