‘The Desperate Hours’ (1955) Arrow Video Blu-Ray Review – A Thrilling Late-Career Turn From Humphrey Bogart

Director William Wyler (Detective Story, Roman Holiday) pairs up two Hollywood legends – Humphrey Bogart (Casablanca) and Fredric March (The Best Years of Our Lives) – for their only appearance together. The result is an electrifying tour de force pitting two giants of the silver screen against each other. Three escaped cons, led by the ruthless Glenn Griffin (Bogart), force their way into a suburban home, intending to hide out while they await the arrival of an all-important package. But what should have been an overnight stay extends into a protracted hostage situation, pitting Glenn against the embattled family patriarch, Daniel Hilliard (March) – a man with everything to lose. Adapted by Joseph Hayes (The Third Day) from his own novel and stage play and inspired by actual events, The Desperate Hours is a classic tale of suspense from a master filmmaker at the height of his creative powers, now fully restored from the original VistaVision negative.

For thoughts on The Desperate Hours (1955), please check out our discussions on The Video Attic:

[youtube https://youtu.be/DfA60BshMLU?si=hIVXaChqgb1bt8Vt&t=1763]

Video Quality

The Desperate Hours comes to Blu-Ray with a 1080p master in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio newly restored by Arrow Video sourced from a 6K scan of the 35mm VistaVision Original Camera Negative. We do not get a ton from the “Golden Age” of Hollywood from the label, but when we do they knock it out of the park. This presentation is about as pleasing as you could ask for in the absence of a 4K UHD. The film features a moody black-and-white palette with a formidable handle on the contrast. Black levels are notably deep with pleasing stability throughout. The level of detail and clarity is a showstopper with the appropriate amount of natural film grain intact. The film appears to be almost entirely free of dirt and damage, which gives it a timeless quality that allows you to immerse yourself in this situation. There do not appear to be any unsightly digital anomalies such as compression artifacts, banding, or any other such nuisances. This presentation is a highlight from Arrow Video. 

Audio Quality

The film has been given an LPCM 1.0 mono presentation that translates this material effortlessly. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear from beginning to end without being clipped by any competing elements. When the score kicks in, the track is in top form with its handling of the different core elements. The track balances vocals with the various environmental sounds with tremendous clarity. There are a few fleeting moments when the track shows its age, but it is not a consistent issue. For the most part, the track is absent of hissing, hums, drop-outs, and the like. Arrow Video has provided a stellar audio presentation that presents the film quite capably. The disc also comes with optional English (SDH) subtitles.

Special Features

The first pressing of the Arrow Video Blu-Ray of The Desperate Hours includes a 23-page booklet featuring the essays “The Desperation of Humphrey Bogart” by film historian Philip Kemp and “A Bike Ride and a Broken Jaw: William Wyler’s The Desperate Hours” by author Neil Sinyard. These works provide a great analysis of the film, performers, behind-the-scenes details, and the genre at large in a thoughtfully written style. The on-disc special features are as follows: 

• Audio Commentary: Film Historian Daniel Kremer delivers an informative commentary track in which he discusses the legacy of the film, the place it occupies in the career of Humphrey Bogart, the production history,  the careers of some of the performers involved, the work of William Wyler (and his brother), the look of the feature, the shooting locations, and more. 

• Trouble In Suburbia: A 39-minute appreciation piece from José Arroyo, Associate Professor in Film and Television Studies at the University of Warwick, who discusses William Wyler’s output for Paramount, how this film fits into American society at this time, the themes developed throughout the picture, the visual motifs, and much more. 

• The Lonely Man: A 15-minute visual essay from Eloise Ross, co-curator of the Melbourne Cinémathèque, which focuses on Humphrey Bogart, his penultimate performance, the visual storytelling throughout the picture, the brotherly relationship at the center of the film, and more. 

• Scaled Down and Ratcheted Up: A 12-minute audio interview with Catherine Wyler, daughter of director William Wyler, in which she recalls visiting the set of this film, the near-casting of Spencer Tracey, her father’s work with the performers, the reception of the film, what attracted Wyler to a home invasion tale, and more. 

• Theatrical Trailer: The nearly two-and-a-half-minute trailer is provided here. 

• Lobby Cards Gallery: A collection of lobby cards is provided here. 

Final Thoughts

The Desperate Hours is a riveting thriller that succeeds in equal parts due to its direction, writing, and performances. William Wyler is one of the most subtly towering directors of the era with his impeccable knack for composition and landing the character moments. He gets the most out of his performers, and the ensemble gathered together here are some of the best you could ask for. Humphrey Bogart is really great in his penultimate performance, and Fredric March complements him admirably. The storyline is straightforward, yet it weaves in deeper commentary on society that allows it not to feel disposable. It is a strong showing for everyone involved. Arrow Video has released a Blu-Ray featuring a terrific A/V presentation and an assortment of enlightening features. This is a great addition to any collection. Highly Recommended 

The Desperate Hours is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Arrow Video has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.