During this year’s VSDA, Universal Home Video finally announced Orson Welles“ eagerly awaited 1958 masterpiece Touch Of Evil for release on October 31. Prepared as a Collector’s Edition, “Touch Of Evil” will be released as a Director’s Cut, featuring 7-minutes of additional footage that was cut from the original version. The picture and soundtrack have also been restored to Welles” own specifications as outlined in his celebrated 58-page memo written to the studio.

But the Collector’s Edition will also contain other bonus materials, such as the 57-minute documentary “Reconstructing Evil: The Making Of Touch Of Evil” which features interviews with Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh, George Lucas, Robert Wise, Curtis Hanson and Peter Bogdanovich. A complete analysis of the reconstructed scenes and an in-depth explanation of the re-edits by the restored version’s producer Rick Schmidlin and editor Walter Murch are also part of the DVD. You will also find Welles“ original memo outlining suggestions for the re-editing of the theatrical release, as an interview with Orson Welles” daughter Beatrice, production notes, biographies the trailer and other extras on this release of “Touch Of Evil.”

Scheduled for release on October 31, “Touch Of Evil” will be presented in its 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio, featuring a Dolby Surround audio track. The disc will carry a $29.98 retail price.