Upcoming Noir DVDs

[Steve-O]

this is a continuation of a thread we started here: http://filmnoir.suddenlaunch3.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&num=1173659250

What new DVDs are coming out?

[Keith]

Bad Girls of Film Noir Vol. 1 & 2

http://www.classicflix.com/images/badgirlsnoir1.jpg

http://www.classicflix.com/images/badgirlsnoir2.jpg

[Steve-O]

Very nice... The art work is OK but I like classic poster art instead. I'll take em though.

[Ashirg]

VCI's No Orchids for Miss Blandish was delayed until June 1.


Reasons given were for VCI's desire to further restore the film to an even higher quality, as well as allowing the release to more closely coincide with its airing on TCM.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517g8FltZQL._.jpg

[Steve-O]

WB archive has another one... Split Second!

http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aacm_prd/on/demandware.static/Sites-WB-Site/Sites-master-catalog/default/v1263926851854/Images/HEImages/ExtView/2/2518488.jpeg (http://www.wbshop.com/Split-Second-1952/1000124880,default,pd.html)

A former Noir of the Week: http://www.noiroftheweek.com/2006/06/split-second-1953.html

[SimonTemplar]

I agree with you, Steve-O, but this being noir, they'll take you!

[Keith]

Very nice... The art work is OK but I like classic poster art instead. I'll take em though.

Yeah I wish they had the classic poster art that Warner Bros. has with their DVD's. Speaking of WB, any clue when the Vol. 5 box set coming out?

[Rollo Tomasi]

1/19/2010: Neo-Noir Across the Hall (2009)

** Source (http://www.image-entertainment.com/film.asp?ProjectID={A95C779F-3FC7-4C0B-90D3-9C6100BC60AE}&BusinessUnitID={86E09B33-2863-432E-AFFA-D34EA992FEDF}&ProductID={9B207412-C5E2-4012-AFDD-9C620001F040})

(IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1176724/ )

[Steve-O]

MGM and Universal are following WB's lead by releasing movies from their vaults on DVD-rs. They are available on DVD through Amazon. No noir that I can see (I'm having a hard time seeing what they have to offer. There has to be a master list somewhere!)... you can see them on Amazon now. This must be a quiet soft release for now since I don't see much on their websites yet...

http://www.amazon.com/Trapeze-Burt-Lancaster/dp/B002Y26UJW/ref=pd_sim_d_1
http://www.amazon.com/House-Seven-Gables-Amazon-com-Exclusive/dp/B0033PSH6S/ref=pd_bxgy_d_img_c

I do like that they're selling on Amazon instead of their own site though. Now how about some film noir!

[philsunset]

Universal has Dragnet and Kitten With a Whip, two films I'd like to see. Search for Universal Vault Series in Movies & TV and there are 17 films.
I haven't been able to find the MGM titles available yet.

phil

[Steve-O]

Revanche is coming out from Criterion. http://www.criterion.com/films/85
http://criterion_production.s3.amazonaws.com/release_images/2557/502_box_348x490_w128.jpg

[David]

I pre-ordered Bad Girls Vol. 2 from Amazon this morning.. Vol. 1 just didn't do it for me, as I already have
a couple of them, and don't care about the others.

Can't wait to see a pristine Night Editor, it's a big fave.

[Steve-O]

Night Editor will be great... but I think you should give Two of a Kind another chance, Dave.

A few cheapies are also coming out:

British Film Noir (http://astore.amazon.com/noiroftheweek-20/detail/B002Y4Z4OW)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hzE7USQVL.jpg

and

Forgotten Noir Double Feature Vol 13: Breakdown & Eye Witness (http://astore.amazon.com/noiroftheweek-20/detail/B002Y4Z4OM)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/515ql%2BbwWyL.jpg

[Davidmk]

Just saw the two Bad girls collections listed on Amazon , I too agree the Movie poster art is much nicer for sure .

Is Warner doing a #5 box ?? that would be great , i love those .

[Keith]

Is Warner doing a #5 box ?? that would be great , i love those .


I sure hope so. I'm not crazy about those overpriced DVD-R Warner Archives.

[Steve-O]

WB has stated every few months for 3 years now that this latest release is coming soon. I'll believe it when I see it...

I see both volumes of Bad Girls shipped to me today!

EDIT: Wouldn't this have been a better DVD cover?

http://www.nypost.com/r/nypost/blogs/movies/201002/images/cropped/kiillerposter--415x615.jpg

[Davidmk]

I sure hope so. I'm not crazy about those overpriced DVD-R Warner Archives.

I agree i do not like the idea of the DVD-r much , let's hope they keep up with the boxed sets , i alos wonder if any of these will ever see Blu-ray , my guess would be no .

That "The Killer That Stalked New York " art is far better , let us know how those collections are once you receive them .

[Keith]

WB has stated every few months for 3 years now that this latest release is coming soon. I'll believe it when I see it...

I see both volumes of Bad Girls shipped to me today!

EDIT: Wouldn't this have been a better DVD cover?

http://www.nypost.com/r/nypost/blogs/movies/201002/images/cropped/kiillerposter--415x615.jpg

It would've been nice if Columbia used the poster art for the Bad Girls and Vol. 1 of their collection. Oh well. I just got both volumes of Bad Girls, so far I've only watched The Killer That Stalked New York and Night Editor, I liked The Killer That Stalked New York, even though it was basically one big public service announcement I enjoyed it. Night Editor I really enjoyed, good fun B-picture.

[Ashirg]

Anyone heard about Night of Evil - it's being released by Alpha on February 23?

"An innocent girl gets suckered into a romantic relationship with a hardened criminal. A gritty true-to-life regional film noir classic." According to imdb (http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0056278/) it was filmed in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I know, the "film noir classic" is probably a marketing ploy, but still...

http://www.oldies.com/i/boxart/large/59/089218599599.jpg

[Steve-O]

I agree i do not like the idea of the DVD-r much , let's hope they keep up with the boxed sets , i alos wonder if any of these will ever see Blu-ray , my guess would be no .

That "The Killer That Stalked New York " art is far better , let us know how those collections are once you receive them .

You're not going to see many classic films coming out on DVD in the future. Fox didn't release any last year, Paramount only re-released a few (including a rehash of Sunset Blvd.), WB keeps saying they're gonna release a new Noir set... and The Breaking Point. As far as Blue Ray goes... forget it. I believe they're working on some of the bigger classics (Maltese Falcon). However, any movie made before 1970 won't be seriously considered for Blue Ray (with some exceptions like the Bond movies).

The WB Archive and occasional releases from Criterion and small companies like VCI seems to be our only choice going forward.

The good news is Blue ray isn't going to be what DVD was to VHS--- I'm convinced that Blue Ray won't be the only choice in the future. There are plenty of other choices out there including Pay-per-view through Apple, Amazon, your cable... and streaming through Netflix --- all onto your television. Hell, half the laptops sold today don't even have a DVD player. Everything is going file based/server based.

[Davidmk]

Thanks for all that info , I do agree other than the few "top movies" none will make it to the blu-ray format , i just ordered Casablanca , I am hoping for" Dark passage" which is among my favorites of all time .
I guess be happy that some have made it onto the market & even the Fox noir's can be had at $5.99 these days which is a bargain .

[Ashirg]

I was checking out something at imdb and discovered that maybe many Paramount noirs has been licensed to Olive Films to be released on DVD in Canada and US. Titles include:
Rope of Sand
Union Station
Dark City
Appointment with Danger
The Savage Innocents

Here's the complete list of titles (http://us.imdb.com/company/co0128842/)

[Davidmk]

I was checking out something at imdb and discovered that maybe many Paramount noirs has been licensed to Olive Films to be released on DVD in Canada and US. Titles include:
Rope of Sand
Union Station
Dark City
Appointment with Danger
The Savage Innocents

Here's the complete list of titles (http://us.imdb.com/company/co0128842/)

Very nice , that's great news to hear .

[Ashirg]

According to Olive Films, these titles are coming in September...

[Keith]

According to Olive Films, these titles are coming in September...

Yay! Let's hope the quality is good.

[Davidmk]

My birthdays in sept. guess what i'm getting ! ~~~ thanks for the update .

someone on here can probably answer this , the Warner "Archive collection" series are these all pressed on DVD-R ??

http://www.deepdiscount.com/resources/deepdiscount/images/products/processed/168/883316211755.zoom.1.jpg

[Ashirg]

They are all DVD-R

[Davidmk]

They are all DVD-R

Thanks , that's what i thought , no way am i paying $9 for a dvd-r ..................well unless it's a personal Message to me from Jeanne Crain............which i don't see happening :D

[philsunset]

Not a new release but Caught (Region 2) is now 70% at Amazon.co.uk. Just bought it with shipping for $13.18.

phil

[Steve-O]

Coming out in April from Columbia Classics -- "Icons of Suspense: Hammer Films"


The films in this set include Never Take Candy from a Stranger (the UK release title was Never Take Sweets from a Stranger), The Snorkel, Maniac, Cash on Demand, Stop Me Before I Kill! (UK title The Full Treatment) and the long-awaited release of Joseph Losey’s These Are The Damned (UK The Damned). All six of these films feature stark black and white cinematography, and most are Cinemascope titles that will be presented in their original widescreen theatrical aspect ratio.I've seen The Snorkel, Cash on Demand and Maniac... and I liked them all. This should be a decent set

16 (http://astore.amazon.com/noiroftheweek-20/detail/B0034PWPHY)

Looks like an April release... has anyone seen the other ones in the set?

