Directed by Hollywood legend Orson Welles (Citizen Kane, The Stranger, The Lady from Shanghai), Touch of Evil is a film noir masterpiece whose Hollywood backstory is as unforgettable as the movie itself. Starring Charlton Heston (The Big Country, Ben-Hur), Janet Leigh (The Manchurian Candidate, Psycho) and Welles himself, this dark portrait of corruption and morally compromised obsessions tells the story of a crooked police chief who frames a Mexican youth as part of an intricate criminal plot. With its iconic ticking-bomb opening shot, shadowy cinematography by Russell Metty (Spartacus), evocative score by Henry Mancini (Arabesque) and memorable supporting turns by Akim Tamiroff (The General Died at Dawn) and Marlene Dietrich (Desire), Touch of Evil is a stylistic triumph that stands the test of time. This 3-disc special edition features 4K restorations of three versions of the film: the Theatrical version, the Preview version and the Reconstructed version based on Orson Welles’ original vision.
For thoughts on Touch Of Evil, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic here.
Video Quality
Touch Of Evil appears on 4K UHD Blu-Ray courtesy of Kino Classics with brand new 4K 2160p/Dolby Vision masters for three different versions: the Theatrical version, the Preview version and the Reconstructed version based on Orson Welles’ original vision. Each version in this three-disc set is given their own 4K UHD disc that allows the film to look better than it ever has. This appears to be derived from the same restoration that was used for the previous Universal Blu-Ray release, but the flawed nature of that digitally manipulated release has been rectified ten times over with this practically immaculate presentation. If you are only using your 4K UHD player for modern films, you are missing out on the cinematic wonder that a proper 4K presentation can bring to classic film.
This presentation is simply astonishing. This picture maintains its beautiful filmic quality in this transfer with fine film grain giving way to sumptuous details. The Dolby Vision presentation allows the black and white cinematography to be at its apex with smooth gradients and subtle textures. Black levels are appropriately deep without any pesky nuisances such as digital noise or compression artifacts. There are numerous moments bathed in shadow that now yield much more solid detail. White levels are likewise improved with increased stability at its peak luminance. The transfer is also free of dust specks or print damage outside of the most minor of moments. This picture showcases some excellent depth to the image which gives way to a pleasing sense of scale within the locale. This transfer is a showcase of textural details in the costumes and production design. This film looks better than any film fan may have dreamed up. Kino Classics has made this release one of the all-time greats.
Audio Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release comes with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track for all three cuts of the film that sounds simply wonderful and represents a perfect representation of the artistic intention of the feature. The deliberate delivery of the dialogue always comes through crystal clear across the entire ensemble. None of the sound effects or the classic score from Henry Mancini ever overpowers the dialogue on this release. The most explosive moment comes at the beginning of the film, but there are environmental details throughout that are appropriately lively in the speakers. There does not appear to be any damage or age related wear to the track. There are optional English (SDH) subtitles available on these discs for those who need it. Overall, this is an excellent audio presentation that suits the material really well.
Special Features
Theatrical Cut
- Audio Commentary #1: Film Historian Tim Lucas provides a very thorough and informative commentary track in which he discusses various historical details surrounding the movies and biographical notes about the creative figures. Lucas always prepares a well-researched and steady track that looks at the movie as a whole while giving context to whatever scene is on screen at the time including scenes not presented here that are present in other versions in this collection.
- Audio Commentary #2: Writer/Filmmaker F.X. Feeney provides a commentary track recorded in 2008 which likewise delves into the themes and nuances of the features while extolling the values of this Theatrical Cut. Feeney is obviously passionate about the material, and he makes for an entertaining guide through the proceedings.
- Theatrical Trailer: The two-minute trailer is provided here.
Reconstructed Cut
- Audio Commentary #1: Film Historian Imogen Sara Smith provides a deeply enlightening commentary track in which she discusses the film in great detail from a narrative and creative standpoint, as well as how this version differs from the Theatrical Cut to align more with the original vision.
- Audio Commentary #2: Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh, and reconstruction producer Rick Schmidlin provide a thoroughly entertaining commentary track that was recorded in 1999 in which the stars recount their experiences making the film, their “nemesis” during filming the infamous opening scene, memories of their co-stars, how they pulled off certain scenes and more. Schmidlin also goes into great detail about the process of coming up with this alternate cut of the film. Out of all the commentaries in this collection, this is the one to look out for due to the personal anecdotes you get from those directly involved.
- Evil Lost & Found: A 17-minute featurette in which the participants discuss what exactly transpired that led to the studio cut of the film and the latter-day efforts to get it closer to what Welles had originally intended. Interview subjects include Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh, editor Walter Murch, restorationist Bob O’Neil, reconstruction producer Rick Schmidlin, Welles scholar Jonathan Rosenbaum, cinematographer Allen Daviau and more.
Preview Cut
- Audio Commentary: Orson Welles Historians Jonathan Rosenbaum and James Naremore provides an energetic commentary track recorded in 2008 which touches a bit on how this cut differs from others along with some speculation as to how Welles felt about various aspects, but largely they stick to the standard themes and historical background they bring to this as fans of the film.
- Bringing Evil To Life: A 21-minute vintage featurette which delivers insights from Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh, Valentin de Vargas, Dennis Weaver, Peter Bogdanovich, cinematographer Allen Daviau, filmmaker Robert Wise and more. These subjects discuss the issues that Orson had with the studio and provide insight into the production process along with the film’s legacy. This is an immensely entertaining piece.
Final Thoughts
Touch Of Evil, although historically compromised, remains a classic of old Hollywood cinema thanks to the masterful vision of Orson Welles. There is an assured hand behind the camera from the infamous opening tracking shot to the final moments complemented by a cavalcade of talented performers. Everyone from stars like Charlton Heston and Janet Leigh down to the brief scene-stealers make this one something special. There is a sustained tension throughout this one that keeps you returning time and time again to get more from the experience. Kino Classics has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a stunning A/V presentation and a great assortment of special features. This is the definitive release of one of the greats. Essential
Touch Of Evil is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray and Blu-Ray.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Kino Classics has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
