The Bigamist Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

The Bigamist Blu-ray Movie Review

A world with two women

Spiraling into an unexpected double-life, the charming Mr. Graham (Edmond O'Brien) must confront his demons as he falls for a second woman when traveling alone. Brimming with a sensitivity that is uncommon for such an emotional roller-coaster of filmmaking, The Bigamist was produced by Ida Lupino's ex-husband and longtime collaborator Collier Young (who ended up being in a romantic relationship with “the other woman” featured in The Bigamist, Joan Fontaine).

As the story to The Bigamist slowly unfolds, Mr. Graham becomes increasingly conflicted over his feelings for the two sexy women taking their respective roles in his life: Eve Graham (Joan Fontaine) and Phyllis Martin (Ida Lupino). Though there is a clear physical intimacy between these characters, the affections this man feels for them runs deeper than pure physicality. Something much more organic and emotive than simple carnal pleasures runs through each of the character's veins. Love is at the heart and center of the story and the nature of its role in relationships.

The original music score composed by Leith Stevens (Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Treasure of Pancho Villa) is one of the best efforts in the frequent collaborations the composer had with his auteur director. There is a beauty to the score that is transporting and evocative of a wide range of emotions. The film is sometimes darkly mesmerizing and can feel surrealist (and this aspect of the filmmaking is further enhanced by the cinematography by George E. Diskant (Wanted: Dead or Alive, The Rifleman). The visuals sometimes evoke a more cerebral and fantastical element which is not present in the script but remains as such in the mesmerizing filmmaking.

"If only I could remember which gal wanted milk at the grocery store..."

Featuring a inspired screenplay written by Ida Lupino's ex Collier Young (Outrage, One Step Beyond), the script was inspired by the story written by Lawrence B. Marcus (Witness for the Prosecution) and Lou Schor (People Are Funny). The storytelling feels organic and leaves plenty of room for the film's characters to develop. The filmmaking is altogether fascinating. The characters are well developed throughout and each has a distinctive voice in the story.

Director Ida Lupino once again proves that she is a masterful filmmaker capable of stunning audiences with her impressive directorial vision bringing art to the silver-screen. The film has a concept which could have easily turned the wrong direction and become a lackluster soap-opera to snooze away to. Instead, Lupino has crafted another gem of a film which gives a female perspective to the world of romantic entanglements as the film delves into the triangle relationship of Mr. Graham and the two women who revolve around his everyday life.

The Bigamist doesn't offer simple answers or solutions to the love-triangle at the front and center of the story. It does not offer a moral compass for audiences to unfold into (though there are some moral questions posed by the judge featured in the storyline). What the film does offer is a storyline that viewers can dissect and explore on their own terms. A hypnotic and mesmerizing experience, The Bigamist is another prime example of the power of storytelling and the importance of cinema bringing a female perspective into the equation. A gem well worth seeking out.

The Bigamist Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The first widescreen feature to be included in the remarkable Ida Lupino: Filmmaker Collection, The Bigamist is presented in the original 1.66:1 widescreen theatrical aspect ratio. The release has a new restoration with a 4K scan which offers viewers some significant improvements to the video. It is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition. The film looks largely marvelous and capably reproduces the original black-and-white cinematography.

There is something absolutely hypnotic about the style of photography utilized for The Bigamist which makes it sometimes feel like it shares some DNA with The Twilight Zone and its surrealist landscapes. The shadow detail and remarkable environmental landscapes on display are impressive throughout. Black levels on the presentation are reasonably impressive. Fine film grain is left intact and the presentation shows no signs of DNR or other print deficiencies or anomalies.

The transfer benefits from the 4K scan and it allows for some extra detail to eek out of the presentation on the encode. There are no signs of any distracting edge enhancement and other obtrusive drawbacks to take one out of the presentation. The film print isn't flawlessly restored as it does have some minor specks of dirt on the print yet the overall quality is superb and there are next to no scratches to distract from one's enjoyment. While not a perfect 4K restoration, the release is certainly impressive and looks satisfying throughout.

The Bigamist Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release features an excellent quality DTS HD Master Audio mono track that retains the original sound design of the feature-film. The audio track does have some occasional minor hiss (and most notably during the opening credits as the background score music accompanies the titles) yet the overwhelming majority of the film sounds crisp and impressive.

Dialogue reproduction is consistently clear and easy to understand throughout. The music score sounds reasonably good too given the age of the source elements. Despite the film having a more modest dynamic range in regards to audio fidelity due to the age of the materials utilized, the soundtrack sounds superb overall. The lossless audio track proves to be a highly pleasing and satisfactory experience. Optional English subtitles are provided.

The Bigamist Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Film Historian Kat Ellinger

The release also includes a selection of theatrical trailers for other releases from Kino Lorber: Daisy Kenyon (SD, 2:45), Female on the Beach (SD, 2:24), The Tarnished Angels (SD, 2:41), Shield for Murder (HD, 1:46), and Junior Bonner (SD, 2:30).

The Bigamist Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

A surprisingly thoughtful gem, The Bigamist is a fascinating character-study of a man in love with two women and the personal struggle he feels as he faces confronting his affections and relationships with both beautiful women. Featuring great performances from the impressive cast (including a fantastic turn from director Ida Lupino as she takes the actors chair), The Bigamist is the final feature-film included within the superb Ida Lupino Filmmaker Collection. The release features a quality 4K restoration and an impressive audio track. The release comes highly recommended.