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http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/direct-chair/lang.htm
USA 1937

Fritz Lang's second American film (often regarded as his best from that period) is a bold paradox - diverging from the normal fare of the times. Characters are introduced - they are put to a test - we question - and quickly it is two star-crossed lover's vs. society as they fight an unjust fate. Henry Fonda is perfect inflicting a stern, tempted but struggling body language into his portrayal of parolee Eddie Taylor. Sylvia Sidney plays his ever-faithful gal. It's great to see the birth of Film Noir with Lang's expressionist influences as he waves his camera like a moral wand over the wholesome "Bonnie + Clyde-esq" lovers on the run. Great film, great ending with a spiritual twist right out of left field. I loved it. out of   

Gary W. Tooze

Posters

Theatrical Release: January 27th, 1937 - USA

Reviews    More Reviews    DVD Reviews

DVD Comparison:

 Image Entertainment -  Region 1 - NTSC vs. Cinema Region 2,7 - PAL

(Image Entertainment - Region 1 - NTSC LEFT vs. Cinema Region 2,7 - PAL RIGHT)

DVD Box Cover

 

Distribution Image Entertainment  Region 1 - NTSC Cinema Club  Region 2,7 - PAL
Runtime 1:25:39   1:22:27 (4% PAL speedup)
Video 1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 6.33 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
1.33:1 Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 6.97 mb/s
PAL 720x576 25.00 f/s
 

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

Bitrate:

 

Bitrate:

 

Audio English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono)  English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono) 
Subtitles None None
Features

Release Information:
Studio: Image Entertainment Home Video

Aspect Ratio:
Original aspect Ratio 1.33:1

DVD Release Date: June 24th, 2003

Keep Case
Chapters: 16

Release Information:
Studio: Cinema Club

Aspect Ratio:
Original aspect Ratio 1.33:1

DVD Release Date: August 9th, 2004

Transparent Keep Case
Chapters: 12

 

Comments: ADDITION - Cinema Club - June 06 - WOW - what a difference in every area - including price. Let's see the Image Entertainment is cropped, much more visible damage , much weaker contrast and it's double the price. Not a hard decision here - Image Entertainment should be embarrassed by this comparison. Buy the Cinema Club today - GREAT NOIR!

***

Sometimes you can have some understanding and respect for older films that are not top-interest driven being put to DVD. There is little to no profit in any restoration. This is a very poor image and very poor audio regardless of that fact. The picture quality is very soft and hazy and detail and resolution are low. It has compounded that with no Extras. I can only recommend this film, certainly not this DVD which is of Madacy quality at best. Let's all wait and someone someday will put this film out in a better transfer - perhaps in a Fritz Lang Boxset. I give this Image NTSC DVD out of  .

Gary W. Tooze


Recommended Reading in Film Noir (CLICK COVERS or TITLES for more information)



DVD Menus

(Image Entertainment - Region 1 - NTSC LEFT vs. Cinema Region 2,7 - PAL RIGHT)

 


Screen Captures

 

(Image Entertainment - Region 1 - NTSC TOP vs. Cinema Region 2,7 - PAL BOTTOM)

 

 


 

(Image Entertainment - Region 1 - NTSC TOP vs. Cinema Region 2,7 - PAL BOTTOM)

 

 


 

(Image Entertainment - Region 1 - NTSC TOP vs. Cinema Region 2,7 - PAL BOTTOM)

 

 


 

(Image Entertainment - Region 1 - NTSC TOP vs. Cinema Region 2,7 - PAL BOTTOM)

 

 


 
(Image Entertainment - Region 1 - NTSC TOP vs. Cinema Region 2,7 - PAL BOTTOM)
 

 


 

(Image Entertainment - Region 1 - NTSC TOP vs. Cinema Region 2,7 - PAL BOTTOM)

 

 


 
(Image Entertainment - Region 1 - NTSC TOP vs. Cinema Region 2,7 - PAL BOTTOM)
 

 


 
(Image Entertainment - Region 1 - NTSC TOP vs. Cinema Region 2,7 - PAL BOTTOM)
 

 


 
(Image Entertainment - Region 1 - NTSC TOP vs. Cinema Region 2,7 - PAL BOTTOM)
 

 

DVD Box Cover

 

Distribution Image Entertainment  Region 1 - NTSC Cinema Club  Region 2,7 - PAL




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Gary Tooze

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Mississauga, Ontario,

L4W 4V3    CANADA