Foreign Intrigue Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

Foreign Intrigue Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 2, 2015

Although it doesn’t seem to be created as a sequel to a television series that ran in the early 1950s, “Foreign Intrigue” isn’t one to pause and wait around for its audience. Diving headfirst into acts of secrecy and betrayal, the 1957 feature isn’t covering new ground in the detective genre, with star Robert Mitchum looking unchallenged as he works through a routine of sleuthing, seduction, and attitude, this time sending him around Europe to gather clues.

“Foreign Intrigue” isn’t difficult to follow, but it’s not terribly good with introductions, missing moments of characterization before lives are changed by death and a mystery arrives that requires press agent Dave Bishop (Mitchum) to make his way around the continent, attempting to crack the case of a disturbingly secretive personality. Of course, it’s not an easy tour of duty for the worldly man, soon confronted with harsh realities and financial ties that push him deeper into trouble, requiring quick thinking and blind luck to avoid. Director Sheldon Reynolds oversees a mechanical feel to the picture, which goes through the motions without much feeling, finding Mitchum outgunned by his female co-stars (Genevieve Page and Ingrid Tulean), who play with more emotionality and broader character arcs.

Foreign Intrigue Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded (1.84:1 aspect ratio) presentation delivers a passably filmic viewing experience, with adequate grain management and vivid hues (courtesy of Eastmancolor), which survey flavorful locations (many coastal shot reveal crystal blue waters) and period costuming, keeping primaries secure. Skintones are appropriate, displaying slightly heightened appearances. Sharpness is restrained by period cinematography. The source material is in rough shape, with all sorts of scratches, debris, and speckling on view. It's not a pristine image, but it's not a travesty either, missing overt damage that would distract from the onscreen action. Delineation is acceptable, with satisfactory frame information and depth.

Foreign Intrigue Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix isn't crisply detailed, offering a muddier listening event that doesn't identify separate elements with any noticeable effort. Dialogue exchanges aren't swallowed, but pronounced dubbing helps, keeping dramatics intelligible and accents acceptable. Extremes in range are fuzzy. Hiss and pops are present. Scoring doesn't deliver encouraging definition, emerging as a wall of sound that supports the action in a blunt manner, lacking needed instrumentation. Atmospherics are minimal, best when exploring outdoor life.

Foreign Intrigue Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (1:55, HD) is included.

Foreign Intrigue Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Foreign Intrigue" is a lovely movie to watch, with an immensely cinematic presence that brings out the luxurious locations with care, giving the effort heavenly qualities as it details nefarious events. However, visuals are all that stick after a viewing, finding the central mystery lacking in severity and surprise, eventually working over noirish touches without building much suspense. Fans of the genre will no doubt embrace what "Foreign Intrigue" is offering, but in the grand scheme of big screen sleuthing, there's little offered here that commands attention.