Review: 'Double Indemnity' in 4K a Show-Stopping Upgrade of a Classic

There's an overwhelming cynicism that pervades the films of Billy Wilder, though that cynicism feels most at home in his 1944 noir masterpiece "Double Indemnity." That's partially because everyone in the film exists in a kind of moral gray area, with the story never truly trying to make them into either heroes or enemies. Although that's part and parcel for noir, few entries in the genre are as perverse and hardboiled as this one. Plus, it has that stunning chiaroscuro from cinematographer John Seitz.

The Criterion Collection presents Billy Wilder's "Double Indemnity" in show-stopping 4K Ultra HD, with a new 4K Blu-ray release that pulls out all the stops for this much-beloved classic. The new 4K restoration was created from a 35mm nitrate composite fine-grain print, and looks absolutely stunning with Dolby Vision HDR attached. John Seitz's stark shadows look and feel deeper than ever before, and grain looks very natural and pleasing. This is truly the best the film has ever looked at home.

When insurance salesman Walter Neff Fred MacMurray) walks into the home of dissatisfied housewife Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck), he intends to sell insurance. Little does he know that a web of lies and deceit await. They have an affair, and Phyllis convinces Walter to help her kill her husband and collect the insurance money. Needless to say, Walter is in hot water with a dame with whom he's enamored.

At the cold heart of "Double Indemnity" is a criticism of the American way of life. Walter looks at his insurance office, with its sprawling rows of desks, as a place to escape, and his cynicism is only aided by his boss' obsession with saving the company money. No wonder the man gets so swept up in Phyllis' scheming. But even Phyllis isn't all evil, as the film refuses to make easy work of her character's motivations. Could she be the battered housewife she purports to be, or is she a schemer who wants to get away quick? The film carefully never answers that question.

Criterion has packed this release solid with supplements to enjoy. In particular, there's a terrific conversation between noir historian Eddie Muller and critic Imogen Sara Smith that breaks down how the film differs from the source novel, and why the film has a lasting reputation as one of the best film noirs ever made. There's a great archival documentary series on Billy Wilder included, as well. It should go without saying that this is the definitive presentation of "Double Indemnity." This is a must-own edition from Criterion.

Other special features include:

� Audio commentary featuring film critic Richard Schickel
� New interview with film scholar Noah Isenberg, editor of "Billy Wilder on Assignment"
� "Billy, How Did You Do It?" -- A 1992 film by Volker Schlöndorff and Gisela Grischow featuring interviews with director Billy Wilder
� "Shadows of Suspense" -- A 2006 documentary on the making of Double Indemnity
� Radio adaptations from 1945 and 1950
� Trailer
� English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
� PLUS: An essay by critic Angelica Jade Bastién

"Double Indemnity" is now available on 4K Blu-ray and Blu-ray from the Criterion Collection.