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The Maltese Falcon (2 Disc Special Edition) [1941] | ![The Maltese Falcon (2 Disc Special Edition) [1941]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510v5UkEbSL._SL160_.jpg)
 enlarge | Actors: Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor
Studio: Warner Home Video
Category: DVD
List Price: £15.99
Buy New: £4.98
You Save: £11.01 (69%)
New (9) from £4.98
Rating:  7 reviews
Sales Rank: 1411
Format: Box Set, Pal, Special Edition
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: Parental Guidance
Region: 2
Number Of Items: 2
Running Time: 96 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
EAN: 7321900793377
ASIN: B000IOMZTM
Theatrical Release Date: 1941
Release Date: February 5, 2007
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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| Customer Reviews: Read 2 more reviews...
A Beautifully Restored Bogart Classic March 11, 2008
Mr. Laurence Williams (UK)
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
Humphrey Bogart is on top form in this John Huston-directed classic film from 1941.
The age of the film is not really a factor with this new Special Edition, as the restored picture and sound are faultless and catapult the action onto the screen for maximum enjoyment.
The plot centres on the quest to obtain an elusive statuette (as named in the title of the film), but the item is really a 'MacGuffin' since the story is played-out to involve all the matters associated with getting it, rather than the Maltese Falcon itself being significant.
This allows the detective Sam Spade character played by Bogart to dominate the film, and the quality of his performance clearly demonstrates why he subsequently rose to stardom. He is simply magnificent and portrays all the well-known mannerisms (aggression, compassion, humour) he is famed for.
The film speeds along very quickly, with barely a pause for breath, and there are a number of significant scenes involving action and confrontation to raise the tempo higher-still.
Aside from the fantastic restored picture/image, this DVD issue is notable for the inclusion of many worthwhile extras including a commentary, documentaries and those all-important trailers from that era (which are so often hilarious compared to what we are used to with modern films !).
This is easily a 'Top 10' movie and an essential acquisition.
Timeless November 20, 2007
M. C. Schaverien (Bangkok)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Timeless cinema! Nearly seventy years old and still the greatest detective film by far. Listen to the dialogue, try not to miss a single word. It's not just a Bogart film, every actor/actress plays their part like they were the starring role. Dashiell Hammett wrote the book and John Huston put it on the big screen. I don't want to end this review with a cliche but I must; they just don't make movies like that anymore!
the falcon flies high... August 31, 2007
H. Serkan SILAHSOR (Ankara, TURKEY)
37 out of 38 found this review helpful
At least for two reasons, "The Maltese Falcon" is a milestone in the evolution of American genre cinema. First, this is one of the very first pictures that ushered the era of classic film noir. Its bizarre characterizations, twisty plot and cliché-drenched events serve as a perfect template that has been utilized in countless films through six decades after its making. Second, this is the movie that catapulted Humphrey Bogart's career into stardom. He had been a strong supporting character, mostly playing villains (as in "High Sierra" & "The Petrified Forest"). After his performance as hard-boiled private eye Sam Spade, he became a major star.
The movie represents a complex study of human psyche, especially taking a dismal look at human greed and pursuit of self-interest at whatever cost. All characters are well-drawn and well-acted. From cynical, quick-thinking and fast-talking Spade to prissy, gardenia-scented but psychopathic Cairo, there are no righteous, clean or likeable character. Everyone is either honestly abhorrent or has numerous ulterior motives hidden behind their masks, but all converge at haunt for wealth.
Even the "good guy" Spade's morality is questionable. Although he has a strong sense of idealism; his morality shakes wildly when things go awry. Spade might be considered as just crafty as other villains, but he adheres strictly to some kind of robust moral code and old-fashioned common sense that he tries to find the way out in the dark maze of confusion, deception and lies. At the end, he overcomes all obstacles and defeats bad guys, even at the cost of losing a love affair.
Good characterization, tight direction, strong performances and wonderful plot make "The Maltese Falcon" still an interesting & entertaining picture albeit more than six decades have passed after its making.
The DVD transfer is quite good. Black & white tones are crisp and clear, contrasts are satisfactorily strong, audio is all right. Bonus DVD has some interesting extras. 45-minutes non-film featurette (Becoming Attractions: The Trailers of Humphrey Bogart) hosted by Robert Osborne is a nice trailer collection of 12 Bogart films, from "The Petrified Forest" of 1936 to "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" of 1948. 32-minutes documentary (The Maltese Falcon: One Magnificent Bird) deals with book, Hammett and the earlier film versions. Also it has interviews with Robert Osbourne, Michael Madsen, Frank Miller and Bogart biographer Eric Lax.
This 2-disc special edition is a must-have for Huston & Bogart fans, as well as it's a good start to enter the film noir world.
In 1539 The Knights Templar of Malta... August 9, 2007
B. Chandler (Arlington, Texas)
...paid tribute to Charles V of Spain, by sending him A Golden Falcon encrusted from beak to claw with rarest jewels..."
The Falcon was lost in time.
Our mystery begins when a beautiful but enigmatic woman (Mary Astor) shows up at the Spade and Archer detective agency. She gives them a story that is implausible; however they are well paid. This leads to the death of Archer.
Who did it and why? The police suspect Sam Spade.
Who do you suspect?
As the story unfolds many interesting characters (suspects) show up and the story takes different turns as the mystery of the missing black bird continues.
I will not go through the whole story However there is many well know actors and Hammett dialog.
For readers you are in for a treat as the movie follows the book pretty well with a few exceptions as the absence of Gutman's daughter.
Be sure to view the earlier version of this story "Dangerous Female" (1931); you will get a different view.
Sam Spade (Ricardo Cortez)
Ruth Wonderly (Bebe Daniels)
There are a few films that are variations of this one but they are comparatively inferior.
The film its self comes in many packages from multiple DVD's to Blu-ray. Each has its advantage and disadvantages. However it is the basic presentation that I am reviewing as that is the classic.
Brilliant February 15, 2007
T. Jarvis
3 out of 11 found this review helpful
This film is one of the best of all time this dvd is quite special aswell as it has a brand new digital transfer and the picture is very clear.
This 2 disc dvd bursts with special features i wont tell you to much about the film but a must see for a movie fan.
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