Firstly, a HUGE thanks to our Patreon supporters. Your generosity touches me deeply. These supporters have become the single biggest contributing factor to the survival of DVDBeaver. Your assistance has become essential. We are always trying to expand Patron benefits... you get access to the Silent Auctions and over 10,000 unpublished screen captures (in lossless PNG format, if that has appeal for you) listed HERE. Please consider helping with $3 or more each month so we can continue to do our best in giving you timely, thorough reviews, calendar updates and detailed comparisons. Thank you so much. We aren't going to exist without another 100 or so patrons.


 

Search DVDBeaver

S E A R C H    D V D B e a v e r

(aka "Ministry of Fear" or "Espions sur la Tamise" )

 

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/direct-chair/lang.htm
USA 1944

 

Suffused with dread and paranoia, this Fritz Lang adaptation of a novel by Graham Greene (The Third Man) is a plunge into the eerie shadows of a world turned upside down by war. En route to London after being released from a mental institution, Stephen Neale (The Lost Weekend’s Ray Milland) stops at a seemingly innocent village fair, after which he finds himself caught in the web of a sinister underworld with possible Nazi connections. Lang was among the most illustrious of the European émigré filmmakers working in Hollywood during World War II, and Ministry of Fear is one of his finest American productions, an unpredictable thriller with style to spare.

***

Lang had himself wanted to purchase the film rights for Ministry of Fear, as a long time admirer of Grahame Greene. As it turned out Paramount trumped him but asked him to direct from a screenplay adaptation by Seton Miller. As a consequence Lang continued to play down the value of this movie to whoever would listen. But it is in fact something of a "missing in action" gem. Nowhere does Lang so wonderfully set up a linear and compulsive atmosphere of unnerving paranoia in the opening sequences, save perhaps for the incredible opening of Testament of Dr Mabuse. And the movie forces the viewer to constantly take on Milland's POV in comprehending the succession of action and mistrust which advance the narrative. Although Lang may have been right about the casting of, say Marjorie Reynolds and Carl Hilfe as the German couple, these characters are more than amply compensated for by splendid bits from Allan Napier and Hillary Brooke as the "Mentalist". And Milland is perfect.


In odd ways the movie is like a variation of some aspects of Woman in the Window, released earlier the same year but made later. The theme of the Doppelganger (Edward G Robinson) which is played out in that picture as a literal examination of how a man might kill, is here supplanted by a man who has already killed but is - in typically Langian style - taken through even more ambiguities of guilt at the behest of narratively enforced espionage and war elements. In some ways both movies are perhaps Lang's most Hitchcockian, while still being pure Lang.

Ministry is also graced by the archetypal Langian villain in the form of Dan Duryea, wielding giant clothing shears in one critical scene.

For all Lang's dismissals Ministry is a highly worthy subject for much further study.

David Hare

Posters

Theatrical Release: 16 October 1944

Reviews                                                                    More Reviews                                                        DVD Reviews

 

Comparison:

Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL vs. Optimum - Region 2 - PAL vs. Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray vs. Indicator - Region 'B' - Blu-ray

1) Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL LEFT

2) Optimum - Region 2 - PAL SECOND

3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray THIRD

4) Indicator - Region 'B' - Blu-ray RIGHT

 

Box Cover

 

Re-released by Indicator, without the booklet in December 2020:

or order directly from Indicator:

Distribution

Carlotta

Region 2 - PAL

Optimum

Region 2 - PAL

Criterion Collection - Spine #649  - Region 'A' - Blu-ray Indicator  - Region 'B' - Blu-ray
Runtime 83 minu (4% PAL speedup) 1:22:54 (4% PAL speedup) 1:27:08.848 1:26:55.251
Video

Original Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 7.5 mb/s
PAL 720x576 25.00 f/s

Original Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 6.6 mb/s
PAL 720x576 25.00 f/s

1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray

Disc Size: 30,862,904,195 bytes

Feature: 25,554,917,376 bytes

Video Bitrate: 34.99 Mbps

Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video

1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray

Disc Size: 33,566,002,207 bytes

Feature: 25,805,491,008 bytes

Video Bitrate: 35.01 Mbps

Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video

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

Bitrate:

 Carlotta

Bitrate :

 Optimum

Bitrate : Criterion

Blu-ray

Bitrate : Indicator

Blu-ray

Audio DD Mono English; DD Mono English; LPCM Audio English 1152 kbps 1.0 / 48 kHz / 1152 kbps / 24-bit

