7.2 | / 10 |
Users | 3.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Frankie Christopher is a sports promoter who's in the hot seat, relentlessly grilled by a ruthless detective after the murder of a fashion model he made famous. Weighing even more heavily against him is the fact that he's in love with the dead girl's sister. But Frankie's not the only suspect in this taut expose of New York's cafe society. The detective also obsessively pursues Frankie's partner, a gossip columnist, and a hotel night clerk.
Starring: Betty Grable, Victor Mature, Carole Landis, Laird Cregar, William GarganFilm-Noir | 100% |
Crime | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.36:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.37:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 16-bit)
BDInfo verified
None
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
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.
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.
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" 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.
1944
1946
Limited Edition to 3000 - SOLD OUT
1950
1942
Warner Archive Collection
1951
Limited Edition to 3000
1954
1945
Warner Archive Collection
1946
Warner Archive Collection
1947
1946
1947
Arrow Academy
1946
Warner Archive Collection
1947
1951
Includes They Call Me MISTER Tibbs! and The Organization on standard BD
1967
1944
1945
5 Steps to Danger
1957
1946
1954