The Big Combo (1955) Comes to 4K UHD and Blu-ray from Ignite Films
Ignite Films is releasing The Big Combo (1955) on 4K UHD and Blu-ray in March. The release features a new 70th Anniversary 4K Restoration, comes in four editions, and includes a bonus film, the restored noir The Crooked Way (1949), in every edition.
Film Overview
The Big Combo is a 1955 American film noir directed by Joseph H. Lewis. The film is written by Philip Yordan and photographed by John Alton, with music by David Raksin. The cast includes Cornel Wilde as Lieutenant Leonard Diamond, Richard Conte as the criminal figure Mr. Brown, Brian Donlevy as McClure, and Jean Wallace as Susan Lowell, with supporting appearances by Lee Van Cleef, Earl Holliman, and Helen Walker in her final screen role.
The Big Combo follows Lieutenant Leonard Diamond as he attempts to dismantle the criminal empire of the elusive and dangerous Mr. Brown. His investigation draws him into a web of corruption, coercion, and personal entanglements as he searches for the truth behind a mysterious woman connected to Brown’s past.
The film originated from a story by Yordan and was developed as a co-production between Theodora, the company of Cornel Wilde and Jean Wallace, and Security, operated by Phil Yordan and Sidney Harmon. The production was completed in 26 days.
Video and Audio Specs
The release features a 70th Anniversary 4K Restoration sourced from a 35mm Fine Grain Answer Print and a 35mm Optical Sound Negative. The picture was restored in 4K by The Grainery, and the audio is sourced from a UCLA restoration funded by The Film Foundation. Color grading was carried out by Gosia Grzyb under the supervision and approval of Scott MacQueen. The release includes German and Latin Spanish language options. Subtitles are provided in English, Swedish, Finnish, Danish, Norwegian, French, Dutch, and Portuguese. All discs are region free.
Bonus Features
Newly Produced Bonus Features
- New Audio Commentary with acclaimed film historian and noir expert Imogen Sara Smith.
- New Interview with celebrated author and critic Philippe Garnier.
- How a Man Makes a Living — How a Little Combo Made The Big Combo: New video essay by Scout Tafoya.
- The Crooked Way (1949) – Another classic gritty gangster noir with spectacular expressionistic cinematography by John Alton with unfiltered filming on the 1940s post-war streets of Los Angeles.
Legacy Bonus Features
- Audio Commentary with Eddie Muller, the “Czar of Noir” and founder of the Film Noir Foundation.
- Geoff Andrew, respected critic and curator, on The Big Combo.
- Wagon Wheel Joe: A fascinating video appreciation of Lewis’s dynamic camerawork and recurring motifs, tracing his evolution from B-movie craftsman to master stylist.
Editions and Packaging
Premium SteelBook
The Premium SteelBook features newly commissioned artwork, a slipcover, a 3-disc set, a booklet, and five lobby cards.
Premium Vintage SteelBook
The Premium Vintage SteelBook features original poster artwork, a slipcover, a 3-disc set, a booklet, and five lobby cards.
4K UHD Standard Edition
The 4K UHD Standard Edition includes reversible artwork, a slipcover, a 2-disc set, and a booklet.
Blu-ray Standard Edition
The Blu-ray Standard Edition features reversible artwork, a slipcover, a 2-disc set, a booklet, and five lobby cards.
Release Date
The Big Combo 4K UHD from Ignite Films releases March 20, 2026. It is currently available to pre-order from ignite-films.com.
Physical media enthusiast covering Blu-ray & 4K UHD releases.