Crime Wave [Blu-ray] [US]

Reformed ex-con Steve Lacey (Gene Nelson) has finally built a straight, honest life with his devoted wife, Ellen (Phyllis Kirk). But that fragile American dream shatters in the dead of night when a wounded former cellmate crashes into his home after a deadly gas-station holdup. Trapped in a tightening vise, Lacey is terrorized by a pair of escaped San Quentin thugs—including a menacing early performance by Charles Bronson (billed as Charles Buchinsky) and the unhinged Timothy Carey—who extort his help for a high-stakes bank heist. On their trail is Detective Lt. Sims (Sterling Hayden), a cynical, toothpick-chewing force of nature who operates with a disturbing edge of righteous sadism. Sims doesn't care about rehabilitation; he wants his targets caught, and he's more than willing to use the terrified newlyweds as bait.

Shot on location over a frenetic two weeks, Crime Wave completely rejects Hollywood studio gloss in favor of moody, naturalistic night cinematography by master cinematographer Bert Glennon (They Died With Their Boots On). From the long-lost streets of early '50s Los Angeles to an actual, real-time Bank of America robbery, this B-noir masterpiece serves as both a gripping psychological thriller and a stark time capsule of the era of its production.

Special Features and Technical Specs:

• NEW4K RESTORATION OF THE FILM FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE
• Audio Commentary by Film Noir Foundation founder Eddie Muller and author James Ellroy
• Featurette Crime Wave-The City Is Dark
• Classic WB cartoon "Baby Buggy Bunny"
• Classic WB Short "Gadgets Galore"
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature