Now, thanks to advanced Blu-ray technology and the tireless efforts of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging division, Warner Home Video has meticulously and painstakingly restored the original 3D presentation, and, when Dial M for Murder Blu-ray 3D debuts October 9th, audiences will finally be able to see the film in their homes as it was originally meant to be seen. A 2D version will also be included for those who have yet to upgrade TVs and players to 3D.
Originally designed to lure audiences away from their TV sets, 3D utilized a left-eye/right-eye dual projection process and polarized glasses, the basis for what is seen today. However, with the advent of CinemaScope (the miracle you can see without glasses) and the higher costs associated with 3D, the fad was fading by the time Dial M for Murder was released in theatres. As a result, most 1954 moviegoers only saw the film projected in 2D, and it wasnt until the early 1980s that a classic 3D film revival allowed Dial M for Murder to be briefly seen theatrically, albeit in a faux 3D 70 mm composite print.
To ready Dial M for Murder for this current release, MPIs work included a 4K scan of the original camera negative, and a full restoration of the two eyes, as well as convergence fixes to ensure perfect alignment.
Ranked number 9 on the American Film Institute’s 2008 list of the 10 greatest films in the “Mystery” genre, Dial M for Murder was adapted by Frederick Knott from his hit Broadway stage play. The film stars two Oscar winners: Grace Kelly (Best Actress in a Leading Role, The Country Girl, 1954) in her Hitchcock film debut and Ray Milland (Best Actor in a Leading Role, The Lost Weekend, 1945). Robert Cummings (The Bob Cummings Show) and John Williams (Midnight Lace) also star.
