Reviewed By Jason LockardAlec Guinness is one of the greatest of all time. Many may only know him as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars Trilogy. But he was in some of the greatest films in cinema history! The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor), Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Doctor Zhivago (1965), just to name a few.
Arrow Academy has a love for the classics and are giving some of the lesser known films starring some amazing actor some of the love that they truly deserve. One of there latest Blu-ray releases starring Alec Guinness himself, the controversial 1955 film The Prisoner.
The film takes place in an unnamed Eastern European capital, an iron-willed Cardinal (Guinness) is arrested by state police on charges of treason. Tasked with securing a confession from him by any means necessary is a former comrade-in-arms from the anti-Nazi resistance (Jack Hawkins). Knowing the Cardinal will never fold under physical torture, the Interrogator instead sets out to destroy him mentally, breaking his spirit rather than his body.
Originally a stage-play Bridget Boland adapted the play for the screen. The story is a true human drama. The only issue I have with the story is the secondary plot a romantic encounter between a prison guard and a married woman seemed a bit unnecessary in my opinion. As for the film itself it was masterfully crafted for the screen by director Peter Glenville. The acting of everyone is suburb, but of course Alec Guinness stands out.
The film has been transferred in HD and is presented in 1080p widescreen presentation. The audio is the original lossless mono audio. As for the picture there some slight minor specks and damage to the picture, but nothing that should take away from the watching the film. And as for the audio it sounds crisp and clear to me.
Now for special features on this Blu-ray release they include, English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, Interrogating Guinness, a new video appreciation of the film by author and academic Neil Sinyard, Select scene commentary by author and critic Philip Kemp.
As for the packaging there is a reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Peter Strain and for FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Mark Cunliffe.
So if you are a fan of Alec Guinness or political dramas this classic is for you. Head over to MVDshop.com and get your copy today!
Moral Rating: nothing offensive
Audience: teen and adults, themes may be to much for children to follow
Genre: Drama
Released: 1955
Movie Rating: B
Blu-ray Rating: A-
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