The Crucible

One of last year's very best films is a spellbinding adaptation of Arthur Miller's classic play, conceived in outrage against the anti-communist hysteria exploited by Joseph McCarthy and the House Committee on Un-American Activities hearings. Winona Ryder adds to her estimable credits as vengeful servant girl Abigail, a rhymes-with-bitch who instigates the Salem Witch Trials with her cries of "Satan." The uniformly excellent cast includes Oscar-winner Daniel Day-Lewis as John Proctor, whose illicit affair with Abigail sets the tragic events in motion. Joan Allen gives a wrenching, Oscar-nominated performance as John's pious wife, who falls victim to Abigail's accusations. Highly recommended. (K. Lee Benson)[Blu-ray Review—Apr. 18, 2017—Kino Lorber, 124 min., PG-13, Blu-ray: $29.95—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1996's The Crucible sports a nice transfer with DTS-HD 2.0 sound. Extras include audio commentary by director Nicholas Hytner and author Arthur Miller, a “making-of” featurette (6 min.), and a conversation with star Daniel Day-Lewis and Miller (6 min.). Bottom line: this fine adaptation of Miller's classic play makes a welcome debut on Blu-ray.]