THE SPIRAL ROAD is that sort of film that classically, Hollywood did well. A story of science, discover and a combat between those who savour tradition and those that savour advancement. Both are not good as a single but better in conjunction. Now seen through the prism of ethnographic, colonial and, to be frank, racist lenses, it is hard to return to clarity. Rock Hudson stars as an idealistic young doctor, Dr. Anton Drager. He had his medical degree paid for by the state and now must pay back the loan by travelling into the jungles of the Dutch East Indies. He is there for more than one thing mind. He sense a chance for acclaim in those green and illness infested places. He senses that his best shot for this might be in the capable hands of Dr. Brits Jansen (Academy Award winner Burl Ives). A renowned but difficult older physician, living deep in the jungles.

Imprint have steered a course for respectful reflection and done a good job. Firstly, it looks amazing. Most of the old fade and fuzz is exorcised and in its place, lovely rich colours that sing off the screen. Then the extras Daniel Kremer and David Del Valle commentary is awash with the deeper themes of the film. Its battles between faith, history, identity and the power of the human condition to create something more profound than just riches. I liked Del Valle digging into the films creation as well. Lacing it with a sense of trouble. More trouble is found in Kim Newman’s look at Rock Hudson. The man who is a contradiction in terms. Gay, Republican, strong, vulnerable. Kim might meander a bit here and there but he again grasps the wheat from the copious chaff, to give us a valuable (and 17 minutes long) extrapolation of Hudson and THE SPIRAL ROAD.

Special Features and Technical Specs:

• 1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray from a 4K scan of the original camera negative by Universal Studios
• NEW Audio Commentary by film historians Daniel Kremer and David Del Valle
• NEW Film historian Kim Newman on Rock Hudson
• Aspect Ratio 2.00:1
• Audio English LPCM 2.0 Mono
• Optional English HOH subtitles
• Limited Edition slipcase on the first 1500 copies with unique artwork