One of the greatest boxing films of all time released by Eureka Entertainment now.
Made in 1949, directed by journeyman Mark Robson, Champion features an Oscar nominated performance (his first) by Kirk Douglas for his portrayal of Michael 'Midge' Kelly a boxer whose rise to the top makes him popular with fans, yet behind the scenes he is an egomaniac who will not let anything stand in his way - not even his best friend portrayed by Arthur Kennedy.
After winning a fight he was meant to throw and threatened by the mob, Midge is saved by the love of a woman and he ventures back into the ring one more time but face his fiercest opponent, himself.
Shot in gorgeous black and white photography by famed cinematographer Franz Planer; this film is one of those sporting films that is forgotten about all too easily but deserves re-discovery and thanks to the Blu-ray presentation here it surely will do.
Champion is up there with Raging Bull and Rocky for best boxing films in the long distinguished relationship between cinema and pugilism.
The new disc features an audio commentary by film scholar Jason A. Ney; collector's booklet by critic Richard Combs.
Champion is available via the Eureka Store
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