Anthony Mann The Black Book

(aka 'Reign of Terror')

USA 1949

Anthony Mann’s The Black Book (1949). One of the great unacknowledged forms of noir is costume drama. I can’t think of a better example than this campy, hugely enjoyable thriller about the French Revolution—-also known as Reign of Terror, with Robert Cummings, Richard Basehart, and Arlene Dahl--brilliantly shot by John Alton, the greatest noir cinematographer. I even prefer it to Mann’s more conventional noirs in contemporary settings, many of them also shot by Alton.

From Jonathan Rosenbaum's article 'Ten Overlooked Noirs' on DVDBeaver HERE

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Theatrical Release: October 15th, 1949

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DVD Review: Alpha Video - Region 0 - NTSC

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	Alpha Video - Region 0 - NTSC
Runtime	1:28:30
Video	1.33:1 Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 5.83 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:
Audio	English (Dolby Digital 2.0)
Subtitles	None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Alpha Video Aspect Ratio: Original Aspect Ratio 1.33:1 Edition Details: • none DVD Release Date: November 18th, 2003 Keep Case Chapters: 9

Comments:

I can't recall when I saw a DVD image this poor - if there is an inferior one out there I haven't seen it. Everything is skewed to the left - the transfer is filled with 'combing' and the image is so hazy it is virtually unwatchable. I'll bet that a VHS tape is superior. No subtitles, no extras, weak audio. I assume this rarity has fallen through the cracks and entered 'Public Domain' territory, which is truly a shame. This DVD does have 2 redeeming features:

1) the price is very reasonable.

2) It is the only digital edition of the film that I am aware of.

So you know what you are getting yourself in for if you decide to purchase. The film is certainly worth more than the price of the DVD and I'd love to see this brought out properly - which may not happen anytime soon.

Gary W. Tooze