‘Sunset Boulevard’ now on 4K-UHD
Category: Blu-ray's, DVD's and Digital
The 1950 classic Sunset Boulevard is now available in 4K for the ultimate viewing experience in honor of its 75th anniversary. Stars William Holden, Gloria Swanson, and Nancy Olson were nominated for Academy Awards as was Director Billy Wilder and several others. All in all, this film garnered 11 Academy Award nominations, with three wins.
William Holden stars as Joe Gillis, an out-of-work screenwriter who holds onto the dream of writing another great script. He is out of work, in debt, and out of luck. When his car blows a tire, he sees an empty garage in an old dilapidated mansion and pulls in, hoping to be able to use the phone.
The mansion is owned by Norma Desmond (Swanson), a former giant in the movies. Her silent films were treasured by audiences around the world. Norma has been living alone with her loyal assistant Max (Erich von Stroheim). She has no grasp on reality.
When she sees this stranger and learns he is a writer, she begs him to edit a screenplay she has written for her big comeback. At first he declines, but she is insistent. And, Joe desperately needs the money.
Another thing she demands is that he lives at the mansion. He is reluctant but does so. And little by little Norma begins taking over his life.
Soon Joe is a kept man. He is well dressed, well fed, but has nothing of his own. However, as he gets to know Norma, he feels closer to her and somewhat sorry for her. As the two become joined at the hip, Joe feels the pang of wanting his old life back and soon begins writing a script with the help of his old friend’s fiancé Betty (Olson). He must sneak out of the house at night to keep this secret from Norma.
The movie is as intriguing as Norma is psychologically disturbed. She is a sociopath, narcissist, and completely unhinged. Being in black and white adds to the drama. The movie is a classic. Cecil B. DeMille, Hedda Hopper, Buster Keaton, and several others make appearances in this tragic story of old Hollywood. It has even wormed itself into the lexicon of today with the phrase, “Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my closeup.”
Sunset Boulevard is now available from Paramount Home Entertainment on 4K (with Blu-ray and Digital Code). It is not rated however it is not for young viewers.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.