Where the Sidewalk Ends Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Where the Sidewalk Ends" delivers an outstanding visual experience, thanks to an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The work of cinematographer Joseph LaShelle shines through, reflecting his impeccable craft seen in classics like "Laura" and "The Apartment." The transfer encapsulates the film's balletic movements, lush black levels, and beautifully modulated gray scale. The contrast is solid and blacks are crisp, enhancing the film’s aesthetic appeal. LaShelle's use of focus, as seen in dynamic tracking shots and selective sharpness, is preserved impeccably. This transfer maintains the director Preminger's vision, presenting a meticulously detailed image where blacks and grays vary beautifully, and showcasing fine gradations and nicely textured grain.

This Blu-ray surpasses previous DVD transfers with its breathtaking 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 rendering, ensuring superior clarity and contrast from the start. The result is an image that is both lush and dimensional, with almost completely absent grain, yet retaining a film-like quality that purists will appreciate. Night scenes and interior shots benefit from excellent shadow delineation, revealing intricate background details like faded wallpaper. Despite minor rear projection visibility due to increased clarity, the transfer remains exceptionally pristine, devoid of nicks or scratches. The close-ups are particularly notable, highlighting every nuance of Tierney's allure and Andrews' intensity. This transfer not only meets but exceeds expectations, bringing the artistic essence of film noir to life in an exceptional format.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Where the Sidewalk Ends" boasts a commendable DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track that adeptly supports the film's dialogue, sound effects, and score, prominently featuring Alfred Newman's "Street Scene." The dynamic range is impressively broad for a film of its era, with no discernible damage that might raise concerns. This mono track is characterized by its crisp, well-modulated sound, entirely free from age-related imperfections like hisses, pops, and crackles.

The audio ambiance of New York City street noise enriches the narrative subtly while distinct accents such as sirens, fisticuffs, gunfire, ringing phones, and distant trolley bells add depth to numerous scenes. Ben Hecht's sharp and concise dialogue is delivered with clarity and well-prioritized in the mix, making it easily comprehensible. The infrequent musical underscoring has a fine presence and tonal depth, integrating seamlessly into the film's fabric. The overall audio experience, though understated, heightens the movie's subtleties and contributes to a surprisingly immersive viewing experience.

This Blu-ray release of "Where the Sidewalk Ends" includes a few valuable extras that enrich the overall experience. Eddie Muller's audio commentary is a mixed bag; his insights into the film’s impact on the noir genre and analysis of Otto Preminger's directorial style are informative, though his frequent self-promotion can distract. For music enthusiasts, the isolated score track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 highlights Alfred Newman’s memorable themes without dialogue interruption, enhancing appreciation for Cyril Mockridge's mood-setting compositions. The inclusion of a theatrical trailer completes the package by offering a nostalgic glimpse into the film's original marketing.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Eddie Muller provides noir insights, though occasionally self-promotional.

Isolated Score Track: Enjoy Alfred Newman’s and Cyril Mockridge’s music free from dialogue.

Theatrical Trailer: Classic preview of the film.

Otto Preminger's 1950 film noir "Where the Sidewalk Ends" reunites him with stars Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews, and showcases a departure from the atmosphere and characters of their earlier collaboration "Laura." Shifting away from upscale Manhattan settings, this film ventures into grittier locales filled with morally ambiguous characters. Mark Dixon (Andrews), a hardened detective known for his violent methods, finds himself on the wrong side of the law after unintentionally killing a suspect. The screenplay by Ben Hecht expertly balances a lean narrative with moments of intricate character development, despite occasionally stretching credulity.

The film more firmly embraces noir conventions, utilizing stark locations and deep shadows to enhance its dark tone, which Preminger augments by employing a near-realist touch. Andrews delivers a compelling performance, leveraging his matured acting skills and life-worn appearance to evoke Dixon's internal struggle between his foundational decency and growing deceit. Gene Tierney, though portrayed with limited complexity, adds an elegant presence. The supporting cast, along with smartly placed plot twists, contribute to a richly layered narrative that delves into the consequences of Dixon's decisions, making this film a standout in the noir genre.

Otto Preminger's "Where the Sidewalk Ends" provides an engrossing and stylish noir experience, maintaining a balance between unseemliness and strange nobility. Dana Andrews shines in a challenging role, delivering a dynamite performance that anchors the film in its gritty narrative. The movie adeptly dives into the troubled life of a violent cop, whose checkered past and uncontrolled temper put him at odds with the law. This intense character study is bolstered by Ben Hecht’s sharp screenplay and Preminger’s focused direction, which add layers to the film's already dense, grim atmosphere.

The Twilight Time Blu-ray presentation impresses with its superior audio quality and jaw-dropping video transfer, truly capturing the essence of New York’s underworld. The transfer highlights the gaping shadows and swirling smoke emblematic of classic film noir, offering viewers a visually captivating experience. Though the release may skimp on supplementary materials, these technical merits alone make it a standout, inviting both new viewers and long-time fans to re-engage with this underappreciated crime yarn.

"Where the Sidewalk Ends" may rely slightly on convenient plot contrivances, affecting its gritty charm in moments, but this flaw is overshadowed by Andrews’ performance and the film’s overall stylish execution. For noir enthusiasts, this Blu-ray release is a highly recommended treasure that showcases the genre’s underbelly in vivid detail.