Big Sleep, The (DVD)

An amazing film from legendary film director Howard Hawks, one of the best private detective films ever made. Bogart is flawless as Phillip Marlowe.

This is an outstanding Blu-ray release of the highest order, worthy of one of the crown jewels in the history of Warner Brothers. What else can one say about the film itself, which became an instant classic with the electricity of Bogart & Bacall, the outstanding direction by Howard Hawks, the amazing screenplay with William Faulkner and Leigh Brackett bringing their own genius to the original Raymond Chandler novel. There was a remake years later with (a far too old) Robert Mitchum which is fails miserably, and only proves you can't remake a classic. What you CAN do is "restore" a classic to its original luster, and that's what has been done, with a frame-by-frame restoration of this well-worn film. The image is all that Blu-ray can bring to a 70 year old masterwork when dedication and care is taken, as has been done here. The image is immaculate...not a trace of dirt or scratches (which can't be said for many Blu-rays from small companies in the last few years), inky blacks, whitest whites, and sharp as a tack. Max Steiner's definitive musical score never sounded better as the audio here (thank you, DTS) sounds better than it ever could originally. Clean, crisp, and gorgeous. Best of all, the alternate version of the film, shot almost a year and a half before the ultimate final version was released, is here too among the special features, which are introduced by Film Preservation legend Robert Gitt. who located the film as first completed in 1945, before the studio wisely made significant changes. Why those changes were made is explained by Gitt in detail, and we also get over 30 minutes in comparisons between the two versions. The two versions and SOME of Gitt's comparisons were on the old DVD, but only about half the length of what is here, running only about 15-16 minutes. Now seen in complete form, and with his introduction to the exploration (which was also not on the DVD), it is like a miniature guided tour through the film's tortured history. Wonderful context that was appreciated on the old DVD, but that now in full has far more depth and complexity. A nice extra inclusion is that the film's original trailer has been remastered in 1080p HD, and while its quality can't compare to the immaculate restored image of the feature presentation, it's nice to see an HD trailer upgrade. One critic reviewed this disc and said, even this early in 2016, "The Big Sleep" on Blu-ray is likely going to be the best release of 2016. I would have to agree with his summation. Simply fantastic.

Another great black and white classic got this to complete my collection

When Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall first appeared on screen in Howard Hawks "To Have and Have Not"(1944) their on-screen chemistry was very apparent. They married the next year(1945) and to capitalize on both their on and off screen chemistry, Warner Brothers quickly re-teamed them in "The Big Sleep" the same year where they were again directed by Howard Hawks. Since WWII was still raging in the Pacific and Warner's had so many war films to release, they shelved "The Big Sleep" until 1946. When it was finally released to the public that year, it was a sensation and made over three million dollars at the box office. Warner Home Video through it's Archive Collection has "finally" released this classic film on Blu-ray(one of the most requested titles from fans) for the first time and the results are quite simply astounding. I've owned every previously released version(VHS, DVD) of "The Big Sleep" and always thought that the picture quality was lacking and hoped for a complete restoration. Those hopes were answered with this new Blu-ray. Digitally restored(by MPI) in 2K from a fine-grain master positive taken from the original nitrate negative, MPI has done a frame by frame restoration(Bitrate: 29.94) and fans will be very pleased with the results. However, because some of the original film elements had lots of wear and tear, not all of the picture quality is pristine. Those who watch this new Blu-ray will see these scenes right away as they are less stellar than the ones that come before and after, but overall 95% of the film is nearly pristine. There are no vertical lines, white specs, torn or damaged frames were a problem with previous DVD releases. Since most of the film takes place at night, this is where the cinematography by Sid Hickox really is effective. Blacks, whites and grays are well balanced with shadows, minimal lighting and even the heavy rain becoming part of the story. Daylight scenes are even more impressive with even the smallest details being very prominent. Bogart's scenes with the young Dorothy Malone in the Acme Bookstore are so crystal clear that you can even see Malone's pimples underneath her make-up. Costumes such has Bogart's pin-striped suit and checkered raincoat as well as Bacall's many beautifully designed outfits look brand new now on Blu-ray. Interiors, such as the wood paneled rooms of the Sternwood mansion as well as the seedy hotel rooms where some of the action takes place are equally eye popping. As for the story, it might take repeated viewings to figure out what is going on in the film but the screenplay(by Leigh Brackett, Jules Furthman and William Faulkner) retains much of Chandler's crackling dialogue. When Bogart's character(Phillip Marlowe) is asked by Mr. Sternwood if he's met his younger daughter, Carmen, Marlowe replies: "Yes, she sat in my lap while I was standing up." And the telephone scene between Bogart and Bacall as they banter back and forth with the police is still funny after all these years. The Audio(English DTS-HD MA 2.0 and Dolby Digital for French, German, Spanish and Polish) is very clear and free of any noise artifacts(hiss, pops, etc.) though a bit on the loud side. "The Big Sleep" is 114 minutes(Aspect ratio: 1.37:1) and contains the following subtitles: English SDH, Japanese, French, German, Spanish and Polish. All the special features from the DVD are carried over including the 1945 Pre-release version of the film; a comparison feature by Robert Gitt about the two versions; and the theatrical trailer. Please note that the 1945 Pre-release version has not been upgraded. The Blu-ray disc itself is housed in a standard solid Blu-ray case(not an eco-cutout case). With Warner's finally releasing "The Big Sleep" and "Key Largo" this week on Blu-ray, fans of the films and Bogart and Bacall have a lot to celebrate. It comes highly recommended.

Great detective noir movie. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall have great screen chemistry. Gritty, yet sexy, great plot, a wonderful movie!

Super fast service, and wonderful movie

Cosa dire di un film di 80 anni fa che ha dialoghi folgoranti e scene immortali?Decisamente imperdibile. Bogart dimostra come già con Casablanca di essere un mattatore assoluto. Insieme a il buio oltre la siepe uno dei film âgé con meno segni del tempo

There are 2 versions of the film on this BluRay: the original (1945) & the revised, enhanced (1946), with a feature that walks you through the ‘altered’ scenes. That process was undertaken to improve Lauren Bacall’s role & impact in the film, and to add a bit more spice between her & (future hubby) Bogie. How many Directors would love to take a second crack at re-shooting and re-editing a major project after months of consternation over how the final product could be improved? This is a film-lover’s bonanza. Sadly, the plot of Big Sleep remains as muddled & mysterious as ever, but that’s only a drawback if you need all the loose ends tied up. Ray Chandler himself apparently could not explain to the screenplay guys exactly who did what, so why worry about it? There was originally a scene where Bogie explains the muddle, but it was chopped by the Director & never restored. So, this ‘Masterpiece of film noir’ is like that classical unfinished symphony. Enjoy it for the rapid pace and untouchable style. (I did find some websites of amateur sleuths who seem to be able to explain everything.) What a find!

Great product shipped well and on time

bonjour , c'est parfait ,une bonne histoire de l' âge d'or du film noir avec en prime la version française ,que demander de plus . j'ai regardé les autres dvd dont dispose AMAZON et malheureusement ,ils sont en VO et pas de version française , c'est dommage . JP