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Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1Audience Rating: Unrated Binding: DVD EAN: 9786305999874 Format: Black & White, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC ISBN: 6305999872 Label: Universal Studios Languages: Manufacturer: Universal Studios MPN: D20470D Number Of Items: 1 Picture Format: Anamorphic Widescreen Publisher: Universal Studios Region Code: 1 Release Date: October 31, 2000 Running Time: 111 minutes Studio: Universal Studios Theatrical Release Date: 1958 Editorial Review: Amazon.com essential video: Considered by many to be the greatest B movie ever made, the original-release version of Orson Welles's film noir masterpiece Touch of Evil was, ironically, never intended as a B movie at all--it merely suffered that fate after it was taken away from writer-director Welles, then reedited and released in 1958 as the second half of a double feature. Time and critical acclaim would eventually elevate the film to classic status (and Welles's original vision was meticulously followed for the film's 1998 restoration), but for four decades this original version stood as a testament to Welles's directorial genius. From its astonishing, miraculously choreographed opening shot (lasting over three minutes) to Marlene Dietrich's classic final line of dialogue, this sordid tale of murder and police corruption is like a valentine for the cinematic medium, with Welles as its love-struck suitor. As the corpulent cop who may be involved in a border-town murder, Welles faces opposition from a narcotics officer (Charlton Heston) whose wife (Janet Leigh) is abducted and held as the pawn in a struggle between Heston's quest for truth and Welles's control of carefully hidden secrets. The twisting plot is wildly entertaining (even though it's harder to follow in this original version), but even greater pleasure is found in the pulpy dialogue and the sheer exuberance of the dazzling directorial style. --Jeff Shannon Average Rating:
 Rating: - Grimy and gritty film noirMexican narcotics officer Mike Vargas (Charlton Heston) and his bride (Janet Leigh) have just ended their honeymoon in a border town when they become involved in a murder investigation. Also on the case is a veteran American cop (Orson Wells) who has a habit of winning convictions by planting evidence. How much you like this movie depends on how much you like the film noir genre. This is a typical hard-bitten crime story filmed mostly at night or in deep shadows in shabby locations ... Read More Rating:  - One of Orson's Best!Shadow Watcher Nobody Drowns in Mineral Lake Orson Welles' movies never cease to mesmerize me. Filmmakers learn from Welles. In fact, I've written about Welles on several occasions, including a one-person play. Unfortunately, as innovative and fascinating as his films might be, Welles' movies do not appeal to a mass audience, like, for example, the work of Alfred Hitchcock. Part of the problem is that Orson's movies are usually ... Read More Rating: - "Touch of Evil" presented in its three different variations with actor commentaryOver looked when it was released (except in France where it won awards and critical praise), "Touch of Evil" was Orson Welles' last major studio project as writer-director-star. When the original director bowed out, Welles (supported by star Charlton Heston)asked for the chance to write and direct the film. Welles' revamped Paul Monash's screenplay, recast Heston as a Mexican offical and delivered efficently (it was only 1 day over its shooting schedule and slightly over budget). Shot in Venice, Ca ... Read More Rating: - Shades of Gray in Content and VisualsFirst off, a word about visual quality: a crisper, cleaner copy of this film you will not find. Restored to Welles' thematic vision, this version is also a far cry from the more grainy prints that have circulated on the airwaves for years. Viewing pleasure is enhanced considerably as a result. And sheer pleasure this film is. In an intriguing plot triangulation involving three men motivated in different ways by past, present or unfolding relations with their wives - two of them Mexicans ... Read More Rating: - Could have used a touch of originality to separate it from the pack...`Touch of Evil' feels great. It is dark and eerie and commanding, but underneath the intensely layered surface lays a film that is somewhat empty. That is my major problem with `Touch of Evil'; it doesn't feel necessary. In the end we have a film that creeps us out at times and holds our interest yet says nothing and doesn't seem to be all that coherent. If I were to base my critique solely on the films appearance and technique then I would give it a round of applause and mark it with an A+ (Welles ... Read More |
