‘Act Of Violence’ Blu-Ray Review – Sins Of The Past Refuse To Stay Buried In Gripping Thriller

When two World War II veterans meet again–one a decorated war hero and successful, married businessman; the other permanently crippled and mentally deranged–the encounter will lead to a shocking Act of Violence. Frank Enly (Van Heflin) survived a German concentration camp to return home a hero and build a good life for himself. But when Joe Parkson (Robert Ryan) comes to town, Enly flees. Now, as his life and sanity rapidly unravel, is Enly really a lying traitor who sold the lives of fellow concentration camp inmates for his own survival as the mentally unstable Parkson claims, or is he a victim of survivor’s guilt that has suddenly resurfaced with Parkson’s return? And will the enmity between the two lead to murder in this acclaimed film noir thriller, from masterful director Fred Zinnemann.

For thoughts on Act of Violence, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required: 

Video Quality

Warner Archive presents Act of Violence with a solid 1080p transfer sourced from a new 4K restoration of the best preservation elements. The moody black-and-white photography from the legendary Robert Surtees retains the appropriate amount of natural film grain that resolves well. The various settings provide intricate textures and clarity throughout the narrative. Black levels are appropriately deep with robust stability throughout, and the contrast holds firm with nothing appearing overly hot. 

Even when the company is not working from the OCN, it typically bests the efforts of many competing labels. There are no jarring transitions from one source to another and nothing that ever feels strained when it comes to this picture. There are some softer shots, but the transfer is stunning with no excessive signs of wear and tear or dirt specks. Compression seems a bit less masterful than we expect from the label, but it is still in good shape overall. Warner Archive has made fans very happy with this release.  

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray comes with a restored DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track that is in great shape. Dialogue and background texture emerge with perfect accuracy along with an effective score. Exchanges always come through clearly without being overshadowed by other elements. The restoration has eliminated nearly all instances of degradation to the track such as popping, hissing, and dropouts. This track allows every distinct element to flourish with firm fidelity. The more lively moments are handled just as well as they give the track some substance. The audio presentation is everything the movie deserves. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are included in the feature film.

Special Features

• Audio Commentary: Film historian Dr. Drew Casper provides a terrific commentary track for the film that analyzes the film scene by scene in technical execution and with historical insights. 

• Act of Violence – Dealing with the Devil: A five-minute featurette in which various filmmakers and historians discuss the qualities and themes of the film that have allowed it to endure as a classic. 

• Classic Cartoons

• • Goggle Fishing Bear: The seven-minute Barney Bear animated short is provided here in HD which finds Barney attempting to go fishing to mixed results thanks to an overly helpful seal.  

• • The Shell-Shocked Egg: The seven-minute Merrie Melodies short is provided here in HD which finds a half-hatched turtle egg going on an unexpected adventure.  

• Original Theatrical Trailer: The two-and-a-half-minute trailer is provided here. 

Final Thoughts

Act of Violence is a strong noir outing from the incredible Fred Zinnemann. The violence at play is rarely literalized, but characters are put through the wringer emotionally as they wrestle with the consequences of their actions. The performances at hand are really good, even if we wish the women were given a bit more development outside of being the voice of reason. The atmosphere evoked is effective from beginning to end, and it proves to be a great viewing experience. Warner Archive has released a Blu-Ray that features a good A/V presentation and some valuable special features. If you are a fan of the genre, you will cherish this release. Recommended 

Act of Violence can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or various other online retailers. 

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Warner Archive has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.