Each individual release here is strong with good transfers, original mono audio and all have commentaries. The jewel in the crown might be considered to be The Asphalt Jungle, both in terms of film and image quality which runs only a small notch behind a Criterion release (ex. "The Killers"). Although all films in the boxset have something worthy to offer. Super contrast, sharp, tight and solid black levels. Next for quality, I would say Out of the Past is another strong example of a well-done transfer, particularly the shadow detail. Gun Crazy (another excellent film) and The Set-up are a less sharp, but quite acceptable. They can tend to look inferior by direct comparison. Murder My Sweet is another fine transfer with film grain showing through and solid contrast. The menus are all wonderful, capturing the graphic portrayal of many of the film posters of the era. The menus are unanimated if that is of importance to you. Audio is original and I heard no crackles or fluctuations. It seemed quite consistent and clear. I listened only briefly to some of the commentaries but intend on immersing myself contently in the near future. Being picky, I suppose we could have requested further extras although lets remember that often being labeled as "B" pictures (not all) the appeal is extremely genre-specific (atmosphere) and hence there is often nothing more available from that period. The Huston introduction ( for The Asphalt Jungle ) is an exception proving the rule.  Warner has come through very well here and as this is Volume 1, we are left with baited breath for Volume 2 etc. I expect they will keep the same standard. Great job Warner ! out of  

Gary W. Tooze