Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Short Eyes Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 28, 2014

1977’s “Short Eyes” is an ambitious film that puts the viewer in a troubling position of judgment. An adaptation of the Miguel Pinero play, the movie brings a collection of uneasy characters and impossible situations to the screen in a theatrical manner, contrasting the imposing prison location with broad but penetrative performances, while still preserving Pinero’s sting. It’s a heroic directorial effort from Robert M. Young, who manages to capture character idiosyncrasies while sustaining an atmosphere of doom as Clark, a young child molester (Bruce Davidson), receives the full force of inmate intimidation as he begins his sentence.

The screenplay (credited to Pinero) does a fine job communicating racial tensions and inmate camaraderie, with Clark’s tale of panic and guilt almost secondary to the life within the prison. There’s a tight community of crooks and guards to explore, finding Young making time to define these fiery personalities as they struggle with provocative behavior, with Clark’s presence squeezing an already claustrophobic situation, spilling over into violence. The viewer walks away with a deep understanding of motivation, which helps “Short Eyes” through clichés it periodically encounters.

Short Eyes Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded (1.78:1 aspect ratio) image presentation does the best it can with a relatively obscure, low-budget title released 40 years ago. Black levels display some mild solidification due to cinematographic limitations, and softness dominates. Detail is reasonable, best with close-ups and the rusty interiors of the prison. Ragged costuming also provides welcome textures. Colors are stable, with adequate primaries in a movie that doesn't favor a bold palette. Speckling is present, but overt damage is largely absent.

Short Eyes Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix also swims upstream with aged elements, finding dialogue exchanges thick, with a few charged interactions smothered by atmospherics. Performances remain accessible, with a steady emotional range and adequate navigation of accents. Soundtrack cuts lack crisp instrumentation, but remain discernible. Hiss is present throughout the feature.

Short Eyes Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features director Robert M. Young and Leon Ichaso.

• Interview (40:40, HD) with actor Bruce Davidson spends only ten minutes on "Short Eyes," but they're an interesting ten minutes, exploring the feral nature of the supporting cast and the pressures of filming in such a charged location. The rest sends Davidson down memory lane, discussing on-set experiences with such movies as "Willard," "Brass Target," and "The Lathe of Heaven."

• Interview (21:37, HD) with Young is more focused on "Short Eyes" details, discussing his introduction to the production (replacing a failing director) and his interaction with tempestuous actors.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included.

Short Eyes Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

It's a difficult film to process, especially when there's a question of Clark's actual guilt, leading viewers through surges of condemnation that fuel the finer points of drama in the picture. The cast is up for the challenge, and while select members of the ensemble try to hit the back row with their performances, the majority finds a pulse of unrest and accusation that ripples throughout the movie. "Short Eyes" is raw and hostile, but also sensitive to the inner workings of the characters, making their ultimate journey all the more harrowing.