Trapped Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Trapped Blu-ray Movie Review

A public domain film noir at least receives its proper due

An edge-of-your-seat film noir with enticing suspense at every turn in the story, Trapped is a pitch-black noir inspired by real events surrounding the issue of counterfeit currency production (with actual footage from the US Treasury Department included). Produced by Bryan Foy (He Walked by Night, Queen of the Night Clubs), the public domain classic has at last received some proper due (with a newly restored edition on Blu-ray).

As the sly Tris Stewart (Lloyd Bridges) gets into trouble for counterfeit bills, the former jail-bird once again takes to the streets with a hot temper. Meeting and befriending a bubbly (and sexy) cigarette-selling vixen, Meg Dixon (Barbara Payton), events spiral into a frenzy of dramatic confrontations, shadowy encounters, and unexpected twists. A suspenseful journey with some tricks up its sleeve, Trapped is a black-as-night noir for genre fans to explore.

Shadows. Danger. Mystery.

The performances in the film are impressive and help to carry the events of the storytelling. Lloyd Bridges (father of Jeff Bridges) showcases his acting-chops with the kind of fervor necessary for exploring the shadowy world of the film. Barbara Payton is also a stand-out in the film and the performance is engaging. (The unfortunate behind-the-scenes story of the actress is a tragedy: after becoming involved with many men, Payton's sexual escapades hit the tabloids and she was cast aside from Hollywood and turned to substance abuse and prostitution).

One of the most important aspects of the production is the visual aesthetic and how it compliments the world of the filmmaking. Film noir is often about finding the right balance in the shadows: the stark cinematography by Guy Roe (Armored Car Robbery, In This Corner) finds the right equation with impressive visuals which are perfectly complimentary to the landscape of the production. Highly evocative and hypnotic, Trapped is a visually intriguing experience. Composer Sol Kaplan (The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Niagara) compliments the cinematography with a original score that is tense and dynamic. The music blends well with the visual aesthetics.

Trapped features a screenplay by Earl Felton (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea) and George Zuckerman (The Tarnished Angels) and is directed by Richard Fleischer (Soylent Green, Red Sonja). The story is one that is brimming with intrigue and the rhythm of classic serialized storytelling. Fleischer gives a visual flair that perfectly fits the genre fold. Though the film never subverts audience expectations, it does deliver a enticing experience that manages to keep the stakes raised high from beginning to end. The filmmaking simply works as a genre-picture experience and Trapped ultimately leaves one with a memorable impression. Worth a look.

Trapped Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The release features a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original 1.37:1 full frame aspect ratio. A film which has been largely neglected previously on home media (in part due to its status as being in the public domain). Trapped has finally received some proper due with the new restoration. The film has a generally pleasing transfer which is more clean and robust than other public-domain presentations before it.

Though a markedly improved presentation (due to the restoration efforts), Trapped does display some specks of dirt alongside scratches visible on the print. Nonetheless, the transfer is largely clear and it retains the visual aesthetic of the cinematography by Guy Roe quite well. I would also add that the black levels are not quite as inky-black as ideal. Even so, the overall quality of the transfer is still satisfactory.

Trapped Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a DTS-HD Master Audio mono soundtrack. The quality of the sound presentation is reasonably impressive with exceptional dialogue reproduction. The track is largely clear sounding and without serious issues with hiss, crackling, and other imperfections common of films of this age. The track succeeds at presenting the film (even if the track also has somewhat limited fidelity given source limitations). Optional English SDH subtitles (for the deaf and hard of hearing) are provided.

Trapped Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release comes packaged in a clear, Criterion-style case with both the Blu-ray and DVD in a combo pack. The release has an inner print.

23 page booklet (featuring essays and pictures relevant to the production)

Audio Commentary by author Alan K. Rode and film historian Julie Kirgo (of Twilight Time)

Freeing Trapped (HD, 15:47) is an engaging and in-depth featurette with film historian Eddie Muller, author/film historian Alan K. Rode, Mark Fleischer (son of Richard Fleischer), journalist Donna Lethal, and a representative from The Film Noir Foundation. The piece reflects on the legacy of the production, its historical significance as a film noir effort, the tragedy behind one of the film's lead actresses, the direction, and more behind-the-scenes elements. The extra showcases storyboards from the film, select clips, and high resolution stills (showcasing classic posters and more).

A Sedulous Cinderella: Richard Fleischer Remembered (HD, 11:58) is a fond remembrance about the filmmaker behind Trapped (featuring son Mark Fleischer and others). Features a lot of wonderful information about the filmmaker and his experiences in the film industry. Any fan of the director will want to check this piece out.

Trapped Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

A solid film noir experience with an impressive star turn by Lloyd Bridges and entertaining direction by Richard Fleischer, Trapped is worth a look for genre fans. The film features a solid audio-video presentation and some enticing supplemental features to round out the entire package. This is an impressive package and one fans will want to add to their film collection. Recommended.