HD Cinema Classics/ Film Chest
Director: Orson Welles
Writers: Anthony Veiller (screenplay), Victor Trivas(adaptation)
Stars: Orson Welles, Edward G. Robinson and Loretta Young
(From imdb.com)

What they say: This package includes a Blu-Ray and DVD of The Stranger, in which an ex-Nazi war criminal assumes a new identity and a new life in suburban America following World War II. But an agent from the U.N. s War Crimes Commission is on his tail, threatening to expose the lurid past and true identity he keeps secret. Orson Welles directs and stars as Charles Rankin, a professor residing in a quiet Connecticut town with his new American wife, Mary (Loretta Young). Rankin has held strong to his fascist ideals but left nary a shred of evidence, not even a photograph, to identify him as the notorious Franz Kindler. Mr. Wilson (Edward G. Robinson), the man determined to find him, has a plan. But when that plan disappears in the woods, Wilson is left with little hope of convincing the townspeople, or Kindler s naive new wife, who this stranger in their midst really is.

What I say: This is generally considered to be one of Orson Welles lesser films, but honestly I don’t see why. The film, Orsons only Hollywood film to turn a profit, is quite a decent little noir style thriller. It will not win any awards for originality, but everything from the performances to the pacing is pitch perfect.

The storyline about a former Nazi hiding out in a small town is downright riveting. The pressure mounts as he has to go to greater and greater lengths to continue to shield his identity. The fact that a detective a shown up in town doesn’t help anything. The whole thing is quite enjoyable especially if you are a Noir fan.

And now for the picture quality. It’s soft and a little rough, but all the DVD versions I have seen look like they were shot through a screen door. This does a good job of restoring detail and the sound has never been better.

Extras include a DVD copy of the film, a restoration reel, a lobby card of the movie poster and the trailer.

Film: 8/10
Blu-Ray: 7/10
Recommended!