Notorious Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Hitchcock’s "Notorious" from MGM-Fox, encoded in AVC 1080p and presented in the 1.37:1 aspect ratio, exhibits a meticulous restoration effort that significantly elevates its visual appeal. Despite some remaining minor damage, including slight scuffs, scratches, and occasional flicker, the image is predominantly clean with strong contrast and solid black levels. The grain is consistently present yet never overwhelming, except in some stock establishing shots and instances of process photography. Fine detail is not overwhelming but sufficient to provide a sharp, cinematic visual experience without being plagued by noise or undue edge enhancement.

Prominent technical attributes include lusciously inky black levels and marvelous contrast, maintaining a natural grain structure for a film-like appearance. Backgrounds may appear somewhat fuzzy, yet patterns remain rock solid and textures such as Alicia's white fur and Devlin's tweed jacket are well rendered. Close-ups of stars like Grant and Rains showcase impressive detail, though shots of Bergman adhere to the era’s typical diffusion. Gray scale variance is commendable, blending rear projection work effectively with foreground action. Whites maintain brightness without blooming, and shadow delineation remains clear even in numerous night scenes without succumbing to crush.

Although the transfer is not free from mild speckling, faint lines, and occasional density issues, overall clarity and sharpness are quite good. The print's age and high-definition improvements highlight the rear projection work more distinctly. Nevertheless, this Blu-ray version is arguably the best "Notorious" has ever looked, presenting a film that retains its vintage charm while benefiting from modern restoration technologies, making it a recommended upgrade for Hitchcock aficionados.

The audio presentation of "Notorious" on Blu-ray features its original mono soundtrack delivered via a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix, and it leaves an impressive mark. Roy Webb's score, though historically underappreciated, emerges with a newfound depth that adds layers of tension and romance appropriate to each scene. The soundtrack is rendered with a clear and clean presentation, balancing midrange frequencies nicely and displaying minimal hiss often found in vintage audio tracks. Notably, dialogues are crisp and easily understood, even during hushed conversations, showcasing a commendable fidelity despite the film's age.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix excels in dynamic range, elegantly handling the audio's highs and lows. The atmospherics, such as street noise, add immersive quality without overshadowing essential dialogue or action. Crucial sound effects, like a wine bottle crashing to the floor, are impactful and well-integrated into the mix. While the score by Roy Webb lacks the fidelity and tonal richness modern audiences might expect, it nonetheless enhances the film's romantic and suspenseful aura effectively.

Overall, MGM has successfully refurbished the challenging audio track of "Notorious" for this Blu-ray release, achieving an unexpectedly pristine presentation. No hiss or surface noise disrupts prolonged silent moments or whispered exchanges, maintaining the atmospheric tension crucial to Hitchcock's vision. This fine rendering ensures that classic cinema enthusiasts can now experience the film with notable audio enhancements, making this an essential addition for collectors.

The Blu-ray release of "Notorious" meticulously ported over all the extras from the 2008 DVD edition, offering a comprehensive and in-depth look at one of Hitchcock's finest works. This collection contains exceptional commentary tracks, insightful featurettes, and intriguing interviews, enhancing the appreciation of the film's artistry. USC Professor Richard Jewell provides a rich historical context of RKO Pictures and David O. Selznick’s involvement, while Drew Casper’s scene-specific commentary delves into Hitchcock’s techniques and visual storytelling. The isolated score by Roy Webb offers an opportunity to appreciate the nuanced sound design, and featurettes like "The Ultimate Romance" provide a profound exploration of the film's complex themes. Interviews with Hitchcock further illuminate his creative process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Film Professor Rick Jewell: Detailed history of RKO and Selznick's influence on the film.
• Commentary with Film Professor Drew Casper: Scene-specific analysis and background.
• Isolated Music and Effects Track: Highlights Roy Webb’s score and sound designing by Hitchcock.
• The Ultimate Romance: The Making of Notorious: Chronicles the production, focusing on the romantic elements.
• Alfred Hitchcock: The Ultimate Spymaster: Explores Hitchcock’s influence on the spy genre.
• The American Film Institute Award: The Key to Hitchcock: Features Mary Stone’s introduction with clips from Hitchcock’s AFI Lifetime Achievement Award.
• 1948 Radio Play starring Joseph Cotton and Ingrid Bergman: Audio adaptation of the film.
• Hitchcock Audio Interviews: Includes interviews with Peter Bogdanovich and François Truffaut.
• Restoration Comparison: Shows before and after restoration effects.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original preview of the film.

