Detective Story (1951) {KL Studio Classics Blu-ray Review}

William Wyler was an Academy Award winning director of some of the most iconic and best films in cinema history. Among his massive catalogue of film he directed are, Mrs. Miniver, The Best years of their loves and Ben-Hur. 

In 1951 Wyler climbed into the director's chair for a film he would gain a best director nomination and would direct three big names in the 50s, I'm talking Kirk Douglas, Eleanor Parker and William Bendix in a  film entitled Detective Story. Now this Oscar award nominated fil is receiving a Blu-ray release from KL Studio Classics.

James McLeod (Kirk Douglas) is a stern police detective who has no tolerance for crime. At home, however, he is a loving husband to his wife, Mary (Eleanor Parker). The police are ready to conclude the case of abortionist Karl Schneider (George Macready), who is responsible for the death of at least one patient, but McLeod's hatred for the doctor prolongs the investigation. The detective soon uncovers a dark secret that threatens to destroy his sanity and ruin his life.

The film is an emotionally driven film noir. Everyone in the cast is great, bringing such complex characters to this dramatic presentation, but Kirk Douglas shines. His performance is so underrated here.

Detective story debuts on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber. They have been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p in the full screen format of 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The soundtrack is a DTS-HD 2.0 and there is the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. 

The film has been remastered in HD by Paramount Pictures from a 4K Scan of the original camera negative. And what a tremendous looking picture it is. The quality of this scan is simply amazing. There is no signs of damage to this print whatsoever.

Now a gorgeous new transfer is not all the is included on this Blu-ray Kino Lorber included a very insightful audio commentary by film historian Alan K. Rode. There is also trailers including the Theatrical trailer for Detective Story.

I always enjoy a good film noir and this one was surprisingly a very good one. Kino Lorber did a great job putting together a very nice Blu-ray for this film. I am so happy to add this one to the film noir section of my massive physical media collection. 

If you are a fan of William Wyler films you need Detective Story in your collection and this new Blu-ray is the perfect way to have it. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today. You won't regret it!


Out of 4 Film reels (4 being the best) KL Studio Classics Blu-ray Detective Story receives...