This special limited edition slipcover (designed by Sam Smith) is limited to 3,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
Welcome Vinegar Syndrome Labs (VSL) to the VS Sub-Label family! As with each of our sub-labels we are hoping to expand and defy expectations with the diversity of films we restore and release. As the name implies, VSL will serve as a kind of testing area for releasing genres and eras of film that one might not immediately expect to come from VS. The ultimate objective of VSL will be to see if these types of films will find an audience, and if so, pursue and release more of them…and even if not, still serve as a means of restoring more of the weird, rare, and unusual movies you might not expect from Vinegar Syndrome.
"There's nothing more despicable than a bent policeman." In a less-than-swinging area of London, the grizzled Detective Sgt. Pierce is obsessed with taking down a local kingpin, Quince, who is an expert at evading arrest, as he was once a policeman himself. Meanwhile, PC Strange is a new beat cop, fresh and idealistic about serving the public good, who meets a hippie girl named Frederika while quieting a street scuffle. Frederika takes an interest in Strange, who is quickly learning the harder realities of police life. When Strange gets trapped in a budding scandal, it's Pierce who convinces Strange he can save him, but only if Strange helps bend the law to entrap Quince.
An early feature from prolific telefilm director David Greene (I Start Counting; Rich Man, Poor Man), THE STRANGE AFFAIR combines the grit of US police drama with English working-class culture, delivering a strong update to the form with its multiple storylines and cynical eye on both pop culture and bureaucracy. Featuring powerful performances from Michael York (Austin Powers, Murder on the Orient Express), Susan George (Straw Dogs, Tintorera), and Jeremy Kemp (Top Secret!, Dr. Terror's House of Horrors), it also boasts a stunning soundtrack by experimental composer Basil Kirchin (The Abominable Dr. Phibes) and photography from Alex Thomson (The Keep). Vinegar Syndrome Labs is proud to offer the disc debut of this police thriller, newly restored in 4K from its original Techniscope negative.
directed by: David Greene starring: Michael York, Susan George, Jeremy Kemp, George A. Cooper, George Selway 1968 / 105 min / 2.35:1 / English Mono
Additional info:
Region A Blu-ray
Newly scanned and restored in 4K from its 35mm original negative
Commentary track with filmmaker, film writer, and producer Kat Ellinger
Swinging to London (5 min) - a featurette with words by actor Michael York
Greene Recruits (35 min) - a making-of documentary featuring interviews with the cast and crew
In Like Quince (18 min) - an interview with actor David Glaisyer
Reversible sleeve artwork
English SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.65 / 5 from 80 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
The Strange Affair, a newly restored 4K film from Vinegar Syndrome Labs, has received praise for its captivating storyline and excellent release. Customers appreciate the stunning transfer quality and engaging movie experience, making it a must-have for fans of police dramas and classic cinema.
Summary topics
Film Quality (33%): Many customers raved about the film, describing it as a time capsule into a different time.
Release Quality (19%): A significant number of customers brought up that the release was excellent and one of the best Labs releases recently.
Movie Engagement (17%): Many customers pointed out that the movie is really good and keeps them fully engaged throughout the entire film.
Transfer Quality (12%): It was noted by customers that the transfer looks amazing and the movie is really good. (100% agreement)
"Great film and quality release, liked Michael York too!" — Juha J.
"Great release perfect film transfer my favorite releasing company." — jerrod a.
"Transfer looks amazing and the movie is really good." — Robert B.
Reviews
The Strange Affair VSL bluray review
"The Strange Affair is another great VSL release. I love how VSL releases stuff that would not fit the VS proper mold. The Strange Affair is a British police drama. It is well acted and has good cinematography. The British locations look great. The Techniscope restoration looks great and the transfer to bluray is well done. The disc some interviews and a lengthy making of documentary. The OCN slipcover looks fantastic. If you like British police stories, check this one out."
— Mark P. (5/5)
David Greene
"Interesting film! Wasn't sure where it was going during the first act, but it comes together with some relevant things to say corruption and authority. Great performances across the board."
— Benjamin B. (5/5)
Slept-on title.
"This release seems a little slept-on, especially for a VS title. A seedy late '60s British crime gem, do yourself a favor & pick this up."
— Stefan P. (4/5)
An affair to remember!
"Huge thanks to Vinegar Syndrome for disinterring this rare British gem from the Paramount vaults. It's a valuable time-capsule of it's era, and a fantastic discovery. The picture restoration is - as always - top-notch. I especially love the artwork on this edition, too! A highly recommended release!"
— Aneurin M. (5/5)
Good oldie
"Love the old crime films. Plus Susan George."
— Chris S. (5/5)
A really solid and atmospheric discovery
"Really glad to have checked this one out. The Strange Affair has a cool, moody feel and a slow-building tension that worked very well for me. It is the kind of film that sneaks up on you, with a strong sense of place and a style that keeps it engaging throughout. Not one of the biggest titles out there, but definitely a rewarding watch."
— Thomas L. (4/5)
Great find !
"I had never heard pf this film and that is one of the things I love most of Vinegar Syndrome Thank you for saving this very interesting film from obscurity"
— Dean P. (5/5)
It’s so British
"This was a blind buy for me, the cover art was just too interesting to not buy. It’s an entertaining and unique crime drama that had me hooked from start to finish."
— Gustavo M. (5/5)
A top quality cop show
"‘The Strange Affair’ is a gritty and compelling cop show that captures the zeitgeist of late 1960s swinging London and its criminal underbelly. The film’s narrative takes some pretty unexpected twists and turns as idealism and corruption collide with a dangerously obsessive approach to law enforcement."
— Lee B. (5/5)
All over Battersea, some hope and some despair. . .
"Technicolor! Techniscope! The Zoom-ins! The Zoom-outs! Very Bri'ish Kitchen Sink patchwork-Crime Drama, easy-going & odd."
— Hans B. (4/5)
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