The Manchurian Candidate is a movie for its time, fear of communism and an idea that I’m sure some find merit today, a politician being controlled by a foreign government or, as is the case with the 2004 remake, corporation. The film also excels in the acting department with top notch performances by Sinatra, Harvey and Lansbury.
The Manchurian Candidate
– The Criterion Collection –
(1962)
REVIEW NAVIGATION
The Movie | Special Features | Video Quality | Audio Quality | Overall
Genre(s): Drama, Suspense
The Criterion Collection | PG13 – 126 min. – $39.95 | March 15, 2016
Date Published: 03/24/2016 | Author: The Movieman
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THE MOVIE – 4.5/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: This adaptation of the Richard Condon novel concerns the decorated U.S. Army sergeant Raymond Shaw (LAURENCE HARVEY), who as a prisoner during the Korean War is brainwashed into becoming a sleeper assassin in a Communist conspiracy, and a fellow POW (FRANK SINATRA) into slowly uncovering the sinister plot. Quick Hit Review: The Manchurian Candidate just might be one of the best Alfred Hitchcock movies that Alfred Hitchcock never directed. This 1962 classic actually was inspired by Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much, primarily the assassination scene at the end. It’s what would be known today as a slow burn movie and takes some patience especially the middle portion but with John Frankenheimer’s precise direction, the pacing picks up during the third act and we get to see two masterful performances from Frank Sinatra, in what I consider his best role (never cared for his Ocean’s Eleven) and Laurence Harvey who is powerful in a vulnerable role. But stealing the show was Angela Lansbury, which is amazing to see such a despicable, albeit great, character though later she became more of a family name between Beauty and the Beast and her long career on “Murder, She Wrote”.
The Manchurian Candidate is a great film from beginning to end solidified by amazing performances and crisp writing by George Axelrod based upon Richard Condon’s book. If you’re like me, and somehow missed this classic, having seen the remake prior, it’s well worth checking out as it still holds up quite well today as it did back then. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 4.0/5 |
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This release comes in the standard Criterion clear Blu-ray case. Inside is a fold-out with an essay. The disc includes a few interviews including new ones with actress Angela Lansbury (10:48), filmmaker Errol Morris (16:33), historian Susan Carruthers (20:51) and an archival interview with George Axelrod, John Frankenheimer and Frank Sinatra (7:49), all together, conducted in 1988 for the re-release of The Manchurian Candidate. Audio Commentary – This track was recorded in 1997 with Producer/Director John Frankenheimer as he discusses filming The Manchurian Candidate and working with the various actors. Theatrical Trailer (1:52) |
VIDEO – 5.0/5 |
| The Manchurian Candidate takes the stage on Blu-ray presented in the film’s original 1.75 widescreen aspect ratio and a fantastic looking 1080p high-definition transfer. As noted in the fold-out booklet, this release received a well-deserved update taken from a 4K resolution and utilized tools to remove instances of dirt, debris, scratches and other ailments. Detail is excellent, sharp and well defined. |
AUDIO – 4.5/5 |
| The movie comes with a nice PCM Mono track which is more than serviceable and actually has a fair bit of depth for a solo track. The dialogue levels sound clear throughout and the music, by David Amram, comes through satisfactorily as well. Obviously it’s not going to engulf ones home theater or anything but the work done to remove hisses and other ailments is impressive that not many other studios would do (and nowadays, I think Criterion and Arrow are the only ones to put as much effort into restoring these catalogue titles). |
OVERALL – 4.25/5 |
| Overall, The Manchurian Candidate is a movie for its time, fear of communism and an idea that I’m sure some find merit today, a politician being controlled by a foreign government or, as is the case with the 2004 remake, corporation. The film also excels in the acting department with top notch performances by Sinatra, Harvey and especially Lansbury. The Blu-ray released by Criterion Collection offers excellent video and audio transfers and a fine selection of bonus material. |
Check out some more screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.