听 From a prison breakout in High Sierra to the unforgettable lines of Casablanca and the unusual Dark Passage, the Humphrey Bogart Classics Volume One captures the rise of a star from mere hoodlum bit-part player, to a star who had the clout to take on risky projects. Each film comes with extra features offering an efficient overview of Bogey's career when he made them.
High Sierra (1941)
After finally getting a decent-sized role in the trucker film They Drive By Night, Bogey landed the tough-guy part of Roy 'Mad Dog' Earle, who escapes from prison to help in a robbery. The rage that Bogey demonstrates here was, as you'll find out on the fascinating 'making of' featurette, down to him being hauled in front of the House Un-American Activities Committee and accused of being a communist. Upon returning from being questioned, Bogey filmed some of his most memorable scenes, taking out his frustration on the camera. The film itself suffers from some minor print damage, but is otherwise well presented in picture and clear mono sound.
EXTRA FEATURES
Casablanca (1942)
This was the movie which turned Bogart into an icon. Presented on two discs, this is the only film in the collection that is also available to buy individually. Read our in-depth review to find out more about what's in this excellent DVD release.
Dark Passage (1947)
Bogey once again found himself escaping from prison for this thriller. But six years on from High Sierra, he now had the clout to push through a film that Warner Bros felt was too bleak. With a lot of it filmed in first person perspective, as Bogey undergoes plastic surgery to hide his identity, this didn't go down too well with the viewing public. This range of issues gives the 'making of' featurette plenty to explore. and it's only a pity it isn't longer. The film looks stunning and is accompanied by clear mono sound.
EXTRA FEATURES
This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-N5 DVD player.
