6.8 | / 10 |
Users | 4.5 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.2 |
Surprised that their contract victim didn't try to run away from them, two professional hit men try to find out who hired them and why.
Starring: Lee Marvin, Angie Dickinson, John Cassavetes, Clu Gulager, Claude AkinsDrama | 100% |
Film-Noir | 39% |
Crime | 22% |
Mystery | 12% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.37:1, 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.37:1, 1.85:1
English: LPCM Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region B (locked)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Don Siegel's "The Killers" (1964) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of British distributors Arrow Video. The supplemental features on the disc include an archival video interview with the American director; new video interview with best-selling author Mark Eliot; new video interview with writer Dwayne Epstein; and a collection of rare stills from the film, posters, and lobby cards. The release also arrives with a booklet featuring new writing on the film by Mike Sutton, extracts from Don Siegel’s autobiography and contemporary reviews, illustrated with original lobby cards. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-B "locked".
The Driver
Presented in two different aspect ratios -- 1.37:1 and 1.85:1 -- encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted 1080p transfers, Don Siegel's The Killers arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Arrow Video.
The Killers is presented in two different aspect ratios because in America initially the film was intended to be shown on TV, while in Europe it was expected to be shown in cinemas. Though opinions may vary, it is indeed an indisputable fact that the framing of the film is very flexible and allows for a similar viewing experience with both aspect ratios. We have included two sets of screencaptures with this review:
1. Screencaptures # 1-14 are from the 1.37:1 version.
2. Screencaptures # 15-24 are from the 1.85:1 version.
Because of the framing, on the 1.37:1 version detail and clarity appear slightly more pleasing. Direct comparisons with close-ups from the two versions create the impression that the 1.37:1 looks slightly healthier. However, on both versions light scratches, specks, and even some extremely light vertical lines are easy to spot (see screencapture #9). Generally speaking, contrast levels remain stable. Color saturation is very pleasing. Some extremely light inherited color pulsations, however, are occasionally present (though they are not a byproduct of poor digital work). There are no traces of excessive degraining or sharpening corrections corrections. Overall image stability is good. Finally, there are no serious compression or encoding issues to report in this review. (Note: This is a Region-B "locked" Blu-ray release. Therefore, you must have a native Region-B or Region-Free PS3 or SA in order to access its content).
There is only one standard audio track on this Blu-ray release: English LPCM 1.0. For the record, Arrow Video have provided optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature.
I've seen this film multiple times on DVD and I can say with absolute certainty that the audio has never sounded this good before. Clarity and depth are dramatically improved. John Williams' beautiful orchestral score also sounds lusher and fuller (listen to the music during and after the race where Angie Dickinson flirts with John Cassavetes). The dialog is crisp, clean, and easy to follow. There is no background hiss, audio dropouts, or distortions to report in this review.
The Killers is yet another competent release from British distributors Arrow Video that should make fans of the film very happy. The release also comes with some very good supplemental features, including a fascinating archival interview with Don Siegel as well as an outstanding new video interview with best-selling writer Mark Eliot. Let's hope that eventually we will also see a good Blu-ray release of director Robert Siodmak's terrific The Killers. RECOMMENDED.
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Masters of Cinema
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Indicator Series
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Arrow Academy / Includes Killer's Kiss
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Premium Collection
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Director's Cut
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Indicator Series
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