In 1957 Sidney Lumet adapted to film Reginald Rose’s 12 Angry Men with an impressive cast lead by the great Henry Fonda. This is a classic film.
Than for the 40th anniversary of the original films release, there was a TV movie remake made with an all-star cast as well. The good folks at Kino Lorber have released a Jack Lemmon and George C. Scott TV movie on Blu-ray Inherit the Wind. Now it is time for another Lemmon/Scott TV film this time it is 12 Angry men.
The film follows a young man who stands accused of stabbing his father, and his fate now lies in the hands of twelve men from all walks of life, each with his own agenda, fears and personal demons. Fortunately, this is an open-and-shut case. Or is it? As the evidence is painstakingly scrutinized, tensions mount and tempers rise... and the twelve jurors are forced to confront their secret frailties and bitter prejudices in an unrelenting struggle for the truth.
Joining screen legends Jack Lemmon and George C. Scott is an amazing cast including Courtney B. Vance (Dangerous Minds), Ossie Davis (Jungle Fever), Armin Mueller-Stahl (Eastern Promises), Dorian Harewood (Full Metal Jacket), James Gandolfini (TV’s The Sopranos), Tony Danza (TV’s Taxi), Hume Cronyn (Lifeboat), Mykelti Williamson (Forrest Gump), Edward James Olmos (Zoot Suit), William Petersen (Manhunter) and Mary McDonnell (Dances with Wolves).
12 Angry Men is a remake for an adult audience, complete with a good chunk of profanity. The original film runs 1 hour 37 minutes and this remake runs 1 hour and 57 minutes. That is 30 minute more of discussion. Now that could be a good thing or a bad depending on the viewer. Personally I would have preferred a little more streamlined version, as the conversation can get a get tedious after a while. But this is still a very dramatic and expertly shot film.
Now Kino Lorber's new Blu-ray comes with one one but two versions of the film. One is presented in 1:78.1 aspect ratio, while the other is the 1:33.1 which is how it originally aired on television. Watching these transfers the films look crisp with no signs of damage to this print. The audio is crystal clear with no pops. It really look great on Blu-ray.
As for bonus features included on this Blu-ray is the trailer and English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. I love the inclusion of the trailer and the subtitles is always a nice little bonus.
Watch The Trailer Below:
Very rarely is a remake better than the original. And while this 1997 remake is an interesting and very good version, to say it is better than the original, I can't say that. But I am glad to have it in the collection.
If you are a fan of George C. Scott, Jack Lemmon or TV movie remakes the brand new Blu-ray release of 12 Angry Men from Kino Lorber is one you are going to want to add to your collection. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.
Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) KL Studio Classics Blu-ray of Inherit the Wind receives...
0 Comments