[Night Editor]

I've seen all six and there's really not a dud in the bunch. It's a great set of better Brit titles and none is around in anything like a good copy.

TCM did play 'Manic' a couple of years ago but it was a washed-out print and letter-boxed.

This is news!

[Keith]

VCI's No Orchids for Miss Blandish was delayed until June 1.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517g8FltZQL._.jpg

It's on Amazon for sale now, but curious how the quality is since VCI wants to get a better print and release it on June 1.


http://www.vimeo.com/6644963

[Night Editor]

DVD Release :'The Clouded Yellow'

A worthy Brit Noir gets a commercial release...

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=72319

[Steve-O]

It's on Amazon for sale now, but curious how the quality is since VCI wants to get a better print and release it on June 1.


http://www.vimeo.com/6644963

Nice find, that trailer!

I don't think VCI is looking to get a better print. They have a deal with TCM to mention (and I think air the movie) around the time of the new release. They want to better publicize the release of the DVD by partnering with them. This "looking for the best print possible" stuff sounds like a lot of bunk to me.

[philsunset]

Classicflix lists New York Confidential will be released on June 29th. A pre-order special price of $11.98 plus shipping until April 3rd.

phil

[philsunset]

http://www.classicflix.com/york-confidential-1955-june-special-price-a-708.html

[Rollo Tomasi]

New York Confidential (R-1), release 05/31/2010

http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/9007/newyorkconfidential.jpg

[Fast Eddie]

Warner Home Video is releasing its fifth edition of The Film Noir Classic Collection July 13 (order date June 8), with a list price of $49.92.

The set has eight remastered classics, all seeing their first release on DVD, in a four-DVD set. Paired together are 1945’s revenge tale Cornered and 1947’s Desperate, from director Anthony Mann; 1955’s semi-documentary The Phenix City Story and 1950’s suspense film Dial 1119; 1950’s Armored Car Robbery, directed by Richard Fleischer, and 1956’s Crime in the Streets, starring John Cassavetes; and 1946’s novel-based Deadline At Dawn and 1950’s Backfire, directed by Vincent Sherman.

[Bob]

It will be good to have all of these in fine quality prints, with Crime in the Streets and Backfire being most welcome because, unlike the others, they are rarely shown on cable. From the press release it doesn't look like there will be any extras or commentaries.

[Fast Eddie]

I can tell you that it has been a long road to get this set out, and that titles changed over the last two years. None of the studios are willing to do special features or commentaries anymore. The market for classic film is deemed so marginal, profit-wise, that they can't justify the extra expense.

[Bob]

The market for classic film is deemed so marginal, profit-wise, that they can't justify the extra expense.

That's a shame, so I guess we shouldn't be expecting any EM commentaries any time soon? However, I'm not surprised. While Noir City has a wonderfully broad demographic, the Castro audience is unique, and not representative of the DVD buying public. Except for those fairly rare 20 somethings that are into the style of noir, most noir lovers I've run across tend to be 50 and over. Many of us aging Boomers have gone beyond the point of accumulating merchandise, since many of our houses exist as just a repository of "stuff." Many of us are only on the periphery of the consumer culture, but that is a whole different subject beyond noir.

[JCharles]

Thanks for the heads-up Eddie. I agree with Bob that it will be good to have fine prints of these classics, it's a great lineup. Moreover, I don't think I've ever seen Crime In The Streets or Backfire so that's something to look forward to.

[Keith]

Warner Home Video is releasing its fifth edition of The Film Noir Classic Collection July 13 (order date June 8), with a list price of $49.92.

The set has eight remastered classics, all seeing their first release on DVD, in a four-DVD set. Paired together are 1945’s revenge tale Cornered and 1947’s Desperate, from director Anthony Mann; 1955’s semi-documentary The Phenix City Story and 1950’s suspense film Dial 1119; 1950’s Armored Car Robbery, directed by Richard Fleischer, and 1956’s Crime in the Streets, starring John Cassavetes; and 1946’s novel-based Deadline At Dawn and 1950’s Backfire, directed by Vincent Sherman.

Finally! I'm excited.

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/warnernoir_vol5.jpg

[Steve-O]

Finally! I'm excited.

Wow... Deadline at Dawn and Backfire. I wonder if they're reading NOTW? A great group of films I have to say....

http://www.nypost.com/r/nypost/blogs/movies/201004/images/dad.jpg (http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/movies/dvd_extra_warner_sets_fifth_noir_1imgC0OnXZ9yXYTWjJ28QM)

[Steve-O]

http://www.classicflix.com/york-confidential-1955-june-special-price-a-708.html
It's been literally years since VCI announced that they'd release this one. Maybe there's hope for Black Tuesday?

[David]

Warner Home Video is releasing its fifth edition of The Film Noir Classic Collection July 13 (order date June 8), with a list price of $49.92.

The set has eight remastered classics, all seeing their first release on DVD, in a four-DVD set. Paired together are 1945’s revenge tale Cornered and 1947’s Desperate, from director Anthony Mann; 1955’s semi-documentary The Phenix City Story and 1950’s suspense film Dial 1119; 1950’s Armored Car Robbery, directed by Richard Fleischer, and 1956’s Crime in the Streets, starring John Cassavetes; and 1946’s novel-based Deadline At Dawn and 1950’s Backfire, directed by Vincent Sherman.

Thanks a million for the head's up, Eddie. I'll pop the set in my Amazon queue tonight.

I've seen and/or own all but the Cassavetes film, but nicer prints will be welcome.

[Davidmk]

Warner Home Video is releasing its fifth edition of The Film Noir Classic Collection July 13 (order date June 8), with a list price of $49.92.

The set has eight remastered classics, all seeing their first release on DVD, in a four-DVD set. Paired together are 1945’s revenge tale Cornered and 1947’s Desperate, from director Anthony Mann; 1955’s semi-documentary The Phenix City Story and 1950’s suspense film Dial 1119; 1950’s Armored Car Robbery, directed by Richard Fleischer, and 1956’s Crime in the Streets, starring John Cassavetes; and 1946’s novel-based Deadline At Dawn and 1950’s Backfire, directed by Vincent Sherman.

Amazing news !! looking forward to these for sure ....



I can tell you that it has been a long road to get this set out, and that titles changed over the last two years. None of the studios are willing to do special features or commentaries anymore. The market for classic film is deemed so marginal, profit-wise, that they can't justify the extra expense.

That's a real bummer to hear , i really enjoy the extras a lot , great way to learn different things about the films , cast , directors etc.

[Night Editor]

I've seen all six and there's really not a dud in the bunch. It's a great set of better Brit titles and none is around in anything like a good copy.

TCM did play 'Manic' a couple of years ago but it was a washed-out print and letter-boxed.

This is news!

Glenn Erickson, a guy worth listening to when he talks, discusses further.

http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s3148hamm.html

[Steve-O]

Glenn Erickson, a guy worth listening to when he talks, discusses further.

http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s3148hamm.html
I think Cash on Demand is the star of the bunch... a small intense movie.

[Steve-O]

Universal is releasing another Barbara Stanwyck collection (http://astore.amazon.com/noiroftheweek-20/detail/B0037RBVLU)... and they're including a very good noir. The Lady Gambles (http://www.noiroftheweek.com/2006/09/lady-gambles-1949.html).

We've been getting some good news on DVD releases in the past few weeks... Now if they could find their way to release Journey into Fear and some Alan Ladd films.

Edit:

http://images.themoviedb.org/posters/133557/the_lady_gambles_poster_picnik.jpg


A lady doesn't wander all over the room
And blow on some other guys dice

[Ashirg]

For those who were worried there is a void between June 29 (New York Confidential from VCI) and July 13 (Warner's 8-film set) Sony Pictures is releasing 5-film Columbia Pictures Film Noir Classics 2 on July 6.
Just a reminder, titles to be included:
Pushover (1954)
Nightfall (1957)
The Brothers Rico (1957)
City of Fear (1959)
Human Desire (1954)

Columbia Classics posted two blog entries (http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/columbiaclassics/blog/) related to film noir - a short one about Burnett Guffey and an interview with Czar of Noir (guess who?).

[tterrace]

July 13:

Dark City (1950)
Union Station (1950)
Appointment with Danger (1951)

$24.95 each. From Olive Films via licensing from Paramount.

Link here. (http://www.classicflix.com/dark-city-appointment-with-danger-part-olives-first-wave-july-a-722.html?osCsid=bfb2d20734703a43886ab95e0d31102d)

[Harry Fabian]

Classicflix (at the link posted above) lists them for $17.99.

[Keith]

Something to look forward to this Summer.

[Davidmk]

July 13:

Dark City (1950)
Union Station (1950)
Appointment with Danger (1951)

$24.95 each. From Olive Films via licensing from Paramount.

Link here. (http://www.classicflix.com/dark-city-appointment-with-danger-part-olives-first-wave-july-a-722.html?osCsid=bfb2d20734703a43886ab95e0d31102d)

Great , thanks !

[Steve-O]

Great , thanks !

proceed with caution with these. They appear to be bootleg sales.

[Keith]

proceed with caution with these. They appear to be bootleg sales.

Don't like the sound of that.

[Juke Joint Jonny]

No, these are LICENSED to Olive films from Paramount. Quite legit.
http://www.classicflix.com/images/dark_city.jpg

[Keith]

No, these are LICENSED to Olive films from Paramount. Quite legit.

Like the sound of that.

[Steve-O]

No, these are LICENSED to Olive films from Paramount. Quite legit.
http://www.classicflix.com/images/dark_city.jpg

I'll keep my fingers crossed. I've been burned before by DVD companies I've never heard of... I'll wait for The DVD Beaver to review them...

