Monday, May 20, 2019

The Criterion Collection Announces Its August Of 2019 DVD And Blu-ray Release Calendar


DVD & Blu-ray Release Report, Ralph Tribbey
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.   

DVD & Blu-ray Release Report, Ralph Tribbey
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.

DVD & Blu-ray Release Report, Ralph TribbeyAlso 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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