Witness for the Prosecution Blu-ray Review – Extraordinary 50’s Courtroom Drama

Witness for the Prosecution Blu-ray Review

Having recently reviewed the classic James Stewart courtroom drama Anatomy of a Murder (1959) I thought I should probably take a look at the 1957 film Witness for the Prosecution. It stars Tyrone Power, Charles Laughton and Marlene Dietrich. Eureka Entertainment released it on blu-ray back in 2018. Was it a good release? Let’s find out, so without further ado here’s my Witness for the Prosecution blu-ray review.

  • Witness for the Prosecution (1957)
  • Genre: Crime, Drama
  • Directed by Billy Wilder
  • UK Rating U
  • Discs: 1
  • Released By Eureka Entertainment
  • Blu-ray Released: 10 September 2018

Plot

Leonard Vole finds himself accused of murder of a wealthy older lady he befriended. While it looks unlikely he will be found not guilty he enlists the help of Sir Wilfrid Robarts Q.C (Charles Laughton) to conduct his defence.

Style / Direction

This black and white 1957 courtroom drama was directed by Billy Wilder whilst the cinematography was handled by Russell Harlan. There’s little doubt in my opinion at least that Wilder delivers a well constructed masterpiece of misdirection.

Music / Audio Effects

The music is provided by Matty Malneck.

Acting / Characters

Tyrone Power plays Leonard Vole the man accused of murder but it’s Charles Laughton as Sir Wilfrid Robarts Q.C that really at the heart of the film or should that be proceedings. He’s delivers a memorable and quite brilliant performance as Leonard Vole’s defence lawyer.

Meanwhile Marlene Dietrich produces another strange performance, as she does in so many of films. However it actually turns out to be a rather magnificent one as the story unfolds.

Witness for the Prosecution Blu-ray Review
Cast
  • Tyrone Power as Leonard Vole
  • Marlene Dietrich as Christine Vole/Helm
  • Charles Laughton as Sir Wilfrid Robarts Q.C
  • Elsa Lanchester as Miss Plimsoll
  • John Williams as Mr. Brogan-Moore
  • Henry Daniell as Mr. Mayhew
  • Ian Wolfe as H. A. Carter
  • Torin Thatcher as Mr. Myers Q.C.
  • Norma Varden as Mrs. Emily Jane French

Conclusion: Witness for the Prosecution (1957) Film Review

Witness for the Prosecution is fine court room drama with Charles Laughton as Sir Wilfrid Robarts Q.C really stealing the show. He’s the reason you stay invested in the case. Yes Tyrone Power plays the role of the accused well and Marlene Dietrich is rather odd which works brilliantly. However its Charles Laughton performance that leaves a lasting impression long after proceedings have drawn to a close.

I recommend everyone gives this brilliant Billy Wilder courtroom drama a look, it would be criminal not too!

Witness for the Prosecution Blu-ray Review

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Conclusion: Witness for the Prosecution Blu-ray Review

The film is shot in black and white and or the most part the picture quality is excellent. However there are a few drops in image quality every now and again. It nothing that spoils the film but this blu-ray version falls fractionally short of being called excellent.

I can’t fault the extras included as I found them to be interesting and informative. I’d recommend giving them a look if you enjoy the film.

Extras
  • Audio Commentary by Kat Ellinger
  • Monocles and Cigars: Simon Callow on Charles Laughton (16 mins)
  • Neil Sinyard Interview (25 mins)
  • Billy Wilder: Witness for the Prosecution (14 mins)
  • Original Theatrical Trailer

Popcorn Cinema Rating:

MOVIE RATING: MUST SEE

BLU-RAY RATING: GOOD

EXTRAS: EXCELLENT

POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED

Witness for the Prosecution (1957)


Purchase Witness for the Prosecution (1957) On Blu-ray

Witness for the Prosecution (1957) blu-ray is available now, I’ve put a link below..

Witness for the Prosecution Blu-ray Review

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Witness for the Prosecution (1957) 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 Witness for the Prosecution blu-ray review, I’m aiming to review more classic films soon. What’s next? Check back soon…

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Summary: Witness for the Prosecution (1957) Blu-ray Review
Witness for the Prosecution Blu-ray Review

Movie title: Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

Duration: 116 mins

Director(s): Billy Wilder

Actor(s): Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, Charles Laughton, Elsa Lanchester, John Williams, Henry Daniell

Genre: Crime, Drama

  • Movie Rating
  • Blu-ray Picture Rating
  • Extras
4.7

Summary

A compelling and brilliant plot twisting courtroom drama

Pros

  • Brilliant Courtroom Drama
  • Fabulous Acting
  • Good Blu-ray Release

Cons

  • A Drop Image Quality On Odd Occasion
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