Off topic: I had a bad experience with Classic Flix BTW... they were good about giving me a refund but avoid their rental service. I was hoping to save a few bucks by renting WB Archive DVDs (Netflix won't rent DVD Rs) and I never got any after two months.

[Richard]

Olive has issued a couple of solid DVD's in the past so I'm not worried about that.

I really want these films, especially DARK CITY, but I'm not paying $20-25 for a single DVD.
I might pay as much as $22 for a 2-disc special edition of a film.

I'll wait for lower pricing or a sale.
If there's no sale, there's no sale.

Richard

[tterrace]

This Paramount>Olive licensing deal has been discussed at some length on the Home Theater Forum, including input from an Olive spokesman. It's not an unknown outfit; according to some users familiar with them they have an established distribution system and the DVDs will be available through regular retail channels. They're claimed to be new HD transfers and some BD releases are apparently planned, although I don't know if those will be any of the older films they've licensed. So far the "street" price is in the $17-$18 range, including Amazon.

[Steve-O]

This Paramount>Olive licensing deal has been discussed at some length on the Home Theater Forum, including input from an Olive spokesman. It's not an unknown outfit; according to some users familiar with them they have an established distribution system and the DVDs will be available through regular retail channels. They're claimed to be new HD transfers and some BD releases are apparently planned, although I don't know if those will be any of the older films they've licensed. So far the "street" price is in the $17-$18 range, including Amazon.
again, anyone can say they "restored a print" or an "hd" restore but what does that mean exactly? I'm excited to get a nice DVD of them but I do wonder. Trust me I work in broadcasting... they could call a VHS transfer a restored print if they want to.

I have a great bootleg of Dark City (apparently from Germany-- some of the text in the film is in German). I wonder if that's the print they're using for it? Both Dark City and Appointment with Danger have been out on VHS in the past. I'm hoping they are new prints from the FILM and not from a VHS...

I'm not being snarky but the DVD cover art looks cheap.. and why wouldn't Paramount just release them themselves? I am a glass half empty guy I know... we can just wait and see.

[tterrace]

and why wouldn't Paramount just release them themselves?

They get money in their pocket right now from the licensing fee as opposed to risking their own dough producing & distributing a marginal, niche-market product is my guess.

[Steve-O]

They get money in their pocket right now from the licensing fee as opposed to risking their own dough producing & distributing a marginal, niche-market product is my guess.

true... it's something to keep an eye on. This might be the only way noirs are going to get released...

[Davidmk]

proceed with caution with these. They appear to be bootleg sales.

Thanks for the warning , keep us posted if a review pops up ..... I'd hate to buy some awfull print that i could buy 6 montha later in the Target/walmart $1 pile

[Davidmk]

again, anyone can say they "restored a print" or an "hd" restore but what does that mean exactly? I'm excited to get a nice DVD of them but I do wonder. Trust me I work in broadcasting... they could call a VHS transfer a restored print if they want to.

I have a great bootleg of Dark City (apparently from Germany-- some of the text in the film is in German). I wonder if that's the print they're using for it? Both Dark City and Appointment with Danger have been out on VHS in the past. I'm hoping they are new prints from the FILM and not from a VHS...

I'm not being snarky but the DVD cover art looks cheap.. and why wouldn't Paramount just release them themselves? I am a glass half empty guy I know... we can just wait and see.

Yeh , they could just run it through a Laptop computer program & call it "restored" , I know the Music industry has started to go this way with record labels like "wounded bird" taking major albums & re-issuing the cd's in small ammounts of a few thosand at a time & the label get's a cut , with that said the artwork on those is usually a bad "scan" with average printing & the cd's are usually below stadard quality soundwise , so these may indeed be such a product .....

[Ovader]

For those who were worried there is a void between June 29 (New York Confidential from VCI) and July 13 (Warner's 8-film set) Sony Pictures is releasing 5-film Columbia Pictures Film Noir Classics 2 on July 6.
Just a reminder, titles to be included:
Pushover (1954)
Nightfall (1957)
The Brothers Rico (1957)
City of Fear (1959)
Human Desire (1954)Artwork and bonus features (http://www.classicflix.com/artwork-details-added-film-noir-classics-a-724.html) announced for the Columbia Film Noir Classics, Vol. 2 boxset.

[quebecconfidential]

Summer 2010 will be hot with the two boxed sets (Warner & Columbia)!
Does anyone know something about Rita Hayworth films? I'd read somewhere -- but where? -- that Columbia was preparing a Rita Hayworth boxed set. I was actually hoping to see a fine rerelase of Gila and The Lady from Shanghai, but will they make them in single disc?
Also (this one's for Mr Muller): I sure want to know more about FNF dvds!!! Titles? Release dates? Will they be distributed to Canada? I know -- I didn't want to sound so impatient.
Regards,

[Ovader]

Does anyone know something about Rita Hayworth films? I'd read somewhere -- but where? -- that Columbia was preparing a Rita Hayworth boxed set. I was actually hoping to see a fine rerelase of Gila and The Lady from Shanghai, but will they make them in single disc?It was reported in The Digital Bits (http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/barriemaxwell/maxwell100509.html).

[philsunset]

I'm so looking forward to these DVDs. They probably should be in all noirheads collections.http://www.criterion.com/boxsets/744-three-silent-classics-by-josef-von-sternberg

[Richard]

I'm looking forward to this release as well. These silents have been out of print on vhs for a long time.
Von Sternberg's films are a must with me, and I know Criterion will do justice to them.
But I am a little disappointed there are no commentaries, in view of the vintage and importance of the films.

I'm annoyed that Shanghai Express, Blonde Venus and Crime and Punishment remain unreleased on DVD in the USA.


Richard

[Steve-O]

Digital Bits (http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/barriemaxwell/maxwell051710b.html) mentions most of the releases we've already talked about in this thread. I did see that George Raft's House Across the Bay is coming out too. (I see they're releasing another version of Psycho as well... this is like the 4th time for that one.)

philsunset (http://www.backalleynoir.com/member.php?16-philsunset): Those silents Underworld and Docks of New York are fantastic!

[Ashirg]

House Across the Bay is already available on DVD exclusive to Movies Unlimited and TCM web sites. They got some deal with Westchester Films, which owns the title. Can not confirm if it's DVD-R or regular pressed disc. The print I saw on TCM when they showed the film during George Raft marathon recently was not that good.

[philsunset]

Digital Bits (http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/barriemaxwell/maxwell051710b.html) mentions most of the releases we've already talked about in this thread. I did see that George Raft's House Across the Bay is coming out too. (I see they're releasing another version of Psycho as well... this is like the 4th time for that one.)

philsunset (http://www.backalleynoir.com/member.php?16-philsunset): Those silents Underworld and Docks of New York are fantastic!

Excellent!! I've never seen either film before. Lately I've been enjoying the precursors (expressionism, poetic realism, precodes) as much, and at times more, than the noirs themselves. Hope that's not too blasphemous here! (ducking...)

[Harry Fabian]

These definitely sound worth checking out. I have not seen that many silent films-lots of Chaplin, Keaton and Lloyd, as well as Dreyer, Murnau, and some horror classics-but that's about it. Looking forward to this release.

[Alan K. Rode]

An update on The New York Confidential DVD. The extras on this add were preliminary and not wholly accurate. The disc will feature a commentary by yours truly and the fabulous Kim Morgan. There is also a still collection from the movie. It's a terrifically entertaining film; we screened it in L.A. in April and in Palm Springs last weekend to enthusiastic audiences. Hope it is well received.

Alan

[rainerc]

RE: HOUSE ON THE BAY

Received my copy yesterday and I'm very disappointed. The quality is bad - no restoration and no effort even to remove the most obvious defects. The picture is very pale which means it is missing contrasts. Regarding the contrasts even the VHS copy I own is better. 20$ for such a crappy job on a DVD-R (yes, this is not a pressed disc) is grossly overpriced.

[Richard]

An update on The New York Confidential DVD. The extras on this add were preliminary and not wholly accurate. The disc will feature a commentary by yours truly and the fabulous Kim Morgan. There is also a still collection from the movie. It's a terrifically entertaining film; we screened it in L.A. in April and in Palm Springs last weekend to enthusiastic audiences. Hope it is well received.

Alan

Looking forward to this release.
Recently I bought Slightly Scarlet and the double-feature Appointment in Honduras / Escape to Burna from VCI.
My kind of genre films.

Richard

[Davidmk]

RE: HOUSE ON THE BAY

Received my copy yesterday and I'm very disappointed. The quality is bad - no restoration and no effort even to remove the most obvious defects. The picture is very pale which means it is missing contrasts. Regarding the contrasts even the VHS copy I own is better. 20$ for such a crappy job on a DVD-R (yes, this is not a pressed disc) is grossly overpriced.


Thanks for the warning , that's a bummer when you get something like that & they charge so much $$ for it ..

[Steve-O]

An update on The New York Confidential DVD. The extras on this add were preliminary and not wholly accurate. The disc will feature a commentary by yours truly and the fabulous Kim Morgan. There is also a still collection from the movie. It's a terrifically entertaining film; we screened it in L.A. in April and in Palm Springs last weekend to enthusiastic audiences. Hope it is well received.

Alan


thanks for the info... and welcome to BAN. You have many fans here.

[Alan K. Rode]

Thanks Steve-O. It is good to be on BAN. FYI: Please stay tuned to the Film Noir Foundation website in the next several weeks for videos of the recent Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival in Palm Springs.

