Official Film Noir on Blu-ray Thread

[noirjunkie]

Upgrade Alert:

A company in Turkey has released a region free edition of Dark Country 3D. Unlike the French edition listed in the OP, it does not include forced subtitles. It has an English DTS-MA 5.1 track and optional English subs, too.



It's a huge pain to order these, but if you want one, I'm planning on picking up a few more (I already sold some to other forum members), so send me a PM for details.

[Bogey]

OK, admittedly I am not the sharpest tack in the drawer, but was wondering if someone here could lay down some breadcrumbs for the movie Laura. I have watched it a number of times and recently grabbed it on BR. However, I cannot quite put together how McPherson

[Show spoiler]when looking around Waldo's apartment suddenly comes up with the idea that a murder weapon may be in his clock like the one in Laura's apartment that Waldo had given her. Just seems like too much of a stretch to me.

Now, if I were to have stuck to the clock line I would have had the conversation about there being only the two, EXACTLY ALIKE, but given hers a certain chime tone that was heard by the group, commented on as unique, THEN when he hears Waldo's, the tone is different due to the weapon being inserted in its belly that made the chime catch his ear as odd and made him investigate the clock.

Help me out with this part of the story folks. What am I missing?

[SeanJoyce]

Originally Posted by Bogey

OK, admittedly I am not the sharpest tack in the drawer, but was wondering if someone here could lay down some breadcrumbs for the movie Laura. I have watched it a number of times and recently grabbed it on BR. However, I cannot quite put together how McPherson

[Show spoiler]when looking around Waldo's apartment suddenly comes up with the idea that a murder weapon may be in his clock like the one in Laura's apartment that Waldo had given her. Just seems like too much of a stretch to me.

Now, if I were to have stuck to the clock line I would have had the conversation about there being only the two, EXACTLY ALIKE, but given hers a certain chime tone that was heard by the group, commented on as unique, THEN when he hears Waldo's, the tone is different due to the weapon being inserted in its belly that made the chime catch his ear as odd and made him investigate the clock.

Help me out with this part of the story folks. What am I missing?

Aside from Clifton Webb, Laura is horrible. Just an inane and terribly misguided movie.

The Preminger/Andrews/Tierney trio worked SO much better in Where the Sidewalk Ends.

[dougotte]

Originally Posted by Bogey

OK, admittedly I am not the sharpest tack in the drawer, but was wondering if someone here could lay down some breadcrumbs for the movie Laura. I have watched it a number of times and recently grabbed it on BR. However, I cannot quite put together how McPherson

[Show spoiler]when looking around Waldo's apartment suddenly comes up with the idea that a murder weapon may be in his clock like the one in Laura's apartment that Waldo had given her. Just seems like too much of a stretch to me.

Now, if I were to have stuck to the clock line I would have had the conversation about there being only the two, EXACTLY ALIKE, but given hers a certain chime tone that was heard by the group, commented on as unique, THEN when he hears Waldo's, the tone is different due to the weapon being inserted in its belly that made the chime catch his ear as odd and made him investigate the clock.

Help me out with this part of the story folks. What am I missing?

[Show spoiler]I need to watch that segment again. I don't remember if he noticed a different chime sound, or just had the idea to check the clock more carefully. Didn't he do the old "knock" trope to find that there was a hidden compartment?

[MifuneFan]

If you haven't done so already, and are interested, TCM will be having a free online course for Hitchcock starting on June 26th. Enroll now if you want to get in. This will be the same format as the previous ones they did for Film Noir, and Slapstick.

Originally Posted by MeMynonsense

Just found out that TCM’s newest course is dedicated solely to the Master of Suspense!
I think it's no coincidence that criterion's release of The Lodger coincides with the course. Anyhoo it should be a safe bet for all thread regulars.

ENROLL HERE

[dancerslegs]

Originally Posted by SeanJoyce

Aside from Clifton Webb, Laura is horrible. Just an inane and terribly misguided movie.

The only thing Laura suffers from is drab direction. The script is rightly-considered a classic and the cast plenty talented. Too bad Preminger lets things get too static--far too often the film feels stagey as all get out. Michael Curtiz would have turned this into one of the most entertaining films ever made.

[Bogey]

Originally Posted by dougotte

[Show spoiler]I need to watch that segment again. I don't remember if he noticed a different chime sound, or just had the idea to check the clock more carefully. Didn't he do the old "knock" trope to find that there was a hidden compartment?

[Show spoiler]Heard it chime and went all Suicide Squad on it. Don't cha need a warrant to smash someones clock without their permission.

As for the film,it took multiple viewings. My first time through was a bit painful, but now I really enjoy it on a number of levels.

[tallrichard]

Just did part one of the Hitchcock course on Canvas...interesting and educational. Now I'm thinking of getting The Lodger at the B&N Criterion sale!

