A Few Words About The Woman in the Window -- in Blu-ray (1 Viewer)

[Robert Harris]

The Woman in the Window, a 1944 Fritz Lang film, produced by Nunnally Johnson, and photographed by Milton Krasner, is pure mid-'40s noir.

But with a touch of It's a Wonderful Life and Wizard of Oz, thrown in for good measure.

I'll not discuss, as to give away a plot line could be devastating to first-time viewers.

Edward G. Robinson and Joan Bennett are the leads, along with Hollywood's slimiest bad-guy Dan Duryea.

Kino Lorber's new Blu-ray is a solid non-restored transfer, from some sort of dupe element. And though there are occasional light scratches, the film itself pulls through.

Good contrast, decent grain structure and shadow detail. Nothing that I found disturbing, once I understood what I was seeing.

This is one that you need to experience.

Image - 3.75

Audio - 4

Pass / Fail - Pass

Upgrade from DVD - yes

Recommended

RAH

 

[Alan Tully]

I can still remember the first time I saw this, it was a sixties late Saturday night film on the BBC. Dan Duryea was one of the best movie baddies ever, I think it was the voice...& I loved the ending.

 

[Robin9]

Mmm. "a solid non-restored transfer, from some sort of dupe element. And though there are occasional light scratches, the film itself pulls through . . . .Good contrast, decent grain structure and shadow detail. Nothing that I found disturbing, once I understood what I was seeing. . . . .Image - 3.75"

I think that's called "damning with faint praise." I'll check the DVD before deciding.

 

[CarlosMeat]

Love the film ! Glad to see it coming to Blu Ray.

 

[Robert Harris]

Mmm. "a solid non-restored transfer, from some sort of dupe element. And though there are occasional light scratches, the film itself pulls through . . . .Good contrast, decent grain structure and shadow detail. Nothing that I found disturbing, once I understood what I was seeing. . . . .Image - 3.75"

I think that's called "damning with faint praise." I'll check the DVD before deciding.

Membership rates at HTF may be a bit lower than other sites, but with that membership, come honest, free reviews.

 

[Robin9]

Membership rates at HTF may be a bit lower than other sites, but with that membership, come honest, free reviews.

. . . for which I, and I'm sure every other HTF member, am very grateful. I should have put this in my earlier post: many thanks for the review.

 

[dana martin]

can't wait for my copy to arrive

 

[haineshisway]

In other words, typical MGM transfer done years ago for the DVD, most likely. A shame, as this should look gorgeous - but with MGM unless they don't have an old HD master hanging around, Kino has to pay for a new transfer - so they take the old master.

 

[Robert Crawford]

I'm buying this title anyway and will compared the dvd to this release. Plus, I like the person doing the audio commentary on the Blu-ray.

 

[Robert Harris]

In other words, typical MGM transfer done years ago for the DVD, most likely. A shame, as this should look gorgeous - but with MGM unless they don't have an old HD master hanging around, Kino has to pay for a new transfer - so they take the old master.

Can’t blame them. They do what they can.

 

[haineshisway]

I don't blame them - it was the same with Twilight Time before they happily ended their MGM deal. And of course I've already ordered this as I'm sure it will be some sort of step up from the DVD.

 

[Randal Gist]

I am just happy to have your input Mr. Harris. Any new Fritz Lang to blu-ray, is reason to be happy. Maybe there will be a pristine edition in the future - maybe not. But I will take this, until that day.

 

[Richard V]

Never seen it, but if the team up of E.G. Robinson and Joan Bennett is as good as it was on Scarlet Street, then it's a definite buy.

 

[compson]

Never seen it, but if the team up of E.G. Robinson and Joan Bennett is as good as it was on Scarlet Street, then it's a definite buy.

I enjoyed Woman in the Window more than Scarlet Street, which struck me as more mean-spirited. Woman in the Window is great fun. I envy you your opportunity to see it for the first time.

 

[JohnMor]

I enjoyed Woman in the Window more than Scarlet Street, which struck me as more mean-spirited. Woman in the Window is great fun. I envy you your opportunity to see it for the first time.

I also prefer it to Scarlet Street.

 

[warnerbro]

This is a fun, entertaining movie. I even enjoyed watching it on YouTube even if the print was solid non-restored transfer, from some sort of dupe element.

 

[Harry-N]

I've just discovered this movie through a mention on another forum. Curious, I sought it out to see if I liked it and started watching that blurry version on YouTube. Sucked in by the story, I watched the whole thing and decided it was something I needed to own, so I ordered this Kino Lorber Blu-ray.

Wow, what a difference from YouTube's free version! Tight, sharp, black & white images throw this into a whole 'nother world. Since I'd just looked at the movie, I thought I'd listen to the commentary audio and am quite impressed with that - but am just about halfway through.

I like this one - a lot!