[Steve-O]

Thanks Steve-O. It is good to be on BAN. FYI: Please stay tuned to the Film Noir Foundation website in the next several weeks for videos of the recent Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival in Palm Springs.
and a Noir of the Week too! :)

[Ashirg]

Fritz Lang's While the City Sleeps and Lance Comfort's The Break are being released in UK in the end of July.

[Steve-O]

Noticed there's another bunch of PD DVD sets coming out... on in particular might be good.
http://astore.amazon.com/noiroftheweek-20/detail/B002ID09AI/
Has anyone seen Charles Bronson's TV Series Man With a Camera?
I've seen and enjoyed Someone Behind the Door before and enjoyed it....

[Night Editor]

A couple of 'Thrills from British Vaults" - 'Night Train to Munich' and 'No Orchids for Miss Blandish'...

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/20/movies/homevideo/20kehr.html?ref=movies

[Ashirg]

Another British release is Anthony Asquith's The Woman in Question aka Five Angles on Murder:

[Frankie]

Was asking myself whether Sony will release a third Film Noir Set next year? There are some A-list titles left, I think.

[Ovader]

DVD Beaver review (http://tinyurl.com/CPFNCV2) of the Columbia Pictures Film Noir Classics, Vol. 2 boxset. Too bad about the less than stellar quality of Human Desire but I will still get the boxset.

[Steve-O]

Did anyone get the new Barbara Stanwyck set with The Lady Gambles yet? It's not on Netflix yet :(

[Frankie]

Yip, got the set here. Haven't watched the complete movie yet but I skipped through the movies and the transfer is solid - as are all except the one for There's Always Tomorrow,which is Open Matte and looks like a television master. Glad I got the Masters of Cinema DVD from Eureka, which looks far better.

[Steve-O]

Thanks for the info Frankie. I'm interested in both films.. I'm happy that Gambles is OK.

[Frankie]

Anyone got his or hers New York Confidential copy yet? Mine hasn't shipped and it will take at least a week till I hold it in my hands.

[philsunset]

Yea, I got mine. Looks good.

[Juke Joint Jonny]

Deep Discount is sloooooow. I preordered it, it shipped a week and a half ago and I'm still waiting!

[slimdundee62]

Anyone have any problems with the New York Confidential DVD ?

It's under review at Amazon :
While this item is available from other marketplace sellers on this page, it is not currently offered by Amazon.com because customers have told us there may be something wrong with our inventory of the item, the way we are shipping it, or the way it's described here. (Thanks for the tip!)

We're working to fix the problem as quickly as possible.

[Ovader]

Anyone got his or hers New York Confidential copy yet? Mine hasn't shipped and it will take at least a week till I hold it in my hands.Here is the DVDBeaver review (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/dvd_reviews51/new_york_confidential.htm) for the DVD.

[dax]

My dvd of New York Confidential purchased through Amazon Canada plays fine. There is a very small problem in the dvd extras, a picture gallery won't play. I thought the pq was just ok, it's not up to the standards of Warner Bros. and Sony-Columbia noirs. I enjoyed the film and commentary, and I'm very happy to finally have this on dvd.

[Brian]

My dvd of New York Confidential purchased through Amazon Canada plays fine. There is a very small problem in the dvd extras, a picture gallery won't play.
Got mine from Barnes and Noble and it has the same problem with the picture gallery.

[quebecconfidential]

I just received my Film Noir Classics II, from Columbia. Haven't watched it yet, but it's nicely done, on the same model as set #I. I pretty much like the image of the lady with the vinyl records (must be Kim Novak in Pushover). Haven't decided yet wich film I'm gonna begin with.

[Keith]

I just received my Film Noir Classics II, from Columbia. Haven't watched it yet, but it's nicely done, on the same model as set #I. I pretty much like the image of the lady with the vinyl records (must be Kim Novak in Pushover). Haven't decided yet wich film I'm gonna begin with.

I've watched Human Desire, Pushover, The Brothers Rico, and Nightfall, looking forward to watching City of Fear. So far a very strong collection.

[Keith]

DVDbeaver (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/dvd_reviews51/film_noir_classic_collection_vol._5.htm) review of the Film Noir Classic Collection, Vol. 5.

[Frankie]

That's the downside on living on the other side of the pond - the collection is still on its way to Germany :D

[Steve-O]

DVDbeaver (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/dvd_reviews51/film_noir_classic_collection_vol._5.htm) review of the Film Noir Classic Collection, Vol. 5.
Thanks Keith! Looks like Mr Beaver did a good job both collections and NY Confidential...
WB's Vol 5 (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/dvd_reviews51/film_noir_classic_collection_vol._5.htm)
Columbia's Vol 2 (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/dvd_reviews51/film_noir_collection_vol2.htm)
NY Confidential (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/dvd_reviews51/new_york_confidential.htm)

Interesting to note the only commentary is on NY Confidential!

Extras consist of a very good commentary for noir devotees by film historian & author Alan K. Rode and film writer, Kim Morgan.

[Juke Joint Jonny]

From the Digital Bits...Criterion's latest newsletter provides a visual clue that Night of the Hunter (1955, with Robert Mitchum) is in its future release plans.

[Steve-O]

Johnny: Have a link to that?

[Juke Joint Jonny]

Johnny: Have a link to that?

http://theplaylist.blogspot.com/2010/06/night-of-hunter-is-coming-to-criterion.html

[Steve-O]

Thanks Jonny... Looking forward to it.

[Alan K. Rode]

FYI:

New York Confidential (1955) is back on sale at Amazon. Apparently there was an isolated group of the DVDs that had the disks come off of the case detent retainer during shipment . I am advised that this issue has been addressed.

The other reported problem by a couple of BAN posters not being able to play the special feature stills has been forwarded to VCI.

[Ashirg]

DVD Beaver reviews of Opus Films noirs:
Appointment with Danger (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/dvd_reviews51/appointment_with_danger.htm)
Dark City (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/dvd_reviews51/dark_city.htm)
Union Station (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/dvd_reviews51/union_station.htm)

[Steve-O]

DVD Beaver reviews of Opus Films noirs:
Appointment with Danger (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/dvd_reviews51/appointment_with_danger.htm)
Dark City (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/dvd_reviews51/dark_city.htm)
Union Station (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/dvd_reviews51/union_station.htm)

Dual-layered transfers! Great... a small company that did a transfer right. Fantastic news.

[SuperDanX]

Really looking forwards to seeing Dark City

[philsunset]

FYI:

New York Confidential (1955) is back on sale at Amazon. Apparently there was an isolated group of the DVDs that had the disks come off of the case detent retainer during shipment . I am advised that this issue has been addressed.

The other reported problem by a couple of BAN posters not being able to play the special feature stills has been forwarded to VCI.

Just to let you know. The special feature stills played on my DVD player with no problem. Enjoyed your commentary.

phil

[Ashirg]

The Locket joined the Warner Archives yesterday.

In UK news, Wolf Rilla's double feature Marilyn (aka Roadhouse Girl) (1953) and Stock Car (1955) will be released on September 6. Same company will be releasing Berlin Express September 20 if Warner Archive is not your thing...

[Ashirg]

George Feltenstein mentions in DVD Classics Corner (http://wmpg.org/?archive#dvdcc) dedicated to Warner's film noir set that this year we will see The Window and High Wall being released in Warner Archives.

[Mandrakegray]

George Feltenstein mentions in DVD Classics Corner (http://wmpg.org/?archive#dvdcc) dedicated to Warner's film noir set that this year we will see The Window and High Wall being released in Warner Archives.

Thanks for that head's up Ashirg!! I have not viewed either title, so I'm really looking forward to these.

(I have the french movie poster for High Wall framed on my wall)

[Keith]

George Feltenstein mentions in DVD Classics Corner (http://wmpg.org/?archive#dvdcc) dedicated to Warner's film noir set that this year we will see The Window and High Wall being released in Warner Archives.

These films and The Locket should've been part of the Warner's Film Noir set this year... oh well, at least they're getting released.

[Ashirg]

Tomorrow 3 noirs will be added to Warner Archives - A Lady Without Passport (1950), Tomorrow Is Another Day (1951) and The Sellout (1952).

[Steve-O]

Tomorrow 3 noirs will be added to Warner Archives - A Lady Without Passport (1950), Tomorrow Is Another Day (1951) and The Sellout (1952).

Tomorrow is Another Day is an OUTSTANDING noir.

[Mandrakegray]

Tomorrow is Another Day is an OUTSTANDING noir.

That seems to be the consensus (Eddie Muller has called it one of his favorite noir films).
Plus, we're getting some Joseph H. Lewis and Audrey Totter titles!!

God bless the Warner Archive series for rolling these out... just wish they had before this past week's sale that ended yesterday.

[Rollo Tomasi]

Tomorrow 3 noirs will be added to Warner Archives - A Lady Without Passport (1950), Tomorrow Is Another Day (1951) and The Sellout (1952).Why not in Warner's recent (dull) Film-Noir boxset????????

[Steve-O]

Why not in Warner's recent (dull) Film-Noir boxset????????
I think this has to do with Warner Bros archive films not being peserved well. Notice most of the box sets contain anything but WB films! I think RKO did a better job storing their old movies... I'm sure Eddie has an idea on why WB didn't use WB films in their noir sets...

[SuperDanX]

Why not in Warner's recent (dull) Film-Noir boxset????????

Thank god for that. Thought it was just me. Really finding it chore to get through. Dissapointing set

[Steve-O]

Some more from the WB Archive: Between Two Worlds and Crack-Up

[Ashirg]

Film Noir TV classic, Johnny Staccato, finally comes to DVD in a 3-disc set on October 12.

