Tip from www.thedvdforums.com , Universal is releasing a 2-disc set of Double Indemnity August 29. No other details other than those at the Universal website here, but it's marvellous news.
With this release I hope Universal picks up their noir line again. They have some very good flicks left in the vault such as The Glass Key, The Blue Dahlia, Ministry of Fear, Phantom Lady just to name a few.
This is one of my most wanted titles. However, I won't be getting rid of my Image disc any time soon. Universal almost always finds a way to disappoint.:frowning:
I'm going to try and stay optimistic about this title. Anybody have any guess what they might put on the second disc?
Me too Eric, as much as I don't like my Image disc, I don't think I'll be getting rid of it until August is a bit closer. Hopefully there's a featurette on the second disc as to why they've neglected perhaps one of the greatest noir's (and Wilder's best film IMO).
From my readings on Wilder, he hated the term "Cynical", and preferred to call himself a "Realist". I think history has pretty much proven him to be right!
The multi-packs that Universal has been releasing recently have been confined to stars (Carole Lombard), directors (Cecil B. DeMille), or franchises (the "Airport" movies). It's a shame that they have done away with their westerns line and their one wave of film noir (4 films without DOUBLE INDEMNITY, pulled at the last minute) since WB and Fox have done such terrific work with their noir lines.
To ensure my disappointment, I'm going to come up with a list of extras that I would love to see.
Disc 1
Print restored from original negative (Does this even exist?) I know that this came over from Parmount, so I don't what existing elements there are.
Commentary #1 - Wilder biographer talking about the making of the film.
Commentary #2 - Literary expert talking about the James M. Cain Novel, and the changes that were made by Chandler & Wilder, emphasizing on the input from Chandler.
Disc 2
New comprehensive documentary talking about all aspects of the development including acting, writing, scoring (Rozsa), etc..
Mini Bio documentaries on the principal actors (Stanywyck, MacMurray, & Eddie G.)
1973 TV version with Richard Crenna & Lee J. Cobb
Original Gas Chamber ending (not integrated though!)
Theatrical trailers (Original & Re-release)
That would make this DVD of the year. However, we'll probably just get some Today show interviews from the 70s.
Well I'd love that too, but holding it's exclusion against Universal really wouldn't be fair, since it's lost. It would be like expecting them to have a Billy Wilder commentary. Though the commentary you mention is a fair request.
Cameron Crowe has hours of Billy Wilder on audio tape discussing his oveure, and crowe has previously commented that he would be willing to license these tapes out for use on dvd commentary tracks. so far, no one has taken him up on the offer, but he does have some previous experience with Universal (contributing to the commentary track for Fast Times.. several years ago). so there actually is a chance for a 'Wilder' commentary. slim, yes, but...