The Stranger (Orson Welles)

[Akijama]

Coming from Odeon Entertainment

Release date: May 4

Amazon pre-order

"Having directed two undisputed masterpieces - Citizen Kane and The Magnificent Ambersons - Orson Welles delved into the suspense film, crafting a post-war, psychological noir that laid the foundations for his later film noir classics, The Lady from Shanghai and Touch of Evil. Edward G. Robinson stars as a government agent tracking down a sadistic Nazi officer (Welles), who has evaded justice for running Nazi extermination camps. Rankin has crafted a new identity for himself in a quaint Connecticut town by marrying Mary (Loretta Young), the daughter of a local judge, but as his past begins to catch up with him will his wife side with the investigators or her husband… Circulated in poor versions for decades, this edition of The Stranger was mastered in HD from an original 35mm print preserved by the Library of Congress and this special edition to celebrate the 100th year of the birth of Orson Welles is accompanied by a wealth of extras including The Death Mills documentary by Billy Wilder. Original theatrical trailer and an excerpt from the TV series: Around the World with Orson Welles, plus The radio broadcasts by Orson Welles.

[Yami]

I'll just copy/paste my post from the Odeon thread:

Originally Posted by rapta

Odeon are releasing Orson Welles' The Stranger (1946) in the new year as a Dual Format release. Presumably using the same transfer Kino got?

Judging by that blurb, yes. Which is better than nothing, but I would have much preferred to see MGM's transfer licensed as if you look at the screencaps it's clearly a superior source. In reviewing the Kino release, DVDBeaver recommended it only "until someone uses MGM's source in the new format!" More alarmingly, an Amazon review notes: "The image quality overall is great, but there are two short scenes missing. One of Edward G. Robinson on the ladder as a rung breaks, and then another related one of him showing the Noah character that the rung had been cut and glued together. These are short but key scenes that are simply missing."

I should note that I don't own the Kino release, as I've been waiting (perhaps in vain) for an MGM-licensed release.

[Davy]

Welles hated the picture but I enjoy it - I mean, it's got the master and one of the great character actors of all time in Edward G Robinson. It's also great to reverse the roles - you'd expect EGR to be the villain at this stage, but no.

There are some lovely scenes at the local shop and I believe this was one of the first films to show the world the horror of actual holocaust footage.

[Simon_LDT]

I'm not up to scratch with the history of this film but I thought the Kino looked great. Certainly a worthwhile purchase as you just don't know if or when anything better will surface.

[montyb]

You guys are right. The MGM version looks the best (for DVD) and the Kino blu ray disappoints me because I have seen how good the image can look (thank you MGM) but for some reason MGM is not licensing their print for anyone to release this great classic on blu ray. I am taking a blind shot at the Odeon blu ray coming out. I preordered from Amazon UK and can always cancel if I change my mind. I am hoping this will be THE definitive version to have. Not familiar with Odeon's work in the past (being in the US). Let's keep our fingers crossed that DNR is not used like one of the blu rays released here in the states.

[Yami]

Originally Posted by montyb

You guys are right. The MGM version looks the best (for DVD) and the Kino blu ray disappoints me because I have seen how good the image can look (thank you MGM) but for some reason MGM is not licensing their print for anyone to release this great classic on blu ray. I am taking a blind shot at the Odeon blu ray coming out. I preordered from Amazon UK and can always cancel if I change my mind. I am hoping this will be THE definitive version to have. Not familiar with Odeon's work in the past (being in the US). Let's keep our fingers crossed that DNR is not used like one of the blu rays released here in the states.

Sadly, Odeon have confirmed they're using the same print as the Kino

[BAKA]

Following quite a common trend with HMV and OEG releases, it's only £9.99 at HMV for those with local stores. Much better than the £15 mark it seems to be hovering around online. It comes in a clear case too. It seems Odeon are experimenting with their cases, it appears House Of Mortal Sin is coming in a black case.

[Dougling]

Originally Posted by Yami

Sadly, Odeon have confirmed they're using the same print as the Kino

Does this mean it's missing footage like that release as well?