- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
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- 18,312
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
When one thinks of Walter Neff and Phyllis Dietrichson, the lead characters in Billy Wilder's 1944 Double Indemnity, one immediately thinks in terms of quintessential noir.
Nominated for seven Academy Awards, inclusive of Best Picture, and with a place on the Library of Congress' National Film Registry, Double Indemnity is one of the acknowledged masterpieces of classic cinema.
Originally released by Universal in 1998, the film has gone through a quality clean-up both visually and sonically, and on 8/22 will be available as part of the Studio's Legacy Series as a new 2 disc set.
The black & white gradations of the disc, along with shadow detail and resolution are like night and day, when compared to the old disc, and while not receiving the full Lowry treatment in dupe sections, the film now looks amazing good.
The set is presented with commentaries, a documentary and on the second disc, the 1973 television re-make with Richard Crenna in the role originated by Fred MacMurray, and Samantha Egger in the Barbara Stanwyck role. Comparison between the two, especially the use of color photography is of major interest. It is, of course, the original that shines.
Double Indemnity is a film that has not only stood the test of time, but has never been replicated.
Universal's new edition comes Very Highly Recommended, especially at under $20 for the set. This is a film that belongs in everyone's library, and for those who have the 1998 edition, is an extremely worthy upgrade.
RAH
Nominated for seven Academy Awards, inclusive of Best Picture, and with a place on the Library of Congress' National Film Registry, Double Indemnity is one of the acknowledged masterpieces of classic cinema.
Originally released by Universal in 1998, the film has gone through a quality clean-up both visually and sonically, and on 8/22 will be available as part of the Studio's Legacy Series as a new 2 disc set.
The black & white gradations of the disc, along with shadow detail and resolution are like night and day, when compared to the old disc, and while not receiving the full Lowry treatment in dupe sections, the film now looks amazing good.
The set is presented with commentaries, a documentary and on the second disc, the 1973 television re-make with Richard Crenna in the role originated by Fred MacMurray, and Samantha Egger in the Barbara Stanwyck role. Comparison between the two, especially the use of color photography is of major interest. It is, of course, the original that shines.
Double Indemnity is a film that has not only stood the test of time, but has never been replicated.
Universal's new edition comes Very Highly Recommended, especially at under $20 for the set. This is a film that belongs in everyone's library, and for those who have the 1998 edition, is an extremely worthy upgrade.
RAH