Conflict Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Conflict" showcases a remarkable 1080p transfer, derived from a recent 4K scan of the original nitrate camera negative. This meticulous restoration captures the essence of Warner Archive's renowned quality, offering fine detail, robust blacks, and stable contrasts—an essential feature due to the film's German Expressionist influences that result in inherently atmospheric visuals. While minor instances of posterization are noted, these do not detract from an otherwise exemplary rendering. These efforts deliver an authentic visual experience that is both clean and true to its original cinematic form, promising an impressive experience for both fans and newcomers.

Retaining the original 1.37:1 theatrical aspect ratio, the transfer employs the AVC codec to ensure sharpness and clarity, albeit with a few shots appearing slightly soft. Nevertheless, the main titles stand out with remarkable crispness. Significant improvements over previous prints are evident through superior cleanup and excellent grayscale reproduction, balancing pure whites with deep blacks and commendable shadow detail. The film's visual prowess is enhanced by this meticulous attention to detail, earning it a place among the finest of catalog releases from its era. The movie is neatly segmented into 24 chapters, allowing for ease of navigation.

Overall, "Conflict" delivers a balanced combination of technical refinement and artistic fidelity. This release demonstrates a high level of care and precision, producing visuals that are worthy of admiration. Viewers can confidently anticipate an exceptional visual journey that celebrates the film's historical and stylistic significance.

The audio presentation of "Conflict" on Blu-ray, using the DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mix, is notably refined, ably maintaining clarity and preserving sonic detail throughout its runtime. The meticulous restoration efforts are apparent, delivering dialogue that is consistently clear and intelligible. Frederick Hollander's original score complements the film superbly, enhancing the mood and atmospheric presence at key moments. Despite occasional high-end striations and minimal hiss, these elements do not detract significantly from the experience; rather, they seem to intentionally maintain the dynamic range of the source material, offering a faithful representation that is a substantial improvement over previous DVD iterations.

The mono sound mix offers a cohesive blend of dialogue, score, and sound effects, all integrated with impressive precision. Frederick Hollander's score, in particular, benefits from the audio mix, adding depth and texture to the narrative without overshadowing the dialogue or action. The sound mix skillfully avoids common age-related issues such as hiss, crackle, pops, and flutter, ensuring a clean and immersive auditory experience for viewers. Additionally, English (SDH) subtitles are available during the main feature, enhancing accessibility although not extended to supplementary materials. Overall, the Blu-ray's audio presentation stands out as a major highlight, showcasing significant advancements from prior home video releases.

The Blu-ray extras for "Conflict" are a well-rounded collection, balancing film-specific content with classic cartoons and historical shorts. The package includes the original theatrical trailer and a pair of Merrie Melodies cartoons: "Life With Feathers," marking the debut of Sylvester the Cat in a charming narrative with a lovebird, and "Trap Happy Porky," featuring the iconic pig in a lively battle against pesky rodents. The Vitaphone/Variety Shorts offer nostalgic entertainment with light restoration. "Peeks at Hollywood" gives a glimpse into star-studded mid-1940s Hollywood, and "Are Animals Actors?" entertains with captivating animal performances narrated by Knox Manning. The collection is anchored by "Theater of Romance," a radio adaptation that captures the drama of "Conflict," bringing actor Humphrey Bogart’s performance to life.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional piece.
• Life With Feathers: Debut of Sylvester the Cat.
• Trap Happy Porky: Porky's adventures against rodents.
• Peeks at Hollywood: Star-gazing short filmed at Griffith Observatory.
• Are Animals Actors?: Entertaining animal acts.
• Theater of Romance: Radio adaptation featuring Humphrey Bogart.

"Conflict," directed by Curtis Bernhardt, stands as a notable entry in film noir, echoing the tone and thematic depth of Fritz Lang's "The Woman in the Window." Released in 1945, this thriller deftly combines elements of murder, infidelity, and surreal tension against a backdrop influenced by German Expressionism. Humphrey Bogart, in a departure from his usual roles, captivates as Richard Mason, embodying an unsympathetic character with a complex mixture of vulnerability and charisma. The film unfolds around Richard's tumultuous marriage with Kathryn (Rose Hobart) and his illicit attraction to her sister Evelyn (Alexis Smith), culminating in a sinister plan masked as an accident. The narrative marries its suspenseful premise with atmospheric visuals, including a gripping car accident sequence that is both narratively pivotal and visually arresting.

The screenplay, conceived by Robert Siodmak and Alfred Neumann and brought to life by Arthur T. Horman and Dwight Taylor, offers a tautly woven tale enriched by psychological undertones. The plot thickens as Richard's confidence unravels in the wake of mysterious clues suggesting Kathryn's survival; elements like a distinctive perfume scent and misplaced personal items cleverly ensnare him in a web of paranoia. Director Bernhardt maintains narrative momentum while juxtaposing moments of taut suspense with melodramatic elements. Despite a somewhat underwhelming chemistry between Bogart and Smith, the film benefits from compelling performances, particularly by Sydney Greenstreet as the observant Dr. Mark Hamilton.

While "Conflict" does not fully exploit the intricacies explored in Lang's film, particularly in its conclusion dictated by the Hays Code, it remains an engaging thriller buttressed by Bogart's compellingly nuanced performance. The impeccable A/V restoration available on Blu-ray invites viewers to appreciate this hidden gem afresh, complemented by Warner Archive’s thoughtful extras designed to enhance the experience for noir aficionados.

Curtis Bernhardt’s "Conflict" is a captivating entry into the film noir genre, showcasing a compelling mystery heightened by Humphrey Bogart's outstanding lead performance. While it may not achieve the same acclaim as its spiritual predecessor, "The Woman in the Window," it stands out as an entertaining and well-crafted cinematic experience. This Warner Archive Blu-ray release brings the film to life with remarkable audio and video restoration, preserving the film’s atmospheric cinematography and nuanced sound design that are integral to the noir experience.

The Blu-ray presentation is augmented by an array of well-curated extras that will satisfy both dedicated fans and those new to this classic film. The high-quality restoration ensures that both visuals and audio are clear, enhancing the viewing experience significantly. The production values are impressive, allowing Curtis Bernhardt’s meticulous direction to shine through, and the supporting cast contributes to a uniformly strong performance ensemble.

Overall, Warner Archive’s Blu-ray release of "Conflict" is a noteworthy addition for any film noir aficionado’s collection. It offers a well-rounded package that celebrates both the film itself and provides insightful supplementary material for deeper appreciation. Fans of classic cinema and newcomers to the genre will find this release a valuable and enjoyable purchase. Highly recommended.