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Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audience Rating: Unrated
Binding: DVD
EAN: 9786305999874
Format: Black & White, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
ISBN: 6305999872
Label: Universal Studios
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
Number Of Items: 1
Picture Format: Anamorphic Widescreen
Publisher: Universal Studios
Region Code: 1
Release Date: October 31, 2000
Running Time: 111 minutes
Sales Rank: 1809
Studio: Universal Studios
Theatrical Release Date: 1958
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Editorial Review:
Amazon.com essential video:
Considered by many to be the greatest B movie ever made, the original-release version of Orson Welles's film noir masterpiece Touch of Evil was, ironically, never intended as a B movie at all--it merely suffered that fate after it was taken away from writer-director Welles, then reedited and released in 1958 as the second half of a double feature. Time and critical acclaim would eventually elevate the film to classic status (and Welles's original vision was meticulously followed for the film's 1998 restoration), but for four decades this original version stood as a testament to Welles's directorial genius. From its astonishing, miraculously choreographed opening shot (lasting over three minutes) to Marlene Dietrich's classic final line of dialogue, this sordid tale of murder and police corruption is like a valentine for the cinematic medium, with Welles as its love-struck suitor. As the corpulent cop who may be involved in a border-town murder, Welles faces opposition from a narcotics officer (Charlton Heston) whose wife (Janet Leigh) is abducted and held as the pawn in a struggle between Heston's quest for truth and Welles's control of carefully hidden secrets. The twisting plot is wildly entertaining (even though it's harder to follow in this original version), but even greater pleasure is found in the pulpy dialogue and the sheer exuberance of the dazzling directorial style. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - "Touch of Evil" presented in its three different variations with actor commentary
Over looked when it was released (except in France where it won awards and critical praise), "Touch of Evil" was Orson Welles' last major studio project as writer-director-star. When the original director bowed out, Welles (supported by star Charlton Heston)asked for the chance to write and direct the film. Welles' revamped Paul Monash's screenplay, recast Heston as a Mexican offical and delivered efficently (it was only 1 day over its shooting schedule and slightly over budget). Shot in Venice, Ca which stood in for a Mexican border town, "Touch of Evil" looks marvelous with a sharp beautiful restoration done for the film.
Based on Whit Masterston's novel BADGE OF EVIL, Welles plays the corrupt police chief of a border town who butts heads with Vargas (Heston) a newly married Mexican D.A. trying the Grande crime family. His wife (Janet Leigh) and his life are threatened because of the case.
Edit: An important thing to know is that the restored version is presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio (more in keeping with what Welles had wanted)vs. the 1.33:1 full screen aspect ratio of the previous release for the restoration. While all three versions of the film look good the attention went to the restoration with a much cleaner image and crisper, sharper presentation as well.
We get all three versions of the film--the original theatrical cut (96 minutes)edited by the studio with new footage shot by director Harry Keller, the "preview" version that features 15 minutes ... Read More
Rating: - Shades of Gray in Content and Visuals
First off, a word about visual quality: a crisper, cleaner copy of this film you will not find. Restored to Welles' thematic vision, this version is also a far cry from the more grainy prints that have circulated on the airwaves for years. Viewing pleasure is enhanced considerably as a result.
And sheer pleasure this film is. In an intriguing plot triangulation involving three men motivated in different ways by past, present or unfolding relations with their wives - two of them Mexicans with "gringo" spouses whom they seek to protect from a morally wayward cop, played pitch-perfect by Welles - "A Touch of Evil" examines the murkiness of bordertown justice, pre-Miranda style (if such legal warnings were even to apply south of the border), where it's hard to tell who has jurisdiction, who has and hasn't planted evidence, who has the right to engage in electronic surveillance, and to what degree - if indeed under any circumstance - the ends justify the means. It's a set of moral questions made murkier at the end of the film, with the viewer left to sort out such high-minded musings.
While the plot of "Touch" is interesting but not altogether unpredictable, it's really the "noir" that steals the show: the dark, dank aquaduct, the seedy bordello, the vintage autos cruising streets blinking with neon, and, of course, the windswept terrain where all roads seem to lead to a menacing motel. The "noir" is made all the more effective by wonderful lighting that plays on the faces of Janet ... Read More
Rating: - Could have used a touch of originality to separate it from the pack...
`Touch of Evil' feels great. It is dark and eerie and commanding, but underneath the intensely layered surface lays a film that is somewhat empty. That is my major problem with `Touch of Evil'; it doesn't feel necessary. In the end we have a film that creeps us out at times and holds our interest yet says nothing and doesn't seem to be all that coherent. If I were to base my critique solely on the films appearance and technique then I would give it a round of applause and mark it with an A+ (Welles was a fantastic director) but because I tend to look at the entire picture my grade falls down to a mere B, for without substance this becomes nothing more than a genre picture done well.
The film follows a good cop named Mike and a bad cop named Hank as they struggle with one another, Mike looking for the truth and Hank trying to keep it from him. The film starts with a bang, literally, as a car bomb goes off in a border-town, and then takes off from there. The plot is filled with twists and turns that involve murder and deceit and the kidnapping of Mike's wife Susie. As the film draws closer to the finale we see the pieces of the puzzle slowly being placed together until the full scope of what is going on is on full display.
But sadly, what is going on feels predictable.
Judging from Welles' body of work, I have come to expect great things from him. `Touch of Evil' is masterfully shot and brilliantly directed, but the story feels tired to me. It is not as refreshing ... Read More
Rating: - "Muy Diabolico, Hecho en Mexico"
When I first saw this movie, years ago, I was awed by the number of stellar personas that had parts in it. Although it is a story, it is mostly a group of characters, playing parts in mini-stories, all hooked together. It is great to see their diversity and performances. Mr. Riddle who wrote another review on this site has offered descriptions of the different versions of release of this film, three, which would be helpful in deciding which one you would like to see. I had no problem with the original and was mesmerized by it, but others may choose a different version. You will find it a viewing treat to witness the emoting of the various stars, the funky costuming and "Mexican" atmosphere. It is a great film that will stand out in your memory for a long time.
Rating:  - A touch of laughter?
Two stars for the story that's somehow interesting, the rest is rather laughable.
The great Orson Wells looks like a cartoon character, Marlene Dietrich looks simply ridiculous and Charlton Heston a mexican? POR FAVOR!!
The rest of the cast are like a joke,the Mexican villains are simply offensive.
What a waste of a good cast.
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