Blast of Silence Blu-ray Review

Blast of Silence receives an impressive Blu-ray release from Criterion, boasting a newly restored 4K transfer. Presented in aspect ratios of 1.85:1 and a director-approved 1.33:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, and available exclusively in 1080p, this release excels in visual fidelity. The transfer showcases a remarkable improvement over the previous Criterion DVD release, especially in aspects such as delineation, clarity, and depth. Grayscale rendering is exceptional, handling darker areas with finesse and showcasing black and gray nuances effectively. Notably, the 4K restoration eliminated digital corrections, ensuring image stability and an organic appearance throughout.

Shot on 35 mm black & white film by director of photography Merrill S. Brody using Mitchell BNCR cameras and spherical lenses, the film benefits significantly from this meticulous restoration process. The Blu-ray maintains the original 1.85:1 theatrical ratio alongside the 1.33:1 ratio for comprehensive viewing options. Despite occasional signs of filming conditions, such as washed-out scenes, details remain crisply defined in significant moments like the train station scene and the realistic depiction of Brooklyn locations.

Minor imperfections like scratches, tears, and dirt only minimally affect the authenticity of the film grain and fine details in this new HD transfer from a 4K scan of the original camera negative. Although lighting lacks the distinctive noir ambiance of the 1940s, with occasional flatness due to absent backlighting, overall image quality surpasses previous editions. This Region-A locked Blu-ray, accessible with an appropriate player, undoubtedly represents the pinnacle of home video presentation for Blast of Silence.

The Blu-ray release of "Blast of Silence" features a single standard audio track, the original English LPCM 1.0. Accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles, this mono track showcases a significant enhancement over previous releases, notably Criterion's preceding DVD version. The lossless track delivers excellently, with dialogue and narration consistently clear, sharp, and stable throughout the feature. Users will appreciate the faithful presentation of sound elements including Meyer Kupferman's music score.

Notably, the age-related anomalies such as distortion, crackling, popping, and hissing are minimal, preserving the audio's authenticity and providing a clean listening experience that aligns with the film's historical context. The soundtrack is particularly notable for its dynamic contrasts due to an intensely engaging score, while organic sounds are seamlessly integrated, offering an immersive audio environment. This audio presentation is likely the pinnacle of home video sound quality for this classic film.

The Blu-ray extras for "Blast of Silence" provide an insightful look into both the creation and enduring legacy of the film, making it a valuable resource for cinephiles and historians alike. The standout feature is "Requiem for a Killer," an hour-long documentary crafted from unedited footage capturing director Allen Baron revisiting pivotal New York City locations in 1990 alongside engaging interviews that chronicle his journey from an artist to filmmaker. Complementing this are evocative on-set polaroids detailing the filming process and remarkable comparisons of film locations from 1961 to present-day 2008. In addition, a vintage trailer rounds off this comprehensive set. These extras not only spotlight the film's historical context but also offer an enriching behind-the-scenes perspective.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage U.S. trailer for "Blast of Silence."
• Requiem for a Killer: The Making of Blast of Silence: An hour-long documentary featuring director Allen Baron.
• On-Set Polaroids: A collection of polaroids with original captions by Allen Baron.
• Locations Revisited: Photos from a 2008 revisit to film locations.
• Booklet: Includes an essay by Terrence Rafferty and a graphic-novel adaptation by Sean Phillips.

Allen Baron's "Blast of Silence" (1961) emerges as a poignant exploration of the neo-noir genre, encapsulating a bleak yet vivid portrayal of New York City during the Christmas season. The film stands out for its focus on atmosphere rather than action, as it meticulously follows Frankie Bono (played by Baron himself), a hitman from Cleveland tasked with assassinating a mob capo named Troiano. Baron's portrayal of Bono—quiet, methodical, and disenchanted—adds depth to a character grappling with the noise and chaos of his surroundings, especially heightened by the festive season. The narrative unfolds with Bono tailing his elusive target, navigating through Christmas disruptions and finding solace in an unexpected personal connection that shakes his resolve.

Despite its minimal action, "Blast of Silence" captivates with its unique style—a mix of poetic narration and striking visual compositions captured during Hurricane Donna. Criterion thoughtfully presents two restored versions of the film: one in 1.85:1 and another in 1.37:1, both in newly restored 4K. The film's distinctively fatalistic atmosphere is further enriched by the narrator’s vivid descriptions combined with the visuals' quasi-documentary feel.

The film's backstory adds another layer of intrigue, having been shot inexpensively using smuggled camera equipment from Cuba post-revolution. This guerrilla filmmaking contributes to the authenticity and rawness that permeate the narrative. With contributions from blacklisted figures like Waldo Salt (under the pseudonym Mel Davenport), and supported by Lionel Stander’s gruff narration, the film stands as a testament to improvisation under constraint. "Blast of Silence" bridges the gap between classic film noir and emerging neo-noir, blending polished storytelling with a rough edge, ultimately crafting a story as enduring as its rediscovery in recent decades has proven it to be.

"Blast of Silence" emerges from obscurity as a compelling noir thriller, presenting New York City not just as a backdrop but as a pivotal character. The film's wintery gloom and overcast skies enhance its stark and gritty atmosphere. The screenplay is efficient and tight, following hitman Frankie Bono's methodical journey through a murder contract with a gripping attention to detail. Director Allen Baron delivers a competent effort despite the odds, with his dual role in front of and behind the camera. While a stronger lead performance could have elevated the film, its raggedly beautiful imagery and classic noir tropes ensure it remains an engaging watch.

Criterion's Blu-ray release breathes new life into "Blast of Silence" with stunning 4K restorations. Its HD transfer marks a significant improvement over previous versions, providing the director's preferred aspect ratio for the first time. This release carries over comprehensive special features, enhancing its value and offering fans an enriched viewing experience. The image quality, meticulously refined, preserves the film's gritty essence while highlighting the nuances of its noir aesthetics. The restoration cements the film’s place as an overlooked gem within the genre.

In conclusion, "Blast of Silence" provides a captivating exploration of noir filmmaking. Pairing it with "Le Samouraï" for a double-bill will offer a memorable journey into the world of classic thrillers. For those inspired to delve deeper, "Murder by Contract," lauded by Martin Scorsese, is a natural next step. Criterion's release is a must-have for collectors and aficionados, likely securing a spot in top ten lists for the year. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.