[philsunset]

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Johnny-Staccato-The-Complete-Series/14319

[Harry Fabian]

Anyone have a link to the new stuff from the WB archive? Not available at Netflix or Amazon.

[Steve-O]

Anyone have a link to the new stuff from the WB archive? Not available at Netflix or Amazon.
Harry: The discs are DVD-R format (home burnable discs) so Netflix will not carry them. Amazon has an agreement to sell them after they are on the WB site for a while. Your best bet is to go to the WB site directly and order there. They have a deal going on right now (http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3571588-10747577).

I really hope that Netflix works out a deal to stream the WB archive films on their excellent streaming service.

[Bob]

For those that receive TCM you shouldn't even bother throwing dough at Warners for the price they are charging.
Almost all, if not all, of the Warners noir releases are shown on TCM fairly regularly. The releases haven't been re-mastered, so you are essentially getting the same quality copy that is shown on cable.

[Mandrakegray]

I, for one, am grateful to Warners Archives for releasing the noir titles. I certainly understand Bob's point, but I like having the actual item on my shelf among my other Noir titles. That said, I tend to wait until they have a sale before I pull the trigger.

[Steve-O]

I see former NOTW Devil's Doorwa (http://www.noiroftheweek.com/2007/01/devils-doorway-1950.html)y is available on the WB archive too

[Frankie]

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt is being released in Spain on the 7th of September through Warner/Impulso:

http://img3.imagebanana.com/img/650hp99i/thumb/masalladeladuda_dvd.jpg (http://www.imagebanana.com/view/650hp99i/masalladeladuda_dvd.jpg)

[Harry Fabian]

Harry: The discs are DVD-R format (home burnable discs) so Netflix will not carry them. Amazon has an agreement to sell them after they are on the WB site for a while. Your best bet is to go to the WB site directly and order there. They have a deal going on right now (http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3571588-10747577).

I really hope that Netflix works out a deal to stream the WB archive films on their excellent streaming service.

Thanks for the info, Steve-O!

[Mark]

" I, for one, am grateful to Warners Archives for releasing the noir titles. I certainly understand Bob's point, but I like having the actual item on my shelf among my other Noir titles. That said, I tend to wait until they have a sale before I pull the trigger."

But won't you have the actual item (dvd-r) on your shelf if you just dub the film from a TCM broadcast? Assuming you have a recorder of course.

Mark

[Ashirg]

I posted a review of The Locket DVD (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/dvd_reviews51/the_locket.htm) and also compared to what I had on my DVR from the recent broadcast on TCM. The TCM print was overly dark. Archive disc has some visible damage at 35-minute mark (lines on the right side) that was not on TCM print, but overall Archive disc is better quality.

UK release of While the City Sleeps is delayed til September, but the same studio, Exposure Cinema, also plan to release Beyond a Reasonable Doubt this year.

[Steve-O]

I posted a review of The Locket DVD (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/dvd_reviews51/the_locket.htm) and also compared to what I had on my DVR from the recent broadcast on TCM. The TCM print was overly dark. Archive disc has some visible damage at 35-minute mark (lines on the right side) that was not on TCM print, but overall Archive disc is better quality.

UK release of While the City Sleeps is delayed til September, but the same studio, Exposure Cinema, also plan to release Beyond a Reasonable Doubt this year.
I have the R2 DVD. How does it compare?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v712/buttzilla/folder2/locket5.jpg

[Frankie]

The R2 looks too greenish and not as sharp as the Archive disc. Is it correct that the R2 - it's the Spanish one you have? - has forced subtitles?

[Steve-O]

They're not forced.. I think. I can't remember because I backed up the movie on a hard drive and put my DVDs in storage. Anyway, the backup doesn't have subs. It is the Spanish DVD, I know that.

[Ashirg]

I'll post a capture from Archive disc to match yours when I get home...

Apparently, Sony Pictures is getting on made-on-demand wagon and is releasing over 100 titles this September. Critics' Choice Video and Deep Discount has some of them for pre-order, although I'll wait for official announcement from Sony before ordering any of them. There are a couple of film noirs (711 Ocean Drive, Johnny Allegro), lots of semi-noirs (A Bullet Is Waiting, The Case Against Brooklyn, Cell 2455 Death Row, Criminal Lawyer, Footsteps in the Fog, The Guilt of Janet Ames, The Long Haul, New Orleans Uncensored, No Time to Be Young, Pickup Alley, The Shadow on the Window, Storm Center) and a couple of neo-noirs (10 Rillington Place, Mickey One).

[Ashirg]

Here's the capture from the Warner Archive disc:

http://a.imageshack.us/img409/876/locketcap.jpg

[Steve-O]

Here's the capture from the Warner Archive disc:

http://a.imageshack.us/img409/876/locketcap.jpg

I see that the image quality is much improved. Thanks. I'm going to make the leap and buy it.

[Frankie]

While the City Sleeps got pushed back again. Now it's September 27.... Argh.
Amazon.co.uk informed me today.

[Frankie]

New Warner Archive titles:

Betrayed (When Strangers Marry) (1944) - William Castle
This Side of the Law (1950) - Richard L. Bare
The Underworld Story (1950) - Cy Endfield
The Gangster (1947) - Gordon Wiles
Hot News (1953) - Edward Bernds
The System (1953) - Lewis Seiler
Bunco Squad (1950) - Herbert I. Leeds

Betrayed and The System interest me most. Never heard of the rest though. Are they good? The Underworld Story looks interesting too.

[Frankie]

High Wall (1947) - Curtis Bernhardt

has been added as well.

[tterrace]

I'll post a capture from Archive disc to match yours when I get home...

Apparently, Sony Pictures is getting on made-on-demand wagon and is releasing over 100 titles this September. Critics' Choice Video and Deep Discount has some of them for pre-order, although I'll wait for official announcement from Sony before ordering any of them. There are a couple of film noirs (711 Ocean Drive, Johnny Allegro), lots of semi-noirs (A Bullet Is Waiting, The Case Against Brooklyn, Cell 2455 Death Row, Criminal Lawyer, Footsteps in the Fog, The Guilt of Janet Ames, The Long Haul, New Orleans Uncensored, No Time to Be Young, Pickup Alley, The Shadow on the Window, Storm Center) and a couple of neo-noirs (10 Rillington Place, Mickey One).

They've now unveiled it:

http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/columbiaclassics/the-films/?filter=mod

[Keith]

Are they good? The Underworld Story looks interesting too.

It's a pretty good movie, Dan Duryea plays a great slimeball as usual.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-8O3S5NQFF8/S-UJLm3gk4I/AAAAAAAAAm8/NFrUunoaZEY/s1600/the+underworld+story.jpg

[Steve-O]

They've now unveiled it:

http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/columbiaclassics/the-films/?filter=mod

Interesting. The site is probably still being tweaked (I don't see the video clips).... also they have movies like The Spiritualist (wonder what that one looks like!) as being 1.85 which it definitely isn't. Soul of a Monster is a decent cheap horror film too.

[Bob]

The video clips on the Sony site are up, except on some of the titles when you click it on you get the preview of a different film. As for The Spiritualist, the print is amazing, with all of Alton's genius for backlighting to create depth in prominent display.

[Steve-O]

Bob: I know it's hard to judge from these small clips online, but these transfers look great! Very encouraging.

[Alan K. Rode]

Sony has the only 35mm prints of The Spiritualist and Reign of Terror. We've screened both at Noir City festivals. Great that these quality prints will be available.

[Bob]

Sony has the only 35mm prints of The Spiritualist and Reign of Terror. We've screened both at Noir City festivals. Great that these quality prints will be available.

Both of those looked great on the big Castro screen. Alton could light up Wrigley Field at night using a book of matches. I just hope that Reign of Terror is on the Sony schedule.

[Ashirg]

Three Steps North is being released by Alpha on September 28.

[Ashirg]

A lot of British and American noirs and crime dramas are coming on DVD in UK from Odeon Entertainment in the coming months.
Clash by Night (1964) - September 20
Pit of Darkness (1961) - October 4
Life in Danger (1959) / Cover Girl Killer (1959) - Double Bill - October 11
Saint's Double Trouble, The (1940) - October 11
Three Cases of Murder (1955) - October 11
Falcon Takes Over, The (1942) - November 1
Falcon's Brother, The (1942) - November 1

Also, Spanish DVD of Beyond the Reasonable Doubt doesn't look very good. Here's some captures from a Spanish forum - http://mundodvd.com/showthread.php?t=77782

[Steve-O]

Also, Spanish DVD of Beyond the Reasonable Doubt doesn't look very good. Here's some captures from a Spanish forum - http://mundodvd.com/showthread.php?t=77782

Blah... and it's not in widescreen. Looks poor with all that headroom.

[Steve-O]

Thrilled and annoyed at the same time....

WB Archive to release "remastered" Strangers on the Third Floor...

also -30-, and Violence (1947)

http://yfrog.com/f/my57j/

[Keith]

Thrilled and annoyed at the same time....

That's how I feel about the WB Archives, I'm thrilled that the films are actually getting released but annoyed that they're on non-pressed DVD-Rs and overpriced, close to the price of a box set with actual pressed and remastered DVDs with special features, commentaries, and all that fun stuff. Oh well.

[Frankie]

I'll wait and see how Stranger on the Third Floor will look like. For me living in Europe the French DVD is far more cheaper than a Warner Archive disc and therefore it has to be a big improvement over the Editions Montparnasse DVD.

[Mandrakegray]

WB Archive to release "remastered" Strangers on the Third Floor...

