For the feature's audio, Masters of Cinema go with a linear PCM dual-mono tracks (24-bit.) LPCM is the preferable go-to for older film mono tracks - it seems to handle the higher end more crisply and less bass response than a DTS-HD Master transfer, which is more often used for separation and aggressive modern actioners. Purists appreciate the uncompressed LPCM in vintage films. The Miklós Rózsa score (The Killers, The Lost Weekend, The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes, The Strange Love of Martha Ivers, Double Indemnity) adds significantly to the building tension and the heist sequence. Some will note I'll Remember April but more notably in the club dance sequences - Puerto Rican Esy Morales playing the flute (The Esy Morales Orchestra) and Cuban pianist René Touzet in the piece "Jungle Fantasy" - sounding brilliant in the uncompressed. There are optional English subtitles (SDH) in white (not gaudy yellow) and the UK Blu-ray disc is Region 'B'-locked.

Besting both audio and video - the Masters of Cinema package is not done yet with providing the definitive home digital release for Criss Cross. We get two new audio commentaries the first with  author/film historian Lee Gambin joined for occasional comments by actress/film historian Rutanya Alda. Her acting credits, impressively, include The Deer Hunter, Garrett & Billy the Kid, The Long Goodbye, The Panic in Needle Park, and Rosemary's Baby among others. She has some stories to tell. This is excellent - informative and pleasing to engage. The second is by another Aussie (as is Gambin) with film scholar Adrian Martin who does deep analysis of the film, Siodmak and his team, plots points and so much more. He's fantastic for a scholarly viewing of the film's finer subtext and filmmaker's intentions. MoC include a 1/2 hour 'Screen Director's Playhouse' radio adaptation from 1949 (to Title Cards on the screen) featuring Burt Lancaster plus there is a fourth track option of the isolated Rózsa and effects score. There is a theatrical trailer and the package has a collector's booklet featuring new writing by film historian Kat Ellinger, an essay by Adam Batty, archival writing and imagery.

ADDITION: Shout! Factory - Region 'A'- Blu-ray - July 19': Shout! Factory, via their "Shout Select" sub-label, release a new 4K scan of the original nitrate negative. This dual-layered Blu-ray features a high bitrate for the feature-length running time. There are certain framing anomalies present when compared to previous 1080p releases. That being said, this new Shout! Blu-ray seems to be from the same source, given the existence of identical damage (just the occasional frame-specific scratch or two, nothing serious). What is immediately noticeable here is the softer, less defined image to this new Blu-ray. Whereas the Cinema Cult and Elephant Films releases showed a fine amount of grain and detail, the new Shout! Blu-ray seems to either have instances of DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) or perhaps just a softer, flatter, transfer. In my opinion, the previous Blu-rays show a more film-like texture and general presentation. With regards to the framing, some shots seem cropped and/zoomed in, whereas others show a slight shift to the left or right. None of this is egregious, as no visual symmetry seems to be deeply effected (cropped off tops of heads for example). The 1.35:1 (technically 1.37:1 as listed yet there are small vertical black bars on both the left and right sides of the frame, showing the actual picture in the aforementioned 1.35:1). The Shout! Factory is darker and heavier where the Euro 1080P renderings could look on the thin side.

Shout Select showcases the film in 24-bit 2.0 DTS-HD Master audio. To my ears, it is hard to find a discernible difference here when compared to the Elephant Films release. There are optional yellow English subtitles on this Region 'A' Blu-ray from Shout! Factory.

The main extra here is an all-new commentary by film historian Jim Hemphill. Hemphill is a filmmaker and self-described film noir enthusiast. He starts off this track by admitting that this is personal favorite noir picture of all-time. Given Hemphill's passion and knowledge, this commentary proves to be a fascinating listen. Following this, there is a 14-minute still gallery and a 6-minute poster and lobby card still gallery. The film's theatrical trailer rounds out the Blu-ray disc.

Shout! Factory's new 4K scan of the original nitrate negative gave me high hopes, though it would seem that the older Elephant Films and Cinema Cult Blu-rays show a more pleasing image for this reviewer. Even so, this is a fine transfer (though on the softer side) especially when not taking those 2 releases into consideration. In-motion, the film shows less grain yet surely more detail than any previous SD releases. The commentary from Jim Hemphill is a great addition, and a worthwhile listen. If you can't get your hands on the previous releases, this Blu-ray has some positives to consider.

Colin Zavitz