Reviewed by Jason LockardThe Big Clock is the latest classic film noir to be given a much deserved blu-ray release by Arrow Films. The film is really unique for it's not the typical dramatic mystery film noir. The big clock implements comedy.
So is The Big Clock worth adding to your blu-ray collection. We are going to help you decide that as we look inside the package.
Overworked true crime magazine editor George Stroud has been planning a vacation for months. However, when his boss, the tyrannical media tycoon Earl Janoth, insists he skips his holiday, Stroud resigns in disgust before embarking on an impromptu drunken night out with his boss's mistress, Pauline York. When Janoth kills Pauline in a fit of rage, Stroud finds himself to have been the wrong man, in the wrong place, at the wrong time: his staff have been tasked with finding a suspect with an all too familiar description... Stroud’s very own!
The screenplay was masterfully adapted by Johnathan Latimer from the novel by Kenneth Fearing. The direction by John Farrow is a thing of beauty. Than there is the preformances of Ray Milland and Charles Laughton, wow they do such a tremendous job bringing the book to life. This is a truly a noir classic.
As for the blu-ray release the film has been restored and transferred from it's original film elements and presented in high definition in it's original full screen format. The audio is uncompressed mono 1.0 PCM, with an option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
I have to admit Arrow Video has done tremendous work with their releases and The Big Clock is no different. The film looks and sounds stunning. Better than iI've ever seen. But as with all Arrow releases they don't stop with a beautifully remastered film. Arrow Video always gives you more. So let's look at what the bonus features look like.
• New audio commentary by film scholar Adrian Martin
• Turning Back the Clock, a newly filmed analysis of the film by the critic and chief executive of Film London, Adrian Wootton
• A Difficult Actor, a newly filmed appreciation of Charles Laughton and his performance in The Big Clock by the actor, writer, and theatre director Simon Callow
• Rare hour-long 1948 radio dramatization of The Big Clock by the Lux Radio Theatre, starring Ray Milland
• Original theatrical trailer
• Gallery of original stills and promotional materials
• Reversible sleeve featuring two original artwork options
There is also for the FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Christina Newland. So as you can see this is one loaded release. I love the fact that Arrow Academy included the 1948 radio show. That is a very cool bonus feature.
So if your a fan of film noirs, Ray Milland or Charles Laughton. This is a must add to your collection. Head over to MVDShop.com and pick up your copy today.
Audiences: Adults
Objectionable Material: Mild violence and infidelity
Length: 1 hour 35 minutes
Genre:Film noir, mystery, drama, comedy
Blu-ray Rating: A
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