Joyride (1977) 
from 
Also from : Red Rock West 
The new commentary pairs producer and film noir scholar Alain Silver with director Christopher Coppola, who directed his brother Nicolas Cage in Deadfall shortly
before Red Rock West was released. While they do discuss a few production details like the budget and the history of Propaganda Films, they're mostly here to offer
analysis. They discuss the nature of neo-noir relative to the genre that inspired it, examine the style of Red Rock West and its use of humor, and spend a lot of time on
the ambiguous nature of the main character. Steven Bjork, Digital Bits
Alain Silver and Christopher Coppola provide an informative commentary track that discusses the film's place in the realm of film noir, details about the production,
the shooting locations, the work of director John Dahl, the turns by the performers, the legacy of the feature, and much more. Coppola is the brother of Nicolas Cage and brings
up his collaboration on the film Deadfall quite a bit while peppering in a lot of great personal details. Dillon Gonzales, Geek Vibes Nation
from 
Australia*: The Long Voyage Home and Up Tight 
In their new audio commentary, film historians Alain Silver and Jim Ursini spend a good deal of time breaking down The Long Voyage Home's aesthetics and discussing the importance
of the collaboration between John Ford and cinematographer Gregg Toland on this film and The Grapes of Wrath. It's an erudite yet engaging conversation that also covers Ford's stock company of actors
and Eugene O’Neill's very positive response to the adaptation. Derek Smith, Slant
The commentary on Up Tight is excellent. Alain Silver and Jim Ursini analyse the film in depth and provide
a great deal of
production background alongside their deconstruction. It s clearly a very
well-researched track and helps you better appreciate the film.
David Brock, Blueprint
and from KINO-LORBER*: Hustle and The Longest Yard
The all-new Audio Commentary by Film Critics Alain Silver and James Ursini, who do a good job of dissecting the film's visual language and style along with giving an account of the various themes,
behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and more. A.W. Kautzer, The Movie Aisle
A new commentary on The Longest Yard with film critics Alain Silver and James Ursini, who wrote a biography about director Robert Aldrich,
digs deep into the history behind the film,
Aldrich s long career and pugnacious style of filmmaking, and other topics.
Brad Cook, Flickering Myth
Australia): *Twilight
The audio commentary by film critics Alain Silver and James Ursini is another winner. Some of the details include comparisons to the Harper Series of Films and Movies and here with Newman s character as Ross, the neo noir subgenre and where it was when they film was released in 1998, the flashback structure the film is built upon, Benton and Russo s script written against and for the archetypes that Newman/Hackman/Sarandon play, the closeness the script/film that hues to the novels of Raymond Chandler, LA as a character in this film and Neo Noir. A.W. Bautzer, The Movie Aisle
Released in a Limited Edition, December, 2022 from Australia:
*Burn!"An excellent audio commentary by Alain Silver and Jim Ursini, who gets right into the facts: he says that the twenty minutes dropped for the U.S. release includes several political discussions. Generalissimo Franco s Spain indeed insisted that the colonials not be Spanish. Alain Silver tells us that Gillo Pontecorvo quit the communist party in 1956 after the invasion of Hungary. Glenn Ericsson, Trailers from Hell
Australia: *Internal Affairs
A newly-recorded audio commentary with film critics Alain Silver and James Ursini, who work well to bounce factoids and analysis off each other and keep the track moving throughout. Silver and Ursini discuss the history of noir and neo-noir, break down director Mike Figgis s directing choices, and offers details from the film s production. I appreciated the commentary leaning more towards historical and scholarly information than a play-by-play-type commentary. Silver and Ursini do a commendable job at balancing behind-the-scenes with in-depth analysis and provide a commentary track that fans of Internal Affairs, or neo-noir, will enjoy. Robert Chipman, Film Obsessive
Released in May, 2022 by
The Criterion Collections:
*The Flight of the Phoenix
"Alain Silver and filmmaker Walter Hill discus how they first came to discover Aldrich, his background and his films in the studio system, before talking about The Flight of the Phoenix, touching on the original novel, what Aldrich saw in it and how the scenario and characters have been adapted to screen. It s a fine interview with some interesting analysis with focus on what they feel are the film s best moments. Chris Galloway, Criterion Forum
Released in March, 2015 by The Criterion Collections:
*Ride the Pink Horse
"The commentary by film noir historians Alain Silver and James Ursini is especially informative. The two, who have written extensively on the subject, obviously made a comprehensive study of the film and...deliver some fascinating trivia and technical analyses."
