Moonrise (The Criterion Collection) [DVD]

Criterion's release of Frank Borzage's film MOONRISE is a wish come true. I discovered this film on VHS years ago and it has remained one of my favorites. Compared to many other Criterion releases it has limited bonus material but the two extras are outstanding. The printed essay by critic Philip Kemp is one of the best that I have ever read. The video conversation between author Herve Dumont and Peter Cowie is very insightful. Dumont wrote the one major book on Borzage and so his comments on the director and his films is very meaningful. After viewing the VHS copy I was intrigued to see how it compared to the novel by Theodore Strauss (I found a used copy here on Amazon). Liked the book and felt that the screenplay did justice to the novel. For years I had hoped for the film to have a DVD release. To be given the Criterion Blu-ray treatment was something I never thought would happen. This little known masterpiece by a very special director is a film worth discovering and reading and listening to the two extras on this disc will give you the needed background to fully appreciate this film. And may-be it will create a interest in viewers not familiar with Borzage's films to take a look at THE MORTAL STORM, STRANGE CARGO and his silent greats 7TH HEAVEN, STREET ANGEL and LUCKY STAR.

The Criterion production of "Moonrise" is a beautiful black-and-white restoration with perfect audio. Five stars for the transfer.The film, however, is one of those with which I can find no sympathy for the main character. The script seems to hold him blameless --- when he commits murder in anger, when he drives drunkenly and recklessly and almost kills himself and the three passengers in a borrowed car, when he manhandles the person closest to him who shows him nothing but sympathy, when he kicks Mose's innocent coon dog, and when he nearly strangles a helpless person for simply finding an incriminating piece of evidence. And for Gilly to fall in love with him and for the sheriff to show sympathy for him ... it's simply unbelievable. And we, the audience, are supposed to simply sweep all of his hateful crimes and misdemeanors under the rug and let him off of the hook because all of his anger stems from what his father did years ago? Just ridiculous.I must commend the director, Frank Borzage, however, for keeping the action going and keeping it interesting, in spite of a contrived script. This is probably the finest acting I've ever seen from the one-dimensional Gail Russell. And it is always a treat to watch the great Ethel Barrymore, even if she only appears in the final reel of the film.

I recommend this movie to anyone who is a Gail Russell fan. As part of the Criterion series of restored&remastered films, it is easy to watch. It is in black&white but every scene is crystal clear, the audio is excellent. I have a VHS&a DVD format of this film. This Criterion version is like watching a whole new film

A little masterpiece from the B-movie studio Republic Pictures. Beautifully shot in black and white with Dane Clark in one of his best roles. Not to forget the beautiful and sensitive Gail Russell. Also terrific supporting roles for Ethel Barrymore and Rex Ingram. And finally a nice score by William Lava. The restored print by Criterion is a delight.A favorite movie of mine.

Probably the best film ever made. I saw this some 20 years ago as a young man in college. Now seeing it again I see so much more. Film of amazing quality both in physical/technical beauty as well as moral/philosophical one. This blu ray from criterion is an exceptional transfer. I don't remember the 35 mm print being this great.

Frank Borzage is justly celebrated for his silent films, and I was happy to see Criterion issue this sound film. At least now i know why Scorcese likes Borzage (Moonrise begins with an execution followed by a montage of his baby son crying in a crib to adulthood where he gets in a fight and ends up killing the other guy.) The sequence is incredibly heavy-handed. The lighting makes everything so obvious. It's like someone who is really sincere and ends up seeming overwrought. The acting is also terrible and hte plot is preposterous. The cinematographer is also terrible. Compare the use of shadow in the opening Michael Curtiz's The Unsuspected (also involves a murder). Curtiz's film is truly brilliant. The score by Waxman helps. Moonrise seems like 1980s sort of parody of film noir melodrama. I didn't recognize any of the actors. I recommend Borzage's silent film Lucky Star.

this is the stuff