Starring: Edmond O’Brien, Audrey Totter, Ted de Corsia, Dan Riss
Director: Lew Landers
Distributed by: Twilight Time
Running Time: 68 minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: Jan 21, 2014
Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
3D: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars
Prior to receiving this Blu-ray in the mail, I had not heard of “Man in the Dark”, which was released in 1953. What I did find out that it was in fact the first 3D ever released by a major studio. I always though that it was Vincent Price’s “House of Wax” but it turns out that “Man in the Dark” actually beat that to theaters by a 48 hours. So there you go, you learn something new every day. This Blu-ray release is an Screen Archives Entertainment Exclusive and is a Limited Edition release with only 3000 copies produced. In terms of the film, I understand now why it is little know since I enjoy it very little but it does come with a great Blu-ray presentation.
Official Premise: The first 3-D motion picture produced by a major studio, Man in the Dark (1953) is a classic film noir, complete with tough-guy protagonist (Edmond O’Brien), heart-of-gold moll (Audrey Totter), and plenty of underworld action—but with handsome stereoscopic imagery directed by the prolific Lew Landers (The Raven). Focusing on a thug who undergoes brain surgery to eliminate his criminal tendencies, the film utilizes spectacular 3-D effects to simulate the newly decent hero’s disorientation as he tries to remember his life of crime, even as he is pursued by former cohorts who want in on the spoils of his latest robbery.
Twilight Time delivers this film on Blu-ray for the first time with Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray on one disc. I have to admit, the 3D experience for this film is no question one of the best that I have ever experience. Right from the minute it starts, the depth is mind-blowing. The 1080p transfers with an aspect ratio of 1.33:1 really shines and looks stunning. There are some great in-your-face stunts but I just really dug the 3D overall, I wish I did the same for the film itself. The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track is also very impressive. There is something about those classic 50’s scores that gets me.
In terms of special features, there is nothing here to enjoy besides a high-def theatrical trailer. There is also an Isolated Score, which is presented in an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. I was quite impressive to find a booklet included with this release. The extensive Julie Kirgo liner notes and film art is a nice read and companion to this release. Overall, I would recommend checking out if you are a 3D buff since I was blown away, otherwise this could have stayed in obscurity and I do know this anyone would have realized.