NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Criterion Blu-ray (September 2022): Criterion have transferred Frank Capra's Arsenic and Old Lace to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from a "New, restored 4K digital transfer". It looks great in 1080P with sublime contrast, consistent textures and pleasing detail. The HD presentation has a heavy film-like representation and it is spotlessly clean - a substantial notch above SD. 

NOTE: We have added 60 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Criterion use a linear PCM mono track (24-bit) in the original English language. Arsenic and Old Lace has no extensive aggressive moments and dialogue is clear and overall authentically flat. The film has another supportive score by the iconic Max Steiner (Stingaree, Tomorrow is Forever, Sergeant York, Key Largo, Casablanca, The Caine Mutiny, Bird of Paradise, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Beyond the Forest, Pursued, The Most Dangerous Game, The Garden of Allah, The Fountainhead etc. etc.) The audio is consistent, clean and clear in the lossless transfer. Criterion offer optional English (SDH) subtitles on their Region 'A' Blu-ray.

The Criterion Blu-ray offers a new commentary by Charles Dennis, author of "There’s a Body in the Window Seat!: The History of “Arsenic and Old Lace”. He talks about differences from the Joseph Kesselring original play - producers Lindsay and Crouse - and its inspiration; actual events that occurred in Windsor, Connecticut, where a woman, Amy Archer-Gilligan, took in boarders, promising "lifetime care," and poisoned them for their pensions. Mr. Dennis talks about the supporting cast including Chaplin film veterans. He discusses the history of the play including Boris Karloff, as his stage role of homicidal maniac Jonathan Brewster (played by Raymond Massey in the film), and Peter Lorre and Edward Everett Horton repeating their stage roles as Dr. Einstein and Mr. Witherspoon in the Capra film. He goes into great detail on other aspects of the behind-the-scenes production, Frank Capra's career, Cary Grant, Priscilla Lane and much more. It's a fabulously complete commentary rife with a detailed history of the play and film. Criterion also include the 1-hour radio adaptation of Arsenic and Old Lace, which aired on the program Best Plays in 1952, starring Boris Karloff as Jonathan, a role he originated on Broadway in 1941. Lastly, is a trailer for the film and the package has a liner notes booklet with an essay by critic David Cairns. 

Frank Capra's Arsenic and Old Lace is a brilliant black comedy - often considered the best and most enjoyable of its era. Cary Grant's lead role of Mortimer Brewster was originally intended for Bob Hope, but he couldn't be released from his Paramount  contract. I think it's one of Grant's funniest performances. Josephine Hull and Jean Adair delightfully portray the Brewster sisters reprising their roles from the 1941 stage production. The attempted desensitization of the murders and Cary Grant's reaction is nothing short of hilarious. Many fans of Arsenic and Old Lace will be so pleased at the Criterion Blu-ray - its strong a/v, new commentary, radio play and liner notes. It has our highest recommendation!

Gary Tooze