Criterion brings on ‘The Hit’ (Stephen Frears, 1984)

I am something of a Criterion junkie! Anything I’ve seen and enjoyed that Criterion releases I simply MUST own! With that said, I find that I’m frequently introduced to films I’ had never seen, or in some cases never even heard of, that look pleasing to the palette. I agree, there have been a few “questionable” releases from Criterion (i.e. Armageddon) but, for the most part, they’ve been dead on the money with picking films.

Before you go and start getting all holier than thou, I will address the issue some are likely thinking… Why haven’t they released anything from Quentin Tarantino, Kevin Smith, etc? My best guestimate is related to rights. So, let’s try and not go there… again! What I do appreciate about Criterion is that they tend to focus on movies that are worthy but are not readily available to the public, movies that are out of print or movies that are deserving of a larger audience.

One of the many movies in the works for release in 2009 is a gangster movie from director Stephen Frears called ‘The Hit’ (1984). Now, this got my attention because I not only haven’t seen it, but I haven’t even heard of it. It’s currently not available on Region 1 DVD and never has been (as best as I could find). Frears has a nice touch for telling stories about social outcasts and the less desirable parts of town, a la ‘The Grifters’ or ‘Dirty Pretty Things’. The movie touts an awesome cast with Terrence Stamp, John Hurt, Tim Roth, Laura del Sol and Jim Broadbent.

Terence Stamp is Willie, a gangster’s henchman turned “supergrass† (informer) trying to live in peaceful hiding in a remote Spanish village. Sun-dappled bliss turns to nerve-racking suspense, however, when two hit men—played by a soulless John Hurt and a youthful, loose-cannon Tim Roth—come a-calling to bring Willie back for execution. This stylish early gem from Stephen Frears boasts terrific performances from a roster of England’s best hard-boiled actors and ravishing photography of its desolate Spanish locations—a splendid backdrop for a rather sordid story. — Criterion

DVD Features Scheduled for this release:

• New, restored high-definition digital transfer, approved by director of photography Mike Molloy.
• Commentary featuring director Stephen Frears and actors John Hurt and Tim Roth.
• Parkinson One-to-One: “Terence Stamp,† a 1988 television interview with the actor.
• Original theatrical trailer.
• PLUS: A booklet featuring a new essay by film critic Graham Fuller.

The Criterion edition DVD of ‘The Hit’ (1984) is scheduled to hit store shelves on April 29, 2009 with a Suggested Retail Price of $29.95 and the Criterion Store Price will be $23.96

[source: Criterion]