Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

The Hitch-Hiker Blu-ray Movie Review

A must-see nail-biting suspense thriller

The Hitch-Hiker, Ida Lupino's dramatic thriller from the 1950's, is an exhilarating suspense film with impeccable performances from it's leading cast: Roy (Edmond O'Brien) and Frank (Gilbert Bowen). Without knowing the grim reality that soon awaits them, these two men (traveling down a barren road) help to pick up a deranged and disturbed hitch-hiker, Emmett Myers (William Talman). Inspired by a true story surrounding a murderous psychopath, the film explores the dark events which unfolded in the real-world. Taken along on a crazy odyssey across the barren dirt by gunpoint, Roy and Frank must do whatever they can to survive the perilous journey that is ahead of them.

Into the Abyss of the Mind

For more information on the film and a complete film review please refer to former Blu-ray.com critic Casey Broadwater's review of The Hitch-Hiker.

The Hitch-Hiker Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray for the second time in North America from distributor Kino Lorber, The Hitch-Hiker is presented in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. This re-release (now part of the Ida Lupino collection) features a brand new 2K restoration of the film. Though I do not have the other edition to directly compare to it appears as though there are some striking similarities between the editions. This is an impressive looking presentation.

From looking at the screenshots from former Blu-ray.com writer Casey Broadwater, the presentation on the earlier release appears to have similar qualities: there are only some minor print anomalies (such as occasional scratches) and minor specks of dust to be found on the print. On the plus side, the new scan has noticeably superior black levels than the previous release. Grain is still present and the image is naturally filmic from beginning to end. There are no signs of DNR or other obtrusive elements like edge enhancement. Encoded with a bit-rate that frequently hovers around 30 mbps, this is a great presentation.

The Hitch-Hiker Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are some changes in the audio presentation quality on the new edition of The Hitch-Hiker. The previous edition had uncompressed PCM and this new edition has DTS-HD MA mono. From comparing to former Blu-ray.com writer Casey Broadwater's review of the 2013 edition, the earlier release had apparent crackling and hiss which was occasionally distracting.

Though both editions utilize lossless audio, it appears as though the new edition has been improved as this release sounds noticeably clearer, clean, and impressive with only some minor moments of barely-audible hiss on the track. Dialogue is easy to understand. An impressive track. The release also includes a English subtitle option (which is something that was missing from the previous release).

The Hitch-Hiker Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

NEW to this Blu-ray re-release is an Audio Commentary by Film Historian Imogen Sara Smith. The previous Blu-ray edition released in 2013 did not include any audio commentary track for interested viewers. Fans of listening to audio commentaries may wish to double dip as there is now one when nothing of the sort was included on the previous edition.

The new release also includes a different selection of theatrical trailers than what was included on the previous Blu-ray edition. The old release had trailers for White Zombie, The Stranger, and Night Tide. These are now omitted and have been replaced with a different set of trailers promoting other Kino Lorber titles.

Trailers included on the re-release: Shield for Murder (HD, 1:46), 99 River Street (SD, 2:14), Cry of the City (SD, 2:33), He Ran All the Way (HD, 2:14), and Boomerang (HD, 2:31).

Lastly, the re-release omits the photo gallery included on the previous release so for those wanting to own a "complete" set and who already own the previous edition may wish to hang on to that version for the photo stills (such as movie posters and promotional photographs).

The Hitch-Hiker Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There is something remarkable about how gritty, stylized, and effective The Hitch-Hiker is from start to finish. This is the type of film that many Hollywood executives would have found impossible to even be directed by a female auteur in the 1950's. Produced independently, the great Ida Lupino once again proves herself an impressive filmmaker as she crafts a grim, exciting, and beautiful thriller that excites at every turn. A exceptional production which has withstood the test of time.

The new Blu-ray re-release from Kino Lorber features a superb presentation (with an excellent new 2K restoration) and a quality lossless audio track. There are also some new supplements on the release. A worthy pickup for fans. Highly recommended.