The Crooked Way Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		4.0

The Crooked Way Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 7, 2015

Film noir receives extensive bruising with 1949’s “The Crooked Way,” which marries criminal activity with an amnesia story, putting star John Payne through an obstacle course of bad guys, belligerent cops, and troubled women as his character works to piece together a shattered life. It’s bold entertainment, with big thrills and a nice smashmouth quality as threats escalate into action, with director Robert Florey maintaining a sure pace to discoveries and intimidation, resulting in a surprisingly eventful movie

Adapted from a radio play, “The Crooked Way” almost goes out of its way to offer a cinematic presence. Cinematography by John Alton concentrates on shadow play and intricate lighting, working to build mood for an effort that explores one man’s battle to decode his own identity, with trouble around every corner. While performances are capable (Payne makes for a credibly rattled man on the run), “The Crooked Way” is more valued as a stylish offering of cheap thrills, delivering imaginatively shot brutality that snowballs into climatic gunfights and fisticuffs. The feature isn’t wall-to-wall violence, but blood boils here, creating a real sense of danger for the lead character.

The Crooked Way Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation carries black and white cinematography with purpose, alternating between detailed sequences of confrontation and investigation, while softer lighting handles human moments. Textures are available for study, along with a clear appreciation for the feature's visual design. Delineation is acceptable, through black levels appear a bit brightened to best make sense out of evening encounters. Grain is fine and filmic. Source has its struggles with extended scratches and points of damage, popping up periodically during the viewing experience.

The Crooked Way Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix offers an encouraging clarity that helps develop the suspense of the effort, delivering distinct dialogue exchanges that detail emotional extremes with comfort. Hiss is present throughout the listening experience, but nothing overwhelms the performances. Scoring is loud but retains reasonable definition. Sound effects preserve snap, focusing on gunshots and a few beatings.

The Crooked Way Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There is no supplementary material on this disc.

The Crooked Way Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Crooked Way" isn't a thrill ride, but it successfully winds itself up with charged encounters, paranoia, and physical threat. It's patient but assured, keeping viewers engaged as the characters work out their issues, darting around Los Angeles on the hunt for concrete answers. Even if the story fails to ignite at times, visual might carries the effort, watching Florey take special care of his big screen ideas, playing up genre interests to fuel the effort, while gradually increasing its volatility.