Devil in a Blue Dress 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Devil in a Blue Dress" brings the 1995 classic vividly back to life with a meticulous 4K restoration, approved by director Carl Franklin himself. Rendered from the 35mm original camera negative using a Scannity film scanner, this edition preserves the film's rich visual and narrative depth. The encoding leverages the HEVC (H.265) codec, presented in a 3840x2160/24p resolution that adheres to the movie's theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. With the inclusion of Dolby Vision HDR, Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), and High Dynamic Range, the release ensures a picture quality that exceeds expectations, showcasing an excellent blend of fine grain, stable filmic texture, and vibrant details—from the nuanced environments to the intricate costume designs.

The video quality shines particularly in its representation of colors and black levels. The Dolby Vision supplement enriches deep inky blacks, reducing crush in darker scenes while enhancing the period-specific palette with natural beiges and browns without necessitating an artificial 'pop'. Detail retrieval is remarkable; even the most intricate objects in the frame are rendered with exceptional clarity. This is further evidenced in close-up shots where the youthful appearances of Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, and Tom Sizemore are strikingly apparent. Lensing choices that utilize natural light contribute to a hazy, dreamlike quality, keeping the film's setting authentic and immersive. However, despite these advancements, a few instances of overzealous sharpening are noted but do not detract significantly from the overall high-grade presentation.

This release does not merely represent an improvement over previous editions but a transformative viewing experience that underscores Criterion's commitment to preserving cinema history with care and precision. The shift from a standard 1080p to a native 4K resolution, particularly on larger screens, delivers noticeably enhanced fluidity and depth, revealing the filmmaker's intricate attention to detail in recreating 1948 Los Angeles. While dynamic range adjustments ensure darker scenes retain their intended stylization without loss of detail. Overall, the "Devil in a Blue Dress" 4K UHD Blu-ray not only sets a new standard for the film's presentation but also for home cinema releases.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray audio presentation of "Devil in a Blue Dress" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which is an exemplary showcase of auditory remastering. It is meticulously crafted from the original six-track DME magnetic sources, ensuring fidelity to the source material and providing a depth of sound that elevates the storytelling. The dialogue, led by Denzel Washington's poised narration, is crisply and clearly prioritized, ensuring every word is understood. This clarity extends to every sound element, from the atmospheric noise of bustling streets and crowded bars to the more intense action sequences featuring gunfire and car engines, all of which are rendered with remarkable clarity and presence.

The audio track's dynamic range impresses, with both the low and high ends of the spectrum being well-represented. The low-frequency effects have their moments to shine, particularly during action scenes and musically driven moments, adding an impactful layer to the viewing experience. Elmer Bernstein's emotive score is another highlight, beautifully balanced within the mix to enhance the film's period feel and mood without overwhelming the other elements. The sound mix effectively utilizes the surround channels, creating an immersive environment that draws the viewer into the noir-esque world of the film.

The technical aspects of this audio presentation are paired with optional English SDH subtitles, ensuring accessibility. The balance between dialogue, effects, and music is masterfully achieved, with each component given its due importance within the soundscape. The result is a robust aural accompaniment that matches the visual excellence of the 4K presentation, offering viewers a comprehensive cinematic experience.

Criterion's 4K UHD release of "Devil in a Blue Dress" is augmented by a comprehensive suite of extras, maintaining a high level of insight and entertainment. The directorial audio commentary by Carl Franklin, available on both the 4K UHD and accompanying Blu-ray disc, is a treasure trove for aficionados, delving into the intricacies of the film's production, style, and themes with a particular emphasis on Denzel Washington's pivotal role and the symbolic use of locations. Notable additions include new conversations with Don Cheadle and Carl Franklin, as well as Attica Locke and Walter Mosley, offering fresh perspectives on the film's legacy and its noir roots. Additionally, the unique inclusion of Don Cheadle's screen test and the insightful Noir City Chicago featurette provide fans with a deeper understanding of the film's impact. The package, while marred slightly by its Region A Blu-ray lock, presents a richly detailed examination of this cinematic gem.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring director Carl Franklin discussing the movie's creation and thematic elements.
• Don Cheadle and Carl Franklin: A new program detailing the collaboration between Don Cheadle and Carl Franklin.
• Attica Locke and Walter Mosley: A conversation on the film adaptation and its genre with Attica Locke and Walter Mosley.
• Noir City Chicago: Footage from a screening event with discussion on noir elements by Eddie Muller and Carl Franklin.
• Don Cheadle Screen Test: A glimpse into Cheadle's audition for his iconic role.
• Trailer: The vintage trailer for "Devil in a Blue Dress".
• Leaflet: An illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by Julian Kimble and technical credits.

