Arthur Penn’s haunting neonoir reimagines the hard-boiled detective film for the disillusioned, paranoid 1970s. In one of his greatest performances, Gene Hackman oozes world-weary cynicism as a private investigator whose search for an actress’s missing daughter (Melanie Griffith) leads him from the Hollywood Hills to the Florida Keys, where he is pulled into a sordid family drama and a sinister conspiracy he can hardly grasp. Bolstered by Alan Sharp’s genre-scrambling script and Dede Allen’s elliptical editing, the daringly labyrinthine Night Moves is a defining work of post-Watergate cinema—a silent scream of existential dread and moral decay whose legend has only grown with time.
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Video Quality
The Criterion Collection presents Night Moves with a fantastic 2160p HDR/Dolby Vision transfer in 1.85:1 sourced from a 4K restoration of the 35mm Original Camera Negative. The label used a 35mm Technicolor dye-transfer print as a color reference. The film was previously released by Warner Archive several years ago in 2017 on Blu-Ray. The older transfer was very pleasing at the time of release and still holds up very well, and it may be preferred by some thanks to its brighter appearance. The differences between the color timing are not insignificant, but it is disingenuous to label this lovely transfer a disaster as has been touted by certain corners of the internet. Fans of the film may want to have both versions to indulge in different options, but those who can only choose one should go with the new Criterion release.
From the earliest moments of the film, the new transfer has a parade of benefits. This transfer retains the natural film grain which resolves consistently, allowing for a world of fine detail to emerge. Discrete facets of the production design and clothing reveal subtle nuances previously obscured. We did not notice any grain reduction or scrubbing as you get a fine sheen that resolves carefully without breaking up into swarmy noise. The encode of this disc does not struggle in the slightest. Any theoretical moments of print damage such as nicks or scratches are not a reality here.
The new Dolby Vision transfer makes a meal out of the cinematography from Bruce Surtees. The film handles the black levels astoundingly well, as it avoids crush and noise. There are some scenes in a shadowy bar that would be swallowed up without definition on a more primitive format. Highlights are respectable without blooming. This moody story translates that feeling to the color palette that is dialed in to the intended aesthetic. As mentioned, this transfer used a specific print for reference, and the film avoids doling out a blanket color bath over the entire experience. Scenes have a deliberate look that suit the overall story, even if it might not “pop” as much as certain discs that people put on to impress others. This 4K UHD release from Criterion is something quite special.
Audio Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc comes with an LPCM 1.0 track remastered from the 35mm DME magnetic audio track which brings great power to modest sound design. Dialogue comes through clearly as it avoids being overwhelmed by competing elements. The low end kicks up some texture, but it is understandably not the high point of this experience. The score courtesy of Michael Small has never sounded better as it permeates the space with unflappable fidelity. Environmental sounds emerge with a formidable presence alongside everything else. All key information is steadfastly represented, and it maintains an amiable balance so that focus is never lost. There are no hiccups with age-related wear and tear as the track holds up well. The Criterion Collection has given this film a fabulous audio experience. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided.
Special Features
The Criterion 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Night Moves includes a booklet featuring the essay “Losing Ground” by author Mark Harris which gives rich insight into the film and the work of Arthur Penn. The on-disc special features are as follows:
- Audio Commentary: Matthew Asprey Gear, author of Moseby Confidential: Arthur Penn’s “Night Moves” and The Rise of Neo-Noir, provides a new commentary track in which he delves into the production and themes of the film, changes from the shooting script, the shooting locations, and more that is well worth a listen.
- Arthur Penn, 1975: A nearly 20-minute interview with the filmmaker for the television series Cinema Showcase from 1975 in which he discusses what attracted him to the material, the personal life of our main character, the stunt sequences, and more.
- Arthur Penn, 1995: A nearly six-minute excerpt from the documentary Arthur Penn: A Love Affair with Film in which the director reflects on his experiences making the film and how he feels about it in the present.
- Jennifer Warren: A new 17-minute audio interview with the actress in which she discusses the audition process, fighting to get a part different from what she was asked to audition, the complexities of her character, improvising with Gene Hackman during rehearsals, working with Arthur Penn, and more.
- The Day of the Director: A nearly nine-minute profile of the director that gets into the nuts and bolts of making a film.
- Trailer (2:15)
Final Thoughts
Night Moves is a top-tier detective movie that has a gripping mystery at the center of things while affording room for complex character work. Gene Hackman was one of the best to ever do it, and he is in excellent form here alongside a talented ensemble. The film moves at a great pace without feeling rushed. It does not get talked about as much as certain other films from this era, but it leaves a mark once you lock into it. The Criterion Collection has delivered a new 4K UHD Blu-Ray that offers a spectacular A/V presentation and a nice selection of new and archival special features. If you are a fan of the genre, don’t miss this one. Highly Recommended
The Criterion Collection edition of Night Moves is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD, Blu-Ray and DVD.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: The Criterion Collection 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.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