That news made my day!!! However, the price issue (that many have) with the WB Archives titles becomes even greater with the "remastered" titles... as they tack on an additional $5 on those. I have yet to buy any so far (I'm thinking about nabbing Fuller's "Verboten!") but I've read good reviews on the "Background to Danger" release. I'll certainly pull the trigger on SOTTF... but I may wait until Warner Archives holds another sale.

My copy of "Tomorrow is Another Day" is due in the mail tomorrow. Looking forward to finally viewing the film.

[Ashirg]

The best way to get remastered titles has been during "any 3 single-disc titles for $39". Unfortunately, they only had 3 remastered titles at the time, so hopefully they will have another sale like this.

[Frankie]

Right now I think I'll wait for a DeepDiscount Sale to get several Archive discs.

[Frankie]

Semi-Noir but Fritz Lang's You and Me (1938) will be released in Germany on the 3rd of December by Koch Media as part of their Noir series. :)

The second titles is The General Died at Dawn, which is already available in the States.

[Steve-O]

The Maltese Falcon on Blue Ray (http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s3318malt.html)

now I've bought this movie twice already on DVD but this is tempting.

[dax]

Yes I know, I couldn't resist. I pre-ordered this blu-ray as well the new Bogart Essential Collection even though I have about 70% of the 24 titles in the box set already. So I've bought The Maltese Falcon 4 times on dvd. I'm not a rich man, so I must be a nut.

[Steve-O]

Yes I know, I couldn't resist. I pre-ordered this blu-ray as well the new Bogart Essential Collection even though I have about 70% of the 24 titles in the box set already. So I've bought The Maltese Falcon 4 times on dvd. I'm not a rich man, so I must be a nut.
no crazier than me (but I'm nuts). I didn't know they were putting out the Bogart Essential (http://astore.amazon.com/noiroftheweek-20/detail/B003UGLCIK)... I have most of them on DVD already (hell Casablanca three times too!). If the collection comes out on blue ray then I'll bite.

the titles in the Essential (on 12 discs): Petrified Forest/ Marked Woman, Kid Galahad/ Black Legion, San Quentin/The Roaring Twenties, Dark Victory/ Virginia City, Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse/ Invisible Stripes, High Sierra/ They Drive by Night, Maltese Falcon/ Across the Pacific, All Through the Night/ Brother Orchid, Action in the North Atlantic/ Passage to Marseilles, To Have and Have Not/ The Big Sleep, Dark Passage/ Key Largo, Casablanca/ Treasure of the Sierra Madre

[Davidmk]

The Maltese Falcon on Blue Ray (http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s3318malt.html)

now I've bought this movie twice already on DVD but this is tempting.

I just picekd up this Blu-ray tonight , Nice to see they are getting stuff like this out in the format , Casblanca was so worth buying (me too for the 3rd time) on blu-ray i had to have this .
Was also gonna grab the other Bogart blu-ray "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre " which also came out this week , but the store i was at did not have it .

If they do that Bogart collection box on Blu-ray i'll be introuble for sure , that will be very tempting , something tells me they'll get to tehm all eventually & i'll be buying Dark passage (among my favorites) ket largo etc. once again .

[Ashirg]

Screaming Mimi is coming in November from Sony's Classics on Demand

[Frankie]

Never heard of "Screaming Mimi". Is it any good?

[Davidmk]

That's how I feel about the WB Archives, I'm thrilled that the films are actually getting released but annoyed that they're on non-pressed DVD-Rs and overpriced, close to the price of a box set with actual pressed and remastered DVDs with special features, commentaries, and all that fun stuff. Oh well.

Thsey started sending out 50% sale codes today to people on their email list , i just hate spending $$$ on a dvd-R that may be dead in 5 years time ..... what else is great at WB for noir that is a real Pressed DVD other than the 5 boxed sets ??

[Mandrakegray]

They started sending out 50% sale codes today to people on their email list

Really?? Good grief, I hope I didn't delete mine!!

[Night Editor]

Never heard of "Screaming Mimi". Is it any good?

Below is a review on IMDb by the late Bill McVicar, whose short, sharp write-ups nearly always landed on target...

"Somehow surmounting a creaky script rooted in some crackpot psychiatry, Screaming Mimi creates a somnambulistic, doom-laden mood that keeps you watching, bemused. And that's not easily explained.

The director, Gerd Oswald, was one of the lesser expatriates from Germany, a pedestrian workman who the year before helmed Crime of Passion, a jejune noir starring Barbara Stanwyck, Sterling Hayden and Raymond Burr; it's hard to extinguish the sizzle in that kind of cast, but Oswald did a pretty fair job of it.

In Screaming Mimi, he was saddled with the sort of rounded-up cast that doesn't incite box office stampedes. Anita Ekberg, - the Swedish bombshell with the storied bosom - proves oddly affecting in the numbed-out role she's called on to play. And society stripper Gypsy Rose Lee supplies a welcome bit of sass as proprietress of a nightclub called El Madhouse. But the male leads emerged from the La Brea tar pits of Hollywood anonymity. Philip Carey passes as sort of a poor man's Gary Merrill (that is to say, absolutely penniless), while Harry Townes, an even more faceless actor, makes up the roster.

The plot? Ekberg, an exotic `dancer' who writhes about suggestively in an act with bondage overtones, is visiting her sculptor-stepbrother on the California coast when she's almost knifed by an escapee from a nearby asylum, whom the brother promptly shoots dead. In consequence, Ekberg winds up in the selfsame asylum where her smitten shrink (Townes) arranges her release and, in a development reminiscent of The Blue Angel or Sunset Boulevard, leaves his post to manage her career (as `Yolanda Lang').

Then one night she's stabbed (again), but her vicious great dane wards off the attacker. Carey, a columnist whose curiously broad beat includes night clubs and crime in the night, grows intrigued, and stumbles onto the fact that both Ekberg and an earlier victim possessed strange statuettes called Screaming Mimis....

It's a jumble, all right, but it manages to hold some interest. A large part of the credit must, by default, fall to top-notch cinematographer Burnett Guffey, by far the most talented factor in the movie. (He films one scene in the light from a flashing neon sign, alternating between a two-shot and daringly long intervals of pitch blackness.) The movie shares a restive, oneiric quality with certain low-budget noirs from a decade earlier, that again compelled more attention than they deserved. Go figure."

[Davidmk]

Really?? Good grief, I hope I didn't delete mine!!

Yeh it's good for 3 days , so it may only be good for another 24 hours , I did try & buy one of the "Made to order" dvd's , but coupon is not good on those it seems , so i ordered Noir box #5 at $19.98 & 2 other movies at $5 each , got Angel face & one other i forget , was gonna order some more but new releases didn't count either .

[Frankie]

Got this from Exposure Cinema:

http://img3.imagebanana.com/img/zlcgfhtx/thumb/getattachment.aspx.jpg (http://www.imagebanana.com/view/zlcgfhtx/getattachment.aspx.jpg)

Release: Early 2011

[Ashirg]

Here's how DVD of 711 Ocean Drive (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/dvd_reviews52/711_ocean_drive.htm) looks...

[Davidmk]

Got this from Exposure Cinema:

http://img3.imagebanana.com/img/zlcgfhtx/thumb/getattachment.aspx.jpg (http://www.imagebanana.com/view/zlcgfhtx/getattachment.aspx.jpg)

Release: Early 2011

Very nice , thanks Frankie !

[Ashirg]

Criterion is releasing a few British noirs directed by Basil Dearden (http://www.criterion.com/boxsets/776-eclipse-series-25-basil-deardens-london-underground) - Sapphire, The League of Gentlemen, Victim, All Night Long.

http://criterion_production.s3.amazonaws.com/release_images/3097/ES25_Dearden_w128.png

http://criterion_production.s3.amazonaws.com/product_images/1220/Sapphire_box_w100.jpg http://criterion_production.s3.amazonaws.com/product_images/1223/LeagueOfGentlemen_Box_w100.jpg

http://criterion_production.s3.amazonaws.com/product_images/1226/Victim_box_w100.jpg http://criterion_production.s3.amazonaws.com/product_images/1229/AllNightLong_box_w100.jpg

Also, Sam Fuller's Naked Kiss (http://www.criterion.com/films/533-the-naked-kiss) and Shock Corridor (http://www.criterion.com/films/534-shock-corridor) are remastered for DVD and Blu-ray:

http://criterion_production.s3.amazonaws.com/release_images/3112/18_BD_box_348x490_w128.jpg http://criterion_production.s3.amazonaws.com/release_images/3106/19_BD_box_348x490_w128.jpg

[Steve-O]

Great news from The DVD Savant about Sony's new DVD burning project. In his review of the great 711 Ocean Drive (http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s3349driv.html):

...The bottom line is that the disc of 711 Ocean Drive is just as attractive as any standard DVD released by the studio.

[Juke Joint Jonny]

Great news from The DVD Savant about Sony's new DVD burning project. In his review of the great 711 Ocean Drive (http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s3349driv.html):


Just ordered that one from Deep Discount. If that's the only way we can get our noir, so be it.

[Davidmk]

I think it's amazing they are putting out all this stuff & so many titles at once , i still have a hard time parting with $20 for a disc that may not even play in 5 years ....

[Ashirg]

MGM is now joining MOD program, distributed by Fox. Check the news here (http://www.thewrap.com/movies/article/fox-use-dvd-manufacturing-demand-mine-mgm-catalog-22229?page=0,0). Out of the first batch, of noir interest is Phil Karlson's 99 River Street and Big House, U.S.A.

