Also, Touch of Evil finally came to town this
weekend. My wife and I got a sitter and went last night. I had
never seen it in a big screen before, much less in its orginal
aspect ratio, and it was a great experience. The devil truly is
in the details in this film, and I was finally able to see him.
I only caught a few of the more obvious changes
(and I watched my videotape of the film again a month ago
precisely so I could make comparisons). I am of two minds on the
changes to the opening shot. Getting rid of the credits was a
great idea, but I really missed Mancini's score, and thought it
added an element of suspense to the shot that the ambient sounds
now in the picture don't have. The greater use of crosscutting
was an improvement as well.
All in all, it was indeed a wonderfully sordid
experience. I spent $15 to buy the poster, since it is the only
version of it I will ever be able to afford. I also think I have
finally succeeded in getting my wife to appreciate film noir,
which is a great victory in itself.
