Essential Film Noir: Collection 5 – Imprint Collection #262 – #265

Collection Five of Essential Film Noir features four more acclaimed and much sought-after noir classics, with three a worldwide first on Blu-ray. 

Includes Island of Doomed Men (1940), The Red Menace (1949), The Burglar (1957) and 13 West Street (1962).

Limited Edition 4-Disc Hardbox. 1500 copies only.

Island Of Doomed Men (1940) – Imprint Collection #262

Worldwide first on Blu-ray! 

Oscar winner Charles Barton directs the legendary Peter Lorre (M, The Maltese Falcon) in this sensational Noir that “pushes the censorship restrictions of the era as far as possible thanks to its elements of sadism, bondage, spousal abuse, and one very startling moment of (simulated) animal cruelty” (TCM, Nathaniel Thompson). 

Peter Lorre plays Stephen Danel, the owner of Dead Man’s Island, using the off-the-radar colony as a place to keep paroled convicts as slaves. Undercover agent Mark Sheldon gets sent to the island and becomes trapped himself as Danel’s sadistic guards maintain a tight circle around the house and grounds.

Special Features & Technical Specs:

• 1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray
• Special Features TBC
• Audio LCPM 2.0 Mono
• Original Aspect Ratio 1.37:1
• Optional English HOH Subtitles

The Red Menace (1949) – Imprint Collection #263

This controversial noir (later re-released as Underground Spy) stars Robert Rockwell, Betty Lou Gerson, and Barbra Fuller, directed by R.G. Springsteen. 

When a disgruntled ex-soldier gets no help from the Veteran’s Bureau, he is ripe for the influences of Communists who lead him down the party line. But he soon meets up with disgruntled party members who attempt to break out. 

Special Features & Technical Specs:

• 1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray, from a 4K Scan of the 35mm Nitrate Original Negative (2013)
• NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historian Samm Deighan 
• Hollywood on Trial – 1976 feature documentary, narrated by John Huston 
• The Hollywood 10 – 1950 Short film
• Audio LPCM 2.0 Mono
• Original Aspect Ratio 1.37:1
• Optional English HOH Subtitles

The Burglar (1957) – Imprint Collection #264

Worldwide first on Blu-ray!

Based on the 1953 novel of the same name by David Goodis, The Burglar stars Dan Duryea, Jayne Mansfield and Martha Vickers. 

A burglar and his two associates set their sights on a wealthy spiritualist who has inherited a fortune – including a renowned emerald necklace – from a Philadelphia financier.

“This film is loaded with wonderful expressionistic touches that constantly surprise you, and sometimes take your breath away.  A flashback sequence shrouded in dreamlike darkness, jolting edits, radical sound design, Sol Kaplan’s amazing score, car chases that feel like you’re riding the bumper, striking close-ups and shocking angles, and a stunning 10-minute carnival climax. … this is an artful noir that deserves more recognition.” – Martin Teller 

Special Features & Technical Specs:

• 1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray
• Introduction by Martin Scorsese 
• Behind the Scenes Photos & Publicity Stills
• Theatrical Trailer
• More Special Features TBC
• Audio LPCM 2.0 Mono
• Original Aspect Ratio 1.85:1
• Optional English Subtitles

13 West Street (1962) – Imprint Collection #265

Worldwide first on Blu-ray!

Alan Ladd and Rod Steiger star in this thrilling adaptation of Leigh Brackett’s 1957 novel ‘The Tiger Among Us’. 

When Walt Sherill is brutally beaten by a gang of angry teenagers, he decides to track the teens himself — hiring a private detective, buying a gun, and stalking potential suspects.

Special Features & Technical Specs:

• 1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray
• Special Features TBC
• Theatrical Trailer
• Audio LPCM 2.0 Mono
• Aspect Ratio 1.78:1
• Optional English HOH Subtitles