The Naked Kiss Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Samuel Fuller's "The Naked Kiss" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion with a 1080p transfer. The high-definition digital transfer was produced using a 35mm fine-grain master positive. Significant manual and digital restoration work was utilized, including MTI's DRS system and Pixel Farm's PFClean system, while Digital Vision’s DVNR system contributed to minor noise and dirt reduction processes. Supervised by Maria Palazzola and color-corrected by Gregg Garvin, this meticulous effort delivers an overall impressive presentation but comes with some nuanced observations.

Details in fine objects and textures are commendable, particularly given the film’s age. Close-ups reveal excellent depth, capturing individual hairs and facial complexions with lifelike clarity. Panoramic scenes offer satisfactory detail, though some outdoor sequences exhibit a slight softness. Contrast levels and dynamic range are well-balanced, with sharp, brilliant whites and richly rendered blacks showing remarkable gradational detail. Although there are occasional edge-enhancement traces and inherent film scratches, these do not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience.

Despite minor issues like frame overlappings at specific timestamps (28:42/28:49) and consistent light grain throughout the film, Criterion’s transfer remains a high-quality watch in high definition. The engineers have successfully rejuvenated this decades-old film, presenting clear resolution and maintaining a pleasing balance of brightness and shadow delineation that bolsters its timeless visual appeal.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Naked Kiss" features a meticulously remastered English LPCM 1.0 track. Criterion has gone to great lengths to enhance the monaural soundtrack, which was remastered at 24-bit from the optical track. Using Pro Tools HD, they have manually eliminated clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum, and utilized Audio Cube's integrated audio workstation to attenuate crackle. The resulting audio quality is commendable, ensuring that dialogues are clean, stable, and easy to follow.

Despite the limited dynamic amplitude inherent in the LPCM 1.0 format, the audio remains pleasingly organic. There are no issues with Paul Dunlap's music score balance, and the track is free from any distracting pops, cracks, or audio dropouts. This clean fidelity detail results in a lossless mix that significantly enhances the overall viewing experience.

Furthermore, dialogue reproduction is exceptional, with crystal-clear delivery and precise tonal inflections that bring the actors' performances to life. Although there is not much of a low-end presence, the upper ranges are broad and far-reaching, creating an appreciably spacious and warm soundstage. With Criterion's careful restoration efforts, this 24-bit monaural soundtrack stands out as a high-quality audio presentation that complements the film's enduring legacy.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "The Naked Kiss" provide an extensive and immersive look into the life and career of Samuel Fuller and the making of this iconic film. Highlights include in-depth interviews where lead actress Constance Towers shares her experiences working with Fuller, providing unique behind-the-scenes anecdotes. You also get a rich collection from various international television programs such as The South Bank Show and Cineastes de notre temps, where Fuller discusses his diverse interests ranging from politics to contemporary cinema. These insights are valuable for understanding Fuller's unapologetic and distinctive approach to filmmaking. Accuracy in technical details and high-definition transfers ensure a high-quality viewing experience, while the included illustrated booklet adds a tangible depth, rounding out a robust package of supplementary content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Constance Towers: Interview with actress Constance Towers discussing her career and work with Fullere.
• The South Bank Show: Excerpts from a 1983 episode featuring Fuller's career and filmmaking goals.
• Cineastes de notre temps: Excerpts from a 1967 French TV episode with Fuller discussing politics and cinema.
• Cinema cinemas: A 1987 segment where Fuller reminisces about his early life and career transitions.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet with essays by Robert Polito and excerpts from Fuller's autobiography.

Samuel Fuller's "The Naked Kiss" (1964) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion, showcasing his bold film-making through a beautifully restored transfer that highlights the film's intensity and bold visual style. The narrative follows Kelly (Constance Towers), a reformed prostitute who relocates to the seemingly quiet town of Grantville to rebuild her life. Her efforts to lead an honest life as a nurse are disrupted by her complex interactions with the local sheriff Griff (Anthony Eisley) and wealthy philanthropist J.L. Grant (Michael Dante). The movie dives deep into the hidden vices and hypocrisies of small-town America, unraveling a tale filled with shocking turns and moral ambiguities.

The cinematography by Stanley Cortez, renowned for his work on "The Night of the Hunter," is a standout feature, capturing the moody and tense atmosphere with striking noir-style visuals. Fuller's distinctive filmmaking approach is evident from the film's opening scene—a violent clash between Kelly and her pimp—demonstrating Fuller's knack for combining raw, visceral images with deeper thematic content. This scene sets the tone for a film that juxtaposes moments of tenderness and passion with scenes depicting the darker side of human nature.

"The Naked Kiss" is not just a melodrama; it is an incisive critique of societal norms underpinned by Paul's Dunlap's evocative score, clever dialogue, and dark humor. While Fuller’s other works like "The Big Red One" and "White Dog" might be deemed more significant within his oeuvre, this film retains a unique allure through its bold narrative choices and visual flair. Criterion's release ensures that modern audiences can appreciate Fuller's audacious vision in pristine high definition, complete with supplementary interviews and robust contextual essays that enhance the viewing experience.

Samuel Fuller's "The Naked Kiss" is an exceptional blend of raw and elegant storytelling. This Blu-ray release from The Criterion Collection amplifies the film's impact, presenting it with remarkable attention to detail. The 1964 feature is a gripping pulp melodrama that delves deep into the life of a reformed prostitute navigating the complexities of a small-town community. Fuller's direction is bold and unflinching, offering a shockingly honest portrayal that may polarize viewers but undoubtedly leaves a lasting impression.

The Blu-ray edition showcases stunning visual fidelity with beautiful cinematography by Stanley Cortez and inventive camerawork that exemplifies Fuller's unique style. The audio quality has been meticulously restored, contributing significantly to the overall immersive experience. Additionally, the supplementary materials, including insightful interviews, enrich the viewer's understanding of both the film and its production context. This release not only caters to long-time fans of Fuller’s work but also serves as an enticing entry point for those intrigued by inspired low-budget filmmaking.

In conclusion, Samuel Fuller's "The Naked Kiss" is a compelling film that remains relevant and engaging through its raw yet elegant narrative. Criterion's Blu-ray package enhances the viewing experience with top-tier audio-visual restoration and well-chosen supplements, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection. RECOMMENDED.