One of the definitive entries in the film noir genre, Billy Wilder's Double Indemnity (1944) stars Fred MacMurray as insurance salesman Walter Neff, who falls under the sway of femme fatale Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck), after which the pair cook up a plot to murder her husband and collect on a double indemnity clause in the victim's insurance policy. Unfortunately (for the couple), after the deed is done, the claim lands on the desk of Neff's co-worker Barton Keyes (Edward G. Robinson), who suspects that Mr. Dietrichson's death was not accidental, and he begins a relentless investigation. Although usually associated with light comedy, MacMurray's performance in Double Indemnity proved beyond a doubt his ability to play a heavy dramatic role. Raymond Chandler collaborated with Wilder on the screenplay (the two men loathed one another), which was based on a novel by James M. Cain. Nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Director, Actress, and Screenplay—but winning none—Double Indemnity makes its second appearance on DVD in a handsome double-disc edition as part of Universal's “Legacy” series. Boasting a gorgeous transfer and solid Dolby Digital mono sound, DVD extras include two audio commentaries (one by Time film critic Richard Schickel; the other by film historians Lem Dobbs and Nick Redman); the fine 38-minute documentary “Shadows of Suspense,” which discusses film noir in general, and Double Indemnity in particular; and—on the second disc—the forgettable 1973 TV remake starring Richard Crenna and Samantha Eggar. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (R. Pitman)
[Blu-ray Review—Apr. 22, 2014—Universal, 108 min., not rated, $29.98—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1944's Double Indemnity features a wonderful transfer and a DTS-HD 2.0 mono soundtrack. Extras include an intro by film historian Robert Osborne (3 min.), two audio commentaries (one by film critic Richard Schickel; the other by film historians Lem Dobbs and Nick Redman), a 1973 made-for-TV movie based on the film (74 min.), a “Shadows of Suspense” featurette on 1940s Hollywood (40 min.), a trailer, poster and lobby card reproductions, a rare alternate ending still, and bonus digital and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: one of the best film noir classics shines on Blu-ray.]
Double Indemnity
[4K/Blu-ray Review—May 25, 2022—Criterion, 108 min., not rated, 4K/Blu-ray: 2 discs, $49.95; Blu-ray: $39.95—Making its debut on 4K and latest appearance on Blu-ray, Double Indemnity (1944) is presented with a stellar 4K digital restoration and extras including audio commentary featuring film critic Richard Schickel, a new interview with film scholar Noah Isenberg (editor of Billy Wilder on Assignment), a new conversation between film historians Eddie Muller and Imogen Sara Smith, Volker Schlöndorff and Gisela Grischow’s 1992 film Billy, How Did You Do It? (featuring interviews with director Billy Wilder), the 2006 documentary Shadows of Suspense on the making of Double Indemnity, audio excerpts from 1971 and 1972 interviews with cinematographer John F. Seitz, radio adaptations from 1945 and 1950, and a leaflet with an essay by critic Angelica Jade Bastién. Bottom line: Wilder’s noir classic dazzles on 4K.]