The Hustler on DVD

Hombre
The Verdict

Paul Newman is "Fast" Eddie Felson in this 1961 classic that inspired the 1986 sequel "The Color of Money."

At the film's opening, Felson's a small time pool hustler with delusions of grandeur. He and his partner are making their way across the US, with Eddie earning their keep by playing pool.

And he's good - but his problem is that he knows how good he is. One of the first scenes sees him taking on the legendary Minnesota Fats (terrifically portrayed by Jackie Gleason) and though he has him beaten, Fats comes back and gives Eddie the waxing he really deserves.

Licking his wounds and wallowing in self pity, he meets up with Sarah (Piper Laurie), an alcoholic on a self destructive course who provides the film's love interest and, later, tragedy. He also meets, and eventually partners with, Bert Gordon (George C. Scott), a high rolling promoter who agrees to mentor Eddie - for three quarters of the take.

Everything about "The Hustler" is first rate, from the performances of Newman and the rest of the cast to Robert Rossen's atmospheric direction, the Oscar-winning black and white cinematography and art direction. Everything feels real - and that's good.

"The Hustler" deserves its classic status, and 20th Century Fox has done an excellent job in bringing the film to DVD as well.

The disc features a THX-approved transfer, with anamorphic widescreen video (16x9 TV compatible) that looks superb. Audio is Dolby Digital stereo and, though there's little stereo noticeable, the sound quality overall is very good considering the film's age and analog origins.

Fox piles on the extras here, too, including a running commentary track featuring Paul Newman himself, along with Editor Dede Allen, Assistant Director Ulu Grosbard, Carol Rossen (the late director's daughter), film critic Richard Schickel, and film historian Jeff Young.

There are also some nifty documentaries, including a "making of" retrospective "The Hustler: the Inside Story" and two pool-related shorts on the trick shots performed in the movie. There's also the theatrical trailer.

It's a terrific package for a true classic of modern cinema.

The Hustler, from 20th Century Fox Home Video
135 min. anamorphic widescreen (2.35:1), 16x9 TV compatible, Dolby Digital stereo
Starring Paul Newman, George C. Scott, Piper Laurie, Jackie Gleason
Written by Sidney Carroll and Robert Rossen
Produced and directed by Robert Rossen

Also from Fox is another of Paul Newman's "H movies," Hombre. This one isn't a THX disc, nor does it have a lot of special features, but it's still a classic Newman flick.

Here's the blurb from the back of the box: "John Russell (Paul Newman), a white man raised by an Arizona Apache tribe, is forced to confront the society he despises when he sells the boarding house he inherits. While leaving town by stagecoach, several bigoted passengers insist he ride with the driver (Martin Balsam). But when outlaws leave them all stranded in the desert, Russell may be their only hope for survival! Diane Cilento, Frederic March, Richard Boone and Barbara Rush co-star in this action-packed Western classic."

Newman is basically a lone good guy surrounded by sleazy characters and while this movie is rightfully considered another Newman classic, is isn't necessarily a pleasant experience to watch.

The DVD quality is very good. The 2.35:1 aspect ratio anamorphic widescreen picture (16x9 TV compatible) looks great, with sharp images and bright, vivid colors. Audio is Dolby Digital stereo and it's fine as well.

Extras include a still picture gallery and the trailer.

And if that isn't enough Paul Newman for you, Fox has also released Sidney Lumet's "The Verdict," in which Newman gives another Oscar-nominated performance - this time as "an alcoholic, ambulance-chasing attorney."

The Verdict co-stars Charlotte Rampling, Jack Warden, James Mason and Milo O'Shea, with a screenplay by David Mamet.

The DVD also features anamorphic widescreen video (1.85:1, 16x9 TV compatible) and Dolby Digital stereo. Extras include a commentary track with director Lumet and Paul Newman, a featurette, behind the scenes picture gallery, and trailers.

Hombre, from 20th Century Fox Home Video
111 min. anamorphic widescreen (2.35:1), 16x9 TV compatible, Dolby Digital stereo
Starring Paul Newman, Fredric March, Richard Boone, Diane Celento
Written by Irving Ravetch and harriet Frank, Jr.
Produced by Martin Ritt and Irving Ravetch, Directed by Martin Ritt

The Verdict, from 20th Century Fox Home Video
129 min. anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1), 16x9 TV compatible, Dolby Digital stereo
Starring Paul Newman, Charlotte Rampling, Jack Warden, James Mason and Milo O'Shea
Written by David Mamet
Produced by Richard D. Zanuck and David Brown, directed by Sidney Lumet

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