[Night Editor]

MGM is now joining MOD program, distributed by Fox. Check the news here (http://www.thewrap.com/movies/article/fox-use-dvd-manufacturing-demand-mine-mgm-catalog-22229?page=0,0). Out of the first batch, of noir interest is Phil Karlson's 99 River Street and Big House, U.S.A.

Wow. WB Archives, then Sony/ Columbia, now MGM/ Fox. Getting hard to keep up - which is good. Thanks for this.

[Frankie]

As long as they're using good prints, I'm fine with the MGM MODs.

[Ashirg]

The Prowler is coming to DVD from VCI on February 2. Pre-order is listed at Amazon.

http://vcientertainment.com/images/089859858925.gif

[Keith]

The Prowler is coming to DVD from VCI on February 2. Pre-order is listed at Amazon.

http://vcientertainment.com/images/089859858925.gif

This is great news.

[Davidmk]

Nice! very cool it will be out on dvd !!

[Ashirg]

Bonus Features:
Documentary featurette "The Cost of Living: Creating The Prowler," with James Ellroy, Christopher Trumbo, Denise Hamilton and Alan K. Rode
"Masterpiece in the Margins": Bertrand Tavernier on The Prowler
“On the Prowl: Restoring The Prowler.” The Film Noir Foundation and UCLA Film & Television Archive Partnership
Photo Gallery
Audio Commentary by Film Noir Expert Eddie Muller
Original Theatrical Trailer

[Juke Joint Jonny]

I had a feeling VCI would be doing this. Kudos to them!!!

[SuperDanX]

Great news, I sincerely hope everyone buys a copy to support the FNF good work.

[Movie Memories]

In regard to the recent Bogart on Bluray, also being a huge Bogart fan, I picked up Casablanca and was pleased with the quality. I haven't gotten The Maltese Falcon or Treasure of the Sierra Madre yet and wonder, for those of you who have, would you comment on the quality.

I expect they will be as good as Casablanca, but would appreciate some opinions.

Always ending up with mulitple copies began to create a problem. Now I usually keep one dvd (the cleanest copy), and a bluray upgrade. Should I have any additional copies, they are donated to a local half-way house. They love it and are very appreciative.

[slimdundee62]

I bought both The Maltese Falcon & Treasure of the Sierra Madre and I thought Treasure was mind blowing .
Detail was unbelievable especially on the close ups on Bogart you could count the stuble on his face. I actually
have not compared with the old 2 disc DVD version and I was going to sell it but I have held off only because days after watching the blu ray I started thinking maybe it was too sharp ?

I dunno, it looked just too good ....sometimes these older classics look to good to be true on blu like African Queen, it's almost surreal the way it looks.
Especially considering when I was growing up watching these movies on tiny Black & White TV's always futzing with the rabbit ears to get good reception.

[Frankie]

Fantastic news. Pre-Ordered my copy of The Prowler. Hope, Cry Danger will be next. ;)

[Movie Memories]

Thanks for the comments Slim; I think I will go ahead and order both Treasure and The Maltese Falcon. if I remember right, putting a little tin foil on the rabbit ears helped.:D

[HDS7]

Criterion is FINALLY releasing a fully restored version of Night of the Hunter!
been waiting for this for way too long!

[Ashirg]

Criterion is also releasing Sweet Smell of Success on DVD and Blu in February.

[slimdundee62]

I just received an email that the WB Archive is releasing The Outfit ....great news!

THE OUTFIT (1973) REMASTERED in WIDESCREEN (1.85) Robert Duvall plays an ex-con who goes up against The Outfit in an updated throwback to 40s and 50s film noir. The ex-con, his girlfriend (Karen Black) and his partner (Joe Don Baker) avenge the murder of his brother by cutting down an LA mob's operations bit by violent bit. Genre fans will recognize veterans such as Robert Ryan, Jane Greer, Marie Windsor, Timothy Carey Elisha Cook and a cameo by longtime Variety columnist Army Archerd.

[Steve-O]

here's one for ya (possibly available by Noir City?)
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/8210/15506816748237070491131.jpg

[George]

Is "The Guilty" about to be released on 4th Jan?

[Steve-O]

Criterion is FINALLY releasing a fully restored version of Night of the Hunter!
been waiting for this for way too long!
I order this DVD after reading the DVD Savant's review (http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s3376hunt.html). Looks like a great one.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/images/3376hunt.jpg

[Alan K. Rode]

Saw it a week ago. Incredible!

[Movie Memories]

For those who may be interested, this film is offered right now at Deep Discount for $23.97. Not a bad price for a Criterion release.

[Davidmk]

I order this DVD after reading the DVD Savant's review (http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s3376hunt.html). Looks like a great one.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/images/3376hunt.jpg

This one hit Blu-ray , or just dvd ?

[Frankie]

Blu-ray and DVD.

[Davidmk]

Blu-ray and DVD.

Awesome !! thanks for the info , a must have on Blu-ray .

[Ashirg]

Seems like Warner Archive in the coming weeks will add remastered editions of Inside the Folsom Prison and The Window.

61 62

[Juke Joint Jonny]

A new company Twilight Time has struck a deal with Twentieth Century Fox to release a DVD a month including Violent Saturday. http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/homeentertainment/la-et-dvd-vintage-20101214,0,3289441.story

[slimdundee62]

The Prowler has dropped to a price of $13.99 (pre-order) on Amazon!

[Steve-O]

Seems like Warner Archive in the coming weeks will add remastered editions of Inside the Folsom Prison and The Window.

61 62
Nice. The Window is excellent. Proto Noirs Blondie Johnston, Heat Lightning, and 1961's Girl of the Night are also worth the watch.

[philsunset]

Kansas City Confidential on blu

http://www.dvdtown.com/news/film-noir-gem-kansas-city-confidential-headed-for-blu-ray/8234

The Stranger is also being released on blu

The Locket to be released R2 on pressed DVD February 2001

phil

[Steve-O]

Kansas City Confidential on blu

http://www.dvdtown.com/news/film-noir-gem-kansas-city-confidential-headed-for-blu-ray/8234

The Stranger is also being released on blu

The Locket to be released R2 on pressed DVD February 2001

phil

Wow. Kansas City Confidential on Blue Ray? Unreal... http://media.dvdtown.com/images/displayimage.php?id=17238 (http://www.dvdtown.com/news/film-noir-gem-kansas-city-confidential-headed-for-blu-ray/8234)

[tterrace]

Wow. Kansas City Confidential on Blue Ray? Unreal...

A lot is going to depend on what kind of source material they've been able to use. MGM had access to original, early-generation elements for their 2007 DVD, and it's beautiful, miles beyond any of the previous PD or gray-market versions. I see it's only $3.98 at Amazon, a terrific bargain.

[rainerc]

Olive Films will release William Dieterle's 1949 Noir ROPE OF SAND, starring Burt Lancaster in April.

[philsunset]

Criterion is releasing Le Cercle Rouge on Blu-ray April 12

[Frankie]

New noir and noirish titles from the Warner Archive tomorrow:

Bodyguard (1948)
Chicago Calling (1952)
Twenty Plus Two (1961)

[mcash007]

Thanks for the heads up Frankie!

The Bodyguard (1948) is not a bad little RKO B-picture, with Lawrence Tierney
Chicago Calling (1952) Dan Duryea wants his phone turned back on, or something like that, can't completly remember. Somewhat norish, but more of a drama.
Twenty Plus Two (1961) never heard of it, sounds like I'll have to do some research.

[Ashirg]

The next wave of MGM's made-on-demand discs has been announced for mid-March. Noir and near-noir titles include The Captive City, Cop Hater, Not as a Stranger (Gloria Grahame and Robert Mitchum alert!)

http://www.screenarchives.com/gifs/14909.gif http://www.screenarchives.com/gifs/14910.gif

[George]

Big House USA and 99 River Street have now been released

http://www.amazon.com/Big-House-U-S-Broderick-Crawford/dp/B004LB5FA4

and

http://www.amazon.com/99-River-Street-John-Payne/dp/B004LB5FEA

[Steve-O]

Excellent review of The Prowler DVD from our friend Glenn Erickson... http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s3425prow.html
Note Alan's comment at the bottom about Cry Danger! coming next to DVD!!!
http://dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/images/3425b.jpg

[Keith]

Cry Danger! coming next to DVD!!!

Now this is the kind of news that I like to hear.

[SuperDanX]

Got my copy of The Prowler, looking forwards to seeing it. Can't wait for Cry Danger.

[Keith]

Just finished watching my DVD copy of The Prowler and it's fantastic. The print looks great and it's stuffed with extras including a video of the restoration of the Prowler. This is the way I want Noir on DVD for now on.

[slimdundee62]

Last night I watched The Prowler and thought it looked Fantastic also !
I did not notice any combing effects, it looked pretty clean to me .
Only thing I noticed was at the 1 Hour 17 minute mark when they show Heflin's car outside the ghost town the film hipcups or hesitates a split second . Why is that?....is it where one reel of film ends and the next begins? I ask because you don't see this on most DVDs but occasionally you do. Also noticed the same thing on the new Appointment With Danger DVD.

[Steve-O]

yes... that's a DVD thing. Half way through a movie this always happens (similar to a reel change). Some DVD players handle the blip better than others. I see it EVERY time I watch a movie on DVD...

[mcash007]

It happens on a dual-layer DVD, usually about halfway through the total data on the disc.

Steve-O is correct that some players handle it better.

Do the special features on the Prowler mention that Cry Danger is coming out next?
I haven't watched it yet.

