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Special Features
- Includes both the 114 minute 1946 theatrical-release version and the 116 minute 1944 pre-release version containing 18 minutes which were either reshot or deleted from the theatrical release
- The Big Sleep Comparisons Documentary (16 min.) on the differences between the two versions, narrated by UCLA's Film Preservation Archives whiz Robert Gitt
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall made screen history together more than once, but they were never more popular than in this 1946 adaptation of Raymond Chandler's novel, directed by Howard Hawks (To Have and Have Not). Bogart plays private eye Philip Marlowe, who is hired by a wealthy socialite (Bacall) to look into troubles stirred up by her wild, young sister (Martha Vickers). Legendarily complicated (so much so that even Chandler had trouble following the plot), the film is nonetheless hugely entertaining and atmospheric, an electrifying plunge into the exotica of detective fiction. William Faulkner wrote the screenplay. --Tom Keogh
Product Description
L.A. private eye Philip Marlowe takes on a blackmail case...and a trail peopled with murderers, pornographers, nightclub rogues, the spoiled rich and more. Humphrey Bogart plays Raymond Chandlers' legendary gumshoe and director Howard Hawks serves up snappy character encounters (particularly involving Lauren Bacall), brisk pace and atmosphere galore in the certified classic.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
105 of 107 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
THE BIG SLEEP has a reputation for being a film that gets lost in its own complexity and which fails to clearly identify all the perpetrators of all the murders that litter its scenes. There is a certain truth to this: like the Raymond Chandler novel on which it is based, the plot is extremely complicated, and it requires the viewer to mentally track an unexpected number of characters--including two characters that never appear on screen, a pivotal character who doesn't actually have any lines, and a character who is frequently mentioned but doesn't appear until near the film's conclusion. There is not, however, as much truth to the accusation that the film never exposes all the killers: only one killer is not specifically identified, but even so his identity is very clearly implied.
All this having been said, THE BIG SLEEP is one helluva movie. In general, the story concerns the wealthy Sternwood family, which consists of an aging father and two "pretty and pretty wild" daughters--one of whom, Carmen, is being victimized by a blackmailer. P.I. Philip Marlowe is hired to get rid of the blackmailer, but an unexpected murder complicates matters... and touches off a series of killings by a number of parties who have covert interests in the Sternwood family. Perhaps the most amazing thing about the film is that you don't actually have to pick apart the complicated story in order to enjoy it. The script is famous for its witty lines and sleek sexual innuendo--much of it lifted directly from Chandler's novel--and the cast is a dream come true. Philip Marlowe would be played by a great many actors, but none of them ever bested Humphrey Bogart, who splendidly captures the feel of Chandler's original creation; with the role of Vivien Sternwood Lauren Bacall gives what might be the finest performance of her screen career; and the chemistry between the two is everything you've ever heard. The supporting cast is superlative, all the way from Martha Vickers' neurotic turn as Carmen Sternwood to Bob Steele's purring hitman Canino. There's simply not a false note to be found anywhere. Although the film really pre-dates the film noir movement the entire look of THE BIG SLEEP anticipates noir to a remarkable degree--it would be tremendously influential--and director Hawks gives everything a sharp edge from start to finish.
Two versions of THE BIG SLEEP are included on the DVD: the film as it was originally shot and the film as it was released to theatres in 1946. The actual differences between the two are fairly slight, but they prove significant. Although the original version is somewhat easier to follow in terms of story, it lacks the flash that makes the theatrical version such a memorable experience; it is easy to see why Hawks elected to rescript and reshoot several key scenes as well as add new ones, and both newcomers and old fans will have fun comparing the two. The DVD also includes an enjoyable documentary on the differences between the films and the motivations behind them. I don't usually comment on picture quality unless there is a glaring issue, but several reviewers have noted portions of this print have a flicker or seem a bit washed out. I noticed these problems, but I can't say that they in any way distracted from my enjoyment of the film, and they certainly don't prevent me from recommending it--be it on video or this DVD. And I recommend it very, very strongly indeed.
