Human Desire – Eureka Video (Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

Theatrical Release Date: USA, 1954
Director: Fritz Lang
Writers: Alfred Hayes, Émile Zola
Cast: Glenn Ford, Gloria Grahame, Broderick Crawford, Edgar Buchanan, Kathleen Case, Peggy Maley, Diane DeLaire, Grandon Rhodes

Release Date: February 18th, 2019
Approximate Running Time: 90 Minutes 49 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: PG (UK)
Sound: LPCM Mono English
Subtitles: English SDH
Region Coding: Region B/Region 2 PAL
Retail Price: £14.99 (UK)

"Adapted from the same Emile Zola novel previously filmed by Jean Renoir in La Bete Humaine (1938), Lang’s gripping thriller has Ford as train engineer Jeff, just home from the Korean War. He’s instantly attracted to passenger Vicki (Grahame), not yet realizing that she’s the abused wife of Jeff’s alcoholic railroad yard superior Carl (Broderick Crawford) — or that Vicki was just entangled in a jealousy-fueled murder committed by Carl. As Jeff and Vicki embark on a steamy affair, she tells him about the crime, and Carl’s blackmail hold on her. If only Carl could be taken out of the picture…" - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4/5

Human Desire comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 33.6 GB

Feature: 25.1 GB

No information is provided about this transfer’s source. That said, though this transfer appears to come from an older master, the overall quality of the master is very good. Image clarity, contrast, and black levels are strong; compression is very good; and though grain remains intact, it looks thicker in some moments.

Audio: 4.5/5

This release comes with one audio option, a LPCM mono mix in English with removable English SDH. The audio is in great shape. Dialog comes through clearly, everything sounds balanced, and range-wise things sound great.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a theatrical trailer (1 minute 55 seconds, LPCM mono English, no subtitles), an interview with film historian Tony Rayns (29 minutes 18 seconds, LPCM stereo English, no subtitles), and a booklet with an essay about the film, rare archival imagery, and information about the transfer titled Notes on Viewing.

Included with this release is a DVD that has the same content as the Blu-ray included as part of this combo release.

Summary:

Directed by Fritz Lang, whose other notable films include Der Müde Tod (Destiny), Metropolis, Spies, M, Scarlet Street, The Woman in the Window, and The Big Heat.

The narrative revolves around a Korean War veteran who becomes involved with the wife of a murdered. Will he be able to help her get away from her husband, or has he put himself in harm’s way?

Content-wise, Human Desire has all the elements that have since become synonymous with film noir. The narrative revolves around a protagonist who is trying to get his life back on track after returning home from the Korean War. Standing in his way is a deceitful woman who is a classic example of Femme Fatale.

Without a doubt, the most interesting aspect of Human Desire is the role that this film’s only murder plays in the grand scheme of things. The murder ultimately connects the protagonist with the aforementioned deceitful woman. With the main focal point being the protagonist's struggles to get his life back on track.

Performance-wise, the cast is all very good in their respective roles. With the standout performance being Gloria Grahame (Odds Against Tomorrow) in the role of Vicki Buckley, a woman seizes the opportunity to leave her loveless marriage. Other performances of note include Glenn Ford (Gilda) in the role of the protagonist, Jeff Warren, and Broderick Crawford (Born Yesterday) in the role of Vicki’s jealous husband.

From a production standpoint, there is no area where Human Desire does not excel. The premise is well executed, and pacing is not an issue as key moments are given an ample amount of time to resonate. And the visuals do a superb job reinforcing the mood. Ultimately, Human Desire is a text-book example of a Film noir that is a must-see if you're a fan of this genre.

Human Desire gets a first-rate release from Eureka Video that comes with a strong audio/video presentation and an informative interview, recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer