Writing in VL-5/97, Lea Russo said: "Creepy and darkly fascinating, Seconds is the type of intelligent psychological thriller that leaves your skin cold and your hands clammy. Originally released in 1966, this John Frankenheimer film follows aging banker Arthur (John Randolph) who decides to have a fresh start after being introduced to a top-secret organization that specializes in "rebirths." When Arthur is transformed into young painter Tony Wilson (Rock Hudson), he learns that he can't erase his past or foresee his terrifying future. Frankenheimer (The Manchurian Candidate) brilliantly overshadows even happy moments with haunting music and jerky camera movements, creating unnatural tension and a sense of the bizarre. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography, Seconds is now available in its entire uncut version." Sporting a sharp transfer and serviceable Dolby Digital mono sound, the DVD also includes a commentary track by Frankenheimer. Recommended. (R. Pitman)[DVD/Blu-ray Review—Aug. 13, 2013—Criterion, 107 min., R, DVD: $29.95, Blu-ray: $39.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD and first on Blu-ray, 1966's Seconds sports an amazing transfer and Dolby Digital mono audio on DVD and uncompressed mono on Blu-ray. Extras include audio commentary by director John Frankenheimer, “A Second Look” retrospective “making-of” featurette with costar Salome Jens and the director's widow, Evans Frankenheimer (19 min.), a new interview with actor Alec Baldwin (14 min.), a visual essay with film scholars R. Barton Palmer and Murray Pomerance (13 min.), a 1971 archival interview with Frankenheimer (11 min.), excerpts from the 1965 WNBC news special “Hollywood on the Hudson,” which includes an interview with star Rock Hudson (4 min.), and a booklet featuring an essay by critic David Sterritt. Bottom line: a welcome high-def debut for this unconventional thriller.]
Seconds
Paramount, 107 min., R, DVD: $24.99 Volume 17, Issue 2
Seconds
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
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