The Man Who Died Twice Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

The Man Who Died Twice Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 8, 2017

There’s nothing particularly special about 1958’s “The Man Who Died Twice,” but it delivers a meat-and-potatoes crime story with relative ease. Directed by Joseph Kane (“The Yellow Rose of Texas”), the picture offers viewers time with very bad people and a mystery involving murder, drugs, and deception. And there’s a little feline torment in there as well. “The Man Who Died Twice” is pulpy entertainment with a limited scope, but Kane understands what’s expected of him, handling the screenplay’s acts of intimidation and burgeoning violence well.

Rod Cameron stars as Bill, whose brother was recently involved in a fatal car accident, inspiring him to care for his sibling’s widow, Lynn (Vera Ralston). Trouble is, everyone wants a piece of Lynn, who might hold information tied to her dead husband’s criminal empire. “The Man Who Died Twice” follows the mystery for a tight 70 minutes, introducing nosy cops and dangerous gangsters, creating trouble for Bill, who sets out to understand what’s going on with his estranged sibling and his secret life.

The Man Who Died Twice Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Billed as a "Brand new HD master from a 4K scan," "The Man Who Died Twice" arrives with an AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation, and the results are impressive. Dealing with highly detailed faces, texture remains a priority here, delivering clear facial particulars, and costuming offers touchable fabrics. Sets also offer decorative highlights that are easily surveyed. Delineation is tight, and whites are settled, helping to balance a movie shot in "Naturama." Grain is fine and filmic. Source is largely clean, but more pronounced scratches are on display in the final reel.

The Man Who Died Twice Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix offers a straightforward blend of elements, with dialogue exchanges offered clarity and consistency. Voices sound loud, and snappy lines aren't lost. Scoring is simple but supportive, emerging with power when called on to add suspense. Sound effects retain snap.

The Man Who Died Twice Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Toby Roan.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included.

The Man Who Died Twice Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Man Who Died Twice" tries to liven up the proceedings with assassinations and car chases (the rear projection work is so hilariously speedy, every car ride looks like a NASCAR race), but the real charm of the movie comes from the characters, a few emerging as merciless, quick with threats and guns, while there's also a little old lady whose nosiness plays an important part in the story. Again, nothing builds to shocking reveals, but the general ride of "The Man Who Died Twice" is smooth and enjoyably antagonistic.