Two Masterpieces come to DVD from Columbia TriStar

Columbia TriStar’s commitment to classic American Cinema has come through again as the studio announces two long-awaited titles that define great filmmaking, the dark drama that made Marlon Brando a contender, On the Waterfront and the tremendous Frank Sinatra performance in the WWII classic From Here to Eternity.

“On the Waterfront” features Brando as an ex-prizefighter who goes up against labor leaders to expose corruption in the ranks. An errand boy for a corrupt union boss dreams of being a successful prizefighter. When he witnesses and murder and falls in love with the dead man’s sister, he must decode where his loyalties lie.

“From Here to Eternity” tells the equally dark adaptation of James Jones“ novel about Army life in Hawaii just before and after Pearl Harbor. As the Japanese prepare to attack, an Army private’s life becomes miserable after he refuses his captain’s request to represent the division in a boxing match, and an officer begins an affair with the captain’s wife.

Both films will be presented in their original fullscreen black and white presentations with Mono sound. “On the Waterfront” will feature an audio commentary by film critic/writer Richard Schickel and Elia Kazan. The disc will also contain an exclusive featurette: “CONTENDER-Mastering the Method”, an interview with Elia Kazan, a vintage photo gallery, theatrical trailers and talent files.

“From Here to Eternity will feature an audio commentary by Fred Zinnemann’s son, Tim Zinnemann and Alvin Sargent, longtime friend of the director. Additionally, the DVD will contain an the featurette: ”The Making of `From Here to Eternity”“, and ”Excerpts from Fred Zinnemann – As I See It”, theatrical trailers and talent files for the impressive cast.

Both films – ranked in the top 100 American films of all time by the American Film Institute – are coming on October 23rd, adding to an already large volume of classic films coming out in October. Both discs will carry a $24.95 SRP.

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