Jake Johnson

Touch of Evil (50th Anniversary Edition) 10-07-08 (See Post# 14)

I saw on www.dvdaf.com that Touch of Evil is out of print. Is there a new edition in the works? or should I just buy this before it disappears?

Jake J.
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McCloud!
"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few"
My Sweet Cuppin' Cake of a DVD Collection
www.thedigitalbits.com

Eric Peterson

I haven't heard anything, but this is an old release from Universal and certainly fits the bill for one of their "Legacy Series" titles.

If it wasn't Universal that owned this, I'd say wait because an upgraded version is a guarantee, but unforunately it is Universal.

"Shoot a few scenes out of focus. I want to win the foreign film award."
Billy Wilder

"This business has come a long way in the last 30 years, but why should I depress you"
I.A.L. Diamond on the Movie Business (1986)

MarcoBiscotti

Maybe we'll finally see a Special Edition of this long overdue classic... and *gasp*, maybe even Double Indemnity while they're at it!




Probably not.

JonZ

I gave my old copy to my uncle. I guess I better pick this up, I saw it at Borders yesterday for $9

Jeff Swindoll

If they do a new SE I hope that it can include the hour long documentary that was done about Touch of Evil. Saw it on cable and thought it was most informative, but didnt bother to tape it since it appeared to be something prepared for the DVD. DVD came out with nothing but Welle's memo sadly.

According to imdb:
The restored DVD was to have included a commentary as well as a documentary on the film and restoration titled Restoring Evil. Both of their inclusions on the DVD were stopped by Orson Welles's daughter, Beatrice Welles.

I had heard that it was a falling out of the doc's producer and Universal.

I didnt play Dungeons and Dragons all those years and not learn something about courage.
--Bernie Faulkner

My DVD List at DVD Aficionado

Jing_B

Yes this title, only with Double Indemnity and All Quiet on the western Front, are worthy of the "LEgacy Series" honour. The next wave i hope will hit at in and around September.

Jeffrey Nelson

What this film needs is a deluxe two- (or three-) disc-er that includes not only the "Director's Cut", but also the original theatrical version, which many fans, including this one, prefer.

Ryan L. Bisasky

i haven't seen the original theatrical cut, but i can't imagine a score of any kind durring the opening shot.

Ezekiel 25:17. The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you

Patrick McCart

The first (cream border) and second (Film Noir line) VHS tapes from Universal were of the 1975 re-cut which added 12 minutes to the film. I don't think the 1958 version has ever been on video. I'd imagine it hasn't been in theatrical circulation since 1975, either.

To be honest, if the restored version of the film is a great film, I don't know how the previous versions would be superior in any way.

I'm guessing the argument over aspect ratio (Academy vs. 1.85:1) is bunk after reading Jack Theakston's post on This Island Earth. It definately looks like a 1.85:1 film, regardless of the cramped logo.

Criterion REALLY needs this film, though. Remaster the film in a new HD transfer, include the restored version, the 1958 theatrical cut, and the 1975 partial restoration. Add back the commentary, making-of documentary, a Peter Bogdanovich intro, the original and restoration trailers, and the memo in PDF form. One can never have too much Welles.

By the way, Amazon.com has this for $9.99.

Tell The Weinstein Company to release Richard Williams' animated masterpiece The Thief and the Cobbler on DVD in Panavision widescreen and uncut! See and hear what you're missing from their Bitsy Award winner of Worst Standard Edition DVD of 2006 on YouTube!