Force of Evil (1948) Blu-ray Review

Film Noirs are great sources of entertainment! In the 1950s and 60s producers were cranking out these kinds of films right and left. Because there was a high demand, and they could be made on a very small budget. Some of the best films were, Laura, Out of the Past, The Lost Weekend and my absolute favorite Sunset Boulevard.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics have been releasing amazing film noirs for physical media fans to add to their collections. Now the latest one to receive a Blu-ray release is 1948's Force of Evil.

Joe Morse (John Garfield) is a lawyer who works for a powerful gangster, who desires to consolidate and control the numbers racket in New York City. But in order to do this he must take over smaller outfits. One of those outfits is run by Morse's older brother Leo (Thomas Gomez). The brothers are on opposite sides of the law. Joe hopes to help his brother Leo, but will he be able to? You will have to see the film to find out!

Force of Evil is truly film noir at its best! The screenplay brings a real tense drama to the 'at the time' modern day Cain and Abel story. John Garfield is simply awesome as the lead Joe Morse. It is hard for me to call this is best performance in his career, but I have to say it is up there. Thomas Gomez is really good as well. I have seen him in TV episodes of The Twilight Zone and Gunsmoke, but perhaps I remember him the most for playing the minister in Beneath the Planet of the Apes. In addition to these two amazing performances, we see a great supporting cast that includes Beatrice Pearson, Marie Windsor, Howland Chamberlain, Roy Roberts, Paul Fix, Stanley Prager, Barry Kelley, and Beau Bridges

Abraham Polonsky was an Oscar nominated screen writer. And here he co-wrote the screenplay with Ira Wolfert from Wolfert’s novel Tucker’s People, and what an adaption it is! Polonsky also directed this film. Now sadly he didn't direct a lot of films and that is a shame as seen in this film he has a real eye for making a good film noir.

Force of Evil has been transferred in 1080p in the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. In addition, this transfer features the 2022 4K Restoration by Paramount Pictures, UCLA and The Film Foundation. Now I must say that this transfer looks stunning! There are no signs of damage to this print. It is such a great restoration; it looks as if it could have been shot yesterday. It is that sharp!

But an absolutely stunning transfer is not all that is included here on this Blu-ray disc. Kino Lorber added some really cool bonus features. Take a look at what is included in this set.

• NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historian Imogen Sara Smith

• Introduction by Martin Scorsese

• Theatrical Trailer

• Optional English Subtitles


I truly enjoyed all the great information shared by Imogen Sara Smith in the audio commentary. And it was amazing to see how much love the great Martin Scorsese has for this film. This is a very cool release with must see bonus features. I cannot recommend this Blu-ray release enough for film noir fans.

If you love film noirs as much as I do Force of Evil needs to be in your collection, and this new Kino Lorber Blu-ray is the perfect way to view it! Head over to Amazon and order your copy today. You won't be disappointed!

Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) the Force of Evil Blu-ray recieves.....