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From Amazon.co.uk
Director Billy Wilder (Sunset Boulevard) and writer Raymond Chandler (The Big Sleep) adapted James M. Cain's hard-boiled novel into this wildly thrilling story of insurance man Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray), who schemes the perfect murder with the beautiful dame Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck: kill Dietrichson's husband and make off with the insurance money. But, of course, in these plots things never quite go as planned, and Barton Keyes (Edward G. Robinson) is the wily insurance investigator who must sort things out. From the opening scene you know Neff is doomed, as the story is told in flashback; yet, to the film's credit, this doesn't diminish any of the tension of the movie. This early film noir flick is wonderfully campy by today's standards, and the dialogue is snappy ("I thought you were smarter than the rest, Walter. But I was wrong. You're not smarter, just a little taller"), filled with lots of "dame"s and "baby"s. Stanwyck is the ultimate femme fatale, and MacMurray, despite a career largely defined by roles as a softy (notably in the TV series My Three Sons and the movie The Shaggy Dog), is convincingly cast against type as the hapless, love-struck sap. --Jenny Brown
Product Description
United Kingdom released, Blu-Ray/Region B DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), English ( Dolby DTS-HD Master Audio ), English ( Subtitles ), SPECIAL FEATURES: Black & White, Booklet, Cast/Crew Interview(s), Commentary, Documentary, Interactive Menu, Making Of, Remastered, Scene Access, Special Edition, Trailer(s), SYNOPSIS: Insurance agent Walter Neff plots with attractive Phyllis Dietrichson to murder her husband. After the husband has been tricked into signing a double indemnity accident policy, they kill him to make it look like an accident. Insurance investigator Barton Keyes doesn't believe it was an accident and pursues the case, linking Phyllis with everyone but his friend, Walter. Neff, meanwhile, is told by Dietrichson's daughter from a previous marriage that she believes that Phyllis killed her mother in order to marry her father. Neff suspects Phyllis of a double cross and he believes she has abandoned him for the younger man. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: Oscar Academy Awards, ...Double Indemnity (Blu-Ray)
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
55 of 56 people found the following review helpful
By Jeff Markham
Format:DVD
Along with Tourneur's OUT OF THE PAST (1947), Billy Wilder's DOUBLE INDEMNITY is the definitive film noir, a masterpiece that rewards countless viewings and proved hugely influential. Virtually remade as BODY HEAT in 1981, and the inspiration for any number of sweaty, neo-noir pale imitations, this brilliant film remains the real deal and unsurpassed.
Wilder's fractious collaboration with the great Raymond Chandler produced a wonderful screenplay, dripping with sharp dialogue and fatalistic symbolism, whilst the performances of the three leads - FRED MacMURRAY, BARBARA STANWYCK and EDWARD G ROBINSON - are faultless and represent their finest screenwork. Stanwyck's marvellously cold, cyncial and manipulative femme fatale remains the template for all that followed and her tart as a lemon dialogue exchanges with MacMurray's bluff, self-confident Insurance Claims Investigator are amongst the greatest in any film.
To add to these elements JOHN F. SEITZ, one of film noir's finest cameramen, creates visual poetry from the sunlight streaming through Californian windows and shadows of forboding during the beautifully staged murder sequence.
Come to think of it, this isn't just one of the greatest film noirs ever made, it's simply one of the greatest films ever made, period. If you haven't seen it, buy it now, if you had it on VHS from a long ago TV screening, still buy it as this print is excellent and probably the best available, although there's a disappointing lack of extras on the DVD.
35 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I`ve been waiting for this classic to be released ever since i bought a dvd player! Billy wilder has to be one of cinema`s finest director`s ever,it`s hard to pick his best work what with sunset boulevard,some like it hot & ace in the hole (hopefully the next in line for a dvd release) among others but if someone put a gun to my head i`d have to say double indemnity.Being a big fan of old movies & in particular film noir this one is simply perfect,great script(co-scripted by Raymond chandler himself),superb acting from the three leads & great cinematography.If your into old movies & film noir trust me you need to see this,even if there are no extras.
26 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
At last , Billy Wilder's work is coming to region 2. This 1944 film noir sees Fred MacMurray playing insurance agent Walter Neff , who becomes involved with black widow - Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck). Cue: double crossing, hard boiled dialogue , much match striking by human thumb and a scene stealing performance by Edward G Robinson as Barton T Keyes. This film just sizzles along and is not to be missed. Double Indemnity was oscar nominated for best picture and director. Unfortunately it lost out , however , Wilder would return the next year with The Lost Weekend which took best picture , director and actor (Ray Milland). When Billy Wilder died in 2002 the world lost a brillaint film director - thank fully his legacy lives on.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
"...Pretty, isn't it?"
A beautiful, crisp and clear digital transfer. The documentary and collector's booklet is excellent too. Highly recommend it to old and new fans. Read more
Published 9 days ago by ian keetch
5.0 out of 5 stars
Noir classic
Better people than I have reviewed this film in the past. An absolute classic of its type. Great story and performances.
Published 21 days ago by Edna Tomkins
3.0 out of 5 stars
After reading all the movie reviews on here, why can't anyone give the...
We all know this is classic film noir. We all give this movie five stars. But I feel mislead when I read all these reviews on here and not one detailing the blu ray itself. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Monty
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pure noir.
This as I just said was pure film noir,at its best. Fred Macmurray, and Barbara Stanwyck were at there top form. What can I say about Eddie Robinson,but just perfect.
Published 1 month ago by LeoMclaughlin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic film noire.
This has to be one of the best 40's film noire. Riviting storyline, and great acting from the leads, especially Edward G Robinson.
Published 1 month ago by Phil
5.0 out of 5 stars
DOUBLE INDEMNITY
Billy Wilder and Raymond Chandler collaborate. This is their adaptation of James M. Cain's novel.
Eve brings Adam an apple. Two lovers plan a perfect murder. Read more
Eve brings Adam an apple. Two lovers plan a perfect murder. Read more
Published 1 month ago by John Griffin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great!
The product arrived very quickly and I am very pleased with the quality of it. Will be buying from here again!
Published 2 months ago by Demi
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Masterpiece!!!!!!!!
This film is a Masterpiece! Everything is perfect! life's deepness simply explained, relationships, integrity to ourselves and the profile of the psychopathic personality. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Zu
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best £3 you will ever spend...
There are many good reviews around for this film so I won't try to do any plot spoilers or go too in depth if you have not seen this film. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mr Baz
5.0 out of 5 stars
As dark as it comes.
There are no special effects, no swearing, no car chases, no nudity, just a deceptively simple idea turned into a brilliant film by the director, the photography and the dialogue... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Peter Smart
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