The Criterion Collection has revealed its August
line-up of new film restorations destined for release as both DVD and Blu-ray
product offerings during the month.
Leading the summer group of film selections is
director Douglas Sirk’s 1954 film adaptation of the Lloyd C. Douglas novel, Magnificent
Obsession, which had previously been made
by director John M. Stahl in 1935 (which is included here as a bonus feature). The street date for both the double-disc DVD
and Blu-ray editions will be Aug. 20.
This is Jane Wyman’s picture. Despite trade rumors at the time reporting
that both Olivia De Havilland and Joan Crawford were being considered for the
starring role of Helen Phillips, Sirk put those “rumors” to rest by stating in
no uncertain terms that it was indeed Jane Wyman who approached him with the idea
of remaking the film. It was a savvy
move on her part as she was nominated for Best Actress for her
performance.
Other rumors included Jeff Chandler being considered
for the role of playboy Bob Merrick, but Rock Hudson was the ultimate
choice.
Indeed, so successful was the combination of Rock
Hudson, Jane Wyman and filmmaker Douglas Sirk with this film, that they
reunited the following year for All That Heaven Allows.
As to bonus goodies, as mentioned, the original 1935
film version of Magnificent Obsession,
starring Irene Dunne and Robert Taylor, is included here, plus there is a
vintage commentary track featuring film scholar Thomas Doherty. Documentary filmmaker Eckhart Schmidt’s 1991
German-language documentary titled From UFA to
Hollywood: Douglas Sirk Remembers is
also included here.
Also on the August release calendar from Criterion
are Blu-ray and DVD editions of director Jane Campion’s 1990 bio pic about the
life of writer Janet Frame (played by Kerry Fox), An Angel
at My Table. The street date will be Aug. 6.
Bonus features include commentary from filmmaker
Jane Campion, who is joined by the director of photography, Stuart Dryburgh,
and the film’s star, Kerry Fox, plus there are six deleted
scenes, a vintage audio interview with Janet Frame (circa 1983) and vintage
making-of documentary.
Rounding out the August release calendar from the Criterion
Collection are Inland Sea (Aug. 13), Flavor of Green Tea Over Rice
(Aug. 27) and The Koker Trilogy,
featuring Where Is the Friend’s House?, And Life Goes On and Through
the Olive Trees (also Aug. 27).
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