NOTE: As Michael Brooke points out in email "There is absolutely no way that a film released in 1950 could have been intentionally composed for the 1.66:1 European widescreen ratio, as this wouldn't be introduced for another few years.
The film should 100% definitely be in 4:3, in line with literally every other British film being made at the time.
So Optimum have equally definitely got it wrong - I suspect they cropped it so they could justify anamorphic enhancement, but just look how tight the headroom is in your grabs!" (Thanks Michael!)

Michael must be absolutely right but I don't believe I have ever seen a film cropped (or opened up) on DVD from 4:3 to the problematic (for digital production) ratio of 1.66:1. A very unusual course of events.

***

Single-layered with more noise than I would like, this Optimum Releasing DVD is progressively transferred in an altered 1.66 aspect ratio - 16X 9 enhanced (see Michael's comment above). It's dramatically cleaner than, say, The Brass Monkey but still has a few light blemishes. Detail in close-ups is better than one might anticipate. I suspect some brightness boosting but it is tolerable. Overall, it is watchable but far from stellar image quality. Frankly, I'm just thankful it is available at all. 

Audio is mono and has some inconsistent hiss but it quite serviceable for enjoying the film. No extras at all but with the pragmatic digital production I wasn't expecting too much.

The film is a wonderful step back in time and its relevancy seems dependant upon the viewer being able to look back with an accepting yet inquisitive gaze. I LOVED it and wish to see many more Boulting brothers work. For fans of this genre of British thriller - this film is highly recommended! 

Gary W. Tooze