Reviewed By Jason LockardArrow Academy has been going above and beyond bringing the film noir fans HD transfers of some great mystery films. The latest to get it's chance to shine on Blu-ray is Robert Siodmak’s first film noir entitled, Phantom Lady.
The film follows Scott Henderson who heads to a bar to drown his sorrows, after a fight with his wife. While in the bar he starts to talk to a mysterious and quite lady. He invites her to go with him to a show uptown. Later that evening when arriving home, Scott is met by cops, they have bad news his wife has been strangled with one of his neckties and he is the prime suspect. His alibi is the lady, who never shared her name with him. How can he find her when he doesn't know her name and know one seems to remember seeing them together? You'll have to see the film to find out.
The film was adapted from a novel by crime writer Cornell Woolrich. The cinematography is amazing with the use of shadows. The acting of Franchot Tone, Ella Raine and Alan Curtis will stay with you forever. As for the direction Robert Siodmak does a really good job. Which is no surprise as he is known for directing “Son of Dracula”,“The Suspect”, “The Killers”, “The Dark Mirror”, “The Spiral Staircase”, “Criss Cross”, “The Crimson Pirate", and “The Devil Strikes at Night”.
The film has been transferred in HD and is presented in 1080p full screen 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The audio is Uncompressed Mono 1.0 PCM audio soundtrack. As for this transfer, there are scratches and other defects, but that takes away from the enjoyment of this film.
Now for special features on this Blu-ray release they include, English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, Dark and Deadly: 50 Years of Film Noir, an insightful archival documentary featuring contributions from Robert Wise, Edward Dmytryk, Dennis Hopper and more, Rare, hour-long 1944 radio dramatization of Phantom Lady by the Lux Radio Theatre, starring Alan Curtis and Ella Raines, Gallery of original stills and promotional materials and reversible sleeve featuring two original artwork options. And finally for FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by author Alan K. Rode.
This is a really impressive film noir release. The film is awesome but the bonus features are what make this a must have. For someone who loves the old radio shows having an hour long radio presentation on this, it makes it an absolute must have.
So if you love film noirs as much as I do Phantom Lady is a must. Head over to MVDshop.com and get your copy today!
Moral Rating: nothing offensive
Audience: teen and adults
Genre: Drama
Released: 1944
Blu-ray Rating: A-
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