Given The Criterion Collection‘s well-established affinity for film noir, it was only a matter of time before Raoul Walsh‘s cinematic gem, “The Roaring Twenties,” made its way into their distinguished catalog. This edition showcases the enduring appeal of film noir, with the legendary Humphrey Bogart and James Cagney, both stalwarts of the genre, taking center stage. The inclusion of this classic film reinforces The Criterion Collection’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich tapestry of cinematic history, especially in the realm of captivating and iconic film noir productions.
Derived from the tumultuous period sandwiched between the conclusion of the Great War and the onset of the Great Depression, this vibrant crime drama, steeped in nostalgia, skillfully navigates the tumult of the times. Seamlessly blending tommy-gun theatrics with a grand historical panorama, it features iconic figures James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart as comrades in arms, whose destinies ebb and flow in tandem. Their journey commences in the trenches of World War I and unfolds against the backdrop of Manhattan’s Prohibition-era underworld.
Guided by the directorial prowess of Hollywood maestro Raoul Walsh and drawing inspiration from a narrative crafted by the prolific journalist-turned-screenwriter and producer Mark Hellinger, The Roaring Twenties not only encapsulates the essence of its titular era but also brings to a close the illustrious gangster cycle of the 1930s as envisioned by Warner Bros. This cinematic masterpiece endures as one of the paramount and influential crime films in the annals of cinematic history, a testament to its enduring resonance and artistic brilliance.
4K UHD + BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES
- New 4K digital restoration, with an uncompressed monaural soundtrack
- One 4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and one Blu-ray with the film and special features
- Audio commentary with film historian Lincoln Hurst
- New interview with critic Gary Giddins
- Excerpt from a 1973 interview with director Raoul Walsh
- Trailer
- English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- PLUS: An essay by film critic Mark Asch
New cover by Jennifer Dionisio
Available: Feb 27, 2024