Alfred Hitchcock's Notorious is an exemplary film showcasing his unparalleled mastery in blending suspense with intricate human emotions. The film, which seamlessly weaves together elements of espionage and romance, stands as a testament to Hitchcock's dexterity. Collaborating with scenarist Ben Hecht, Hitchcock ventures into a narrative rooted in the era's prevailing anxieties, particularly the nuclear threat, marking a departure from his typical restraint in political commentary. The plot centers around Alicia Huberman (Ingrid Bergman), the disreputable daughter of a convicted Nazi spy, who is recruited by U.S. agent Devlin (Cary Grant) to infiltrate a circle of Nazis in Rio de Janeiro. The film’s opening courtroom scene establishes the immediacy and specificity of its historical context, an unusual move for Hitchcock but one that grounds the film’s tension from the outset.

The character dynamics in Notorious are riveting, with Alicia’s initial unlikability gradually giving way to sympathy as she becomes entangled in her mission and her complex relationship with Devlin. Devlin's ambiguous morality and aloof demeanor contrast sharply with the ostensibly villainous but lovelorn Alex Sebastian (Claude Rains), creating a love triangle that defies conventional expectations. Hitchcock's innovative visual techniques elevate key scenes—most famously the formidable crane shot that dramatically zooms in on Alicia’s hand holding a crucial key during a high-society party. Such moments underscore Hitchcock’s ability to subtly manipulate tension without relying on ostentatious editing.

The film’s brilliance lies not only in its convoluted plot but also in its psychological depth. Hitchcock’s nuanced direction elicits powerful performances, with Grant’s subtext-laden underacting and Bergman’s layered portrayal of emotional turmoil standing out. Rains delivers a compelling performance as the conflicted Sebastian, eliciting unexpected sympathy despite his nefarious affiliations. The intricate interplay between storylines of espionage and thwarted romance, coupled with Hitchcock’s superior visual storytelling and the cast's exceptional performances, cements Notorious as one of Hitchcock’s crowning achievements—a symphony of suspense artfully conducted by cinema’s most accomplished maestro.

"Notorious," often hailed as one of Alfred Hitchcock's finest films, is a masterful blend of romance and suspense, making it a quintessential piece of cinema history. The film stars Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman, whose on-screen chemistry is nothing short of incendiary. Grant, often underrated as an actor, delivers a compelling performance, especially during the film's second act where his character’s complicated relationship with Bergman's character comes to a head. The film stands out not only for its powerful performances but also for its impeccable direction and stylistic brilliance. Hitchcock's use of innovative techniques, such as the famous crane shot ending on the key in Bergman's hand, showcases his unparalleled cinematic vision.

This Blu-ray release of "Notorious" is a significant upgrade, featuring a slick video transfer and solid audio quality that do justice to Hitchcock's meticulous craftsmanship. The visual presentation is sharp, with excellent clarity and detail that enhance the viewing experience, while the audio faithfully captures the film's original soundtrack. Additionally, the disc is packed with a wealth of supplementary features that provide deeper insights into the making of this timeless classic, making it a must-have for Hitchcock aficionados and new viewers alike.

In conclusion, "Notorious" is not only a film of its time but also a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling plot and exceptional performances. The Blu-ray edition is a top-tier release that honors Hitchcock’s legacy with outstanding video and audio quality alongside insightful supplements. Highly recommended for both seasoned fans and those discovering this mesmerizing film for the first time.