From The Morton Blog

June 2014 Limited Edition Blu-ray Releases from Twilight Time

By , Contributor
We'll have full review coverage of each of Twilight Time’s June releases shortly, but for now here’s a quick overview of what is on offer this month. Keep in mind all of Twilight Time’s Blu-ray titles are strictly limited to a pressing of 3,000 copies. When they’re sold out, they’re no longer available from Twilight Time’s exclusive distributor Screen Archives. Sold out titles have been known to command high prices on the collector’s market.

June 2014 sees the first-time Blu-ray releases for five classic films spanning 1955-1989.

Train cover (214x280).jpgThe Train is a relatively early directorial effort from the late, great John Frankenheimer (his seventh film). Arthur Penn was the film’s original director, but was replaced shortly after production began. This 1964 release, set during World War II, stars Burt Lancaster as a French trainman trying to keep his nation’s art out of the Nazis’ clutches.

The 1080p, high definition presentation, with an image framed at 1.66:1, includes DTS-HD MA 1.0 audio. In addition to an isolated score track (by Maurice Jarre) and theatrical trailer, the disc includes two audio commentary tracks. One features film historians Julie Kirgo, Paul Seydor, and Nick Redman. The other features director John Frankenheimer. A three-copy-per-customer purchase limited has been imposed for The Train.

Mechanic cover (214x280).jpgThe Mechanic is a 1972 film directed by Michael Winner and starring Charles Bronson and Jan-Michael Vincent. Bronson plays veteran hitman Arthur Bishop, who partners with an ambitious newcomer, Steve McKenna (Vincent). If the title sounds especially familiar, that might be due to the 2011 Simon West-directed remake starring Jason Statham in the Bronson role.

The Mechanic’s 1080p transfer is framed at 1.85:1 and boasts lossless DTS-HD MA 1.0 audio. Jerry Fielding’s score is presented as an isolated track. There’s an audio commentary by cinematographer Richard H. Kline and film historian Nick Redman.

Resurrected cover (216x280).jpgResurrected is acclaimed director Paul Greengrass’ (The Bourne Supermacy, The Bourne Ultimatum, United 93, Captain Phillips) debut feature. David Thewlis stars as a British soldier once believed dead and left behind during the Falklands War. He turns up alive, however. This documentary-style film (released in 1989) is based on a true story.

The 1080p transfer is framed at 1.78:1 and is complemented by a DTS-HD MA 2.0 soundtrack. In addition to an isolated music and effects track, the disc includes two featurettes: “Paul Greengrass on Resurrected” and “David Thewlis on Resurrected.”

Heaven Knows Mr Allison cover (214x280).jpgHeaven Knows, Mr. Allison is a 1957 film directed by the legendary John Huston. It stars Deborah Kerr and Robert Mitchum as a nun and Marine (respectively). They’re stuck on a South Pacific island during World War II, trying to stay alive amidst the domination of hostile Japanese forces. The film was honored with two Academy Award nominations: Best Actress (Deborah Kerr) and Best Adapted Screenplay (John Huston, John Lee Mahin; they adapted the novel of the same name by Charles Shaw).

The 1080p transfer is framed at 2.35:1 and features DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio. There’s an isolated music and effects track (the score is by Georges Auric), the original theatrical trailer, and “Fox Movietone News” footage.

Man from Laramie cover (214x280).jpgThe Man from Laramie is the second James Stewart Western from Twilight Time in as many months (May saw the release of John Ford’s Two Rode Together). This one, from 1955, was directed by Anthony Mann (the last of five collaborations between Mann and Stewart). Stewart stars as Will Lockhart who’s avenging the death of his brother while at odds with the Waggoman ranching family. Arthur Kennedy, Donald Crisp, and Cathy O’Donnell co-star.

Twilight Time’s Blu-ray boasts a new 4K transfer, struck from the original negative, framed at 2.55:1 (the first time it has been presented in this aspect ratio since its original theatrical release). The soundtrack is presented in DTS-HD MA 5.1. The disc features an isolated music and effects track and original theatrical trailers.

Each Twilight Time Limited Edition Blu-ray includes a booklet with a newly written essay by film historian Julie Kirgo. For ordering information, visit Screen Archives.

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Chaz Lipp writes for The Morton Report.

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