Play Misty for Me 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's new 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Play Misty for Me" delivers a significant visual upgrade over prior releases, primarily driven by a meticulous 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative. Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the transfer uses HDR10 and Dolby Vision technologies, enhancing image depth and fidelity. Despite the inherent graininess of the original film, the video presentation is cleaner and more refined than previous Blu-rays, with grain now adding to the film-like aesthetic rather than detracting from image quality. Bitrates ranging between 70 and 80 Mbps ensure a crisp and stable rendition, with few noticeable artifacts and an impressive level of detail in both shadowy scenes and vibrant daytime shots.

The cinematography by Bruce Surtees benefits immensely from this transfer, with HDR grading subtly enhancing the color palette without overwhelming the original visual style. Skin tones appear natural, with primary colors popping naturally against the scenic Californian backdrop. The fine details, including period-specific decor and subtle facial features, are better defined than ever before, bringing an increased level of sharpness and clarity. Instances of speckling and grit have been minimized, providing a more polished look, while the telecine wobble present in previous editions is notably absent.

Although the film's darker sequences still walk the line of contrast balances due to their era and style of shooting, the new HDR implementation ensures greater stability and nuanced light gradation in shadows. This release is both faithful to its celluloid origins and an impressive update for modern viewers, making it a definitive home video presentation for this classic thriller. The clean and stable image, aside from a minor frame imperfection easily overlooked at 84:33 mark, is evidence of a detailed-oriented transfer unlikely to be surpassed.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Play Misty for Me" presents a comprehensive audio experience through its inclusion of both a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mono track and a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio surround track. While the original mono track provides a focused presentation with centralized dialogue and music, it captures the essence of the film's vintage audio without distortion. Notably, the music tracks, including Erroll Garner’s “Misty,” offer compelling depth. Contrarily, the 5.1 mix, a new addition to this release, delicately enhances spatial dynamics without compromising the integrity of the original soundtrack. This mix provides subtle yet significant enhancements in the surrounds, such as the immersive sound of waves crashing, without overshadowing the core elements from the center.

Despite both audio tracks being clean and devoid of distortions like hiss or crackling, they each offer unique auditory experiences tailored to preference. The dialogue and score remain clear and faithful in both setups, ensuring consistent quality. The 5.1 track provides an ambient channel spread that accentuates environmental sound effects slightly more than the 2.0 mix but does not drastically alter the overall auditory landscape. Given that both tracks are meticulously balanced, listeners have flexibility in choosing based on their audio preferences. This release reflects a commendable preservation and enhancement, likely marking it as the definitive auditory version for home viewing.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Play Misty for Me" is enriched with an impressive array of extras that blend both archival content and fresh insights. Notably, the UHD disc features a new audio commentary by screenwriter and producer Alan Spencer, adding a touch of humor and depth to the classic film's production details. Complementing this is Tim Lucas’s exhaustive commentary available on both UHD and Blu-ray discs. His scholarly approach extensively covers the film's origins, its iconic score, and visual storytelling. Additionally, the Blu-ray disc offers a new, candid interview with Donna Mills, providing personal anecdotes about working alongside Clint Eastwood. A must-watch is Howard S. Berger's comprehensive video essay, unpacking thematic elements that define Eastwood’s directorial style. The historical montage, trailers, and retrospective documentary further deepen the viewer’s appreciation of this seminal directorial debut.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Alan Spencer: An insightful and humorous exploration exclusive to the UHD disc.
• Audio Commentary by Tim Lucas: A comprehensive dive into the film's genesis and artistry.
• Donna Mills Interview: Reflections on casting and working with Clint Eastwood.
• Video Essay by Howard S. Berger: Detailed analysis of the film’s complex themes.
• Play It Again… A Look Back at Play Misty for Me: A documentary featuring interviews with key cast and crew.
• The Beguiled, Misty, Don, and Clint: Insights into Eastwood’s collaborations with Don Siegel.
• Trailers from Hell with Adam Rifkin: Scenes from the film with narrative insights.
• Stills Montage: Publicity shots from the film.
• Clint Eastwood Directs and Acts Montage: Behind-the-scenes imagery.
• The Evolution of a Poster Montage: Displays early poster designs.
• Television Spots
• Theatrical and Teaser Trailers

"Play Misty for Me" marks Clint Eastwood's impressive directorial debut, setting the stage for his evolution from action-oriented roles to more psychologically nuanced storytelling. Released in 1971, the film stands as a landmark in suspense cinema, drawing comparisons to Hitchcock's works. It positions Eastwood not only as a credible director but also as a sensitive yet complex lead character. The movie revolves around Dave Garver (Eastwood), a late-night DJ who becomes entangled with Evelyn Draper (Jessica Walter), whose obsession escalates into a deadly fixation. The narrative unfolds in picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea, capturing the natural beauty that contrasts starkly with the film’s dark theme of obsession and possessive vengeance.

Jessica Walter delivers a standout performance as Evelyn, oscillating between charming and menacing with prowess, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. The film wisely leverages this performance alongside meticulous cinematography by Bruce Surtees and taut editing by Carl Pingitore. Eastwood’s direction is characterized by effective pacing that builds suspense gradually, providing lulls that keep the audience on edge before a chilling climax. The film's legacy as a psychological thriller has inspired later works like "Fatal Attraction," though it retains a unique authenticity and freshness through Eastwood's assured style.

Overall, "Play Misty for Me" showcases Eastwood’s inherent knack for crafting intimate, suspenseful narratives. He’s supported by strong performances from Donna Mills and cameo roles from notables like Don Siegel. The film's tightly woven plot and outstanding ensemble cast solidify its position as an iconic thriller, evidencing Eastwood's future potential as both director and actor in psychologically dense films.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Play Misty for Me" offers a compelling examination of Clint Eastwood's inaugural directorial effort. While it may seem less daring by contemporary standards, its impact as a trailblazing thriller remains significant. The restoration by Kino Lorber features a new 4K scan with Dolby Vision HDR, enhancing the visual experience by emphasizing the film’s dynamic contrast and saturated colors. The inclusion of both 2.0 and 5.1 audio tracks furthers the exceptional audio-visual quality, satisfying both purists and those seeking an immersive surround sound experience.

This edition surpasses prior releases not only through its technical improvements but also with enhanced supplementary content. Despite the omission of some features from the original DVD release, Kino compensates with a new commentary track, enriching the viewer’s understanding of Eastwood’s visionary direction. Moreover, it builds upon previous Blu-ray versions by offering interviews which contextualize Eastwood’s film within his expansive oeuvre. These additions are both insightful and invaluable to film enthusiasts and Eastwood aficionados.

Conclusively, "Play Misty for Me" provides an essential look into Eastwood’s nascent dual-role prowess as actor and director, with the 4K UHD version standing as the definitive edition for collectors. The consistent acclaim for the film, alongside highest recommendations from critics, make this not only a must-watch but a notable piece of cinematic history. Kino's meticulous efforts in remastering and curating content solidify this release as an exemplary showcase of classic film restoration. Highly recommended for fans and newcomers alike.