Who? Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Who? Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov June 13, 2019

Jack Gold's "Who?" (1974) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Indicator/Powerhouse Films. The supplemental features on the disc include vintage promotional materials for the film; audio commentary by director Jack Gold; vintage commentary by Elliott Gould; vintage interview with actor Ed Grover; and more. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

The man that came from the other side

Jack Gold's film was first release on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber in the United States. For an in-depth analysis of the film, please see my colleague Brian Orndorf's review of this release here.

Who? Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Jack Gold's Who? arrive son Blu-ray courtesy of Indicator/Powerhouse Films.

I have Kino Lorber's release of this film in my library, which is sourced from a remaster that was provided by Euro London Films LTD. Despite the minor framing discrepancy, it appears that this release was sourced from the same remaster.

The gamma levels are slightly elevated on the Kino Lorber release, which is the reason why the overall balance of the dynamic range is a tad better here. (If your player does automatic adjustments more than likely you won't be able to tell that there is a difference). Depth and clarity are mostly pleasing, but there are a number of notable density fluctuations. Also, as it was the case on the Kino Lorber release, there are segments with very minor but noticeable color pulsations/fluttering, and they tend to impact fluidity. Detail is mostly good, but various nuances are quite weak; some light black crush sneaks in as well. This is the main reason why the entire film has a somewhat 'thick' appearance. The good news here is that the remaster has a very strong organic appearance, so despite its minor shortcomings even on a very large screen the visuals retain a good filmic quality. A few specks and blemishes pop up, but there are no large debris, cuts, or torn frames report. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray release. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your player regardless of your geographical location).

Who? Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There is only one standard audio track on this Blu-ray release: English LPCM 1.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature.

As far as I am concerned the lossless track replicates the native qualities of the original soundtrack very well. Yes, there are small dynamic fluctuations that pop up here and there, but they are flaws, just inherited limitations. More importantly, the audio is very healthy -- there are no distortions, hiss, hum, or other similar age-related imperfections. There are no audio dropouts either.

Who? Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

NOTE: All of the supplemental features on this Blu-ray release are perfectly playable on North American Blu-ray players, including the PS3.

• Audio Commentary - this audio commentary features director Jack Gold and film historian Anthony Sloman. It is a very good commentary which offers a great deal of interesting technical information about the shooting of the film in Germany and Miami as well as the era in which it was conceived. Also, Mr. Gold discusses the unique challenge that the film presented in terms of style, as well as the progression of his career after it. The same commentary is also included on Kino Lorber's release.

• Selected Scenes Commentary with Elliott Gould - Elliott Gould has some interesting comments about Joseph Bova's performance, his time in Munich during where he met Maximilian Schell and the meaning of his statement "the closer you are, the less you see", the stunt work, etc. The commentary was recorded in 2010. (21 min).

• The BEHP Interview with Jack Gold - this program contains excerpts from an interview with Jack Gold that was conducted by filmmakers Norman Swallow and Alan Lawson in 1990. Mr. Gold discusses his background, his early days as a director and some of the projects he worked on, how TV programming altered the nature of drama in cinema, etc. (92 min).

• The Megaton Mind - in this archival featurette, actor Ed Grover (Finchley) recalls his involvement with Who? and specifically his interactions with director Jack Gold and other cast members in Munich. In English, not subtitled. (26 min).

• The Man Behind the Mask - in this new featurette, critic Kim Newman discusses the novel by Algis Budrys that inspired Jack Gold to shoot Who?, as well as some of the film's more unusual themes. In English, not subtitled. (21 min).

• Image Gallery - a collection of vintage promotional materials for Who?.

• Booklet - an exclusive booklet with a new essay by writer and critic Phelim O'Neill, an archival interview with director Jack Gold, a look at Algis Budrys' source novel, an overview of contemporary critical responses, and film credits..

Who? Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Indicator/Powerhouse Films' release of Jack Gold's Who? is sourced from the same remaster that Kino Lorber worked with, but the technical presentation is slightly better. Also, this release has some additional bonus features that may be of interest to folks that enjoy the film. It is a Region-Free release and all of the features are playable on Region-A players. RECOMMENDED.