Dark Passage

Interesting mystery/thriller/film noir from 1947 starring two of the greats, the film has some interesting camera work early on and it was a blast seeing 1947 San Francisco. The film opens with a prison break, Humphrey Bogart’s character Vincent Parry breaking out of San Quentin Prison, intent on clearing his name, as he was framed for murdering his wife. Along the way he crosses paths with someone who takes him to a plastic surgeon so he can change his apparently very easily recognized face. Until the surgery is complete, we never see Bogart’s face but only see things from his point of view, that was innovative (I guess it also saved on casting another actor and also dealt with the issue of the voice being the same). We meet Irene Jansen, played by Lauren Bacall, who to the great amazement of Vincent takes a great interesting in helping him not only escape the police but in trying to clear his name. Though at times like Vincent I was amazed at how helpful she was to him, overall I liked her character and hey, it’s Lauren Bacall being Lauren Bacall and she does as great job in this film. I liked the tension, the mixture of really helpful people and double crossers (as we find that in addition to the person who framed Vincent, there are other foes in the film). San Francisco was used to great effect in the film, with great shots using Filbert Steps, the famous cable cars, and just iconic views of the city. The ending had an element that was maybe a little contrived I thought, but I did like the very final shots of the film. Unlike _The Big Sleep_ with its super difficult to follow plot, this was a much more straightforward and simple plot (though it was never boring). There was a couple of good action scenes, some fun cat and mouse, I loved it when Bacall and Bogart interacted, just all-around solid movie.

Although it's the most unfavorably criticized of the Bogart-Bacall teamings, "Dark Passage" is a fascinating film, and one of those little gems which shines brighter with each viewing. The plot, which relies a little too heavily on coincidence and improbable twists, is nontheless engrossing. Bogart plays a convicted murderer on the lam who is trying to keep a low profile while identifying his wife's real killer; Bacall is the gorgeous girl who staunchly believes in his innocence and takes big risks to help him out. Interestingly, the first part of the film is presented from Bogart's point of view, with the other characters talking directly to the camera as if it were him. This places the brunt of the acting burden on his co-stars, and in particular, Bacall; to her credit, she carries the first half of the film expertly, capturing and maintaining viewer interest with her expressive voice and handsome face. Bogart's character finally materializes visually about halfway through the film as an unrecognizable face in a newspaper photo; next as a shadowed figure in the back of a cab; then as a head-bandaged plastic surgery patient; and finally emerges as the hero, the man with Bogart's face. Without giving away any more of the labyrinthian plot, suffice it to say that the supporting cast is uniformly excellent with special kudos going to Tom D'Andrea as a perceptive cab driver, Houseley Stevenson as a quirky plastic surgeon, and Agnes Moorehead as a peevish, man-hungry harridan. Sid Hickox's black-and-white cinematography is both attention-grabbing and beautiful, and the art direction and set decorations are superb (especially love the contrast between Bacall's lavish apartment and the gritty scenes of nighttime San Francisco). The DVD presentation of this noir classic is strictly first class. The video transfer is sharp with excellent contrast, and the sound is clear and crisp. The disc includes the Original Theatrical Trailer, a "making of" documentary, and the Merry Melodies color cartoon "Slick Hare", in which Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd meet up with Bogart, Bacall, and a host of other movie legends. Overall, a wonderful package that offers a wealth of fun and entertainment.

fast ship, great quality

Great Flick. They don't make them like this anymore.

"Dark Passage"(1947) is the third film that paired stars Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall together after "To Have and Have Not" and "The Big Sleep" but unlike those first two films, "Dark Passage" failed to click with audiences and was a failure at the box office. The two main reasons were the story itself and the way it was filmed. Starting out with a prison escape it soon turns into an impressionistic psychological drama with macabre overtones(a disbarred plastic surgeon) before taking another turn by becoming a man seeking revenge for a crime he didn't commit. It didn't help that the story was filmed from the camera's "point of view" substituting for Bogart's character(Actor Robert Montgomery used the same technique in "Lady in the Lake"). Because Bogart doesn't actually appear until the film's last thirty minutes, audiences expecting the usual Bogart/Bacall on screen fireworks felt cheated and were understandably disappointed. Warner's(through it's Archive Collection) has now brought this unusual film to Blu-ray for the first time and the results are once again outstanding. Digitally restored in 2K from a fine-grain master positive taken from the original camera negative, "Dark Passage" has never looked better and Warner's has given the film a high bitrate(33.91). This makes for an almost pristine picture from start to finish. There are some scenes that appear softer than the majority of the presentation but there are no vertical lines, torn or damaged frames, dirt, white specks that marred the standard DVD. The B & W cinematography by Sid Hickox is a wonder now on Blu-ray with close-ups being especially vivid. Interiors are sharp and detailed. Costumes are another delight with patterns being bright and bold with Bogart's pin-stripped suit and Bacall's checkered dress being especially sharp looking. However, as good as the interiors look it's the outdoor scenes that are the real highlight of the film. Filmed on location in San Francisco, the city has never looked better on Blu-ray. Whether it's the Golden Gate Bridge, the Mark Hopkins Hotel, Coit Tower or the cable cars downtown, these outdoor location scenes of San Francisco in the late Forties are still impressive nearly seventy years since they were filmed. The Audio(English DTS-HD MA 2.0; Dolby Digital for French and Spanish) is crystal clear and free of any noise artifacts(noise, hiss, crackle, etc.). The acting is top notch with Bogart and Bacall giving good performances. They get excellent support from Agnes Moorehead and Bruce Bennett among others. "Dark Passage" is 106 minutes(Aspect ratio: 1.37:1) and contains the following subtitles: English SDH, French, Japanese and Spanish. Special features include a featurette of the making of "Dark Passage"(11 minutes), a Warner Brothers cartoon and the theatrical trailer. The Blu-ray disk itself is housed in a solid standard Blu-ray case(not an eco-cutout case). "Dark Passage" might not be as popular as the other Bogart/Bacall films but still holds your interest and gets better with each viewing. Warner's has given the film an excellent upgrade for it's Blu-ray debut and fans of Bogart and Bacall should not hesitate to add this to their collection. It comes highly recommended. (Please note that "To Have and Have Not" will be released by Warner's through their Archive Collection on July 19).

