Who doesn't love a good ghost story? They were all the rage in the 1940s. In 1948 a film noir horror film entitled The Spiritualist or The Amazing Mr. X first graced theaters.
The film had fallen into the public domain and could be seen all over the internet, but in less than spectacular quality. The Film Detective not wanting to let such a spectacular little film noir to linger in public domain limbo. Have decided to rescue this b movie classic and restore it in 4k.
Christine Faber has been a widow for two years. One night while on the beach she hears her late husband Paul calling out of the surf. Suddenly a man, named Alexis appears out of nowhere. Alexis makes a living out of 'contacting the dead' and taking people's money to do it. Alexis pulls Christine and her sister Janet into this dangerous world, where they are soon all to find out the living is much more deadly than the dead.
When you talk about atmospheric films The Amazing Mr. X uses light and shadows and the fog to truly enhance the mystery taking you on a journey to the thrilling and shocking conclusion. I won't spoil it!
Turhan Bey is the spectacular standout as the spiritualist Alexis and B movie stalwarts Lynn Bari and Cathy O'Donnell are tremendous in their roles, as is the whole cast. Finally John Alton deserves a round of applause for his cinematography. Tremendous all the way around.
The Film Detective have restored this in 4K from the original 35mm film elements. The film has been transferred in 1080p and in 1.37:1 aspect ratio. This restoration is truly a thing of beauty. There is no signs of damage to this print. The film looks crisp and sound clear as a bell.
Now this amazing looking transfer would be enough for us to recommend this release, but The Film Detective have added some very cool bonus features to this new release. Take a look at what is included on this Blu-ray.
* Commentary by Professor and Film Scholar, Jason A. Ney
* Full Color Booklet with essay, ''The Amazing Mr. Bey,'' by Don Stradley
* ''MYSTERIES EXPOSED: INSIDE THE CINEMATIC WORLD OF SPIRITUALISM'' - A new documentary from Ballyhoo Motion Pictures featuring interviews with author Lisa Morton (Calling All Spirits: A History of Seances) and author/film historian C. Courtney Joyner.
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This films runs a mere 78 minutes and it's slow burn story was right-up my alley. Now some in this generation may find it a but slow but for true film noir fans this is a masterpiece.
If you want a breathtaking copy of The Amazing Mr. X this is an absolute must add to your collection. Head over to Amazon.com and order your copy today.
Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) The Film Detective's Blu-ray of The Amazing Mr. X receives...
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