Not half bad, despite a loopy plot about a conman/thief hiding from pursuit who kills a look-alike psychiatrist and assumes his identity (conveniently skilled in surgery through interrupted studies, he is even able to reproduce a facial scar). The tension is kept ticking nicely by a flaw in the impersonation (working by mirror, he scars the wrong cheek), even more so by the fact that he unexpectedly inherits dire troubles from the dead man's past. Good supporting performances, a satisfyingly bleak ending, and absolutely stunning lighting and LA location shooting from John Alton.

1) VCI - Region 0 -  NTSC LEFT

2) Koch Media - Region 2 - PAL SECOND

3) Film Chest - Region 0 - NTSC THIRD

4) Film Detective - Region FREE - Blu-ray - FOURTH

5) Kino - Region 'A' - Blu-ray - RIGHT

Koch Media

Film Chest

Disc Size: 19,669,396,296 bytes

Feature: 18,482,024,448 bytes

Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video

Total Average Bitrate: 23.93 Mbps

Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video

Total Average Bitrate: 23.90 Mbps

Aspect Ratio:
Fullscreen - 1.33:1

Chapters 16

Aspect Ratio:
Fullscreen - 1.33:1

Edition Details:
• None

DVD Release Date: March 11th, 2014
Keep case

Chapters: 11

Release Information:
Studio: Kino
 

• Audio Commentary by Film Historian Imogen Sara Smith
• Trailers for 99 River Street (2:13), Cry of the City (2:33), Boomerang (2:30) Shield For Murder (1:45), He Ran All the Way (2:13)

Blu-ray Release Date: April 18th, 2017
Standard Blu-ray Case

Chapters:8

Audio has the same DTS-HD Master encode (16-bit). If forced to choose I'd, again, go with the Kino that seems to be minutely crisper. The score is by Sol Kaplan (Deadline U.S.A. The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Seven Wonders of the World, Niagara, The House on Telegraph Hill) and adds to atmosphere via the un compressed rendering.  Both offer optional English subtitles.

***

ADDITION: Film Chest - June 2014: Single-layered disc from Film Chest is progressive and is a definite step-up in region 1 for this excellent noir compared to disastrous public domain discs, like from VCI. Unfortunately, compared to German DVD from Koch Media with its excellent grain structure, the waxy texture seen here makes it an unfortunate DNR victim. Koch Media also wins in terms of the extras having an image gallery, liner notes in German and German dub. This film deserves a rediscovery, so we highly recommend to import it rather than lackluster US releases.

***

ADDITION: Koch Media - Region 2- PAL - December 2011: Just to be clear Gregory reviewed the VCI as part of a Double Feature package with The Limping Man HERE. The Koch Media transfer is superior in many ways - the disc is progressive where the North American rendering is interlaced. the VCI is cropped and has terrible contrast from a weak density print with notable damage. The German disc is dual-layered and is the easy winner. It offers the original English track and a German DUB - no subtitles and an image gallery. The disc is housed in a wonderful digi-book.

Gary W. Tooze

****

ON THE VCI: The Scar (aka Hollow Triumph) is a very dark film noir, not just for the great cinematography of John Alton, but also for the plot. Paul Henreid is a criminal who thinks he can have a better life by becoming somebody else. Joan Bennett is wonderful as his love interest and there's Blonde Ice herself, Leslie Brooks in a small roles.

 - Gregory Meshman