‘Dial M for Murder’ in 3D to Hit Blu-Ray
Last week, fans of Sir Alfred finally got the news they'd been waiting for -- all of Hitchcock's Universal classics are finally coming to Blu-ray. Now we've received word that two of the Master's Warner Brothers favorites -- Strangers on a Train and Dial M for Murder will also go Blu, the latter in 3D, as it was originally released in theaters. Details after the jump.
Here's the official press release concerning the Blu-ray release of Hitchcock's Strangers on a Trainand Dial M for Murder. "Dial M for Murder, Alfred Hitchock's suspense classic, was among the first films that helped Warner Bros. introduce 3D in U.S. theatres in the early '50s. Now, thanks to advanced Blu-ray™ technology and the tireless efforts of Warner Bros.' Motion Picture Imaging (MPI) division, Warner Home Video has meticulously and painstakingly restored the original 3D presentation, and, when Dial M for Murder Blu-ray 3D debuts October 9, audiences will finally be able to see the film in their homes as it was originally meant to be seen. A 2D version will also be included for those who have yet to upgrade TVs and players to 3D. Dial M for Murder Blu-ray 3D will be priced at $35.99 SRP, and the order due date is September 4."
"Originally designed to lure audiences away from their TV sets, 3D utilized a "left-eye/right-eye" dual projection process and polarized glasses, the basis for what is seen today. However, with the advent of CinemaScope ("the miracle you can see without glasses") and the higher costs associated with 3D, the fad was fading by the time Dial M for Murder was released in theatres. As a result, most 1954 moviegoers only saw the film projected in 2D, and it wasn't until the early 1980s that a classic 3D film revival allowed Dial M for Murder to be briefly seen theatrically, albeit in a "faux 3D" 70 mm composite print.
"To ready Dial M for Murder for this current release, MPI's work included a 4K scan of the original camera negative, and a full restoration of the two "eyes," as well as convergence fixes to ensure perfect alignment.
"Said Jeff Baker, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Theatrical Catalog, ...
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