Today, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment is releasing 50th anniversary editions of two classics starring legendary movie stars, for the first time on Blu-ray.  Both are beautifully packaged with 24 pages of trivia and photos, and come highly recommended.

The Hustler:  First up is The Hustler, starring Paul Newman.  The story of Fast Eddie Felson, a young hustler obsessed with beating poker player Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleeson), the film was originally released in 1961 and deservedly nominated for a total of 9 Academy Awards.  It remains an exhilarating and complex character-driven classic, and just one of the many films that continue to prove the sheer star power that Newman possessed at the height of his career.

The Blu-ray includes commentary with Newman, film historian Jeff Young and critic Richard Schickel, as well as numerous featurettes including ones on the making of the film and the character of Fast Eddie Felson.  The set comes beautifully packaged with a 24-page book of photos and trivia.

The Hustler is 135 minutes and rated PG.

The Commancheros: Starring John Wayne, The Commancheros tells the story of a fearless Texas Ranger who forms an alliance with an outlaw in order to take down a dangerous group of gunrunners.   The last film of director Michael Curtiz, this is an entertaining old school western that remains a showcase for Wayne’s strong screen presence and the music of Elmer Bernstein.

The Blu-ray includes audio commentary, as well as several featurettes and archival footage.  The film also comes stylishly packaged with a compact 24-page book of trivia and photos.

The Commancheros is 107 minutes and rated PG.

-John C.