6.7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
A small town newspaperman's investigation into a local bookie operation turns up a web of organized crime.
Starring: John Forsythe, Joan Camden, Victor Sutherland, Ray Teal, Martin MilnerFilm-Noir | 100% |
Crime | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.34:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.37:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
None
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
1952’s “The Captive City” is a film noir that directly reflects its tumultuous production era, acting a response to Senator Estes Kefauver’s participation in the United States Senate Special Committee to Investigate Crime in Interstate Commerce, where the government went after the plague of organized crime. It’s a rage against the (corrupt) machine movie, with star John Forsythe portraying a newspaper man discovering a criminal underworld in his own backyard, intent on exposing unlawful behavior while gradually becoming aware of its influence over everyone he interacts with.
Detail is generally strong during the AVC encoded image (1.34:1 aspect ratio) presentation, picking up valuable textures from costuming and the meaty faces that make up the supporting cast. Period cinematography is somewhat balanced, with adequate delineation, and blacks look slightly brightened at times to preserve frame information. Grain is fine and filmic. Source runs into its fair share of mild scratches and speckling, but avoids extended damage.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is less than inspiring. While some degree of age is expected, "The Captive City" struggles with fuzziness and faintly fluctuating levels, clouding the listening experience. Dialogue exchanges aren't completely threatened, but they lack definition, failing to give the passionate drama genuine snap. Music is purely functional, emerging with a wall of sound position that supports the movie but doesn't enliven it. Sound effects are thickly defined. Hiss is detected throughout the feature.
As an unexpected seal of approval, Senator Kefauver actually appears at the end of the film, imploring viewers to stand up to organized crime when they witness evil emerging around them, trying to stir up a suitable level of inspiration. Perhaps "The Captive City" doesn't carry immense power as a fist-clenching call to arms, but it's passable as a talky but mildly effective thriller, showcasing the power of one against many. Try to work past the feature's period political motivations, and there's plenty here that engages.
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