Criterion has released two classics of gothic black and white horror withJack ClaytonsThe InnocentsandDavid LynchsEraserheadnow joining their collection.
Miss Giddens thinks that the children are possessed by their spirits.
But here he absolutely nails it.
Perhaps it was working in anamorphic widescreen with cinematographerFreddie Francisthat brought out the best in him.
Or perhaps its that Deborah Kerr is perfect for the lead role.
That said, of this era of supernatural stories, my favorite isJacques TourneursNight of the Demon.
Image via Libra FIlms
The Innocentsis presented in widescreen (2.35:1) in a brand new 4K transfer and in 1.0 mono soundtrack.
The soundtrack is equally strong for what it is.Christopher Fraylingprovides a commentary track and an introduction (24 min.
Done specifically for the Criterion collection is an interview with cinematographerJohn Bailey(19 min.
Also included is the featurette Between Horror, Fear, and Beauty (14 min.)
Also included is the films theatrical trailer.
David LynchsEraserheadis one of the purest examples of an artists vision ever brought to cinema.
Image via Libra FIlms
Henry Spencer (the late greatJack Nance) is a factory worker who lives in an apartment complex.
During that dinner its revealed that Mary has had a baby, though one born wildly prematurely.
Mary then moves in with Henry as they take care of their… thing.
But Henry, whos on vacation, is ill-equipped to deal with the child alone.
Thats not the point (arguably thats never the point with Lynch at his best).
And the reason why that doesnt matter is because all the parts sing.
Its that dedication to something so specific that makes the film so singular.
The supplement section is broken into years.
where Lynch evades answering questions about what the movie is about.
1988 shows Lynch and Jack Nance revisiting locations from the film (7 min.
2001 offers the feature-length documentary EraserheadStories (85 min.)
Its in line to be one of if not the best catalog release of the year.