[philsunset]

The proto-noir You Only Live Once just released on Blu-Ray......in Italy!

http://www.dvdessential.it/blu-ray/sono-innocente-1937-di-fritz-lang-t35761.html

[mcash007]

From Barrie Maxwell's Classic Coming Attraction (thedigitalbits.com)article in reference to Warner Archive releases:

In the plans for February and March are Sunday in New York (1963, Cliff Robertson), The Wild Rovers (1971, William Holden), Finishing School (1934, Frances Dee), and The Two Mrs. Carrolls (1947, Humphrey Bogart).

This follows some of the blurps from WAC I've seen other places.

[philsunset]

Brighton Rock comes to Blu-ray R2

http://www.Blu-ray.com/movies/Brighton-Rock-blu-ray/18548/

[rainerc]

DVDBeaver review of the STRANGER Blu-ray: http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/blu-ray_reviews53/the_stranger_blu-ray.htm. I cancelled my Amazon pre-order immediately.

[Frankie]

Sony's MOD program released 12 new titles. One of them is a bit noirish:

Blind Alley (1939) - the movie was remade as The Dark Past in 48.

[mcash007]

I watched the Stranger BLU-ray, and compared it to the MGM DVD, the clear winner= DVD.

I was worried about this release from the beginning, because of the public domain area in which it currently lives. Please don't buy this crap!!!! It is all cleaned up to the point of wax museum status. There is no film grain, why because it is washed away. People will say it is a cheap BLU, well the MGM DVD is a cheap DVD!!!

I have not seen Kansas City BLU, and I hope to God I don't.

SIDE NOTE- people with blu and a screen size below 40in will probably not see how crappy this movie is, so please don't chime in.

[Ashirg]

Kansas City Confidential (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompare3/kansascityconfidential.htm) Blu is just as bad. Better stick with MGM DVD.

[Davidmk]

Kansas City Confidential (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompare3/kansascityconfidential.htm) Blu is just as bad. Better stick with MGM DVD.

Thanks for the warning , I have the Mgm , guess i don't have to upgrade , too bad they can't do a nice job like they did with the Bogart movies .

[Ashirg]

Thanks for the warning , I have the Mgm , guess i don't have to upgrade , too bad they can't do a nice job like they did with the Bogart movies .

They can, but MGM would need to release it, not some PD company...

[Davidmk]

They can, but MGM would need to release it, not some PD company...

Yeh & chances on that are slim , unless they see dollars signs ......
I wonder hoe the Bogart blu-rays sold , i'm sure casablanca Did real well , I hope we see more of that Quality in the future .

[Frankie]

Knock on Any Door will be released on DVD in Germany from Sony Pictures on April 21st.

[rainerc]

Knock on Any Door will be released on DVD in Germany from Sony Pictures on April 21st.

any link available? Can't find it at amazon.de

[philsunset]

Diabolique Criterion Blu-ray and DVD May 17th

http://www.criterion.com/films/575-diabolique

[Frankie]

any link available? Can't find it at amazon.de

It's not on Amazon, yet but here's a link in German about Sony's Platinum Classic Film Collection and Knock on Any Door will be part of this collection: http://www.firmenpresse.de/pressinfo345198.html

[Ashirg]

The Kremlin Letter is being released in Limited Edition on pressed DVD exclusive to Screen Archives Entertainment (http://www.screenarchives.com/title_detail.cfm/ID/14942/THE-KREMLIN-LETTER-1970-PRE-ORDER/)

Next Tuesday Warner Archives (http://yfrog.com/h63a01j) will release three 1950's RKO noirs - Destination Murder, Experiment Alcatraz and The Tattooed Stranger.

[Steve-O]

The latter three are welcome additions! I'm a sucker for all three movies -- Experiment Alcatraz is quite entertaining.

The Kremlin Letter is listed in a few noir books as a film noir but it really isn't. I finally saw it last year and it's a bit of a political/spy spoof. I wouldn't say it's noir in anyway except for the cast and crew involved (Welles, Dean Jagger, Richard Boone, George Sanders, and directed by John Huston. Certainly its worth seeing. But don't expect a noir...




The Kremlin Letter is being released in Limited Edition on pressed DVD exclusive to Screen Archives Entertainment (http://www.screenarchives.com/title_detail.cfm/ID/14942/THE-KREMLIN-LETTER-1970-PRE-ORDER/)

Next Tuesday Warner Archives (http://yfrog.com/h63a01j) will release three 1950's RKO noirs - Destination Murder, Experiment Alcatraz and The Tattooed Stranger.

[Frankie]

Artwork for the German Knock on Any Door DVD:
http://s13.directupload.net/images/110222/temp/f36pgwpc.jpg (http://s13.directupload.net/file/d/2443/f36pgwpc_jpg.htm)

[SimonTemplar]

Agreed, The Kremlin Letter is not a noir.

[mcash007]

New Warner Archive titles this week:

The Two Mrs. Carrols (1941) - Remastered

Whiplash (1948)

Confidential Agent (1945) - Not Film Noir but a good film, thought I'd throw it out there.

[Steve-O]

I see the WB archive has released Bogart's The Two Mrs. Carrolls and Chicago Calling ! with Dan Duryea. http://www.wbshop.com/Chicago-Calling-1952/1000188729,default,pd.html?cgid=

[Juke Joint Jonny]

WB Archive also recently released The Tattooed Stranger and Destination Murder.

[Harry Fabian]

Thanks everyone for the new tips. The author of Film Noir Guide has a photo still of "Confidential Agent" on the cover, calls it "on-the-run" noir with themes of betrayal, conspiracy, and paranoia-so I guess I will have to check it out.

[Frankie]

Kiss Me Deadly is getting the Criterion treatment in June! On DVD and Blu-ray on June 21st.

http://s7.directupload.net/images/110315/temp/ajhyuyqw.jpg (http://s7.directupload.net/file/d/2464/ajhyuyqw_jpg.htm)
* New high-definition restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition
* Audio commentary by film noir specialists Alain Silver and James Ursini
* New video tribute from director Alex Cox (Repo Man, Walker)
* Excerpts from The Long Haul of A. I. Bezzerides, a 2005 documentary on the Kiss Me Deadly screenwriter
* Excerpts from Mike Hammer’s Mickey Spillane, a 1998 documentary on the author whose book inspired the film
* A look at the film’s locations
* Altered ending
* Theatrical trailer
* PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by critic J. Hoberman and a 1955 reprint by director Robert Aldrich

[Ashirg]

Another fascinating release from Criterion in June is Raffaello Matarazzo’s Runaway Melodramas as part of Eclipse Series.

Chains (Catene) (1949)

http://criterion-production.s3.amazonaws.com/product_images/1308/Chains_box.jpg

After years of working mostly on comedies and literary adaptations, Raffaello Matarazzo turned to melodrama with this intense tale of a tight-knit working-class family shattered by temptation. There’s a touch of noir in Chains (Catene), in which the virtuous yet earthy Yvonne Sanson, as the devoted wife of a mechanic (Amedeo Nazzari), finds herself unwillingly drawn back toward a criminal ex-lover.

Tormento (1950)

http://criterion-production.s3.amazonaws.com/product_images/1311/Tormento_box.jpg

Anna (Sanson) flees her home, where she has been victimized for years by her spineless father’s mean-spirited second wife, to be with her lover (Nazzari), an honest businessman yet to make his fortune. When he is accused of a murder he didn’t commit, the couple’s domestic tranquillity is upended, and a desperate Anna must rely on her cruel stepmother for support for her child.

Nobody’s Children (I figli del nessuno) (1952)

http://criterion-production.s3.amazonaws.com/product_images/1314/NobodysChildren_box.jpg

Bursting at the seams as it is with outlandish twists and turns, Nobody’s Children (I figli del nessuno) is only the first half of Matarazzo’s supersized diptych of melodramas, which chronicles the labyrinthine misfortunes of a couple torn cruelly apart by fate (and some meddling villains). When Guido (Nazzari), a young count, falls for Luisa (Sanson), the poor daughter of one of the miners who works at his family’s quarry, his mother and her nefarious henchman scheme epically to separate the two forever.

The White Angel (L’angelo bianco) (1955)

http://criterion-production.s3.amazonaws.com/product_images/1317/WhiteAngel_box.jpg

In The White Angel (L’angelo bianco), Matarazzo’s sequel to his blockbuster Nobody’s Children, the perpetually put-upon Guido and Luisa (the Italian director’s eternal star couple, Nazzari and Sanson) return for a new round of trials and tribulations. This time, the reversals of fortune are even more insanely ornate, a plot twist involving doppelgängers beats Vertigo to the punch by three years, and the whole thing climaxes with a jaw-dropping women-in-prison set piece.

[philsunset]

This set looks very interesting. Gonna have to pick it up.

phil

[philsunset]

Another June Criterion release. A very historical film, if for nothing else but who the film makers are.

http://www.criterion.com/films/27625-people-on-sunday

phil

[Steve-O]

philsunset: I see ANOTHER interesting Criterion collection: Basil Dearden's London Underground (http://astore.amazon.com/noiroftheweek-20/detail/B0047P5FTK)

which features some noir(ish) films Victim, League of Gentlemen, Sapphire, and the jazz-legend filled All Night Long.

[philsunset]

philsunset: I see ANOTHER interesting Criterion collection: Basil Dearden's London Underground (http://astore.amazon.com/noiroftheweek-20/detail/B0047P5FTK)

which features some noir(ish) films Victim, League of Gentlemen, Sapphire, and the jazz-legend filled All Night Long.

Steve-O, yea, I've been eyeing that set also. Man oh man, Criterion and this list are costing me money. (I'm not complaining)