Peggy Earle, High-def Watch
"We are treated to another par-excellent audio commentary featuring film noir historians Alain Silver and James Ursini who seem to know even the most minute detail of the production including Montgomery's intents, Metty's camera movement and comparisons to the, somewhat darker, Dorothy B. Hughes' novel. You could listen to this repeatedly (and I will) - so much information here." Gary W. Tooze, HD Sensei
Pendragon Film: *He Walked by Night
Released in June, 2012 from Twilight Time/Fox: *The Wayward Bus Film historians Alain Silver and James Ursini provide a laid back but informative running commentary
on the film with only an occasional slight pause between comments. Matt Hough, Home Theater, June 4, 2012
The Criterion Collection: *Kiss Me Deadly
The one audio commentary features noir historians Alain Silver and James Ursini, who do a detailed and thorough job contextualizing Kiss Me Deadly as the quintessential 1950s noir
and, more importantly, a Robert Aldrich film. Glenn Heath Jr, Slant Magazine, June 20, 2011
Released in July, 2011 from Twilight Time/Fox: 
*The Egyptian
who discuss many aspects of the film from its production to its harsh reception.
Silver and Ursini also touch on the film s cast here and there;
it s always funny for a self-professed b-movie fanatic like myself to hear
'real' film scholars talk about actors and their careers." "Luigi Bastado," blocritics.org
"Commentator Alain Silver knows his stuff--he wrote the book Raymond Chandler's Los Angeles.
He points out that only about a dozen true film noir films featured
private detectives--half of them based on Chandler books." Glenn Abel, Hollywood Reporter
Murder, My Sweet, Warner Bros.
The entire first Warner Bros. Film Noir Collection 
at 
CLICK HERE ON THE BOOK COVER FOR MORE INFORMATION
*Call Northside 777, 20th Century--Fox "Ursini and Silver offer the kind of insight only multiple viewings or a trip to the library would offer, and their commentary puts the film in its proper context. They also offer their encyclopedic knowledge of movies from the era. For example, they describe the real-life events that inspired Northside, and how they differ from what's on-screen. " Marty Mapes, Turner Classic Movies
FilmNoirReader.com.Thieves' Highway, 20th Century--Fox/Criterion Collection
"A more objective assessment is offered throughout on a commentary track by Alain Silver, editor of Film Noir Reader. Silver's not quite the kind of academic film scholar Criterion usually has offering commentary on these things, and that's good. Noir deserves insight as accessible and direct as the films themselves, and Silver handles the chores beautifully." Wade Major, Boxoffice
"Includes an excellent commentary track by noir historian Alain Silver (editor of The Film Noir Reader series) that calls attention to framing and shooting as well as background on the milieu and collaborators in making the movie." Stephen Murray, Epinions
*Panic in the Streets, 20th Century--Fox"The commentary track by James Ursini and Alain Silver is excellent. If you are a fan of the genre then the names of Alain Silver and James Ursini are very familiar. The authors have written a number of books and articles on Film Noir. You will have a hard time finding more knowledgeable experts on the field. Thanks to Fox for bringing these great film historians in on their Film Noir project. The education you get on this commentary track is worth the price of admission by itself." Rusty White, Entertainment Insiders
*The Dark Corner, 20th Century--Fox
"As they have for a number of other titles in this series, film historians James Ursini and Alain Silver tag team for a commentary track, with an emphasis on the technical particulars of the shoot-though set in New York, most of the movie was shot on a Hollywood backlot, with a few pickups back east for which not all the actors made the journey. These guys are clearly well informed, and it's a free-ranging discussion of all things noir.." Jon Danziger, Digitally Obsessed
The second Warner Bros. Film Noir Collection*Nightmare Alley, 20th Century--Fox
"The major inclusion is the audio commentary by prolific noir historians Alain Silver and James Ursini. Chatty and enthusiastic, what makes this track so interesting is the fact that they concentrate more on discussing the film's ambiguities than they do the background. As such it immediately makes you want to check out the film and take into account their considerations. Admittedly, I care less for Nightmare Alley than they do, but it's hard not to be taken in by their passion. " Anthony Nield, DVD Times
*Crossfire, Warner Bros.
"Film historians Alain Silver and James Ursini carry on a lively wall-to-wall discussion about film noir, the movie itself, its sources, the blacklist (which hovered over the careers of several key players in this movie, in front of and behind the camera), the Red Scare, and the era that gave rise to pictures such as Crossfire and the violent political reaction to them. They're aided with archival interview quotes from the director, Edward Dmytryk; between the three voices, the lively talk, and some good editing, the commentary track ends up as entertaining as the movie." Bruce Eder, The All Movie Guide
at
*House of Bamboo, 20th Century--Fox
"The audio commentary is a dense supplement that features film historians Alain Silver and James Ursini, who provide interesting historical and anecdotal information regarding the production and Fuller's place in the film-noir canon. Both men make insightful comments about several aspects of the project and many of Fuller's collaborators." Kenneth Sweeney, American Cinematographer
*Kiss of Death, 20th Century--Fox
"The sole supplement is a commentary from film historians (and regular Fox Noir DVD participants) Alain Silver and Jim Ursini, who do a bang-up job providing a comprehensive overview-filled with production tidbits and critical analysis-of the film and its place in noir history. Their discussion of the various locales used for shooting, as well as a scene in which Bianco and Udo visit a whorehouse, is great." Nick Schrager, Slant Magazine
*The Street with No Name, 20th Century--Fox.
