1941/2006
There's no small irony that Warner Bros. "? whose spectacular DVD re-releases of classic films are nigh unrivaled "? is releasing a film whose signature line deals with "the stuff dreams are made of." The studio hits one out of the park yet again; spread across a generous three discs and visually resplendent, John Huston's pitch-dark noir classic "The Maltese Falcon" receives the deluxe treatment on this new special edition.
Starring Humphrey Bogart in the role that catapulted him to stardom, "The Maltese Falcon" is a grim, spare exercise in staccato dialogue, serpentine plot twists and an ending for the ages; adapted twice before from Dashiell Hammett's crackling mystery novel "? once in 1931 and again in 1936 "? it's Huston's film that's rightly earned a place in motion-picture history.
This trio of discs is bursting with not only the two previous cinematic tries, but also a wealth of historical and anecdotal information, including a terrific commentary from Bogart biographer Eric Lax. It's an exceptional set for an exceptional film, once which serious film geeks need to seek out posthaste.
"?Preston Jones
