Garv’s Pick of the Week: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Warner Archive)
For the release week of October 25th:
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde [Blu-ray / Warner Archive]: This disc is not only my “Pick of the Week,” it is one of the most essential Blu-ray releases of the year. Rouben Mamoulian’s 1931 adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde has received a much-needed restoration from a 4K scan of what is left of the original camera negative, combined with scans of the best surviving elements to fill in the missing pieces. I’m told that the missing pieces have been blended back into the film near-seamlessly, providing a viewing experience similar to the original 1931 theatrical release. This Pre-Code horror stars Fredric March and Miriam Hopkins. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.
Additional Titles of Interest —
The Last Detail [4K UHD / Shout Select]: Hal Ashby’s 1973 comedy/drama is equally profane and humane. It’s one of the best films of the 1970s, which is saying a lot.
The Changeling [4K UHD / Severin Films]: Apparently you can make a bouncing ball scary.
Dressed to Kill [4K UHD / Kino Lorber]: Brian De Palma’s 1980 slasher is the closest thing Hollywood has produced to a giallo.
Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection: Volume 3 [4K UHD / Sony]: Sony is out with their third massive 4K UHD box set, but the combination of titles is a bit of a mixed bag — It Happened One Night (1934), From Here to Eternity (1953), To Sir with Love (1967), The Last Picture Show (1971), Annie (1982), As Good as It Gets (1997). You might want to wait for individual releases.
Monsieur Hire [Blu-ray/ Cohen Film Collection]: Patrice Leconte’s excellent remake of Julien Duvivier’s Panique (1946) gets a Blu-ray release. I’m all for more Patrice Leconte on Blu-ray. It’s time Girl on the Bridge (1999) gets a quality home video release.
Shadows and Fog [Blu-ray/ Sandpiper Pictures]: Reviews were poor for this moody, black & white Woody Allen comedy, based on his one-act play, “Death.” However, I kinda like it.
Cutter’s Way [Blu-ray / Fun City Editions]: Don’t let the fact that this film appears at the bottom of the list fool you. It’s one of the very best films being released this week. However, the title is a Vinegar Syndrome exclusive title until November 29th. I’ll feature the disc more prominently when it receives a wide release. If you want to pick it up in the meantime (and I suggest you do), head over to Vinegar Syndrome.
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