The Corner Penthouse

Warner Brothers recently released the Rebel Without a Cause (1955) 4K UHD. Read on to find out more about it...

[ SYNOPSIS ]

In this archetypal drama of teenage angst and rebellion, three high school students - Jim Stark (James Dean), Judy (Natalie Wood), Plato (Sal Mineo) - who should lead idyllic lives in their stable, comfortable suburban families explode with a violence and sexuality that their parents cannot understand. This film - which ripped the facade from the post-war American dream to expose the rage of the country's youth - resonates with an energy that has made it a modern classic and a powerful coming-of-age story.

[ SPECIFICATIONS ]

The movie is presented in a 2.55:1 aspect ratio with a runtime of 1:50:54. The movie has been rated (in 2005) PG-13 for some violence and thematic elements. Audio languages include English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German. Subtitle languages include English SDH, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Korean, and Mandarin.

[ SPECIAL FEATURES ]

All of the content listed below can be found on the Blu-ray disc, which was originally released in 2013. The audio commentary is the only special feature on the 4K UHD disc.

• Audio Commentary - by Douglas L. Rathgeb, author of The Making of Rebel Without a Cause (2010)
• James Dean Remembered (1:06:22) - This 1974 documentary, shown on ABC's Wide World of Entertainment series, is hosted by Peter Lawford. It features interviews with Sammy Davis, Jr., Steve Allen, Natalie Wood, Leonard Rosenman, and Sal Mineo.
• Rebel Without a Cause: Defiant Innocents (36:30) - This 2005 documentary traces the development and production of the film.
• Dennis Hopper: Memories from the Warner Lot (10:31) - Conducted late in his life, Hopper recalls his years as a Warner contract player.
• Screen Tests (6:27) - For Sal Mineo, James Dean, and Natalie Wood.
• Wardrobe Tests (5:05) - Primarily Dean and Corey Allen, with various gang members forming different groups.
• Black & White Deleted Scenes Without Sound - Although labeled as "deleted scenes", these are either raw dailies or footage that was filmed to be used later as stock footage. There is no Play All, but included is the following: "Kids Exit the Planetarium" (2:42), "Gang Outside the Planetarium" (1:12), "Gang Outside the Planetarium (Alternate Angle)" (2:41), "Plato on the Bus" (3:01), and "Kids Run Down the Ramp" (0:55).
• Color Deleted Scenes Without Sound - Although labeled as "deleted scenes", these are either raw dailies or footage that was filmed to be used later as stock footage. There is no Play All, but included is the following: "Kids Drive Up to School (1:36), "Kids Walk Up to School (0:57), "Kids Leave School (0:31), "Jim Sees Judy (0:55), "Kids Leave the Planetarium Auditorium (3:04), "Jim Hustled into Precinct (0:51), "Gang Attacks Plato (0:49), "Gang Attacks Man (1:43), "Cops Arrive at the Planetarium (0:58), "Parents Arrive at the Planetarium (1:20), and "Alternate Ending (0:36).
• Behind the Cameras - A series of EPK-like promos, narrated by Gig Young, which includes "Natalie Wood" (7:57), "Jim Backus" (5:47), and "James Dean" (7:44). The listing by name is somewhat misleading, because Wood and Dean are interviewed only briefly.
• Theatrical Trailer (2:25).

[ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ]

A digital copy code voucher is included inside the standard two-disc black UHD case. The first print run includes a slipcover.

[ NOTES ]

Rebel Without a Cause (1955) is available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, Blu-ray (Digibook), and Two-Disc Special Edition DVD. The film is Highly Recommended. FUN FACT: This film was the inspiration for Paula Abdul's "Rush Rush" music video from 1991 starring Keanu Reeves in the James Dean role.

This item has been provided by Warner Brothers for review on this site.