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The Criterion Collection

In the Heat of the Night (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

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Description

Passing through the backwoods town of Sparta, Mississippi, Philadelphia detective Virgil Tibbs (Sidney Poitier) becomes embroiled in a murder case. He forms an uneasy alliance with the bigoted police chief (Rod Steiger), who faces mounting pressure from Sparta's hostile citizens to catch the killer and run the African American interloper out of town. Director Norman Jewison splices incisive social commentary into this thrilling police procedural with the help of Haskell Wexler's vivid cinematography, Quincy Jones's eclectic score, and two indelible lead performances a career-defining display of seething indignation and moral authority from Poitier and an Oscar-winning master class in Method acting from Steiger. Winner of five Academy Awards, including for best picture, In the Heat of the Night is one of the most courageous Hollywood films of the civil rights era.

Genre: Action & Adventure/Thrillers, Mystery & Suspense


Format: Subtitled, Widescreen


Contributor: Norman Jewison, Rod Steiger, Sidney Poitier


Language: English


Runtime: 1 hour and 50 minutes


MPAA rating ‏ : ‎ NR (Not Rated)


Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 3.36 ounces


Director ‏ : ‎ Norman Jewison


Media Format ‏ : ‎ Subtitled, Widescreen


Run time ‏ : ‎ 1 hour and 50 minutes


Release date ‏ : ‎ January 29, 2019


Actors ‏ : ‎ Rod Steiger, Sidney Poitier


Subtitles: ‏ ‎ English


Studio ‏ : ‎ Criterion Collection


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Feels Like It Could Have Been Made Yesterday
A thoughtful murder mystery about America’s racism problem. Director Norman Jewison’s mystery drama In the Heat of the Night (1967) is a riveting murder investigation into a small Mississippi town called Sparta. This rural hellscape is as brutal, barren, and backwards at its ancient reaching name suggests. Jewison’s setting of the American South is apt for a story about deeply brewed hate since they have a long history of hate crimes, hate groups, and racist Southerners. It’s the most dangerous and unnerving backdrop for Sidney Poitier to be in really. Jewison’s direction is stalwart and steady creating a haunting atmosphere in this little Mississippi town. The slow panning shots and long still shots of characters allow for anything to happen. The camera follows characters down long streets and hallways for a creepy effect. You can tell that In the Heat of the Night’s long winding cinematography influenced The French Connection and Mississippi Burning. The slow methodical approach to the film’s investigation gives you a similar vibe to a dark thriller like L.A. Confidential or Zodiac. Quincy Jones’ score is a blend of jazz, soul, and funk that makes chase sequences feel brisk and make nighttime scenes feel disquieting. Jones composed the perfect soundscape for In the Heat of the Night’s moody tone. Ray Charles’ main theme is a wonderful bringer of jazz and soul for an authentic feel and somber vibe. Sidney Poitier is steadfast and intelligent as the brilliant homicide expert Detective Virgil Tibbs for the Pennsylvania Police Department stranded in Sparta, Mississippi. His calm and professional demeanor is impressive as poor Poitier is arrested, insulted, threatened, ridiculed, and assaulted by every racist redneck in Mississippi. He plays it cool and comes out of In the Heat of the Night looking like the smartest detective ever.He acts with a subtle nuance that depicts Tibbs as clever, observant, and even hateful to those who wrong him, which gives his character a realistic complexity. Poitier is captivating to the brutal end and a fine leading man. Furthermore, Rod Steiger steals the show as the incompetant racist Chief of Police Bill Gillespie. His stocky stature, slow speech, rage filled voice, and angry banter is unforgettable. I think he only manages to upstage Poitier because it is a loud obnoxious role like how he chew gum with his mouth open or is quick to arrest the first suspect he sees. His on screen chemistry with Poitier is interesting as it really looks like they despise each other. I should mention a young Scott Wilson gets a strong supporting role as the racist local Harvey Oberst wrongly accused of the murder. I like Warren Oates as the bumbling racist beat cop Officer Sam Wood. In short, In the Heat of the Night is a poignant crime drama on American racial politics, police corruption, police procedure, and American justice. Ironically, this piece of cinematic Americana is directed by a Canadian director! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2019 by Matthew D'Souza
    • A classic
The moment Sidney Poitier yells to Rod Steiger "they call me MIster Tibbs" a classic was born. Probably the best film to explore racial tensions disguised as a murder mystery. Good supporting cast, well written, and well directed.
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2019 by alan levine
    • Another great transfer from Criterion........
Classic late 60's film about contemporary race relations in the South. Interesting, if a bit slow moving, by today's standards, mystery with knockout performances by the two leads. Picture image is first rate, a true movie house viewing experience. Well worth the time devoted to viewing.
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2019 by William W. Miller
    • More Timely Now Than Ever
This deservedly won the Best Picture Oscar of 1967. Rod Steiger's performance is matched by Sidney Poitier's(who could of easily won, also). Criterion's expertise in presenting a cinema-like quality to it's blu-rays is well documented, and it's on display here. How interesting it is that this year's winning Best Picture - "Green Book" - delves into race relations. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2019 by C. Wauda
    • A cinematic and social landmark.
Poitier and Steiger give perhaps their best performances. Script and direction are flawless. Although it might seem a bit dated to modern audiences, it is still an absorbing and powerful film. Should be near the top of anyone's "must see" list.
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2022 by The Kid from Brooklyn
    • great movie
During the 1960's America was so divided , but this is a reflection of all men are created equal ,even two law enforcement Officers of Different backgrounds and race who wanted Justice Sydney and Rod ,great Actors
Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2022 by FRED1140
    • Always a great mivue!
We first saw this movie on its first run in a theatre. It’s a movie so well acted and directed that it needs to be in everyone’s library. And it has Sidney Poitier so - of course!
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2022 by Just me
    • Intense story.
An intense story from the Civil Rights era, with gritty performances by Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger and Warren Oates.
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2019 by Lonas Taylor

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