Synopsis
Audrey Hepburn is recently blind, and still adjusting to her new condition. Unfortunatelyfor her, three criminals are convinced that a load of heroin has been stashed in her apartment,and they want it. Most sinister of the trio is Alan Arkin, playing a complete psychopath. Thetension builds until Hepburn must defend herself against a madman in her darkened apartment.Perfect sweaty-palms material, with a very famous jolt (and believe me, you’ll know it when yousee it).
…
Audio
Mono sound. No too much to say here, though since the film is very dialogue-driven (itstheatrical origins not that distant), the lack of stereo isn’t really felt, and remixes are toofrequently an iffy proposition. The volume could have been pumped up a bit, however.
Video
The format is 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen, but the original ratio (sigh) was 1.85:1. Thepicture is a bit grainy, and there are a few speckles (though not many). The colours are good andstrong, as are the contrasts, flesh tones, and blacks (the latter are particularly important come theclimax). There is no edge enhancement to deal with, either. A solid transfer, though the film doesshow its age a bit.
Special Features
No commentary, but there is a ten-minute retrospective featurette called “A Look in theDark.” Alan Arkin is the principle interview subject, and his reminiscences are very interesting.“Stage Frantics” is an essay on the play and its journey to the screen, and is too brief to give morethan basic stats. Teaser and trailer are also provided. The menu’s main page is scored.
Closing Thoughts
Classic suspense filmmaking, this would make a perfect double bill with See NoEvil, also recently released.
Special Features List
- “A Look in the Dark” Featurette
- Theatrical Trailer
- Teaser Warning
- “Stage Frantics” Essay
