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

ADDITION: Kino Blu-ray (May 2026): Kino have transferred their second 'Brit Noir Collection' to Blu-ray consisting of three films; Home at Seven / The Intruder  and The Long Arm. We reviewed the Network PAL DVD of Home at Seven in 2014, HERE. In 1080P the black-and-white contrast is strong with excellent shadow detail, crisp textures in clothing and interiors, and natural grain that preserves the atmospheric 1950s cinematography. Minor age-related artifacts are present (speckles, frame-specific marks) but well-managed, resulting in clean, detailed images that highlight the restrained lighting and location work -especially noticeable in The Long Arm’s procedural realism and The Intruder’s wartime flashbacks. Overall, these look excellent for films of this vintage. Typical of British “Brit Noir” / crime dramas of the era, they rely on deliberate lighting, shadows for tension, and realistic textures rather than heavy expressionism (more restrained than American noir). Cinematography overlaps - Edward Scaife (Hannie Caulder, The Kremlin Letter, The Dirty Dozen, Khartoum, 633 Squadron, Curse of the Demon, A Kid for Two Farthings, An Inspector Calls, The Captain's Paradise, The Holly and the Ivy, Outcast of the Islands,) worked on the first two films, giving visual continuity. Professional, crisp photography focused on character and environment over flashy technique. The Long Arm, a black-and-white police procedural from Ealing Studios, was shot by Gordon Dines (The Square Ring, The Cruel Sea, The Gentle Gunman, Pool of London, The Blue Lamp, PT Raiders.) It has functional, documentary-like realism with location shooting around London and beyond (street scenes, landmarks, and some Welsh countryside add authenticity.) Less stylized than pure noir - more straightforward and “flat” in a procedural sense, prioritizing clarity over expressionistic lighting. Clean, competent visuals typical of mid-50s British studio work. This is at Kino's usual high standard for vintage release HD presentations.

NOTE: We have added 148 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Kino use DTS-HD Master dual-mono tracks (24-bit) in the original English language. They prioritize clarity - dialogue, crucial in these talky, character-driven stories - is consistently intelligible with good presence. For Home at Seven the music was by Malcolm Arnold (A Prize of Gold, Wicked as They Come, The Night My Number Came Up, The Captain's Paradise, The Holly and the Ivy, Tunes of Glory, No Highway in the Sky. The Bridge On the River Kwai, Island in the Sun, Stolen Face, Hobson's Choice) - understated, atmospheric, and effective at heightening psychological unease without overpowering the dialogue-heavy script. Natural sound design focuses on quiet domestic scenes and police questioning. For The Intruder the bombastic score was by Francis Chagrin (Danger Within, An Inspector Calls The Snorkel,) - conducted by Muir Mathieson (Circus of Horrors, This Happy Breed,) - praised for its quality and later adapted for concert performance. It supports the emotional weight of post-war disillusionment and builds suspense effectively. Good use of silence and naturalistic dialogue in the film. For The Long Arm the music was by Gerard Schurmann (Horrors of the Black Museum, The Lost Continent, Konga, The Camp on Blood Island, Dr. Syn: The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh,) - restrained and supportive of the investigative tone - tense but not melodramatic. Emphasis on procedural sounds, footsteps, office ambience, and dialogue. Kino offer optional English subtitles on their Region 'A'-locked Blu-rays.

The Kino Blu-ray set offers three substantive audio commentaries: respected film historian / writer Julie Kirgo (author of Becoming John Ford) and writer / filmmaker Peter Hankoff (Producer of The Cold Blue,) team up for insightful, engaging tracks on Home at Seven and The Intruder, blending production history, thematic analysis, cast appreciation (especially Jack Hawkins), and cultural context of post-war Britain. Laurence Lerman handles The Long Arm with a solo commentary focused on its Ealing-style procedural elements. Both Blu-rays include the theatrical trailer for The Intruder and a selection of bonus trailers for other classic titles; The Cruel Sea, Force of Evil, The Great Gatsby, It Always Rains on Sunday, and Smooth as Silk, providing nice genre flavor. No booklets or visual galleries are here, but the commentaries deliver strong value. The set is packaged in a standard Blu-ray case housed inside a handsome slipcase.

Ralph Richardson's Home at Seven is a tense psychological mystery centered on amnesia, identity, and the fragility of ordinary middle-class life - based on a play by R.C. Sherriff. The Intruder, directed by Guy Hamilton (Goldfinger and other Bonds as well as Force 10 from Navarone, An Inspector Calls, Home at Seven, Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins, The Mirror Crack'd, Evil Under the Sun, Manuela, The Party's Over, The Devil's Disciple,) is a strong post-war drama/thriller about the difficulties of readjustment for ex-servicemen, class, loyalty, and the long shadow of war. Adapted from Robin Maugham’s novel The Line on Ginger. Charles Frend's The Long Arm has Jack Hawkins (the standout link for all three films.) He brings quiet authority, decency, and underlying intensity to all three. The Long Arm is a classic police procedural with a clever, low-key cat-and-mouse feel, emphasizing deduction, forensics, and dogged detective work over action. The films share tales of ordinary, respectable men whose stable lives unravel due to crime, memory loss, or societal change. The films explore the gap between wartime heroism/duty and the struggles (or mundanity) of civilian life. They are atmospheric rather than sensational, with strong emphasis on character, psychology, class, and moral ambiguity. They favor tension, dialogue, and procedural detail over violence or glamour. These are thoughtful, well-acted 1950s gems that reward relaxed viewing. Kino Lorber’s Brit Noir Collection II Blu-ray set is a welcome and cohesive package that showcases three thoughtful, character-rich 1950s British crime dramas linked by Jack Hawkins and a shared post-war sensibility. With solid-to-excellent A/V presentation and informative commentaries, it’s highly recommended for fans of restrained Brit Noir and classic UK cinema. The set’s strength lies in its thoughtful curation making it an essential addition for those exploring this era of British crime dramas or thoughtful dark cinema - a keeper for me. Absolutely recommended.

Gary Tooze