"Commentating partners Alain Silver and James Ursini provide plenty of context for the film's conventions, drawing from a range of genres and industry background. As well, they set up for a second DVD commentary on House of Bamboo, Sam Fuller's 1955 remake of Street With No Name. In both cases, Ursini and Silver's conversations are smart and appreciative and the comparisons they make between the films are entertainingly sharp." Cynthia Fuchs, Pop Matters
*Lady in the Lake, Warner Bros.
"All of the movies in Film Noir Collection 3 contain the same kinds of extras: audio commentaries and trailers. In the case of "Lady in the Lake," the commentary is by film historians Alain Silver and James Ursini, who have done this kind of thing before. They are knowledgeable, affable, and fairly amusing, too. I enjoyed their exchange of opinions, reflections, and descriptions." John J. Puccio, DVD Town [Currently only available in Film Noir Vol. 3--see below]
*The River's Edge, 20th Century--Fox
"Audio
Commentary by authors and historians James Ursini and Alain Silver:
Informative talk, mostly about Dwans' directorial career. Particularly
interesting were observances on the straight-forward direction Dwan
employs because of the low budget, and where it failed him, like in the
unconvincing "day for night" scene where the officer is run over.
Continuity issues are pointed out, like the trailer that might look
small on the outside, but had plenty of room on the inside to film
three actors moving around." Paul Schultz, The Trades
Universal/The Criterion Collection"Film noir historians Alain Silver and James Ursini are old hands at commentary and they make a good verbal tag team. Well versed in the history and art of the film noir, they share their knowledge and observations with a conversational easiness, keeping it from getting too professorial. They are also fans, and their affection for the film keeps their talk engaging and animated yet focused." Sean Axmaker, MSN Movies
"Noir experts James Ursini and Alain Silver deliver an excellent audio commentary on Boomerang."
Barrie Maxwell, Digital Bits
*Where Danger Lives
"Alain Silver and James Ursini,
who are also John Farrow experts, add many details about the director's background.
The comments are generous with academic accolades for the film, especially Farrow's superior direction
that enhances/rescues Ms. Domergue's performance. They also point out several long-take scenes,
including one that lasts seven minutes. The movie is so smoothly directed, I never noticed it before."
Glenn Erickson, DVD Savant
Also on that DVD Tension. Joint commentary with Elizabeth Ward on that and
Also on
Mystery Street
Video comments on Act of Violence, They Live by Night and Crime Wave.
"The Lodger has another excellent commentary by the film historians team of Alain Silver and James Ursini. Most have heard this pair working on notable Film Noirs and I feel quite comfortable listening to them share their encyclopedic knowledge of classic film which is always evident and they genuinely seem to enjoy their work with each other." Gary Tooze, Dvd Beaver
"The feature-length commentary by Lean scholars Alain Silver and James Ursini is a more predictable, though informative and utilitarian take on Lean's body of work, highlighting his perfectionism and giving historical perspective on his career, and factoids about the actors. They make useful observations about Lean's compositions, which use moving two-shots to convey 'the shifting relationships in terms of character dominance'." Jeremiah Kipp, Slant
*The Lodger in Fox Horror Classics.
*Smart Money, Warner Bros. Gangsters Collection Vol. 3
"Smart Money has an Alain Silver/James Ursini commentary that will have you watching the film twice.." Nicholas Sheffo, Fulvue Drive-in
*Hobson's Choice from the Criterion Collection.
*Invisible Stripes, Warner Bros. Gangsters Collection Vol. 3
"Silver and Ursini talk a lot about the Production Code. They also discuss how this and other gangster films presaged the postwar noir era. While they do offer occasional biographical notes on the filmmmakers, they do not do this to the extent that most of the other commentators in this set do, which is fine since the biographical details get a little repetitive when you listen to all of these tracks close together."
Ken McAlinden, Home Theater Forum
These two titles were released without our Audio Commentary
Video (On-camera) Commentaries
The Gangster Collection, Warner Bros."On-camera speakers in the featurette Beer and Blood: Enemies of the Public include a particularly entertaining Martin Scorsese and Alain Silver." Glenn Erickson, DVD Savant
Other film featurettes include: Angels with Dirty Faces: Whaddya Hear? Whaddya Say?; Little Caesar: End of Rico, Beginning of the Antihero; The Petrified Forest: Menace in the Desert; The Roaring Twenties: The World Moves On; and White Heat: Top of the World.
Laura, 20th Century--Fox/Pathe:
French 2-Disc Special Edition
The Dirty Dozen, Warner Bros.
The Bette Davis Collection: Vol. 2, Warner Bros.Film Noir Classic Collection, Vol. 3, Warner Bros.
Peeper, 20th Century--Fox.
Double Indemnity Special Edition, Universal
The Michael Shayne Mysteries, vol. 1, 20th Century--Fox.
They Live by Night and Crime Wave
Finally if you prefer the written word, Essays for Criterion DVDs:
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