Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.5
Audio		3.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.0

I Wake Up Screaming Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 7, 2016

Film noir gets a routine workout in 1941’s “I Wake Up Screaming,” which pours all the energy it has into the construction of style. It’s a striking picture, and one that’s always more interesting to watch than decode, finding its tale of murder and false accusations a little mundane compared to the feature’s visual depth, orchestrated by director H. Bruce Humberstone and cinematographer Edward Cronjager. “I Wake Up Screaming” doesn’t rattle the senses with its presentation of paranoia, but it seizes the highlights of the subgenre, giving fans a comfortable return to dynamic lighting, panicked characterizations, and police intimidation.

Young Vicky Lynn (Carole Landis) has been murdered, and the cops want to nail Frankie Christopher (Victor Mature) for the crime so badly, they can taste it. Trouble is, evidence is impossible to find, but antagonisms persist, pushing Frankie in the direction of Vicky’s sister, Jill (Betty Grable), who responds positively to the attention, while trying to figure out the details of the mystery on her own. An adaptation of a novel by Steve Fisher, “I Wake Up Screaming” sets up a chess board of suspects, playing with motivations and secrecy, attempting to wind up the feature as a suspenseful whodunit. The pieces never quite come together, though performances are suitably fiery, with Mature nicely unraveled during the hunt. Also of interest is a choice of music, with “Over the Rainbow” popping up on the soundtrack numerous times. Perhaps this wasn’t a strange event in 1941, but in 2016, it’s a little bizarre to be reminded of “The Wizard of Oz” in the midst of tough-talking business and acts of police agitation.

I Wake Up Screaming Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.36:1 aspect ratio) presentation is rough around the edges, with obvious wear and tear visible throughout the viewing experience. Damage is periodic, with a few jumpy frames and warping, and reel changes are rough. However, sharpness is encouraging, providing a textured look at the performers, making frame elements easy to study. Costumes are fibrous and distances are preserved. Cinematographic balance is maintained, with adequate delineation. The main titles are presented windowboxed.

I Wake Up Screaming Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA does battle with age, as hiss and pops are common during the listening event. Dialogue exchanges are satisfactory but not precise, restrained by points of damage, including louder reel changes. Scoring cues are acceptable, with music maintaining subtle placement, supporting the drama. Atmospherics are capable, bringing out street life and nightclub bustle.

I Wake Up Screaming Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film noir historian Eddie Muller.

• Animated Montage of Images (3:32) collects various publicity photos, behind the scenes snaps, and marketing efforts.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:16, SD) is included.

Note: "'Daddy" Deleted Scene," "Alternate 'Hot Spot' Ad Campaigns," and "Alternate 'Hot Spot' Opening Title Sequence" are listed on the packaging, but are not included on the disc.

I Wake Up Screaming Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"I Wake Up Screaming" is a fine picture, sure to please those searching for a noir distraction that checks off everything on the subgenre to-do list. It looks amazing at times, and it's impossible to disparage the ensemble. However, it's not quite the fingernail-chewer it believes itself to be, feeling a little too slack with pressurized encounters and bold reveals, delivering a slightly deflated tale of murder to go with all the cinematic artistry.