The Night of the Hunter — Criterion Collection DVD

The Night of the Hunter from the Criterion Collection is a two-disc DVD of Charles Laughton's black-and-white psychological thriller, with a restored transfer and a substantial selection of supplemental features listed. Its 1 hour and 33 minute runtime and 1.66:1 aspect ratio make the core film details clear, while buyers should note this is DVD rather than Blu-ray.

At a glance

Criterion edition of Charles Laughton's sole feature film as director, starring Robert Mitchum as a sinister traveling preacher.
The listing describes the film as a restored digital transfer and includes audio commentary, interviews, a documentary and more than two hours of outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage.
Black-and-white, widescreen NTSC DVD presentation across two discs.

Price

$19.98Save 50%

Reference price: ~~$39.95~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

The listed extras offer substantial supplementary material, including commentary, archival interviews and over two hours of outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage.
The Criterion release identifies a UCLA Film & Television Archive-restored digital transfer, a useful draw for viewers interested in this classic film's presentation.
A two-disc edition provides room for the film and listed supplemental material.

Cons

This is a DVD edition, so it is not the Blu-ray format for buyers seeking that specific disc type.

Technical specifications

10 specifications

Disc and presentation
Format	Black & White, Multiple Formats, NTSC, Widescreen
Aspect ratio	1.66:1
Disc count	2
Language	English
Runtime	1 hour and 33 minutes
Rating	Unrated (Not Rated)

Edition details
Studio	Criterion Collection
Release date	November 16, 2010
Model	CRRN1956DVD
Listed dimensions and weight	0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 4 ounces

What to know before buying

Listing details to confirm

The source lists the film as black and white in the format field but also gives Color as a separate color entry. The DVD identity and transfer details are stated, but the listing does not clarify this inconsistent color information.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Viewers collecting classic Hollywood films, film noir or Criterion Collection releases.
Fans of Robert Mitchum and black-and-white psychological thrillers.
Buyers interested in supplemental film-history material as well as the feature.

Less suited to

Buyers specifically seeking a Blu-ray edition.
Viewers who prefer color films or are looking for a newer film rather than a classic.

The Night of the Hunter — Criterion Collection DVD · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.8 / 5 · 883 ratings

5 stars91%91%
4 stars6%6%
3 stars2%2%
2 stars0%0%
1 star1%1%

Customer feedback reports strong appreciation for Robert Mitchum's performance, the film's unsettling atmosphere, black-and-white cinematography, restoration and supplemental material. A mixed picture-quality sentiment is also present, so feedback is not uniformly positive on presentation. For buyers considering this DVD, the reported interest in restoration and extras aligns with the edition's listed restored transfer and two-disc format, though those listing claims do not resolve individual viewing expectations.

Positive themes

Customers praise Robert Mitchum's acting, the film's creepy atmosphere and its cinematography.
Customers report liking the restoration and finding the special features worthwhile.

Mixed feedback

Feedback about picture quality is mixed.

Frequently asked questions

What format is this edition?

The listing identifies it as a two-disc DVD in NTSC, widescreen format. It is not described as Blu-ray.

What supplemental features are listed?

The listing names audio commentary, over two hours of outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage, a video interview with Simon Callow, archival interviews, and a documentary.

Is the film presented in color?

The format entry says Black & White, while a separate color field says Color. The listing is inconsistent on this detail, so confirm the presentation if it is important to you.