One of the most popular genres during the 60s was the film noirs. The Film Masters have been releasing some very cool Blu-ray double features. I keep waiting with bated breath for the announcement of the next release and when I heard Door-to-Door Maniac I was excited, why because it starred Country music legend Johnny Cash! But this new Blu-ray also has an additional 60s crime film. Let's take a look at what is included on this Blu-ray!
Our Rating System:
****=Don’t Miss it!
***=Worth a look.
**=An Ok way to spend an evening.
*=You haven’t missed anything.
Door To Door Maniac (1961) As his partner in crime, Fred Dorella (Vic Tayback), heads to the bank and tries to extort cash from executive Ken Wilson (Donald Woods), Johnny Cabot (Johnny Cash) kidnaps Wilson's wife, Nancy (Cay Forester). Fred tells Ken that, unless he hands over $70,000 in cash, Johnny will kill Nancy. Ken comes up with a ploy to buy some time for the police to assess the situation. Though the scheme is coming unstuck, Fred and Johnny aren't about to go quietly. ***
Right Hand of the Devil (1963) A sleazy but ingenious criminal masterminds a heist at a sold-out sports arena. He hires a motley crew of henchmen, seduces the middle-aged head cashier, and plans some brutal ruses to elude the law. But he's his own worst enemy. **
Of the two films the superior film is Door-to-Door Maniac. What a cast! First off Ronny Howard (Andy Griffith Show), Cay Forester film noir fans will remember her as Sue in the classics D.O.A. Vic Tayback most TV fans will remember film as Mel from the TV series Alice. And Johnny Cash he is so good as the sadistic Johnny Cabot. I am shocked he didn't get more opportunities in films. Right Hand of the Devil is not as strong of a film, but still an entertaining little crime drama.
The Film Masters have scanned Door-To Door Maniac in 4K from original 35MM Archival elements. It has been transferred in 1080p and is presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. These films also have the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Door-to-Door Maniac (aka Five Minutes to Live) looks better than any copy you are going to find on DVD or online. This scan brings such richness and clarity to this film noir. It is gorgeous! The bonus feature Right Hand of the Devil is a nice additional feature! I love the fact that Film Masters gave both of these films their own Blu-ray disc. resulting in the best quality possible for these transfers.
Now in addition to great transfers Film Masters added some very cool bonus features to this Blu-ray set. Take a look at what is included!
* Theatrical (widescreen) version and TV (Full Screen) versions of these films
* Feature length commentary for 'Door-to-Door Maniac' by Author/Podcaster Daniel Budnik and Film Historian Rob Kelly
* Feature length commentary for 'Right Hand of the Devil' by the Monstery Party Podcast
* Player Pianos: The Passion of Aram Katcher: A Visual Essay by Someone's Favorite Productions
* Original Trailer for Right Hand of the Devil and Recreated trailer for Door-to-Door Maniac
* A booklet featuring writeups for these films. Don Stradley writes about Door-To-Door Maniac and C. Courtney Joyner writes about Right Hand of the Devil.
With Insightful commentaries and the video feature giving the viewer more insight into Aram Katcher, that is a tremendous bonus. the trailers and the booklet. All of these make for a tremendous little release for fans of 60s cinema.
If you love the releases of Film Masters as much as I do this new double feature Blu-ray of Door-to-Door Maniac and The Right Hand of the Devil is a must own. Head over to Amazon or MVDShop and order your copy today.
Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) The Film Masters Blu-ray of Door-to-Door Maniac and The Right Hand of the Devil receives....
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