Detour Blu-ray Review

The newly restored Blu-ray release of Edgar G. Ulmer's "Detour" by Criterion is truly a remarkable achievement. Sourced from a sophisticated 4K restoration, it utilizes multiple elements, predominantly a nitrate print from the Cinémathèque royale de Belgique. The result is a film that looks essentially brand new, boasting exceptional depth, clarity, and fluidity. Debris, scratches, and damage marks have been meticulously removed, leaving behind a strikingly clean image. The improvement over previous DVD releases is so pronounced that direct comparisons seem futile. It’s clear Criterion has worked miracles with the materials at their disposal.

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC in 1080p, the image quality is astonishing. The black-and-white presentation displays impressive variation in shadows and an immaculate detail level. Fine details like sweat and facial stubble are vividly showcased, enhancing the impact of close-ups. Black levels are deep and inky without any signs of crushing, while the contrast remains strong throughout. Minor density fluctuations might be noticed where different elements were combined during the reconstruction, but these are to be expected and do not detract from the overall visual experience.

This labor-intensive restoration involved collaboration with several museums and utilized digital painting techniques to remove subtitles from original prints. Grain is consistently present yet adds an essential gritty texture fitting for this film noir classic. Image stability is solid, though minor print damage and occasional missing frames remain, reminding us of the film’s historical context. Nevertheless, the high level of craftsmanship in this transfer makes "Detour" look better than ever before. Criterion’s attention to detail has ensured that this release transcends the typical B-movie experience, offering a revelation for both longtime fans and new viewers alike.

The Blu-ray release of "Detour" features a singular audio track: English LPCM 1.0 with optional English SDH subtitles. Expertly restored by Audio Mechanics, the lossless track reveals a commendable level of clarity and absence of age-related distortions. Even at higher volumes, the audio remains pristine, showcasing an impressive dynamic range and balanced overall sound. Such meticulous restoration highlights the production's intent to deliver an unblemished auditory experience to its audience.

The restoration process sourced audio from three separate 35 mm prints and an additional 16 mm print, leading to a rich output that captures the essence of Leo Erdody's music score in its full-bodied, lush simplicity. While some residual surface noise is detectable, it is minimal and non-intrusive, ensuring that dialogues remain consistently clear and comprehensible. This meticulous approach results in a track that sounds fresh and vibrant, befitting the noir classic status of "Detour." Despite the inherent limitations typically associated with low-budget films' audio intricacies, the overall sonic presentation is revitalized, reflecting a dedicated effort to enhance both the film’s narrative impact and auditory immersion.

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "Detour" by Criterion are limited in quantity but are of exceptional quality, providing invaluable insights into the film and its director, Edgar G. Ulmer. Though an audio commentary is notably absent, the included supplementaries adequately contextualize and enhance the viewing experience. Features such as the engaging documentary "Edgar G. Ulmer: The Man Off-Screen," and the insightful interview with biographer Noah Isenberg, offer a comprehensive look into Ulmer’s life and his creation of "Detour." The "Restoring Detour" featurette meticulously details the intricate restoration process, making it a must-watch for preservation enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Restoration Trailer: Original trailer for the new 4K restoration of "Detour."
• Restoring Detour: An in-depth look at the challenges faced during the restoration of "Detour."
• Edgar G. Ulmer: The Man Off-Screen: Archival documentary about director Edgar G. Ulmer's life and legacy.
• Noah Isenberg: An exclusive interview with Noah Isenberg discussing Ulmer and "Detour."
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by poet Robert Polito.

Edgar G. Ulmer's 1945 film noir classic Detour stands as a gritty yet poetic masterpiece, cemented in history through a meticulous new 4K restoration from Criterion. Despite being made on a shoestring budget, the film’s powerful atmosphere and tight, 68-minute runtime continue to captivate modern audiences. The tale follows Al Roberts (Tom Neal), a down-on-his-luck piano player whose journey from New York to LA to reunite with his girlfriend spirals into a harrowing nightmare. The film captures his descent into chaos after encountering the sinister, opportunistic Vera (Ann Savage), whose predatory nature and brutal cunning elevate her to one of noir’s most memorable femme fatales.

Ulmer’s direction is both resourceful and visionary, making the most of ordinary locations such as dusty desert roads and lonely diners to create an intense, noirish environment. His collaboration with cinematographer Benjamin Kline results in visually stunning yet starkly realistic imagery that enhances the film's fatalistic tone. The minimalist script by Martin Goldsmith, coupled with Neal's raw, introspective narration, further augments the film's dark and evocative atmosphere. Savage’s blistering performance contrasts sharply with Neal’s muted despair, generating palpable tension that drives the narrative into darker territory.

This restoration has been heralded as a triumph of modern film preservation techniques. By seamlessly integrating footage from various 16mm and 35mm elements, the Academy Film Archive, Film Foundation, and associated institutions have achieved what was once thought impossible. The restoration not only removes historical blemishes like printed subtitles but also revitalizes the film’s visual and auditory integrity, allowing Detour to be appreciated in its most pristine form. This Blu-ray release, complete with essential supplements like interviews with the restorers, pays fitting tribute to a genre classic that continues to resonate strongly with audiences today.

The 4K restoration of Edgar G. Ulmer's "Detour" is a shining gem in the realm of high-definition releases. Criterion’s meticulous efforts breathe new life into a bargain-basement film noir that brims with artistry and taut storytelling. "Detour" showcases the genre-defining work of Ulmer, illustrating how an upstanding man's life can take a devastating and crooked turn. The restoration process itself was complex, with even seasoned experts harboring doubts about achieving such an outstanding result. Despite its dark thematic elements, this film remains a testament to how good direction can elevate economical filmmaking into a masterpiece.

"Detour" is gripping from start to finish, with its precise and evocative narrative making significant impacts even at a brief runtime of just over an hour. The superior technical presentation allows modern audiences to appreciate the film’s nuances in unprecedented clarity and quality. The inclusion of substantial extras further enriches the viewing experience, inviting deeper engagement with this classic feature. It is a prime example of the immeasurable value derived from restoring classic films – allowing "Detour" not just to be remembered, but truly experienced as intended by new generations of viewers.

This upcoming release of the new 4K restoration of Edgar G. Ulmer's "Detour" will end up being one of the high-definition format's biggest jewels. The restoration was such a complex project it seems like even some of the experts that were directly involved with it weren't entirely convinced that the end result could be as good as it is now. Kudos to Mike Pogorzelski and Heather Linville for their incredible work and passion as well as everyone else that contributed to make this project such an incredible success. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.