Press Release Criterion Press Release: The Roaring Twenties (1939) (4k UHD Combo) (Blu-ray) (1 Viewer)

[Ronald Epstein]

Ripped from the headlines of the turbulent era between the Great War and the Great Depression, this dynamic, nostalgia-tinged crime drama balances tommy-gun action with epic historical sweep. Legends James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart star as army buddies whose fortunes rise and fall as their fates intersect, first in a foxhole on the front lines of World War I, then in Manhattan’s Prohibition-era underworld. Directed by Hollywood master Raoul Walsh, and based on a story by prolific journalist turned screenwriter and producer Mark Hellinger, The Roaring Twenties brought to a close the celebrated Warner Bros. gangster cycle of the 1930s, and it remains one of the greatest and most influential crime films of all time.

FILM INFO​

• United States
• 1939
• 106 minutes
• Black & White
• 1.37:1
• English
• Spine #1208
  
  

  4K UHD + BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES​

  • New 4K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
  • One 4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and one Blu-ray with the film and special features
  • Audio commentary with film historian Lincoln Hurst
  • New interview with critic Gary Giddins
  • Excerpt from a 1973 interview with director Raoul Walsh
  • Trailer
  • English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
  • PLUS: An essay by film critic Mark Asch
    
    New cover by Jennifer Dionisio
    
    February 27, 2024

 

[Ronald Epstein]

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[richardburton84]

Wow! Was not expecting this to get the UHD treatment. Still good news as this film has quickly become a favorite for me.

 

[Traveling Matt]

Oh hell yes. Was hoping this was on the docket from Warner Archive but I'll take it from Criterion too.

 

[jayembee]

Oh hell yes. Was hoping this was on the docket from Warner Archive but I'll take it from Criterion too.

If it came from WAC, it would not be a UHD.

 

[[email protected]]

Wow! What a wonderful surprise!!!

 

[bujaki]

Cagney, Bogart, Raoul Walsh, Gladys George, and one of the greatest curtain lines in films!

 

[mskaye]

Cagney, Bogart, Raoul Walsh, Gladys George, and one of the greatest curtain lines in films!

While it is great that WAC uses the original poster art for their releases, this Criterion cover is bad ass and a very clever spin on classic WB visuals.

 

[Angelo Colombus]

Never seen the film but love the cast and the director so when my local library gets it i will check it out.

 

[Rob W]

Nice to see a 4K version day and date with the blu, rather than six months or a year after we all ponied up for the blu.

 

[Robert Crawford]

Never seen the film but love the cast and the director so when my local library gets it i will check it out.

You're in for a treat!

 

[Robert Crawford]

This is one of those Criterion titles that I won't wait for a B&N sale. It's a day one purchase for me!

 

[mskaye]

Never seen the film but love the cast and the director so when my local library gets it i will check it out.

This can go toe to toe with ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES as the best Cagney/Bogart movie. And directed by Raoul Walsh, who like Michael Curtiz, elevated every project he touched (he had a great way with Bogart in HIGH SIERRA also out on Criterion.) It's truly one of the best gangster films ever. Mic drop.

 

[Patrick McCart]

Great to see this get not only a sparkling Blu-ray, but 4K! Terrific film, Cagney and Bogart are just incredible in this.

 

[RICK BOND]

I have the Digital version. This 4K release should blow it away. Glad it's Finally getting a Restoration and release. One of my all time favorite Cagney films. 1939 what a Great year for Movies.

 

[Robin9]

Oh hell yes. Was hoping this was on the docket from Warner Archive but I'll take it from Criterion too.

I wish it was a Warner Archive release, I hate paying Criterion's inflated prices for a Warner transfer.

 

[Robert Crawford]

I wish it was a Warner Archive release, I hate paying Criterion's inflated prices for a Warner transfer.

Normally, I would agree with you, but since this is a 4K/UHD release, I'm happy Criterion released it. Now come on and do the same with Captain Blood.

 

[Broomy]

Not seen this one but love Angels With Dirty Faces so looking forward to checking this one out.

 

[Garysb]

Here is the Carol Burnett parity.

 

[mskaye]

I wish it was a Warner Archive release, I hate paying Criterion's inflated prices for a Warner transfer.

I'll stick up for Criterion here and say that for me (and others here) the packaging, the writing, the booklet, the extras, totally justify the premium price. A Criterion release is an artisanal product and cannot (and should not) be priced like a bare bones mass market release. And if you have patience, you get at least 6 50% off opportunities a year.