[The Great Owl]

Last night, I watched my Twilight Time Blu-ray of Inferno.



Inferno is one of the best films ever made, and it's one of the shining jewels of the Twilight Time catalogue.

After falling off of a horse and breaking his leg during a trip to the Mojave Desert, an unlikeable millionaire tycoon is left alone to die by his adulterous wife and her new lover, a mining engineer. Inferno follows the struggles of the wounded man to survive in the desert while trying to find his way back to civilization, with the obstacles of rocky cliffs, rattlesnakes, blazing sunlit temperatures, and possible dehydration or starvation standing in his way. Meanwhile, the scheming couple who left him behind are trying to cover their tracks while being questioned by authorities.

Robert Ryan, who plays the millionaire, always excelled at playing rude or belligerent characters, but his charisma nonetheless shines through in films like On Dangerous Ground, Act of Violence, Crossfire, The Wild Bunch, Bad Day at Black Rock, The Set-Up, The Dirty Dozen, and Clash by Night. Inferno gives him one of his best roles, since his wealthy character is given a chance to prove his mettle in an environment where his money will not help him.

Rhonda Fleming, who plays the wife, was one of the most beautiful actresses in the history of cinema. She stars in my all-time favorite movie, Out of the Past, as a crafty secretary, and she also appeared in several other classics, like Spellbound, The Spiral Staircase, Cry Danger, The Killer is Loose, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, and While the City Sleeps. In Inferno, she can be seen in all of her fiery redhead glory in Cinemascope color, since this is one of the rare classic-era films noir that were filmed in color.

My eyesight does not allow me to watch the film in 3D, as it was intended to be seen, but it looks outstanding even in 2D. For those who are able to watch films in 3D, this one is a class example of how 3D can be used with restraint merely to enhance a film and not to carry a film.

This Twilight Time Blu-ray looks slightly better than my Panamint Cinema Blu-ray, thanks to some improved skin tones and a more robust appearance in general, but I'm keeping my Panamint disc on the shelf next to this one because of the Rhonda Fleming interview. For those who do not have either disc, you can rest assured that the Twilight Time release is the definitive edition. The commentary track features some great observations from historian Alan K. Rode and Robert Ryan's daughter, Lisa Ryan.

[dougotte]

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

I just received and watched my Indicator Blu-ray of The Lady From Shanghai and I was blown away. This is, indeed, "the full meal deal". The cover art upgrade alone was almost enough to make me happy I quadruple-dipped on this release( I own both the original and corrected versions from TCM along with the Mill Creek release). I was just going to watch a little but once I started I couldn't stop.

Thanks for the recommendation. I bought it recently. I first read through the 40-page booklet. It's wonderful, with an in-depth essay, an extract from William Castle's memoir (very amusing!), the memo from Welles to the studio, and gorgeous photos.

I watched it last night. It truly is the best representation yet, visually and audio-wise. While watching, I kept thinking about Welles' memo about the audio mix. How much better the finished product would be (and I think it's great as it is) if he had stayed around to do his own edits and sound mix.

One thing I never noticed: On the Circe, when Elsa first enticed Michael to kiss her, why did she whisper "Call me Rosalie"?

[trentdiesel]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Last night, I watched my Twilight Time Blu-ray of Inferno.



Inferno is one of the best films ever made, and it's one of the shining jewels of the Twilight Time catalogue.

After falling off of a horse and breaking his leg during a trip to the Mojave Desert, an unlikeable millionaire tycoon is left alone to die by his adulterous wife and her new lover, a mining engineer. Inferno follows the struggles of the wounded man to survive in the desert while trying to find his way back to civilization, with the obstacles of rocky cliffs, rattlesnakes, blazing sunlit temperatures, and possible dehydration or starvation standing in his way. Meanwhile, the scheming couple who left him behind are trying to cover their tracks while being questioned by authorities.

Robert Ryan, who plays the millionaire, always excelled at playing rude or belligerent characters, but his charisma nonetheless shines through in films like On Dangerous Ground, Act of Violence, Crossfire, The Wild Bunch, Bad Day at Black Rock, The Set-Up, The Dirty Dozen, and Clash by Night. Inferno gives him one of his best roles, since his wealthy character is given a chance to prove his mettle in an environment where his money will not help him.

Rhonda Fleming, who plays the wife, was one of the most beautiful actresses in the history of cinema. She stars in my all-time favorite movie, Out of the Past, as a crafty secretary, and she also appeared in several other classics, like Spellbound, The Spiral Staircase, Cry Danger, The Killer is Loose, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, and While the City Sleeps. In Inferno, she can be seen in all of her fiery redhead glory in Cinemascope color, since this is one of the rare classic-era films noir that were filmed in color.

My eyesight does not allow me to watch the film in 3D, as it was intended to be seen, but it looks outstanding even in 2D. For those who are able to watch films in 3D, this one is a class example of how 3D can be used with restraint merely to enhance a film and not to carry a film.

This Twilight Time Blu-ray looks slightly better than my Panamint Cinema Blu-ray, thanks to some improved skin tones and a more robust appearance in general, but I'm keeping my Panamint disc on the shelf next to this one because of the Rhonda Fleming interview. For those who do not have either disc, you can rest assured that the Twilight Time release is the definitive edition. The commentary track features some great observations from historian Alan K. Rode and Robert Ryan's daughter, Lisa Ryan.

Once again thanks for a great review, and introducing me to a movie I was unfamiliar with

[javy]

I just purchased Where the Sidewalk Ends through the Twilight Time sale. I've never seen it, but I'm completely confident that it's gonna kick ass. I have Preminger's Laura and Fallen Angel(DVD) and I love them both, especially Fallen Angel. That movie is just WOW. Love me some classic film noir.

[Vlad Draculi]

Wait, TT still has Where the Sidewalk ends? I got that movie like 2 years ago from them. I thought they only sold these movies through preorders?

[mja345]

Originally Posted by Vlad Draculi

Wait, TT still has Where the Sidewalk ends? I got that movie like 2 years ago from them. I thought they only sold these movies through preorders?

Nah, man. They put movies up for preorder and then they usually they stick around for a long while. Most of the titles go up for sale at some point. You can order them at anytime you want from TT's website or SAE, don't have to preorder them.

[The Great Owl]

I just finished watching my ClassicFlix Blu-ray of The Killer is Loose.



Joseph Cotton (Citizen Kane, The Third Man) stars as a police detective who corners a bank robber accomplice, Leon Poole, played by Wendell Corey (Rear Window, Hell's Half Acre) at Poole's home. After Poole's wife is accidentally killed in the crossfire, the captured Poole decides to wreak vengeance by escaping from prison so that he can hunt down the detective's wife, played by the beautiful Rhonda Fleming (Out of the Past, Cry Danger, Inferno). As Poole leaves a trail of corpses behind him, it's up to the police force to protect the detective's wife at all costs.

The Killer is Loose is a fast-paced and riveting film noir that flies by with its 73-minute run time. All three lead actors are terrific in their roles, and, although Fleming's character makes several empty-headed decisions that compromise her own safety, the actresses's charisma makes up for the character shortcomings. This movie also benefits from a strong supporting cast, including John Larch (Dirty Harry, The Amityville Horror), Alan Hale Jr. (Gilligan's Island), and Virginia Christine (Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Mummy's Curse). The movie's darker noir tendencies stem from the fact that the villain, Leon Poole, is so mild-manner at first, illustrating the notion that anybody around us in everyday life could be a cruel killer.

This ClassicFlix Blu-ray looks quite good, with an impressive sound quality to boot. No extras are included, but we don't need them since the film is so great.

[MassiveMovieBuff]

I watched a great neo noir this weekend called Detour (2016) that I highly recommend. Very stylish, well made, thrilling and unique and pays great tributes to classic film noirs as well neo noirs. Kept me guessing and glued through the entire runtime. I watched it a second time as well and it's one of those films that's a completely different experience the second viewing after you know everything from the first viewing. Performances are solid with Emory Cohen giving a scene stealing performance as a volatile character and the cinematography is gorgeous. This is one of those films that just slipped under the radar and is waiting to be discovered and hopefully it will be.

[kaseaver]

Isn't Gaslight a film noir? It doesn't seem to have a release and it doesn't get mentioned that often.

Definitely film noir imo, and a well-regarded film. Really worthy of an upgrade.

[Drake2222]

The cover art on the StudioCanal Touchez Pas au Grisbi looks quite odd, makes it look like a Hollywood romantic comedy with the female lead as the star instead of the aging gangster movie that it really is. Would be nice to have art that was more representative of the actual movie

[Hoke Moseley]

Originally Posted by Drake2222

The cover art on the StudioCanal Touchez Pas au Grisbi looks quite odd, makes it look like a Hollywood romantic comedy with the female lead as the star instead of the aging gangster movie that it really is. Would be nice to have art that was more representative of the actual movie

Jeez, that really is horrible artwork. Might hold off for a US release..... for a little while at least.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by Drake2222

The cover art on the StudioCanal Touchez Pas au Grisbi looks quite odd, makes it look like a Hollywood romantic comedy with the female lead as the star instead of the aging gangster movie that it really is. Would be nice to have art that was more representative of the actual movie

I'll give the cover art a pass, because Jeanne Moreau was at her most beautiful in this film.



I prefer the Criterion DVD artwork, though.