House of Games

David Mamet's "House of Games," presented on Blu-ray by Criterion, showcases a meticulously supervised digital transfer that merits attention for several reasons. The film is displayed in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, using an MPEG-4 AVC encoding at 1080p resolution. This transfer, overseen by director of photography Juan Ruiz Anchia and crafted from a 35mm original interpositive, underscores the dedication to preserving the film's integrity. The process involved the utilization of a Spirit DataCine film scanner, emphasizing a rigorous restoration effort where thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, and other imperfections were removed manually and digitally, with technologies like MTI Film’s DRS and Digital Vision’s Phoenix addressing flickers and small dirt. This endeavor was further complemented by a careful color correction effort, ensuring that the film's color scheme aligns with its original cinematic vision.

The enhanced detail within this transfer is immediately apparent as it does justice to Mamet's noir-esque aesthetic, delivering clarity without compromising the intended atmospheric haziness that characterizes much of the film. Comparatively surpassing previous home video releases, this version boasts a distinct sharpness in facial features, textures in clothing, and detailed set designs. The restoration effectively retains grain, lending a filmic texture to the image without it becoming obtrusive. Colors are vivid and balanced with particularly impressive reds and deep blacks, enhancing the film's mood without succumbing to crush issues. Furthermore, enhanced shadow delineation and contrast deliver solid noir visuals despite some limitations in the depth and nuance in darker scenes.

However, despite these advancements, some critics note the presentation’s slight softness and a marginally dated appearance, suggesting the master might have been prepared earlier. Additionally, there's an observation regarding subdued grain and certain dark scenes lacking full depth and detail, indicative of a compromise between preserving film authenticity and achieving modern high-definition sharpness. The excellence in image stability is universally acclaimed, showcasing an absence of distracting debris or damage, indicative of the thorough restoration process. This Blu-ray edition presents a significant upgrade over previous formats, yet acknowledges that there remains a subtle balance to be struck between embracing technological enhancements and maintaining the film's original atmospheric charm.

The Blu-ray release of "House of Games" comes with an LPCM 1.0 English Mono track (48kHz, 24-bit) that provides a substantial audio experience, particularly when considering the movie's original monaural design. The Criterion's restoration efforts are evident as the audio quality is significantly enhanced compared to previous versions. Viewers will appreciate the clean, stable sound that comes free of pops, cracks, hums, dropouts, or any distortive elements. Dialogue is rendered crystal clear, making every word effortlessly understandable without the need for unnecessary volume adjustments—a definite improvement from past experiences where the audio could appear muddy or at an unbearable level.

The audio presentation on this release prioritizes clarity and stability, ensuring that dialogue takes precedence. Sound effects and scoring are deliberately restrained, not overpowering but rather complementing the on-screen actions with subtlety. This decision pays off by enhancing the atmospheric tension inherent to the film’s tight, confined settings. Despite the limits of a mono track, the dynamic contrasts within the soundtrack are commendable; though it does not offer the intensity one might find in more complex audio mixes, it effectively serves the narrative's requirements. Optional English SDH subtitles are also provided to aid comprehension, ensuring accessibility for all viewers.

The remastered LPCM Mono track thus successfully breathes new life into "House of Games," balancing technical improvements with the film’s original auditory intentions. While the track does not boast the immersive qualities of multi-channel mixes found in contemporary releases, it does elevate the overall viewing experience. The absence of age-related audio issues and the careful enhancement of dialogue and sound effects enrich the movie without altering its classic feel. This edition stands as a testament to how thoughtful audio restoration can significantly impact the enjoyment and appreciation of a cinematic work.

