Orson Welles' astonishing directorial debut is both a thinly disguised dramatisation of the rise and fall of Yellow Press baron William Randolph Hearst and a consummation of the first 50 years of cinematic art. Boasting a bravura performance by the 25-year-old genius alongside his cast of fresh faces (Joseph Cotten, Agnes Moorehead, Everett Sloane), it introduced a number of innovations in the use of sound, lighting, editing, set design and cinematography which have had a profound impact on generations of movie-makers.
DVD Extras:
Original theatrical trailer. Generally considered to be the greatest film ever made, Kane comes up fresh and vibrant on the DVD format, although the original print has some flaws. Even if you've seen it a dozen times or more, digital mastering adds a shiny new lustre to Gregg Toland's deep-focus cinematography and improved contrast to the expressionistic lighting. No real extras, but you'll be too busy watching the film to care.
