ADDITION: BFI - Region 'B' - Blu-ray (September 2015): Firstly, this can only be obtained (presently) in the Otto Preminger Film Noir Collection (Limited Edition 3 - disc Blu-ray set,) with Whirlpool and Where the Sidewalk Ends.  BFI's new 1080P advances upon the old SD transfers - in particular their own, 2004, DVD which was quite muddy. The new HD transfer more closely resembles the Fox DVD but advances in contrast and detail while there is also a shade more information in the frame. I like the film-like thickness, textures and there are instances of depth. It looks very pleasing in-motion. This is dual-layered due to the 'Lecture' extra and the video bitrate is somewhat modest but I was very happy with the presentation.

Nice to have David Raksin's (Laura, Bigger Than Life, The Big Combo) score in lossless via the, fairly robust, linear PCM track at 2304 kbps. There are optional English subtitles on the region 'B'-locked Blu-ray disc.

BFI add some solid supplements in the boxset starting with a full length commentary by Adrian Martin from April 2009 but it has so much to digest with superb and educational information regarding the production. Excellent. The other extra is a 1 1/4 hour, audio-only (shown with stills from the film), The Guardian Lecture - Otto Preminger interview by Joan Bakewell which is fun and I was also keen on. There is a theatrical trailer and the package contains an illustrated booklet with essays by Edward Buscombe and full film credits.

One of my favorite and most delicious Noirs. I was in heaven watching this in 1080P - and I can't wait to cover the rest of the Limited Edition Blu-ray set.

***

ADDITION: Fox - Region 1- February 06': The new Fox Noir release is far superior in every category. Much tighter detail and beside it the older BFI looks soft. Although it varies - the Fox frame tends to show a shade more - mostly on the top and the left edge. Audio-wise the Fox has included both a stereo and original mono track - they offer optional Spanish subtitles as well as English and the Muller commentary is once again excellent.... and the best news of all - its under $10.00. Fox is really treating us!

***

ON THE BFI DVD: A softer image than in "Where the Sidewalk Ends", but showing more film grain. I see the image is almost pillar-boxed at 1.28:1... and I don't know the reason. Similar Extras to the other recent Preminger BFI releases (except Carmen Jones). Again good subtitles. No real film blemishes or dirt, but a notch hazier. Still, great to have this on DVD.  out of  

Gary W. Tooze