Killers/The Killers [Special Edition] [2 Discs] Reviews

Prepare to experience two radically different versions of Ernest Hemingway's gripping crime drama The Killers as The Criterion Collection presents both the Robert Siodmak 1946 screen adaptation and Don Siegel's 1964 take on the tale in one feature-packed special edition DVD release. Both films are presented in 1.33:1 full-frame as originally released and offer audio in English Dolby Digital Mono with optional English subtitles. Special features for Siodmak's version include Andrei Tarkovsky's 1956 student film version of The Killers, a video interview with writer Stuart M. Kaminsky, a Screen Director's Playhouse radio adaptation of the tale from 1949, actor Stacy Keach reading Hemingway's original short story, production and publication stills, trailers for other Siodmak films, writer/director Paul Schrader's 1972 essay "Notes on Film Noir," an essay by Jonathan Lethem, and a music and effects audio track. Bonus materials for Siegel's version include reflections with star Clu Gulager, pertinent excerpts from Siegel's autobiography, A Siegel Film, production correspondence including memos from Siegel, production and publicity stills, an essay by Hardboiled America author Geoffrey O'Brien, and a music and effects track. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide