Foxfire Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Foxfire" by Kino Lorber Studio Classics features a solid AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original 2.00:1 aspect ratio. Despite the lack of specific information on the source material for the restoration, the visual experience manages to capture much of the film's Technicolor heritage. The palette, while not as saturated as earlier 3-strip Technicolor films, showcases occasionally warmer hues, although it skews slightly toward browns which can affect the traditional Technicolor reds. Instances of slight color temperature variations and sporadic fuzziness are noticeable in certain scenes, with screenshot 19 serving as a prime example. Grain structure is evident throughout, though on rare occasions it clumps unnaturally. Nonetheless, the grain remains largely organic, enhancing the film's vintage feel.

Artifacts related to age, such as speckling, dirt, and dust, appear sporadically but do little to detract from the overall viewing experience. A consistent texture of film grain is retained, preserving the film's organic look. Registration issues are minimal and primarily confined to the right side of the screen. Though some scenes may appear softer than others, the Blu-ray successfully brings out vivid and robust hues typical of Technicolor. Considering this is the movie's debut on home video, Kino Lorber's presentation stands as a commendable effort in reviving "Foxfire" for both new audiences and purists alike.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Foxfire" utilizes a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix that effectively captures the intricacies of the original soundtrack. While not offering a highly immersive or full-bodied experience, this track excels in delivering clear and strong dialogue, which is pivotal for a film of this nature. Moreover, Frank Skinner's musical score is preserved with admirable fidelity, conveying depth without any audible distortion. Sound effects are rendered with clarity, ensuring an engaging listening experience. The technical proficiency of this mix is evident as there are no noticeable dropouts throughout the film.

The 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track also does justice to the film's sonic landscape by including a well-preserved score from Universal composer Frank Skinner, along with Henry Mancini's title tune. Ambiance is subtly incorporated, enhancing the overall atmosphere without overpowering the primary audio elements. Remarkably, any age-related artifacts like crackling, popping, or hissing are minimal, making this perhaps the best the film has ever sounded in a home video format. Overall, this audio mix serves the film well and is a solid representation of the movie’s original auditory intentions.

The Blu Ray extras for "Foxfire" offer ample enrichment, led by an engaging audio commentary from author Kat Ellinger. Ellinger delves into the production nuances and film-to-source material variations with an organized approach, making for an educational and entertaining listening experience. Complementing her commentary are various trailers, including the original theatrical trailer and additional previews for other Kino Lorber releases. These extras combine to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Kat Ellinger: Detailed insights on production and film-source material differences.
• Trailer: The original theatrical trailer.
• Bonus KLSC Trailers: Previews for The Outlaw, Female on the Beach, and Ten Seconds to Hell.

"Foxfire" presents an intriguing narrative, set against the backdrop of mid-century Arizona, where socialite Amanda Lawrence (Jane Russell) meets and quickly marries mining engineer Jonathan Dartland (Jeff Chandler). The plot dives into themes that were daring for its time, such as interracial marriage and racial identity, highlighted by Dartland's internal struggles with his mixed Apache and Caucasian heritage. In another captivating twist, the disastrous voyage of the Andrea Doria supposedly included this very film, adding an odd historical footnote to its legacy.

The movie straddles melodrama with a touch reminiscent of Douglas Sirk, focusing on personal and social conflicts within the nuanced relationships. Amanda's interaction with the hard-drinking doctor Hugh Slater (Dan Duryea) stirs local gossip, while her own adjustments to life in the isolation of Lodestone place her marriage under strain. Pevney's direction, alongside William H. Daniels' cinematography, crafts visually engaging scenes, including Russell's character sharing intimate moments with Chandler’s Dartland. The mining subplot consolidates a familiar formula, echoing works like "Flowing Gold" but is relatively trope-laden.

Jane Russell embodies Amanda with a dynamic presence and depth, allowing her a deviation from her bombshell roles. Jeff Chandler delivers a layered performance, mirroring this substantial shift in character type. Their on-screen chemistry, complementing Chandler's vocal contributions to Henry Mancini’s title song, quietly enhances the film's emotional texture. Notable performances by Freida Inescort, Mara Corday, and Robert Bice intertwine to bolster the central trio effectively. Despite its historical inaccuracies and occasional datedness, "Foxfire" remains worthy of note for its ambitious efforts and serves as a coda to the three-strip Technicolor era in Hollywood.

Kino’s Blu-ray release of "Foxfire" remains a significant milestone in film restoration, as it brings back to life the last movie shot in three-strip Technicolor. The concerted effort to preserve this historical piece provides an invaluable service to both fans of classic cinema and Technicolor aficionados. Technically, the visual presentation on the Blu-ray is immaculate, showcasing the rich, vibrant colors and depth typical of the Technicolor process. The audio quality likewise meets high standards, offering clarity and fidelity that enhances the viewing experience.

The film itself, starring Jane Russell and Jeff Chandler, stands as a sturdy drama that captures the zeitgeist of 1950s American cinema. Russell and Chandler deliver strong performances, supported by Dan Duryea's memorable presence. The storyline retains its allure, drawing viewers into its narrative complexities and emotional stakes. Kino's remastering allows modern audiences to appreciate the detailed production design and period-accurate aesthetics, elements that were overshadowed in previous, lesser-quality releases.

In my guise as a musician, I once conducted a production of "The Producers" where our set decorator nostalgically included paraphernalia from Joseph Pevney’s career. It serves as a delightful reminder of Pevney’s legacy, of which "Foxfire" is an exemplary piece. This Blu-ray release not only shines a spotlight on Pevney’s work but also preserves a crucial part of American cinema history, making it a recommended addition to any serious film collection.