The Birthday Party Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		2.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.0

The Birthday Party Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 1, 2017

“The Birthday Party” is the play that reportedly changed the career of writer Harold Pinter, who finally found his voice in this particularly strange offering of kitchen sink abstraction. In the hands of director William Friedkin, the 1968 picture is pulled from the stage to the claustrophobia of cinema, finding the helmer respectful of the source material, but working to make it come alive on the screen, delivering a lively version of an impenetrable play.

Friedkin has the advantage here, working with a stellar cast, led by Robert Shaw, who successfully turns himself inside out as a broken man subjected to a mysterious interrogation on a lonely day. Acting is helpful, as Pinter isn’t one to provide answers to his questions, and frankly the questions aren’t all that clear, requiring viewers to not necessarily put the picture together in a traditional sense, demanding a level of submission to the experience, which, admittedly, is not easy to do.

The Birthday Party Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers a fairly old scan, with age restraining some clarity on the viewing experience. Detail is soft, and while cinematographic limitations are present, sharpness feels dulled, leading to only passable textures on close-ups and set decoration. Colors are equally unremarkable, even when encountering a drab English existence. Skintones are somewhat bloodless, and costuming isn't compelling, lacking vibrancy even with party outfits. Delineation isn't troublesome, but never remarkable. Source is in decent shape.

The Birthday Party Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix doesn't offer the type of theatrical clarity Pinter's work deserves, as age has had its way with the track, resulting in a tinny, sometimes muddy listening event. Dialogue exchanges aren't where they need to be, with periodic intelligibility issues, especially when characters mumble. Sound effects are hard on the ears, especially key drumming sequences, which should be loud, but not that sharp. Hiss is detected throughout.

The Birthday Party Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Interview (25:04, HD) with director William Friedkin delivers a comfortable overview of "The Birthday Party," including the helmer's first encounters with Harold Pinter's original play, which inspired an obsession to make a film out of the work. Friedkin is a tremendous raconteur, sharing anecdotes about the picture's casting, including Robert Shaw, whose notorious competitive streak (just ask Richard Dreyfus) flared up during basketball practice between set-ups, soon taking on Friedkin in ping pong. Talk of theme and the feature's dismal performance is fascinating, along with extended examination of Pinter's writing, including interpretation of the material. Most pointedly, Friedkin discusses frequent Pinter collaborator Joseph Losey, who asked for a shot to be changed due to similarity to his own style. Friedkin has some choice words for Losey.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included.

The Birthday Party Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Birthday Party" is strictly for those with an interest in Pinter's work, though it's fascinating to watch Friedkin's style take shape, using visual tricks to liven up the proceedings and give it a filmic punch. It's difficult material for a specific mood, but there's provocative and passionate work here for study.