Denzel Washington's performance in Carl Franklin's Devil in a Blue Dress elevates the film beyond its neo-noir trappings, presenting a layered narrative set against the backdrop of post-WWII Los Angeles. The film's atmospheric strength lies not only in its meticulous period details—from clothing to cars—but also in its ability to channel the societal anxieties of the era. Through Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins, played with charismatic resolve by Washington, the story delves into a complex web of missing persons, political intrigue, and racial tensions. While Easy starts as a man simply trying to pay his mortgage after losing his job, his journey into the underbelly of LA society forces him to navigate a maze of deceit and corruption, highlighting his transition from an everyman to a reluctant private investigator. This transformation is central to the narrative's exploration of identity and survival in a racially divided city.

Franklin's direction alongside Tak Fujimoto's cinematography creates a sumptuously staged neo-noir that avoids genre clichés. The innovative use of color and light, the engaging score by Elmer Bernstein, and the film’s dynamic pacing contribute to a refreshing take on the noir genre. However, it's the chemistry between Washington and a stellar supporting cast, including Don Cheadle's standout performance as Mouse, that injects vitality into the film. Cheadle’s portrayal of Mouse adds a layer of unpredictability and intensity, contrasting Washington’s measured resolve and further enriching the narrative complexity.

Despite its achievements, Devil in a Blue Dress confronts issues with continuity and character development which detract from its overall cohesion. The episodic nature of the storyline introduces a disjointed feeling to Easy’s investigations, and some character arcs, notably Jennifer Beals's Daphne Monet, feel underexplored or too abruptly evolved. Nevertheless, the film remains a significant entry in both Franklin’s and Washington’s filmographies. As a narrative rooted in the exploration of a segregated society, it achieves an intricate balance between presenting a captivating mystery and offering commentary on the racial dynamics of its setting. Devil in a Blue Dress represents a moment in cinematic history where genre conventions are reimagined through the lens of black characters and filmmakers, promising more than just another detective story but delivering a nuanced examination of identity, morality, and social structure in mid-century America.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Devil in a Blue Dress" by Criterion Collection has received considerable praise for its technical prowess and the film's undervalued significance within the neo-noir genre. Boasting a native 4K resolution with Dolby Vision HDR, the presentation elevates Carl Franklin's directorial vision and the nuanced performances of Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, and Tom Sizemore to new heights. While the UK market remains underserved by Criterion's 4K releases, prompting a decision on the costly import for devoted fans, the consensus underscores the substantial improvement in visual and auditory fidelity that this release presents. Despite some criticisms towards the screenplay's execution, Franklin's adept adaptation and the period's evocative exploration, paired with top-notch acting, have been highlighted as redeeming qualities that anchor the film's legacy.

Critiques surrounding the narrative structure of "Devil in a Blue Dress" hint at missed opportunities within its script, yet the film’s atmospheric prowess, bolstered by a meticulous 4K restoration supervised by director Carl Franklin himself, is unanimously celebrated. This restoration not only meticulously enhances the visual allure of its period setting but also brings to fore the film’s intricate exploration of race relations, imbued with a stylized aesthetic. Furthermore, Criterion’s inclusion of new supplements enriches the contextual appreciation for this cinematic piece, aligning with the film's stature as a compelling detective story enriched by stellar performances, notably Washington and Cheadle's standout roles.

In conclusion, "Devil in a Blue Dress" emerges as a compelling artifact of neo-noir cinema, meriting its revival via Criterion's masterful 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation. Despite some narrative shortcomings, the film stands out for its exploration of thematic depth, visual style, and remarkable performances. This release not only serves as a testament to the enduring talent of Denzel Washington and the directorial finesse of Carl Franklin but also as a crucial addition to the collections of cinephiles and enthusiasts of meticulously restored cinema. Criterion’s dedication to enhancing viewer experience through superior video quality and enriching supplementary content furthers solidifies "Devil in a Blue Dress" as an essential acquisition for aficionados of genre and period film alike.