54 of 54 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
"Two...Two... Two Movies in One," could be the ad line for this wonderful DVD. Warner clearly understands that DVDs should offer the customer something new other than just a new play format. Here we get a two-sided disc containing both versions of this movie: a pre-release cut from 1944, seen mostly by servicemen oversees; and, the 1946 release, recut with reshot scenes to promote the chemistry between Bogart and Bacall (she had become a star between '44 and '46). This would be enough to justify buying this DVD, but Warner goes even further, providing an insightful documentary explaining the cuts and changes between the two movie versions--it's like being in a very good film appreciation class. While most DVDs seem overpriced to me, this one may be underpriced--especially considering it's one of the most intriging movies ever made. After watching both versions of the film, and also the documentary, I still don't fully understand the plot, but this movie really is all about atmosphere, dialogue and great acting. A wonderful addition to any movie collection.
40 of 44 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
If you haven't already seen THE BIG SLEEP, buy this DVD now! If you have, but don't own this DVD release, buy it now! Why? Both the 1946 classic and the pre-release 1945 edit are on this disc. The differences are quite interesting. The 1946 version shows Bogart (as Philip Marlowe) as the epitome of "Cool" in every situation, even when he has a gun pulled on him or is getting beaten up. Lauren Bacall comes off much better in the 1946 version as well, as she shows the spark that was seen in TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT. The 1945 version has a few scenes cut from the 1946 version which are quite good, and is actually a little easier to follow. Whichever version you watch, THE BIG SLEEP is one of the greatest movies ever in the "Film Noir" or detective "Murder Mystery" genres. The disc also includes a documentary on the making of the film, and the differences between the two versions, which is very interesting. The picture and sound quality are actually quite good, as any flaws in the picture are so minor that they would not be noticed unless you're watching for them, and not watching the movie itself. As stated before, if you don't already own this DVD, BUY IT NOW! It's a classic movie and an outstanding package!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Bogart and Bacall in a Classic Detective Story
Humphrey Bogart is private eye Philip Marlowe. Lauren Bacall is the spoiled wealthy divorce who is the elder daughter of his client, a frail old man who spends his time in an... Read more
Published 5 days ago by Barbara Frederick
One Murder Never is Solved
"The Big Sleep," 1944, was the second film made for Warner Brothers by its golden trio, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall and Howard Hawks. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Stephanie DePue
Comedy of Errors
My homemade copy of THE BIG SLEEP (a classic Howard Hawks noir thriller) developed tiling, so I went to Amazon.
"$13.95 but $8.95 snapcase. Read more
"$13.95 but $8.95 snapcase. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Doreen Appleton
A Sexy Sultry Young Lauren Bacall Glows
Despite a number of flaws, THE BIG SLEEP shows a young Lauren Bacall at her ultimate best. She is lovely and she is sexy but in a subtle way. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Jack E. Levic
Solid Private-Investigator drama
"The Big Sleep" is a story of blackmail that includes a trail of murders leading private investigator Phillip Marlowe (played by Humphrey Bogart) into danger and romance. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Lawrence Wegeman, Jr.
I Hate to Dissent, but...
Of the famous film noirs, The Big Sleep has never really gelled for me, after three or four viewings so far. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Panzermann
So clever
TCM - Africa comes up with occasional surprises. Last night, at a civilised hour, it was The Big Sleep. This is film noir at its scintillating best. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Ian Hunter
The Empire 5 Star 500 - #67
How important is plot when the leading lady is Lauren Bacall? The Big Sleep. It could also be called The Big Convolution. Read more
Published 10 months ago by The Inquisitor
Two Versions of One of Film Noir's Most Stylish, though Not Most...
"The Big Sleep" is one of the most recognizable film noirs among the general public due to its charismatic stars and Raymond Chandler's iconically labyrinthine crime plot. Read more
Published 11 months ago by mirasreviews
Insanely confusing
There were some good moments, I guess. But this movie is so confusing and complicated that it makes no sense. It is probably the most complicated movie I have ever seen.
Published 11 months ago by Scipio3
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