The Big Heat (1953)

Description

The Big Heat (1953)

Criterion Collection | 89 min | Not Rated | Release Date: July 1, 2025
Genres: Film Noir, Mystery, Crime, Drama

Video Quality

• Format: 1080p Blu-ray (AVC)
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
  • Outstanding presentation based on the pristine 4K restoration. Deep blacks, sharp grayscale contrast, rich film grain, and flawless image stability across the board

Audio Quality

• Track: English LPCM Mono (48 kHz, 24‑bit)
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
  • Ultra-clear mono sound with minimal hiss, faithful to the original soundtrack. Optional English SDH subtitles included

Special Features

• Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
  • Audio commentary by film‑noir experts Alain Silver & James Ursini
  • Archival interviews: Martin Scorsese, Michael Mann, and Fritz Lang
  • New video essay (The Women of The Big Heat by Farran Smith Nehme)
  • Theatrical trailer + essay leaflet by Jonathan Lethem

Cast

Glenn Ford, Gloria Grahame, Jocelyn Brando, Alexander Scourby, Lee Marvin, Jeanette Nolan

Summary

This Blu-ray offers a definitive film‑noir experience, showcasing stunning visuals and pristine audio restored from the 4K elements. With insightful commentary and featurettes, it’s a standout rental item. Fans of classic crime dramas will love it.

OVERALL RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) — Essential Purchase