Dark Passage [Blu-ray]

Great old Noir film with Bogart and Boggie.

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.

Ok, "sometimes" you need a good 'ol fashion blow up the world movie - take any James Bond movie - BUT !!! - Movies in this league are both a movie & ART. NO foul language (what's with all the swearing in almost any new - Johnny come lately movie ???) Movies such as these - were both entertaining - hopelessly romantic & just incredibly beautifully shot/made etc. Hollyweird needs to start making movies in this league ... then again ... maybe not ... this way ... we can enjoy this MORE & just sigh ...

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.

Great movie intriguing storyline. Innovating camera work to give a perspective to a noir style film. Disc had light scratch causing a small skip in the movie but not too much to effect the play through.