Upcoming Noir Blu-rays

[tterrace]

In a post on the Warner Archive Facebook page, New York Post film critic Lou Lumenick reports that Cohen Media Group, which now controls the rights to the Rohauer library, including Sudden Fear, have re-licensed the titles in upgraded versions to Kino for Blu-rays.

[Nighthawk]

In a post on the Warner Archive Facebook page, New York Post film critic Lou Lumenick reports that Cohen Media Group, which now controls the rights to the Rohauer library, including Sudden Fear, have re-licensed the titles in upgraded versions to Kino for Blu-rays.

This has the potential to be great news. I say potential because Kino's DVD release of Sudden Fear was abysmal. It will need to be a significant upgrade to be worth it.

In general, though, this is a boon for classic film fans, as the Rohauer library houses a ton of great films from the early days of the medium.

[Steve-O]

Some great news from Criterion today. On March 12, they will release Fritz Lang's Ministry of Fear (1944) on blu-ray and DVD! Here are the details:

New 2K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition
New interview with Fritz Lang scholar Joe McElhaney
Theatrical Trailer
An essay by critic Glenn Kenny

Attachment 1490

That's huge. This one is totally forgotten (and I don't think it's ever been on DVD)

[dlhartzog]

No, just on video cassette, and that was many moons ago. Fortunately TCM runs it once or twice a year. Ray Milland at his best here.

[rftbotb]

Ministry Of Fear was released on DVD in Europe a few years ago, DVD Beaver has a comparison of 2 versions: http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDRe...ry_of_fear.htm

[Steve-O]

Ministry Of Fear was released on DVD in Europe a few years ago, DVD Beaver has a comparison of 2 versions: http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDRe...ry_of_fear.htm

I forgot about them. They appear to be the same transfer onto both DVDs. Criterion should do better.

[mcash007]

Olive Films is releasing Hell's Half Acre in March, not sure of the precise date yet

[Nighthawk]

Olive Films is releasing Hell's Half Acre in March, not sure of the precise date yet

They're also releasing Ruthless in March, too. Here's the cover art for both titles:

[MartinTeller]

I love that Olive is doing so much noir... I just wish there were more that I was interested in. I'm lukewarm on both of those. Oh well, I'm sure they'll get to more of my favorites in due time

[Nighthawk]

Two Fox-related items of note. First, according to blu-ray.com, the studio is releasing Panic in the Streets (1950) on blu-ray on March 26.

Second, we have a chance to get more noir put out on blu. Fox is currently holding an online poll in which people can vote for one film from each decade (30s, 40s, 50s and 60s) to get put on blu. The top vote-getter in each category gets the honor of a release this year. They have a few noirs in the mix. In the 40s, the only noir option is Kiss of Death (1947), and it's currently in second place. For the 50s, they have Don't Bother to Knock (1952) and Black Widow (1954). You can vote daily at http://www.foxconnect.com/voice-your-choice.

[dlhartzog]

Amazon has three Olive releases (Hells Half Acre, Ruthless, and Sam Fuller's China Gate, with noir favorite Dan Duryea and Nat King Cole) for preorder for March 26.

[MartyL]

I received a Region 1 Blu-ray player last Xmas, and frankly have hardly used it. I've tested some commercial discs on my two DVD players (one region free) and the Blu-ray player, and I don't see that much difference in the quality. I even tried a DVD of North by Northwest with the Blu-ray version, and I think that a reviewer from DVD Beaver would be the only one who could tell the difference. I have 32 inch Bravia in my "man cave" which suits me fine for the older b/w noirs, whereas I could see a Blu-ray with a large monitor really make a difference for Lawrence of Arabia or the newly restored Heaven's Gate.
From what I've heard, many people don't even bother with a TV monitor and prefer to watch films on their PC with a VLC player installed.

For some of the older movies, you might not see an immediate difference--but the more you watch the blu rays vs dvds--the more you will be able to tell.

[Keith]

Laura Blu-ray review at DVDBeaver.com

[SuperDanX]

'Leave her to Heaven' hits blu ray May 2013 via Twilight Time limited to 3000 copies.

Also on a neo noir tip Walter Hills 'The Driver' also gets a blu ray release from Twilight Time, June 2013 and 3000 copies only.

[Nighthawk]

According the Warner Archive facebook page, Point Blank (1967) is under consideration by Warner Home Video for a blu-ray release.

[dfc99]

For some of the older movies, you might not see an immediate difference--but the more you watch the blu rays vs dvds--the more you will be able to tell.

I've found that most movies look a notch or two better on Blu-ray. But very old stuff, or stuff on cheap labels may not look that much better. I assume that Bob's Blu-ray player is connected via HDMI for optimal image.

[Sammich]

I'm certain everyone knows this already, but
Little Caeser, The Public Enemy, The Petrified Forest, and White Heat are coming to blu ray in Warner Bros. Ultimate Gangsters Collection Volume Two

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tp://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=9678

Volume 1 is just a waste of time. They're already on blu ray.

[Nighthawk]

I'm certain everyone knows this already, but Little Caeser, The Public Enemy, The Petrified Forest, and White Heat are coming to blu ray in Warner Bros. Ultimate Gangsters Collection Volume Two

Thanks for posting this. That news somehow slipped by me when it initially came out. It does seem odd that Volume 1 is simply a repackaging of contemporary films, but Volume 2 is a set of brand-new transfers of films from the 30s and 40s.

[Keith]

Ministry of Fear Criterion Blu-ray review at DVDBeaver.com.

[Nighthawk]

Two more Olive noirs coming to blu-ray! In April, they'll release Champion (1949) and City That Never Sleeps (1953) on blu-ray and DVD. No specific date yet.

Champion:


City That Never Sleeps: