7.2 | / 10 |
Users | 5.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.6 |
An insurance man's (Dick Powell) affair with a blonde (Lizabeth Scott) leads to guilt, murder and a confession to his wife (Jane Wyatt).
Starring: Dick Powell, Lizabeth Scott, Jane Wyatt, Raymond Burr, John LitelFilm-Noir | 100% |
Crime | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Mystery | 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
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
The plot of 1948’s “Pitfall” concerns a challenge to martial stability, with a bored man taking a chance on a dangerous woman, only to encounter unexpected repercussions. It’s a tale that’s not unfamiliar to the world of film noir, arriving with suitable levels of temptation, threat, and guilt, but director Andre De Toth handles routine with some imagination, keeping “Pitfall” low to the ground as it explores various levels of intimidation. This patience results in the more refined effort, but one that’s not afraid to bloody its knuckles on occasion.
Boasting a UCLA Film & Television Archive mastering effort, "Pitfall" arrives on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded image (1.36:1) presentation. There's plenty of age to contend with, with the source plagued by vertical scratches, speckling, and mild flicker, while a few warped frames are detected as well. Softness is encountered with period cinematographic limitations and glamour lighting on Lizbeth Scott, but detail holds throughout, finding a few pockets of clarity that bring out facial reactions and set decoration, while artificial backgrounds seem more pronounced. Contrast is secure, and delineation isn't a concern.
Again, age plays the part in the "Pitfall" BD experience, with the 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix restrained by distinct hiss throughout the presentation, while more of a cracking-type noise enters periodically. Dialogue exchanges handle on the quieter side but remain dramatic and intelligible, keeping up with heated encounters and hushed moments of confession. Scoring isn't defined, but it carries along as intended, supporting screen action with passable instrumentation. Atmospherics aren't amplified, but sea and street life are present.
"Pitfall" isn't taut, but it's always interesting, following a wave of lies and manipulations that intensifies before knocking the characters flat. Elements of violence remain, with periodic beatings meant to maintain order, but the script is primarily interested in building a psychological hold. The personalities are nearly as fatigued by deception as they are with physical acts of protection. "Pitfall" doesn't snowball into a furious closer, but it retains a firm grip on emotional authenticity and cinematic control, making twists and turns less flashy, but more penetrating overall.
Warner Archive Collection
1944
1951
1950
1942
1946
Warner Archive Collection
1947
1944
1949
1946
Hot Spot
1941
1950
Deluxe Edition
1949
1956
1954
1946
1947
4K Restoration
1973
1995
Limited Edition to 3000
1950
1946