The Blu-ray extras for "House of Games" offer a succinct yet comprehensive look into the creation and impact of David Mamet's iconic film. Highlights include insightful interviews with Lindsay Crouse and Joe Mantegna, shedding light on their experiences and the intricacies of their characters under Mamet's direction. The inclusion of a vintage documentary by Michael Hausman and a rare audio commentary by Mamet and Ricky Jay provide invaluable behind-the-scenes perspectives. Moreover, "A Short Con" presents unique storyboard-to-film comparisons, enriching the viewing experience with depth on the film's craft. The presentation maintains a professional tone, making it a must-have for enthusiasts seeking to delve deeper into the film’s production nuances and storytelling techniques.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage trailer for House of Games.
• Lindsay Crouse Interview: Actress Lindsay Crouse discusses her contribution to House of Games and her interactions with director David Mamet.
• Joe Mantegna Interview: Actor Joe Mantegna talks about his involvement with House of Games and his long professional relationship with David Mamet.
• David Mamet on House of Games: A documentary shot during the production, featuring clips from interviews with cast and crew.
• A Short Con: A gallery of original storyboards for the Tap and the corresponding scene from the movie, showcasing a variation of a con devised by Ricky Jay.
• Audio Commentary: Vintage audio commentary with writer/director David Mamet and actor/con-consultant Ricky Jay.

David Mamet's debut film, "House of Games," is a mesmerizing exploration of the human psyche, delivered with the kind of narrative dexterity and directorial finesse you'd expect from a veteran. The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release does justice to this intricate cinematic treasure, not just in preserving the film's visual and auditory essence but also by enriching our appreciation through carefully selected supplementary features and an insightful booklet. Mamet's own participation in the archival audio commentary, alongside Ricky Jay, offers a deep dive into the film's conception and execution, while Joe Mantegna's interview sheds more light on the compelling performances that underpin the narrative’s effectiveness.

The storyline revolves around Margaret Ford, played with a fascinating blend of vulnerability and resolve by Lindsay Crouse, who delves into the world of con artistry guided by Joe Mantegna's charismatic yet enigmatic Mike. This engagement leads to an enthralling psychological dance that examines themes such as illusion vs. reality, and the essence of human interaction viewed through the prism of a high-stakes game. The film's neo-noir aesthetics, meticulously crafted by Mamet and cinematographer Juan Ruiz Anchia, elevate the narrative’s tension and atmosphere, fittingly complementing the thematic concerns and character arcs.

While Mamet's stylistic choice—characterized by rapid-fire dialogue and a poker-faced emotional tone—may draw criticism for perceived flatness in performances, it's a deliberate tactic that mirrors the film’s central conceits about deception and self-deception. This approach becomes especially potent in "House of Games," where every word and pause can be a clue to unraveling the multifaceted scam at the heart of the story. The Criterion Collection’s presentation ensures viewers are not merely passive observers but are actively engaged in decoding the narrative’s complexities, much like Crouse’s Margaret Ford deciphering the tells in a game that blurs the lines between the conned and the conner.

David Mamet's "House of Games," his directorial debut, makes a compelling statement about the nature of deception and the intricacies of human manipulation, presented in the guise of a high-stakes con thriller. The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release offers both a revisitation and an enhancement of this celebrated film. While the visuals are sourced from an older master, the quality remains commendable, ensuring that Mamet’s cinematic and theatrical blend shines with clarity. Accompanied by an excellent audio mix and the insightful commentary featuring the late Ricky Jay alongside Mamet himself, this edition is a treasure trove for enthusiasts seeking depth beyond the surface-level mechanics of the film’s plot.

The package's presentation underscores the thematic richness Mamet injects into his work, probing life's existential qualms through the lens of a thriller that's both swift and intellectually engaging. This Blu-ray does not merely serve as a conduit for high-definition viewing; it acts as a portal to Mamet's nuanced exploration of control, perspective, and reality—packaged within a narrative that is as relentless in pace as it is in its demand for viewer engagement. The fresh HD restoration amplifies the aesthetic appeal, ensuring that every frame underscores the narrative's tension and atmospheric depth. Despite an extras section that might seem sparse to some, its content is curated to enrich one’s appreciation of the film and its crafting, promising value that transcends mere visual or auditory enhancement.

In conclusion, the Criterion Collection’s Blu-ray release of "House of Games" is more than a mere preservation of David Mamet’s seminal work; it is an invitation to delve deeper into its thematic labyrinth and appreciate its cinematic craft on a new level. Whether you’re dissecting its complex narrative for the first time or returning for a meticulous analysis, this edition is an essential addition to any collector's library, highly recommended for those ready to engage with its challenging propositions and cinematic brilliance.