The Bad Seed Blu-ray Review

Warner’s Blu-ray release of "The Bad Seed" presents the film in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, diverging slightly from the 1.85:1 advertised on the case. Historical analysis supports this decision, as by 1956, most theaters had transitioned to widescreen exhibition, likely showing the film at 1.85:1. Throughout viewing, the image does not appear cramped or improperly cropped, aligning with expectations. The 1080p AVC-encoded image maintains a natural, film-like grain structure without any inappropriate digital manipulation. Black levels are solid, and the absence of compression artifacts is commendable.

However, the image quality exhibits some distinct shortcomings. Despite its natural appearance, fine details—whether facial features or textures of clothing and sets—are disappointingly soft, sometimes verging on indistinct. This lack of sharpness might reflect a transfer issue or the use of source elements far removed generations-wise from the original camera negative. Certain interior and exterior scenes suffer from excessive brightness, washing out finer details. Nonetheless, the silhouette shot of Rhoda is notably striking, showcasing occasional high points in image quality.

Close-ups maintain clarity and no digital anomalies are present, contributing to the authenticity of the visual experience. Yet, inconsistencies in contrast levels and a less pronounced gray scale variance occasionally distract, failing to elevate the visual presentation to the level of the best black-and-white transfers. Overall, Warner's effort honors the source material, offering a respectable, if not dazzling, visual experience that imbues this classic film with renewed life.

The audio presentation of "The Bad Seed" Blu Ray, delivered in a DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track, is a testament to the production's dedication to preserving the film's original soundscape. Despite the limitations inherent in a mono track, the sound is clean, free of distracting imperfections like pops, crackles, and hiss. Dialogue clarity is a particular strength, maintaining comprehensibility from whispers to screams throughout its lengthy runtime. The dynamic range is adequate, and while there isn't a jaw-dropping audio experience to be had, the track performs admirably within its technical constraints.

Alex North's score, although somewhat hampered by a lack of high-end crispness and limited bass presence, still conveys the necessary tonal depth and emotional resonance. The thunderstorm climax is a standout moment where the track flexes its limited muscle, offering a rare burst of aural excitement. Despite the muddy and compressed feel at higher frequencies, the music enjoys a notable presence that complements the narrative effectively.

Overall, while this DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 offering won't deliver an immersive or modern audio experience, it provides an authentic and distortion-free rendition that respects the film's historical context. This presentation makes the most of what it has to work with, ensuring that viewers can appreciate the film's audio components without distraction.

The extras included on the Blu-ray disc of "The Bad Seed" are primarily ported over from the 2004 DVD edition, and they offer an insightful, if somewhat lightweight, exploration of the film's legacy. The Commentary with Actress Patty McCormack and Interviewer Charles Busch stands out with Busch's infectious enthusiasm, though frequent digressions into Hollywood trivia may detract from the depth. McCormack, nonetheless, provides vivid recollections of her career and experiences during filming. Enfant Terrible: A Conversation with Patty McCormack is a well-crafted featurette enhanced with clips, stills, and poster art, covering McCormack’s casting journey and her memories of co-stars and director Mervyn LeRoy, offering an engaging summation of the commentary’s key points. The original Theatrical Trailer emphasizes the film's theatrical pedigree while warning viewers against revealing the film’s climax.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Patty McCormack and Charles Busch: In-depth interview with McCormack.
• Enfant Terrible: A Conversation with Patty McCormack: McCormack discusses her career and the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview of the film.

"The Bad Seed" remains a chilling exploration of innate evil, deftly showcasing how appearances can deceive. The film, adapted from Maxwell Anderson's play and William March's novel, centers on young Rhoda Penmark (Patty McCormack). Rhoda’s angelic demeanor and immaculate presentation hide a cold, calculating nature that is willing to kill for a coveted penmanship medal. McCormack's portrayal of Rhoda effectively marries innocence with insidious cunning, coalescing into an unforgettable character. Nancy Kelly, reprising her Broadway role as Rhoda’s mother Christine, captures the agony of a loving parent struggling with the horror that her child may be a remorseless killer.

Mervyn LeRoy's direction skillfully retains the tension and complexities of the stage production, although the film's adherence to its theatrical roots occasionally gives it a static feel. This is especially apparent in the formal dialogues and contrived set pieces. Despite this, the movie remains engaging through its sharp psychological undertones and compelling performances. Key scenes involving Christine's confrontations with other characters, notably Claude Daigle’s grief-stricken mother (Eileen Heckart), retain high emotional stakes due to strong, nuanced acting.

Technical details of the Blu-ray release are notable. The film's visual transfer is executed with precision in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4, which enhances its black-and-white cinematography, capturing every shadow and detail to maintain its menacing atmosphere. The audio, provided in English DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0, ensures that dialogue and critical sound effects are clear, preserving the film’s subtler eerie tones. While the altered ending due to censorship may dilute the original impact, "The Bad Seed" persists as a timeless study in psychological horror and remains a crucial viewing experience for enthusiasts of early thriller cinema.

Warner's Blu-ray release of "The Bad Seed" revives Mervyn LeRoy's 1956 adaptation of Maxwell Anderson's notable play, offering a gripping examination of inherited evil. This classic thriller, though feeling somewhat theatrical in presentation and stylized in its acting, retains its capacity to captivate audiences with its unsettling narrative and intense atmosphere. The upgraded high-definition transfer presents Harold Rosson’s Oscar-nominated shadowy black-and-white cinematography in crisp, sharp detail, adding a layer of depth and clarity that enhances the film's unsettling suburban noir aesthetic. The sound mix is also effectively restored, ensuring that every line of the meticulously crafted dialogue is heard with clarity and precision.

LeRoy's direction deftly utilizes precise camera placements and expressive close-ups, ensuring that even a dialogue-heavy film like this achieves a level of uncomfortable intimacy that only cinematic techniques can provide. The Blu-ray package also includes a couple of interesting supplements that offer additional insights into this landmark film. Screenwriter John Lee Mahin's retention of much of Anderson’s original stylized dialogue might feel formal to contemporary ears, but it's a testament to an era when writing was undeniably more rigorous and refined.

For contemporary viewers, "The Bad Seed" might initially come across as more akin to a filmed play than a dynamic movie, yet this adaptation stands out due to LeRoy’s careful direction and the powerful performances delivered by the cast, maintaining its relevance and unsettling charm. Highly recommended for fans of classic thrillers and those willing to appreciate the film within the context of its era. Though the film's presentation style may not cater to all modern tastes, the Blu-ray provides an excellent medium through which to experience this suburban noir with its pint-sized femme fatale.