Rating summary
| Movie |  | 4.0 |
| Video |  | 3.5 |
| Audio | | 4.0 |
| Extras |  | 1.0 |
| Overall | | 3.5 |
Report to the Commissioner Blu-ray Movie Review
Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 8, 2015
The hard, unforgiving streets of New York City receive frightening attention in 1975’s “Report to the Commissioner,” which plays like a hybrid of “Law & Order” and “Training Day.” Procedural in tone, but prone to chaotic bursts of emotion and action, the feature manages dysfunction and paranoia satisfactorily, with director Milton Katselas (“Butterflies Are Free”) developing an atmosphere of hostility that’s pinched by police duty. Adapted from a novel, “Report to the Commissioner” plays like one, investigating unhinged people embarking on dangerous missions that push them to the limit and blur the lines of duty.
New York City plays a critical role in “Report to the Commissioner,” providing a classic 1970s vibe of sleaze, hostility, and personal ruin to help the central murder story develop into something significant. The tale is told through steps of police investigation and backroom dealings, but the feature is most alive on the streets, watching the gathered crowds rub the characters the wrong way (the production doesn’t bother to clear away gawkers watching the production film scenes), adding to the pressure cooker environment. Chase sequences also wind around the metropolis, adding to the gritty, lived-in feel of the picture, which complements its more introspective side as a case of murder is retraced through interviews, exploring how the tragic event came to be.
Report to the Commissioner Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation shows some age throughout, with clear delineation a particular problem, offering solid blacks during scenes with limited lighting, while shadows swallow frame detail. Colors are on the muted side, but city life brings out primaries to satisfaction, with street signage and costuming carrying heft. Skintones are mostly natural, pushing too hot at times. Grain is managed adequately with the few noisy patches. Detail isn't strong but it's not entirely wiped clean, offering passable facial details and nice read of sweat. Cityscapes are also open for inspection. Some speckling remains, but overt damage isn't spotted.
Report to the Commissioner Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is quite capable for a period track, with healthy dialogue exchanges that preserve dramatic intent and keep in step with intensity as violence and hostilities break out. Scoring is stable and supportive, with decent instrumentation, while dance music for a disco sequence delivers a more rhythmic beat without distortion. Atmospherics for street events and police headquarters are busy but unobtrusive.
Report to the Commissioner Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
- A Theatrical Trailer (2:21, HD) is included.
Report to the Commissioner Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
The hook of "Report to the Commissioner" is certainly strong, with cop-on-cop violence adding confusion to an already disorienting story. Performances run on the heated side, with Michael Moriarty working overtime to sell his character's fall from grace, sweating and trembling through every scene. "Report to the Commissioner" isn't revolutionary material, riding well-worn police corruption clichés, but it does offer boiling moments of confrontation, a controversial conclusion, and an abrasive sense of personal and professional misconduct.
