A prison psychiatrist (the legendary Sidney Poitier) is charged with treating a hate-filled young man (Bobby Darin), and as he probes the patient’s nightmares, he realizes that the boy’s twisted visions mask a lust for unspeakable violence.
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Video Quality
Pressure Point comes to Blu-Ray thanks to MGM with a 1080p transfer that holds up well for the time period. This film has previously been released on Blu-Ray through Olive Films in 2016, but we do not have that release to compare. The new transfer is not noted as being from a new master, and we can only guess this is derived from the same source. The natural film grain has been retained with only a few shots teetering on noise or clumpy grain within the lovely black-and-white photography.
Contrast is deftly defined with only fleeting instances of flicker or density fluctuation in the print. Black levels have a good amount of complexity to them with no egregious occurrence of crush or compression artifacts. Audiences are treated to a good amount of depth and enhanced detail within the film’s composition. The image exhibits occasional softness, but you still get a pleasant amount of texture on the clothing and within the background. Nicks and scratches rarely show up, and none of them are significant when they do. MGM has brought a solid transfer back into circulation.
Audio Quality
MGM brings us this new Blu-Ray with a lossless DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mix that handles the material admirably within its ambitions. The track sidesteps most anomalies outside of some age-related issues. Dialogue comes through clearly without much distortion or other sonic hindrance. The score and music guide the narrative with agreeable fidelity. The environmental effects are subtle but help flesh out the soundscape a bit. MGM has treated this one well. There are optional English SDH subtitles provided.
Special Features
There are no special features provided on the disc.
Final Thoughts
Pressure Point is an engaging drama that is anchored by a terrific performance from the great Sidney Poitier. The legendary actor exudes a level of control over his character as he struggles with his basic desires and professional calling. Some of the psychoanalysis can be a bit blunt and emotionally manipulative, but as a narrative, it is quite effective. MGM has brought this film to Blu-Ray with a solid A/V presentation but nothing in the way of special features. If you are a fan of Poitier, you should check it out. Recommended
Pressure Point 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: MGM 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.
