12 Angry Men Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "12 Angry Men" presents the film in a striking 1.66:1 aspect ratio, sourced from a meticulously crafted high-definition digital transfer on a Spirit 2K from a 35mm fine-grain master positive. Thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, and other imperfections were painstakingly removed using MTI’s DRS and Pixel Farm’s PFClean, while Image Systems’ DVNR was employed for small dirt, grain, and noise reduction. This effort has yielded a presentation that significantly elevates the visual quality of Sidney Lumet's classic, which now teeters into demo-worthy territory.

The monochrome palette is rendered with remarkable fidelity, offering bright whites, rich blacks, and a broad range of grays that add depth to the imagery. Detailed close-ups reveal the intricacies of the actors' faces with excellent clarity, free from over-zealous digital enhancements. The filmic grain is well-managed, adding to the authentic feel without becoming distracting. Additionally, no major transition issues or large damage marks, cuts, stains, or warps are apparent, thanks to Criterion's diligent restoration work.

The overall result is a crisp and well-balanced visual experience that has rarely been seen before in such venerable films. The textures and details—from the weave of fabrics to the grain in wooden surfaces—are rendered beautifully. This Blu-ray presentation stands out for dramatically improving detail and clarity while maintaining an authentic cinematic feel. Criterion has delivered a top-tier effort that ensures "12 Angry Men" looks its very best on modern screens.

The monaural audio presentation on the Blu-ray of "12 Angry Men" has been meticulously remastered at 24-bit from a restored 35mm magnetic print. Criterion utilized Pro Tools HD to manually remove clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum, while AudioCube’s integrated workstation attenuated crackles. Presented in lossless LPCM 1.0, this track delivers a remarkably natural sound despite its technical limitations. The dialogue-centric audio showcases clear and coherent vocal exchanges ranging from whispers to heated arguments with no distortion or serious sync issues detected. Even Lee J. Cobb's intense outbursts are rendered without any distortion, ensuring that the film’s dramatic tension remains intact.

Despite an inherently limited dynamic range typical of a mono track, the audio maintains excellent depth and fluidity, providing an immersive experience. While there is a faint background hiss detectable at times, it remains non-distracting. Ambient noises, such as the heavy rain pouring outside the jury room windows and accents like fist-pounding, are seamlessly integrated into the soundscape. Kenyon Hopkins' sparse yet impactful music score is also presented with warmth, allowing individual instruments to be distinctly identified.

For fans of "12 Angry Men," this remastered audio track sets a new standard by faithfully capturing the essence of the original soundtrack while enhancing clarity and presence. The audio restoration ensures that every form of dialogue, from civil discourse to loud confrontations, is precisely articulated, thus maintaining the immersive quality of this iconic film.

Criterion excels again with the "12 Angry Men" Blu-ray, delivering a comprehensive and insightful array of extras that will delight both casual film admirers and cinephiles. The highlight is undoubtedly the inclusion of the original 1954 television production, a rare artifact showcasing Reginald Rose's Emmy-winning script. Another standout is the 23-minute compilation of Sidney Lumet's interviews, providing a deep dive into his creative process and career trajectory. The disc also features scholarly commentary by Vance Kepley and tributes to key contributors like writer Reginald Rose and cinematographer Boris Kaufman. Overall, this extras package offers an unparalleled look behind the scenes of this cinematic masterpiece.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Ron Simon: Exploration of the TV version's impact and context.
• The Television Version: Original 1954 teleplay that inspired the film.
• 12 Angry Men: From TV to the Big Screen: Behind-the-scenes documentary on the production process.
• Sidney Lumet: Compilation of interviews detailing Lumet's career.
• Reflections on Sidney: Interview with Walter Bernstein extolling Lumet's virtues.
• On Reginald Rose: Examination of Rose's influence and themes.
• Tragedy in a Temporary Town: Another powerful TV work by Rose, directed by Lumet.
• On Boris Kaufman: Analysis of Kaufman's visual style and contributions.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Booklet: Essay by Thane Rosenbaum titled "Lumet’s Faces".

Sidney Lumet’s 1957 debut, “12 Angry Men,” is an exemplary legal drama that effectively utilizes minimalistic plotting and a tightly confined setting to deliver a compelling narrative on justice, prejudice, and the American legal system. Capturing the intense deliberations of twelve jurors who must decide the fate of a young Puerto Rican man accused of patricide, Lumet meticulously builds tension through the film’s taut script by Reginald Rose and stellar ensemble performances. Henry Fonda stands out as Juror No. 8, who instigates a thorough review of the evidence by simply casting reasonable doubt on the case against the defendant. The other characters, portrayed by a cast including Lee J. Cobb, E.G. Marshall, Jack Warden, and Jack Klugman, each bring unique perspectives and prejudices that vividly demonstrate how personal biases can influence the judicial process.

The film’s claustrophobic atmosphere is heightened by Lumet’s adept use of tight camera angles and extreme close-ups, adding to the feeling of entrapment in the stifling jury room. The visual quality on this Criterion Blu-ray edition is exceptional, featuring a clean 1.66:1 transfer that maintains the original film grain without apparent digital manipulation, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the nuanced performances and meticulous direction. The LPCM mono audio track is clear, with only minor instances of hiss that do not detract from the dialogue-driven narrative.

Moreover, this Criterion release enriches the viewing experience with several valuable extras, including high-definition presentations of the original 1954 TV broadcast directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and another teleplay by Lumet and Rose. The disc also features interviews with Lumet and other contributors, a video essay by curator Ron Simon, and an insightful essay by Thane Rosenbaum included in the illustrated booklet. For those interested in deeply woven drama and socio-political commentary delivered through sterling writing and performances, this Blu-ray edition of “12 Angry Men” is an essential addition to any film collection.

Sidney Lumet's "12 Angry Men" stands as a seminal achievement in American cinema, brilliantly capturing the strengths and frailties of the judicial process. Originating as Reginald Rose’s teleplay on CBS's Studio One in 1954, it was transformed into a profound cinematic experience by Lumet in 1957, featuring Henry Fonda in a career-defining role. The claustrophobic black-and-white depiction of a jury room underlines the film's tension-filled narrative, underscoring diverse human reactions under pressure. The ensemble cast, including E.G. Marshall, Lee J. Cobb, Jack Warden, Ed Begley, and Jack Klugman, supports Fonda's standout performance with formidable talent and authenticity.

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation elevates this classic to new heights. The 1.66:1 transfer is pristine, maintaining a pleasing level of grain and exceptional detail, particularly in close-ups. The black-and-white cinematography is preserved with no detectable digital manipulation, reflecting the film’s authentic texture. The LPCM mono audio track delivers the dialogue-driven script with clarity and minimal hiss, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. English SDH subtitles are included for additional support.

Supplementary content significantly enriches this release. The HD presentation of the original 1954 TV production directed by Franklin Schaffner adds historical depth. Additional features include Lumet’s own "Tragedy in a Temporary Town," a production history, comprehensive interviews with key figures, and a booklet essay by Thane Rosenbaum. Criterion also provides archival footage and the original theatrical trailer, offering a thorough exploration of the film’s legacy.

In conclusion, "12 Angry Men" is an essential acquisition for any serious film collector or enthusiast of legal dramas. Criterion’s meticulous restoration and insightful supplemental materials make this Blu-ray release an invaluable homage to a timeless classic. Very highly recommended.