Night Key Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Night Key Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 10, 2020

Ranger Security offers its clients a revolutionary way to protect their businesses, using an electrical system to defend stores from thieves. Inventor David (Boris Karloff) has an upgrade for owner Stephen (Samuel S. Hinds), but the moneyman desires to screw the nearly blind genius out of a fortune. Upset with his treatment, David teams with lowlife Petty Louie (Alan Baxter) to showcase his ability to crack Ranger Security systems. However, what was once envisioned as protest turns into trouble for David when local gangsters try to take command of the technology.

“Night Key” has the benefit of a terrific premise, with David in possession of a dynamic security system upgrade, only to encounter underhanded dealings from Stephen. Instead of taking the loss, David tries to humiliate his boss and ruin his business, creating an opportunity for gamesmanship between the men. “Night Key” doesn’t follow through on the promise of its first act, soon slowing down to deal with underworld figures and their desire for David’s door-opening tech, and there are needless romantic tingles between David’s daughter and a Ranger Security stooge who realizes how corrupt the company has become. Their subplot is inserted to give the movie mass appeal, but the picture doesn’t need the distraction, doing much better with basic elements of sabotage and escalation.

Night Key Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation captures the design elements "Night Key" emphasizes throughout. Detail is capable with decorated sets, showcasing security tech and shop inventory. Personal appearance is also textured, finding costuming fibrous and Karloff's hair and make-up defined. Delineation is supportive, offering clear look at evening events and dense clothing. Grain is heavy but film-like. Source is in good condition, with some mild speckling and scratches.

Night Key Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix secures dialogue exchanges, which explore the speedy performances in the film, never losing intelligibility. Emotional extremes are balanced. Scoring isn't prioritized by the production, but the basics in instrumentation and mood are understood. Mild hiss and pops are present.

Night Key Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historians Tom Weaver and Dr. Robert J. Kiss.

• Production Art Gallery (3:59) presents pictures of design achievements and pages of concept art.

• Image Gallery (3:27) collects film stills, publicity shots, poster art, and newspaper ads.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:39, HD) is included.

Night Key Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Karloff delivers customary dedication to the role of David, playing up the old man's failing eyesight and issues of exploitation, providing "Night Key" with a solid dramatic foundation for a production that periodically dips into romance and slapstick. The material doesn't lean into its potential as a war of bitterness and electricity, but there's a reasonable level of thespian command and weird science to provide an engaging sit.