One of the best movies coming out of the Hollywood 'system' back in the day. Solid story line filled with the tension of the main characters (Bogart/Bacall) carrying the action from one twist to the next. The underlying attraction between these two helps energize the movie and the superb dialog spices up the overarching tension of the situation. Bogart is exceptional as a man fighting for 'right' and a young Agnes Moorehead (known to many as Endora in the 1960's sitcom, Bewitched) plays a pivotal, yet unsavory, role in the story. Directed by Delmer Daves, popular director of many movies during this era, this is a well assembled and delivered suspense drama worth owning. Enjoy.

Dark Passage (1947) is the third of four Bogey/Bacall pairings, and is a wonderful film. I should note that every Bogey/Bacall picture is wonderful. As for Dark Passage: I really like the even pacing of this film, and the fact that the plot isn't overly complicated and convoluted. While some films (such as The Big Sleep) actually benefit from their complicated plots, this film is best told in a more direct way. We quickly learn that Bogart's character is framed for murder, and he resorts to getting plastic surgery to change his look to avoid authorities while he tries to clear his name. This setup is simple, but the film is never boring, because there are twists and turns along the way, and the film has the feel of a thriller while still being a film noir. The supporting cast are stellar in their respective roles, and really carry the film. This film is very absorbing and holds your attention, thanks to the simpler plot, simpler dialogue and surprises along the way. The blu ray is an excellent transfer, with great picture and sound quality for an old film. It has some good special features as well. Dark Passage is essential for film noir aficionados, so I enthusiastically recommend it.

This is a hugely entertaining film noir notable for its distinctly different assets. In portraying the travails of an escaped convict who resorts to plastic surgery in order to evade capture, this production is truly compelling. Much of the film is viewed through the eyes of this escapee; thus, his face is concealed from the viewer, and his own perspective comprises our point of view. He, in effect, is the primary observer of much of this movie's proceedings, until the cinematography shifts to the convention of having the scenes which include this escapee unfold toward the viewer. In addition, this film devotes attention and time to two protagonists, portrayed by Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart. The character, personality, and history of both are explored in depth; thus, their alliance, however contrived and implausible, is explained. And these character explorations allow the viewer to empathize with these two multi-faceted individuals who are not merely opaque figures furthering the plot. Aside from the many memorable supporting cast members is another impressive, subordinate actor: San Francisco, providing much atmosphere here as in practically every movie in which it serves as context. Also here we have the very familiar film noir trope: the seemingly naive or innocent individual against an implacable authority and/or indifferent or hostile society. Other film noir elements include: dramatic chiaroscuro, criminality, the nurturing female who provides succor and salvation. Although this film was initially received with indifference, disdain, or minimal interest upon release, today's audience and film noir historians have favorably reevaluated this work. And Lauren Bacall's undeniable charisma and nuanced acting as well as Agnes Moorehead's portrayal of the world's most obnoxious harridan are today greatly appreciated and provide much enjoyment. The enduring nimbus of golden-age Hollywood tinsel surrounding Bogart and Bacall, both of whom have since achieved apotheosis, continues to sparkle and titilate the eye and ear of the viewer.

buena imagen y sonido

Good nice

Ce film passionnant, très bien tourné, très bien photographié (les images sont somptueuses), et très bien joué, je l'avais déjà en DVD. Avec le Blu-ray, on fait un immense pas en avant. L'image gagne en clarté, et on peut reculer le vidéo projecteur pour obtenir une bien plus grande image, sans perte de précision. C'est une restauration 4K et ça se voit, comparé par exemple à l'autre Bogart-Bacall "Le grand sommeil", qui lui n'a bénéficié que d'une restauration 2K. Pas de grande différence pour le son par contre.

Worthwhile addition to my collection of Bogart/Bacall collection.

Brilliant thank you