191 reviews
Sales Rank: 1262

Format: Closed-captioned, Dolby, Dubbed, Dvd-video, Full Screen, Subtitled, Black & White, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled), English (Dubbed), Spanish (Dubbed)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 87
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6

MPN: D2006082D
UPC: 024543060826
EAN: 0024543060826
ASIN: B00008LDNZ

Theatrical Release Date: November 1944
Release Date: March 15, 2005
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: BRAND NEW, Factory Sealed items direct from the Studios. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Quick International Airmail!

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com essential video
This silky smooth film noir pits gruff police detective Dana Andrews, stiff and blunt in his street-bred manners, against a cultured columnist and acidic wit (Clifton Webb at his prissiest) in a battle of wits during a murder investigation. The cop is a romantic hiding under a hard-boiled exterior who falls in love with the beautiful victim through the portrait that hangs in her apartment. Gene Tierney, whose heart-shaped face mixes the exotic with the girl next door, brings the poise and calm of a model to her role as the object of every man's gaze and the target of a killer. Laura, handsomely shot in dreamy black and white, is the first and best of Otto Preminger's cool, controlled murder mysteries. In the gritty world of film noir it remains the most refined and elegant example of the genre, but under the tasteful decor and high-society fashions lies a world seething in jealousy, passion, blackmail, and murder. Vincent Price costars as a blithe gigolo and David Raksin's lush theme has become a wistful romantic standard. --Sean Axmaker

Description
Nominated for five Academy Awards, this stylish mystery thriller twists and turns with new suspects, new evidence and unexpected revelations. A wealthy journalist (Clifton Webb) becomes entranced with a beautiful young career woman named Laura (Gene Tierney). But shortly before her wedding to a dashing young playboy (Vincent Price), she is found murdered. Stirred by her portrait, the detective (Dana Andrews) assigned to her case finds that he, too, is strangely under Laura's spell.

Customer Reviews: Read 186 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars

A Classic of the Genre September 1, 2008
The presence of Vincent Price alone is enough to make this film worth watching. The man had one of the most memorable theatrical personalities that ever graced the screen. His voice rang like a haunting tones cutting through fog. His smallest gestures expressed volumes of expression and emotion. Even when he overacted (which was much of the time) he did it with a singular type of flair that made it engaging rather than laughable. He had style. He had flair. And he had panache. That's a star. That's what makes an icon. His role in "Laura" shows yet another facet of his abilities. His characterization of Shelby Carpenter is of a man who's weak yet charming and fickle yet strangely loyal. It's a complex role and he managed it with the aplomb typical of his bearing. It's no surprise that his presence is dominant most of the times he's on the screen.

This isn't meant to downplay the contribution from others in the cast. Gene Tierney, one of the al-time great beauties of the silver screen is radiant in the title role. She manages a combination of aloofness and down home appeal that's nothing short of remarkable. The woman was as talented as she was lovely. Dana Andrews was cast perfectly as the detective who falls for the mysterious beauty as he unearths the details of her life. His portrayal of a man whose dedication becomes love and, ultimately, dangerous obsession is a gripping one. Judith Anderson gives a strong performance as the Aunt of the title character. Her turn as the slightly snobbish woman who may or may not be a rival is engaging and could have stood more screen time than it was given.

Then there's Clifton Webb. Few actors have been so adept at playing characters so loathsome there's nothing to do but hate them. His character is loathsome the moment he opens his mouth. After that he's easy to hate simply for being there. There's no redeeming the nature of the man he plays. He is vile. He is arrogant. He holds his fellow beings in contempt. The few he likes he sees as possessions. He's patronizing and/ or annoyingly condescending towards everyone. And yet it's impossible not watch him. Clifton Webb was a master of this. His personality was nearly as theatrical as Price's. Watching the two of them together is a treat that's not to be missed.

The film itself is a pleasure to watch. The story by Vera Gaspary (novel) and Jay Dratler (screenplay) is tightly written and filled with rich characterizations. The Direction, by Otto Preminger, is terse and moves the story at a brisk pace. Emotions are kept veiled but always feel close to the surface. The cinematography by Joseph LaShelle is excellent. As is the case in many of the better films from the 'Noir' genre the construction of the individual scenes allows the eye to 'read' the picture almost from one frame to the next. The lighting and photography compliment the shots perfectly. The sets are full and rich but also uncluttered. On the downside some of the costumes are fashion disasters (perfect for those "What Were They Thinking" montages) and there's one enormous gaffe near the end of the picture. That's what cost it one star here incidentally. That gaffe should have been caught before the film was ever released. More attention to the final edit could have fixed the second faux pas but some of those clothes (especially the hats that belong in a story about a white whale and a deranged captain) are beyond hope.

But those are small complaints. 'Laura' is a film that stands the test of time, and with good reason. The story it tells is a good one. The passions it deals with are timeless. And it's done well. That counts as much as anything else. The restoration and transfer to DVD is excellent. This disc comes with some strong extras as well. There are biographical features on both Price and Tierney. Both are informative, absorbing and well worth watching. There's also a deleted scene that's shown separately and an extended version of the original release.

This is a good package. Fans of older films will love it. For people who aren't familiar with older films it may be a good place to start.
[...]

4 out of 5 stars

One of my favorites! August 22, 2008
I've always loved this movie and it was a real treat to be able to get it on DVD given it's age. The picture quality was great and it even included a scene that was cut from the original release and I don't believe has been included in the television runs.

5 out of 5 stars

Verry, Verry Good Film! August 3, 2008
This is absolutely a good film - not a great film but wonderfully fun! It has a couple of good twists and turns! I would highly recomend it!
If you love Gene Tierney and Classic films watch the Ghost and Mrs. Muere!

5 out of 5 stars

Laura a fantastic movie July 31, 2008
This is how movies should be written today. Drama, intelligence and good acting - even in black and white. This is an older movie, but none the less one of the best made.

5 out of 5 stars

Simply the best! July 8, 2008
An amazing movie and an amazing beauty, Gene Tierney.

All I could think during this movie was what a shame I entertainment has taken such a nose dive since the release of this flick.

No cursing, no nudity, no blood and gore. Just a well written, and well acted movie that relied on talent.

This movie will haunt you.........as will the Johnny Mercer score.

Thank you Gene Tierney. You were just perfect in this!