LPCM Audio English 1152 kbps 1.0 / 48 kHz / 1152 kbps / 24-bit
Select-Scene commentary:

Dolby Digital Audio English 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps
Guardian Interview:

Dolby Digital Audio English 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps

Subtitles French (Optional), none None English, None English (SDH), None
Features Release Information:
Studio: Carlotta

Aspect Ratio:
Fullscreen - 1.33:1

Edition Details:
• Video Essay (15 minutes - no Eng subs)

DVD Release Date: 4 July 2007
keep in cardboard package

Chapters 11

Release Information:
Studio: Carlotta

Aspect Ratio:
Fullscreen - 1.33:1

Edition Details:
• Trailer

DVD Release Date: September 3rd, 2007
Transparent Keep Case

Chapters 12

Release Information:
Studio: Criterion

Aspect Ratio:
Original aspect Ratio 1.33:1

1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray

Disc Size: 30,862,904,195 bytes

Feature: 25,554,917,376 bytes

Video Bitrate: 34.99 Mbps

Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video

Edition Details:

• New interview with Fritz Lang scholar Joe McElhaney (17:10)
• Trailer (2:06)
• PLUS: An essay by critic Glenn Kenny

Blu-ray Release Date: March 12th, 2013
Transparent
Blu-ray Case
Chapters: 20

Release Information:
Studio: Indicator

Aspect Ratio:
Original aspect Ratio 1.33:1

1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray

Disc Size: 33,566,002,207 bytes

Feature: 25,805,491,008 bytes

Video Bitrate: 35.01 Mbps

Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video

Edition Details:

• Select-scene audio commentary with author and film historian Neil Sinyard (35:14)
• BFI Guardian interview with Fritz Lang (1962) 1:19:35
• Tony Rayns on Fritz Lang and ‘Ministry of Fear’(2018): a newly filmed appreciation and analysis by the film historian (20:55)
• Graham Greene and ‘Ministry of Fear’(2018): Adrian Wootton, OBE, author of The Films of Graham Greene and CEO of Film London, discusses Greene's long and rich relationship with the cinema. (24:53)
• Original theatrical trailer (2:08)
• Image gallery: promotional photography and publicity material
New and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
• Limited edition exclusive booklet with a new essay by Neil Sinyard, an overview of contemporary critical responses and historic articles on the film
UK premiere on
Blu-ray
Limited Edition of 3,000 copies

Blu-ray Release Date: August 27th, 2018
Transparent
Blu-ray Case
Chapters: 10

 

 

Comments:

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

ADDITION Indicator Blu-ray - August 2018: The new Indicator transfer is 1080P and is housed on a dual-layered Blu-ray disc with a max'ed out bitrate. The Criterion review is over 5-years old and we used a different, improved, capture method for the UK Blu-ray.  Even with that difference noted - the Indicator image has superiority on our viewing system although, as always, the improvement will be determined by your own system and discerning eye. We suggest that for most it will be marginal - but the grain support on the Indicator is wonderful. The UK image is tighter and also looks solid in-motion. It has the same damage (see last capture) and there is no discrepancy in the frame.

Indicator use the same transfer - a liner PCM mono track (24-bit) in the original English language. There is some gunfire but mostly minimal aggressive effects and another excellent score by Victor Young (The Outlaw, The Accused, Strategic Air Command, The Sun Shines Bright, Johnny Guitar, China Gate etc.) that adds tension and is authentically flat. There are optional English (SDH) subtitles and this particular Blu-ray is Region 'B'-locked (not, as the usual, Region FREE).

Indicator advance on the Criterion supplements. They include a wonderful, 35-minute, select-scene audio commentary with film historian Neil Sinyard (author of Directors: The All Time Greats) revealing some interesting analysis on Lang and the film. As the film runs we can hear a much-appreciated BFI Guardian interview with Fritz Lang from 1962 conducted by Stanley Reed at the National Film Theatre. It runs just shy of 1-hour 20-minutes. He is charming. Tony Rayns on Fritz Lang and ‘Ministry of Fear’ is a newly filmed, 20-minutes, appreciation and analysis by the film historian. I enjoyed Graham Greene and ‘Ministry of Fear’- another new video piece. It has Adrian Wootton, OBE, author of The Films of Graham Greene and CEO of Film London, discusses Greene's long and rich relationship with the cinema for 25-minutes. There is an original theatrical trailer and image gallery of promotional photography and publicity material. The package has a limited edition exclusive booklet with a new essay by Sinyard, an overview of contemporary critical responses and historic articles on the film. It is limited to 3,000 copies.

