Act of Violence (1948) Warner Archive's Blu-ray Review

Fred Zinnemann may not be a name known by many people, but you no doubt know his films. He directed such classics as High Noon (1952), From Here to Eternity (1953), Oklahoma! (1955), The Sundowners (1960), A Man For All Seasons (1966), The Day of the Jackal (1973), and Julia (1977). 

Just a few months ago Warner Archive released another one of his films to Blu-ray The Nun's Story. Now it is time for a little film noir, because we can't have to much noir in our lives. Warner Archive have now released 1948's Act of Violence to Blu-ray!

Synopsis: When two World War II veterans meet again--one a decorated war hero and successful, married businessman; the other permanently crippled and mentally deranged--the encounter will lead to a shocking Act of Violence. Frank Enly (Academy Award winner Van Heflin) survived a German concentration camp to return home a hero and build a good life for himself. But when Joe Parkson (Robert Ryan) comes to town, Enly flees. Now, as his life and sanity rapidly unravel, is Enly really a lying traitor who sold the lives of fellow concentration camp inmates for his own survival as the mentally unstable Parkson claims, or is he a victim of survivor's guilt that has suddenly resurfaced with Parkson's return? And will the enmity between the two lead to murder in this film noir thriller.

Act of Violence is a thrilling film noir taking the viewer on a journey that might be a bit hard of a pill to swallow. The acting is really great here. Van Heflin, Robert Ryan and Janet Leigh are at the best in these roles. And Mary Astor finds herself in another film noir after making a splash with Bogart several years earlier in The Maltese Falcon. Here she is almost unrecognizable! What an actress!

Act of Violence has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in it's original full screen format in 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 . There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. Always a plus in my opinion.

Warner Archive has done it again with this Blu-ray. They have scan this film to make it the best possible quality and it is almost flawless. This new scan really brings depth to the black and white palette of this film noir thriller. It is a remarkable looking transfer. But that is not all that is included here! Take a look at the bonus features they have included on this Blu-ray.

* Feature commentary by film historian Dr. Drew Casper
* 5 Minute Featurette "Act of Violence: Dealing with the Devil"
* Classic Cartoons
- Goggle Fishing Bear (1949) Barney the bear uses a dive mask and swim fins to pursuit a fish. But runs into a bunch of trouble including an angry lobster.
- The Shell-Shocked Egg (1948) A mother turtle, names her four eggs Tom, Dick, Harry, and Clem. She buries the eggs while looking for a sunlamp. Clem hatches and wanders into a barnyard looking for warmth. The dog thinks he has laid an egg and envisions fame and fortune. 
* Original Theatrical Trailer

The audio commentary is such a good one it is well worth the listen, as Dr. Drew Casper dives deep into the film and the players. The five minute featurette is good, I wish it was a bit longer. And I absolutely love the addition to 2 classic cartoons. Warner Archive made a nice little feature for a night at movies in your house! 

If you love a good film noir as much as I do. You really need to check out Act of Violence and the best way to see it is on this new Blu-ray release. Head over to MovieZyng and order your copy today! 


 
Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) The Blu-ray of Act of Violence receives....