‘Seconds’ Blu Ray Review: A criminally underrated movie gets the deluxe treatment it deserves courtesy of Criterion.

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If you’ve read my list of the 30 Most Underrated Movies Of All Time, you’ll know how much I feel ‘Seconds’ deserves more credit. And my article on Examiner.com gives more detail regarding it’s merits.

So whether you’re a fan or are curious to view the film, now’s the time; Criterion has released an excellent deluxe edition Blu-ray (You can order it from Amazon via the link below).

[amazon_image id=”B00CUKTGEE” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Seconds (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray][/amazon_image][amazon_image id=”B00CUKTHES” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Seconds (Criterion Collection)[/amazon_image]

So what’s all the fuss about, and what special features are in store? Before we get to that, I’ll expand upon my earlier posts. ‘Seconds’ is the third in director John Frankenheimer’s ‘paranoia trilogy’, following ‘The Manchurian Candidate’, and ‘Seven Days in May.’ Both film’s dealt with worries over communism, domestic spying and the cold war.

‘Seconds’ is far more personal, and deals with the male mid-life crisis. It tells the tale of (John Randolph) , a middle-age man who’s unhappy in his career and marriage, and longs for the folly of youth. And thanks to a shadowy organization he gets that chance; he’s transplanted into a younger body, and given a new identity; artist Tony Wilson.

But Hamilton has trouble readjusting to this world of bohemian hedonism and free love counter-culture. And the guilt he feels for leaving his wife (he faked his death) leaves him crippled. While his exterior has changed, his inner self is still miserable.

He slowly unravels, and his mental state threatens the entire community of ‘seconds’, who’s he’s been ensconced with in an idyllic Californian beachside community.

Frankenheimer’s assured direction, and James Wong Howe’s eerie cinematography are hallmarks of this production.

Likewise Randolph and Hudson’s performances are excellent, and they feel of the same soul. Hudson gave the performance of a life time. Add in Jerry Goldsmith’s haunting score and Saul Bass’s atmospheric title sequence and its a class act from frame one. The film remains remarkably timeless given our culture’s obsession (and advancement) in cosmetic surgery and pills for testosterone and erectile dysfunction.

Now let’s break down the discs special features:

• New, restored 4K digital film transfer, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition
• Audio commentary featuring director John Frankenheimer
• New interview with actor Alec Baldwin
• Excerpts from Hollywood on the Hudson, a 1965 television program featuring on-set footage and an interview with actor Rock Hudson
• New program on the making of the film, featuring interviews with Evans Frankenheimer, the director’s widow, and actor Salome Jens
• Interview with Frankenheimer from 1971
• New visual essay by film scholars R. Barton Palmer and Murray Pomerance
• PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by critic David Sterritt

The transfer is stunning, even if the film grain is enhanced. The black and white cinematography boasts even more mysterious portent, and Howe’s eerie, off-kilter compositions are that much more effective.

The commentary from  the late director was featured on the previous (now out-of-print) DVD release, but it’s still informative and lively.

Alec Baldwin introduces the film, and discusses his relationship with Frankenheimer. Likewise, the featurette with the director’s wife and supporting actress Salome Jens is enlightening.

The visual essay is insightful in the meaning and impact of the film, as is the booklet by critic David Sterritt.

The other vintage features discuss Hudson’s performance and preparation for the role.

Simply put, this is a must-have for cinephiles who love dark thrillers. Given the last DVD release was 13 years ago, and Criterion editions are notorious for going out of print, don’t miss out on ‘Seconds’ which is second to none.