Wow - significant upgrade, over the already wonderful Criterion Blu-ray. Indicator have done it again. This is a must-own for fans of the director. Brilliant extras and a pristine HD transfer. Our highest recommendation!

***

NOTE: Compared to TCM's Dark Crime Thrillers Volume 2 SD transfer HERE.

ADDITION Criterion Blu-ray - February 2013: The Criterion is significantly brighter, shows more information in the frame and has no artefact issues that are present on the SD version. The 1080P is housed on a dual-layered Blu-ray disc and the bitrate is max'ed out. There are some nice textures but minor damage and scratches still exist. A pleasing image is produced but I wouldn't describe it as stellar. I did gain new appreciation for Ministry of Fear and it was nice to see it in theatrical (NTSC) running time. Audio is via a linear PCM in original mono -dialogue is audible but the overall sound is limited by the original production values. There are optional English subtitles. Criterion offer a new interview with Fritz Lang scholar Joe McElhaney running over 17-minutes, a trailer (2:06), plus a liner notes booklet with an essay by critic Glenn Kenny. Lang fans should be very happy - absolutely recommended!  

***

ADDITION: Optimum - R2 UK - September 07': Short take - looks exactly the same - same audio. Progressive and single-layered again. Only difference is that it has no optional subtitles (Carlotta had French) and no French essay - only a trailer. We say - purchase the cheapest one!

***

Having only appeared previously on home video in a mid 90s US VHS this - along with Manhunt from Fox - has long been one of Lang's most anxiously awaited pictures.

I'm afraid the Carlotta is let down by a quite weak source print and telecine. IN fact the scratches, speckles and an electronic-like edit in a scene when Milland and Carl Hilfe enter the "Mentalist's" Parlor are completely identical to the VHS. The print used looks somewhat second gen-y - there's a gray pallor over the image that never allows for sufficient contrast or gray scale to make the most of the chiaroscuro palette (The MGM Woman in the Window is far superior in this respect.) Carlotta have done their best with a DL transfer, avoiding any additional artefacting or digital manipulation. But in the end it comes down to the print. A weak one I'm afraid with some minor but not bothersome surface damage. If I thought this was never going to get a better sourced release from Universal I would recommend the Carlotta (and the forthcoming Optimum which will be presumably be a port.) But unless you are a voracious Langian - as I am - I would suggest holding out a while longer.  

The disc includes a 15 minute video essay of considerable interest (but no English subs) - "L'Esprit emiette" presented by Lang scholar Jean Douchet, and there's a (very ragged) trailer.

 - David Hare

 


Menus

(Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL LEFT vs. Optimum - Region 2 - PAL RIGHT)
 

 

 

 

Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray

 

 

Indicator - Region 'B' - Blu-ray

 

 


CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION

 

Subtitle Sample - Indicator - Region 'B' - Blu-ray

 

 

1) Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL TOP

2) Optimum - Region 2 - PAL SECOND

3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray THIRD

4) Indicator - Region 'B' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 


1) Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL TOP

2) Optimum - Region 2 - PAL SECOND

3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray THIRD

4) Indicator - Region 'B' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 


1) Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL TOP

2) Optimum - Region 2 - PAL SECOND

3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray THIRD

4) Indicator - Region 'B' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 


 

1) Optimum - Region 2 - PAL TOP

2) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray MIDDLE

3) Indicator - Region 'B' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 


1) Optimum - Region 2 - PAL TOP

2) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray MIDDLE

3) Indicator - Region 'B' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

More Blu-ray Captures

1) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray TOP

2) Indicator - Region 'B' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 

1) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray TOP

2) Indicator - Region 'B' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 

1) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray TOP

2) Indicator - Region 'B' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 

1) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray TOP

2) Indicator - Region 'B' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 

1) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray TOP

2) Indicator - Region 'B' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

Damage (left side)

 

1) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray TOP

2) Indicator - Region 'B' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 


Box Cover

 

Re-released by Indicator, without the booklet in December 2020:

or order directly from Indicator:

Distribution

Carlotta

Region 2 - PAL

Optimum

Region 2 - PAL

Criterion Collection - Spine #649  - Region 'A' - Blu-ray Indicator  - Region 'B' - Blu-ray




 

Hit Counter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DONATIONS Keep DVDBeaver alive:

 CLICK PayPal logo to donate!

Gary Tooze

Thank You!