The Black Windmill Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Don Siegel's The Black Windmill arrives on Blu-ray through Kino Lorber, offering a commendable 1080p transfer. The remaster employed gives the film a fresh and natural appearance, free from egregious digital anomalies often observed in remasters from Universal's archives. Clarity ranges from very good to excellent, with a satisfied fluidity and depth that enhances the viewing experience. While the depth can be inconsistent in darker, indoor scenes, it still maintains a generally pleasing aesthetic. The color balance is commendable, with saturation achieving a high level, although some minor improvements could enhance it further.

The preservation of the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio is a notable highlight, marking its first presentation in this format for home video. Film grain appears organic and stable, contributing to the overall authentic feel of the presentation. There are occasional fluctuations in film grain and color palette during night scenes, but these are minor and do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. Age-related artifacts are minimal and unobtrusive. The Blu-ray transfer manages to capture the nuances with strong density levels that most viewers with larger screens will appreciate. Overall, this release represents the best visual presentation of The Black Windmill available on home video to date.

The Blu-ray release of "The Black Windmill" is equipped with an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. This lossless track ensures a high-quality audio experience, accentuating the film's evocative soundtrack and subtle orchestral music themes. The consistency in audio clarity makes for an overall immersive experience. Although there was one sequence with some minor unevenness that might not be organic, this is a rare occurrence and does not detract significantly from the overall sound quality.

The original mono soundtrack is effectively presented in the 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio format. Dialogue delivery remains robust and clear, allowing for easy comprehension throughout the film. Roy Budd’s score benefits from slightly enhanced ambient qualities, contributing to the atmospheric presence of the film. Notably, instances of age-related artifacts such as popping, crackling, or hissing are minimal, indicating that this release likely represents the best audio quality for "The Black Windmill" on home video to date. Optional English SDH subtitles are also available and conveniently positioned within the image frame for ease of use.

The Blu Ray of "The Black Windmill" features a robust set of extras, providing valuable context and insights into the film’s production. The highlight is an engaging interview with cinematographer Ousama Rawi, offering detailed anecdotes about his collaboration with director Don Siegel and star Donald Pleasence. The insightful audio commentary by filmmaker Mike Siegel adds depth, examining Don Siegel's career and the film's significance within the 1970s genre landscape. Vintage promotional materials and radio spots enhance the nostalgic experience. Moreover, the image gallery serves as a visual compendium of promotional and behind-the-scenes content, while several vintage trailers for the film and other Kino Lorber titles complete the package. A reversible cover with vintage poster art is an added bonus.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage trailer for "The Black Windmill."
• Image Gallery: An animated gallery of vintage promotional and production materials.
• Interview with Cinematographer Ousama Rawi: Recalls production experiences and interactions with Don Siegel and Donald Pleasence.
• Radio Spots: Six vintage radio spots for "The Black Windmill."
• Audio Commentary: Mike Siegel discusses Don Siegel's career, film style, and the film's contextual strengths and weaknesses.
• Reversible Cover: Features vintage poster art.
• Trailer Reel: Collection of trailers for other Kino Lorber titles.

Don Siegel's "The Black Windmill" (1974) is a meticulously crafted espionage thriller featuring Michael Caine as Major John Tarrant, a British intelligence officer whose son is kidnapped by a ruthless gang led by the enigmatic Drabble. The kidnappers demand uncut diamonds worth half a million pounds, pushing Tarrant into a perilous quest to rescue his son. Though this film boasts an impressive cast, including Donald Pleasence, Janet Suzman, John Vernon, and Delphine Seyrig, it falls short of the suspenseful dynamism seen in Siegel's previous works like "Dirty Harry" and "Charley Varrick."

While the film presents stunning panoramic vistas of London and the Jack and Jill windmills in Clayton, West Sussex, and benefits from Roy Budd's excellent soundtrack, it struggles with pacing and depth. Michael Caine's performance, although solid, feels restrained, hindering the film's ability to build a gripping atmosphere. The script introduces unnecessary light jokes that detract from its tension, and certain plot holes undermine the story's credibility.

Despite these flaws, the film remains watchable due to well-executed action scenes and compelling performances from the supporting cast. Donald Pleasence shines with his fastidious nature and wit, providing much-needed relief during slower segments. Janet Suzman balances Caine's stoic demeanor effectively, and John Vernon’s portrayal of the main conspirator is thoroughly engaging. However, the film’s emotional detachment and over-reliance on dialogue over action prevent it from reaching its full potential. "The Black Windmill," while competent in execution, fails to capture the taut narrative and edge-of-your-seat excitement that initially drew audiences to Siegel's earlier works.

"The Black Windmill," directed by Don Siegel and starring Michael Caine, represents a middle-of-the-road offering within the pantheon of period thrillers. Its comparison to more celebrated works like "Dirty Harry" and "Charley Varrick" is inevitable, and while it doesn't quite measure up to those classics, it brings certain merits to the table. The narrative's predictability is tempered by an engaging period atmosphere and Roy Budd’s evocative score, which serve as highlights throughout the film. Although the storyline's trajectory is fairly obvious from the outset, the film manages to maintain a certain level of intrigue, particularly for fans of Siegel's directorial style and Caine's distinctive screen presence.

Kino Video's Blu-ray release of "The Black Windmill" breathes new life into this 1974 thriller. The remaster is well-executed, offering solid audio and video quality that enhances the viewing experience. Notable is the addition of an informative commentary track by Mike Siegel, providing valuable insights into the film’s production and context. This release boasts improved clarity which enriches the film's period atmosphere, thereby making it more engaging for contemporary audiences. Additionally, the inclusion of carefully curated bonus features adds depth to the disc, making it a worthwhile acquisition for fans and collectors alike.

Though "The Black Windmill" may not reach the heights of Siegel’s or Caine’s most iconic works, its solid craftsmanship and strong technical presentation on Blu-ray make it a compelling option for aficionados of 1970s thrillers. It's an average film that will mainly appeal to lovers of period cinema and enthusiasts dedicated to completing their Siegel or Caine collections. Overall, Kino Video's effort in reviving this piece offers the best available version for home viewers. RECOMMENDED.