Back in July 2019 Arrow Academy released the classic crime drama Crime and Punishment (1935) starring Peter Lorre on blu-ray. I’ve finally gotten around to reviewing it. Has Arrow Academy done the film justice? Let’s find out, so without further ado here’s my Crime and Punishment blu-ray review.
- Crime and Punishment (1935)
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Directed by Josef von Sternberg
- UK Rating U
- Discs: 1
- Released By Arrow Academy
- Blu-ray Released: 29 July 2019
Plot
A university criminology student Roderick Raskolnikov (Peter Lorre) writes a brilliant article on criminal class which is well received. However his name is not given by the editor of the paper. Roderick is hard up without a penny to his name. With his mother and sister due to visit he pawns his watch. He is less than impressed by what he receives from the woman pawnbroker and decides to murder her.
Surely a brilliant criminology student can get away with it?
Style / Direction
The film’s directed by Josef von Sternberg and the cinematography is handled by Lucien Ballard.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is provided by R.H. Bassett andd Louis Silvers.
Acting / Characters
I found all of the actors to be excellent but of course the film lives and dies by Peter Lorre’s performance. Fortunately he is perfect for this role.
Cast
- Peter Lorre as Roderick Raskolnikov
- Edward Arnold as Inspector Porfiry
- Marian Marsh as Sonya
- Tala Birell as Antonya Raskolnikov
- Elizabeth Risdon as Mrs Raskolnikov
- Robert Allen as Dmitri
- Douglas Dumbrille as Grilov
- Gene Lockhart as Lushin
- Charles Waldron as University President
- Thurston Hall as Editor
- Johnny Arthur as Clerk
- Mrs. Patrick Campbell as Pawnbroker
Conclusion: Crime and Punishment (1935) Film Review
This film is all about Peter Lorre’s excellent performance. He does a fantastic job as he goes through all of the different sets of emotions. In fact I really did enjoy this version of Crime and Punishment and it’s not one I’d seen prior to this blu-ray release from Arrow Academy.
I highly recommend you give this 1935 version a look.
If you enjoyed my Crime and Punishment blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:
Conclusion: Crime and Punishment Blu-ray Review
Overall the image quality is very good, this being a 1935 black and white film there are just a couple of drops in quality.
Arrow are known for including a fabulous feature set on their blu-ray releases and Crime and Punishment (1935) is no different as you can see from the list below.
Extras
- Isolated Music & Effects Track
- Light And Dark (26 mins)
- The Double Face of Peter Lorre (1984) (61 mins)
- Mystery In The Air: Crime And Punishment: 1947 radio adaptation (29 mins)
- Image gallery
- Reversible sleeve featuring original artwork
Popcorn Cinema Rating:
Crime and Punishment (1935)
MOVIE RATING: WELL WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: GOOD
EXTRAS RATING: EXCELLENT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Purchase Crime and Punishment (1935) On Blu-ray
Crime and Punishment (1935) Blu-ray is out now, see the link below.
Note: The Amazon links on this page are affiliate / associate links. By buying through the links we may receive a commission for the sale. This has no effect on the price you pay.
Crime and Punishment (1935) Film Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip NOT representative of the blu-ray version
That concludes my Crime and Punishment blu-ray review, I’m aiming to review more classic films soon. What’s next? Check back soon…
Support Physical Media
Join us in supporting physical media by obtaining this film on blu-ray. Remember streaming platforms can add or remove your favourite films at any time. Own it forever and you never need worry again!
Summary: Crime and Punishment (1935) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Crime and Punishment (1935)
Movie description: Released on blu-ray by Arrow Academy on 29 July 2019.
Duration: 88 mins
Director(s): Josef von Sternberg
Actor(s): Peter Lorre, Edward Arnold, Marian Marsh, Tala Birell, Elizabeth Risdon, Robert Allen
Genre: Crime, Drama
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
Lorre is the perfect choice as Roderick Raskolnikov
Pros
- Compelling Story
- Peter Lorre
- Excellent Blu-ray Release
Cons
- Picture Quality Not Quite Perfect
