There is a certain timeliness to the new MGM DVD release of the brilliant 1962 film “The Manchurian Candidate.” Set to be released around the same time as the theatrical release of the remake starring Denzel Washington, it also seems to be hitting the market at a time when the trust in our Government is at an all-time low. The film, which is based on the novel by Richard Condon, is a story of paranoia, communism and mind control. As much as I would like to get into a detailed synopsis of the film in this review, I won’t simply because there is apt to be quite a few people who have never seen it. The less you know going in, the better. When the film was first released in 1962, it didn’t fair well at the theatres, though it did garner an Oscar nomination for supporting actress Angela Lansbury. At this time in American history there was still some what of a trust in our Government, so the film seemed far-fetched, if not unacceptable by audiences.

Nowadays however, most of the American public believes in all sorts of conspiracies and secrets (and rightfully so), so the plotting in “The Manchurian Candidate” seems all the more plausible.

Besides the great storyline and nourish style of the film, what really stands out for me are the performances by Frank Sinatra and Angela Lansbury. There is no question that Lansbury deserved the nomination as this was one of her strongest roles. But Sinatra is really the surprise here. Being the ‘hip’ singer that he was, his acting seemed to be carried along by his own personal charm. Here, he really immerses himself in the role.

I didn’t see the film when it first came out, which is thanks to my parents who didn’t have me until a year after it came out, but was introduced to it like most people my age. I saw the video release that came out years later. Since that time, there has been another DVD release, but the quality of the product was certainly sub-par. This new release makes up for it in spades. The film looks and sound better than it has in years, and the extra features are nothing to sneeze at.

First up is a commentary by director John Frankenheimer. It was recorded for the previous DVD release, but still holds up. Everything this guy has to say, no matter what film he is commentating on is worth listening to. But even better is an interview with Frankenheimer, Frank Sinatra and producer George Axelrod. This interview was recorded in 1988, and there is no question that there is a little bit of tension between the interviewees.

There are also two brand new interview featurettes that were made specifically for this DVD release with Angela Lansbury and William Friedkin. The one with Lansbury is good, but Friedkiin simply rules when it comes to his involvement in features like these. He is never afraid to speak his mind, and does no less here.

The Manchurian Candidate” is a B&W film, which will probably turn off a good portion of the modern movie watching public, and this is a real shame. Not having seen the current remake yet, I cannot comment on how the two compare. But I’d be willing to bet that this original version is the way to go.

Directed by: John Frankenheimer
Starring: Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Janet Leigh, Angela Lansbury, Henry Silva, James Gregory
Extras: Interview with Frank Sinatra, George Axelrod and John Frankenheimer, Audio Commentary by John Frankenheimer, “Queen of Diamonds” Featurette with Angela Lansbury, “A Little Solitaire” Featurette with William Friedkin, Original Theatrical Trailer, Photo Gallery
Specifications: Widescreen (1.75:1), English 5.1 Surround, Original Mono
Studio: MGM
Release Date: 7/13/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Website

We'll give The Manchurian Candidate: Special Edition an A.