Search - Angel on My Shoulder on DVD

My 2 cents

Anita | Salt Lake City, UT USA | 04/26/2003

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This is a good story along the lines of "Here Comes Mr. Jordon", with a slight variation. But the DVD quality of the Gotham release is horrible. The picture quality is almost unwatchable and the un-even mono sound has a steady hissing all the way through the movie."

GOOD QUALITY

T. A. Hansen | eagan, mn USA | 04/26/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This VCI disc is good. The image is mostly crisp and clear, say above 90%. There are a few frames that are fuzzy and dull. There is no hissing or dropout in the sound. There is a comedy short with Leon Errol. It's image sound is also good.As the other reviewers stated the story and acting are top-notch. Even on the short. I have one other VCI disc and there is a Leon Errol short on it. I had never heard of him. He is actually pretty funny."

Stay Away From Passport - Large "PIP" Logo On Screen

G. Ratcheson | Washington | 04/19/2006

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Both Passport DVD's I've had the misfortune of viewing (this one & Plan 9 From Outer Space) have a large "PIP" logo on screen for the entire movie which is extremely distracting & unneccesary. For quality, get the Roan edition."

A Classic for All Generations

G. Ratcheson | 10/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The popularity of "Angel on My Shoulder" spans seven decades. This 1946 classic film stars Paul Muni, Claude Rains, and Anne Baxter. Originally written by Harry Segall, it is the reverse telling of his earlier work, the stage play "Heaven Can Wait", (which was adapted for the screen as "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" and remade in 1978 by Warren Beatty). Whereas "Heaven Can Wait" is the story of a man who's prematurely sent to Heaven, "Angel" tells the tale of a mobster, Eddie Kagle, who is sent to Hell after he's gunned down by his best friend. The Devil gives him an opportunity to spend a few days back on Earth to seek revenge. While there, Eddie manages to redeem himself... much to the Devil's chagrin. It's a clever re-telling of Faust.



Both "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" and "Angel on My Shoulder" not only spoke to the era in which they were made, but also became classics in their own right. Despite the fact that "Angel" was produced during the tail end of World War II, it continues to be enjoyed by television and video rental audiences year after year. Its heartwarming comedy and central theme of redemption have stood the test of time.



Paul Muni plays the lead with much charm, while Claude Rains is a debonaire Devil. There's a few loose ends in the story's structure and non-organic characters whose only purpose is to serve a utility function. However, in the end the overall film delivers an entertaining viewing... and afterall, isn't that the bottom line?



Current rumor has it that a re-make is in the works with a major actor to play the lead. I personally can't wait to see the update."