Reviewed By Jason LockardIn 1945 Joseph H. Lewis directed the film noir classic "My name is Julia Ross". The great folks at Arrow Video gave that classic a HD release it truly deserved. You can read out review of that film here!
But I'm glad to report Arrow Academy didn't stop there. So they decided to release another Joseph H. Lewis film noir on blu-ray from 1946 this one entitled, "So Dark the Night".The film follows detective, Henri Cassin (Steven Geray) from Paris, who, while on a long overdue vacation, falls in love with innkeeper Pierre Michaud's daughter Nanette (Micheline Cheirel). She is a country girl with a jealous boyfriend. Nonetheless, the detective becomes engaged to her. Then, the night of her engagement party, the girl vanishes and later turns up dead. Believing that the old boyfriend is the obvious subject he also found killed. Who is to blame for these murders? Well, you have to see the film to find out!
The film has Lewis' trademark visual style on full display. Including a very awesome lighting trick. The screenplay was written by Dwight V. Babcock and Martin Berkeley. It is based on a story written by Aubrey Wisberg. While the story is not as strong as the previous year's release My name is Julia Ross. It is not without it's charm.
Arrow Academy does a tremendous job transferring films in HD and So Dark the Night is no exception. The film is presented in High Definition 1080p full screen presentation. The audio is in the original uncompressed mono PCM audio and includes optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. The film looks and sound exceptional.
As for the bonus features; there is an audio Commentary by critics Glenn Kenny and Farran Smith Nehme, A featurette entitled; So Dark... Joseph H. Lewis at Columbia. In this featurette critic Imogen Sara Smith provides the background and an analysis of the film. Finally there is the Theatrical trailer. As for the packaging there is a reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tonci Zonjic and for FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by critic David Cairns.
If you love film noirs as much as I do and you enjoy bonus features this is a great little release. I highly recommend this one for your collection. Head over to www.MVDShop.com and get your copy today!
*Note this Blu-ray will be released on: 02/19/19
Moral Rating: Mild violence
Audience: Teens and Adults
Genre: Noir, Mystery
Length: 71 Minutes
Released: 2019
Blu-ray Rating: A
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