Citizen Kane Special Edition (tbc)

What can we tell you about Citizen Kane you don't already know? And what can this new Special Edition add to a film that's been analysed, debated and dissected more than any other length of celluloid? Not a lot, perhaps. But if you're not convinced that Orson Welles' 1941 masterpiece is one of the greatest movies ever made - yes, even better than Revenge Of The Nerds, - this bumper package should change your mind.

Why? Well, even if you ignore Gregg Toland's innovative photography, the revolutionary sound design and the visionary editing, how can you overlook the performances of Welles and his Mercury Players, Herman J Mankiewicz's brilliant script or the technical trickery? Whether you read it as an allegory for the American Dream, a biopic of William Randolph Hearst or a fledgling film noir, Kane remains a source of fascination and inspiration. Oh, and it's a rattling good yarn, too.

DVD Extras:

Boasting different extras to its Region One counterpart, this is easily as impressive. Disc One comes with a scripted commentary from film historian Ken Barnes that has insight but little spontaneity. But the real goodies are to be found on Disc Two. Barry Norman hosts a new 50-minute doc called Anatomy Of A Classic (see Best Extra, right); the trailer offers a look behind the scenes; and for Welles aficionados there are recordings of his War Of The Worlds radio broadcast and his rendition of Oscar Wilde's The Happy Prince. Biogs, galleries and a budget breakdown round out this impressive set.

Print