kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
|
| Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2013 4:47 pm Post subject: The Spy Who Came in from the Cold [Blu-ray] |
|
|
Another reference disc!
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] (1965)
Disclaimer: Using the affiliate links above helps support our forum at no extra cost to you. CurtPalme.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
| Quote: | 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' is a methodical, morally complex spy drama marked by intricate scripting, thoughtful direction, stark visuals, and a powerful performance from the great Richard Burton. The video and audio are both exceptional, offering fans a wonderfully authentic and respectful technical presentation. Criterion has put together a great collection of supplements as well, including fascinating insights from the author of the source material. Though its slow pace won't appeal to all viewers, the film is one of my favorite espionage movies, and this is exactly the kind of top-tier release that it deserves. Very Highly Recommended!
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
The movie is provided with a black and white 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer in the 1.66:1 aspect ratio. With its noir influenced visuals and striking cinematography, the film comes to Blu-ray with an exceptional transfer free from any unnecessary processing.
The print is in good shape, but there are some negligible specks and scratches visible periodically (particularly across the right edge of the frame). A moderate to heavy layer of natural grain is preserved, giving the image a rich sense of filmic texture. Clarity is very impressive, offering a sharp picture with strong dimension. Fine details on clothing and faces are especially prominent, and one can see every line of tormented anguish on Burton's tired and defeated face. The black and white cinematography features a heavy emphasis on shadow and light, and the grayscale is natural and even, offering strong contrast (the way the rain slicked streets pop off the screen is particularly impressive). Whites are bright and though not quite inky, blacks are very solid and, with the exception of some fleeting pulsing, steady.
Authentic and richly detailed, 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' makes its high-def debut in style. There are some minor signs of damage, but overall, this is a top-tier presentation that should more than please fans.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
The audio is presented in an English LPCM 2.0 stereo track with optional English subtitles. Clean and full-bodied, this is an excellent mix that serves the film well with no technical issues.
Dialogue is clear and rich, completely avoiding the thin quality found in some films of this age. Likewise, the mournful score features strong fidelity and effective stereo separation, perfectly enhancing the somber mood of the film's images. Effects work is modest, but directionality is present across the two channel presentation, creating a solid sense of atmosphere. Dynamic range is wide, conveying gentle sounds like rain and more aggressive noises like a blaring horn with ample presence and no distortion. Bass activity is mostly negligible, but a few scenes feature decent low frequencies (the roaring engine of a plane, for instance). Thankfully, there are no major instances of crackle, pop, or hissing.
Crisp and free from any age-related problems, the audio comes through wonderfully with no real complaints to speak of. The 2.0 sound design is fairly restrained, but the mix is respectful and suits the content well. |
Kal
_________________
Support our site by using our affiliate links. We thank you!
My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
