Redefining Film Noir

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MOVIE REVIEW
World Noir Vol. 1
I Am Waiting (Ore wa matteru ze) –
Witness in the City (Un témoin dans la ville) –
The Facts of Murder (Un maledetto imbroglio) –

Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 1957 / 1959 / 1959
Runtime: 1h 31m / 1h 29m / 1h 55m
Director(s): Koreyoshi Kurahara / Édouard Molinaro / Pietro Germi
Cast: Yûjirô Ishihara, Mie Kitahara, Isamu Kosugi / Lino Ventura, Sandra Milo, Franco Fabrizi / Pietro Germi, Claudia Cardinale, Franco Fabrizi
Where To Watch: available December 18, 2023; pre-order now here www.radiancefilms.co.uk, or www.amazon.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: WORLD NOIR VOL. 1 is like embarking on a thrilling time-traveling escapade into film history. Presented by Radiance Films, this collection is a curated selection of three 1950s noir films from Japan, France, and Italy, each distinct in its storytelling and stylistic approach. While deeply rooted in the noir tradition, these films break the mold, offering an intriguing reflection of a genre that crosses cultural and temporal boundaries. Proving that noir isn’t just a Hollywood genre.

WORLD NOIR VOL. 1 starts with a Japanese noir, I AM WAITING, that delves into the shadowy depths of the underworld, featuring a former boxer and a woman haunted by her past. The performances pulsate with the energy and zeal of youth, distinguishing it from its American genre cousins. This direction blends atmospheric suspense with a dash of social commentary, setting a high bar for the genre.

The journey continues to France, with WITNESS IN THE CITY, where a narrative of vengeance and unforeseen twists unfolds. The French film’s cast delivers a powerhouse performance bolstered by expert manipulation of shadows and the Parisian nightscape. A jazz-infused soundtrack adds layers of tension, leading to a striking and memorable climax.

The final destination is Italy, where a unique mix of noir and Giallo genres awaits in THE FACTS OF MURDER. The Italian film showcases director Pietro Germi, who stars as the main detective, navigating a complex narrative. Standout performances from the rest of the cast add depth to the intricate storyline. The director's portrayal blends a professional demeanor with Italian charm, making his character especially compelling.

As a collection, WORLD NOIR VOL. 1 highlights the adaptability and global influence of the noir genre. These films are more than just period pieces; they testify to the genre's ability to evolve and resonate across different cultural backdrops. Each film acts as a cinematic window, offering insights into its time's societal and artistic nuances.

Beyond its nostalgic charm, the collection explores enduring themes – crime, passion, and morality – as relevant today as they were in the 1950s. The ability of these films to capture the human condition through the noir lens speaks volumes about their timeless quality.

WORLD NOIR VOL. 1 is an essential watch for both cinephiles and fans of noir. It offers a rare opportunity to experience the richness of global cinema and the undying allure of this genre. This anthology is a vivid reminder of storytelling's power to transcend cultural boundaries and connect with audiences worldwide.

BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION BOX SET SPECIAL FEATURES:
New 4K restoration of The Facts of Murder carried out by L’Immagine Ritrovata at the Cineteca di Bologna, presented on Blu-ray for the first time in the world
2K restoration of Witness in the City on Blu-ray for the first time in the UK
High-definition digital transfer of I Am Waiting on Blu-ray for the first time in the world
Original uncompressed mono PCM audio for all films
Optional English subtitles for all films
Newly designed artwork based on original posters
Limited edition 80-page perfect bound booklet featuring new writing on the films by critics and experts, including Barry Forshaw on noir represented outside the US, William Carroll on post-war occupation period in Japanese cinema, Hayley Scanlon on Japanese noir, an interview with Edouard Molinaro, Roberto Curti on the hybrid nature of Italian cinema, and Sam Wigley on 50s world noir from other countries
Limited Edition of 3000 copies, presented in a rigid box with full-height Scanavo cases for each film and removable OBI strip, leaving packaging free of certificates and markings

I AM WAITING
Audio commentary by Japanese cinema expert Jasper Sharp
Yujiro's Travel Diary – a documentary on star Yujiro Ishihara during location shooting in Europe (1959, 42 mins)
The Yujiro Effect – a visual essay by Mark Schilling
Trailer
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork

WITNESS IN THE CITY
Introduction by critic Tony Rayns
Interview with Philippe Durant, biographer of Lino Ventura, who speaks about the film and the iconic actor
French noir – critic and author Ginette Vincendeau provides an overview of noir in France during the 1950s
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork

THE FACTS OF MURDER
New interview with Pietro Germi expert Mario Sesti (2023)
The Man With the Cigar in His Mouth – a documentary about Pietro Germi featuring interviews with his colleagues and collaborators, including Mario Monicelli, Claudia Cardinale, Stefania Sandrelli, and Giuseppe Tornatore, among others (Mario Sesti, 1997, 41 mins)
What's Black and Yellow All Over? All Shades of Italian Film Noir – visual essay by Paul A. J. Lewis on the presence of noir trends in Italian cinema and the evolution of the genre (2023)
Newly translated English subtitles
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork

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[photo courtesy of RADIANCE FILMS]