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The Wages of Fear (1953)
The Wages of Fear (1953) poster
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4.4

The Wages of Fear (1953)

Le Salaire de la peur

Drama, Thriller, Adventure • 1h 45m

Overview

In a run-down South American town, four men are paid to drive trucks loaded with nitroglycerin into the jungle through to the oil field. Friendships are tested and rivalries develop as they embark upon the perilous journey.

Best English-Friendly Release

Best Video Release

Criterion 4K Blu-ray > BFI 4K Blu-ray. caps Criterion presents the master as originally graded in SDR whereas FiM added HDR / Dolby Vision for the BFI.

Best Audio Release

1991 Criterion LaserDisc. Criterion 4K Blu-ray's audio mix has more detail than BFI’s and same applies to the subtitles, covering both English and France spoken word

Format

UHD Blu-ray

UHD Tiers

Excellent
Criterion:

BFI a close second

Superior Imports
Criterion US > BFI UK:

better audio + subs on the US 4K

TSPDT

2026: #340
2025: #341
2024: #341
2023: #335
2022: #335

Criterion Forum

Review

Picture: 9, Audio: 7, Extras: 8

Length

105 mins

Type

Movie

Last Updated

a year ago

Contributors

Best English-Friendly Release
Best Video Release

Criterion 4K Blu-ray > BFI 4K Blu-ray. caps Criterion presents the master as originally graded in SDR whereas FiM added HDR / Dolby Vision for the BFI.

Best Audio Release

1991 Criterion LaserDisc. Criterion 4K Blu-ray's audio mix has more detail than BFI’s and same applies to the subtitles, covering both English and France spoken word

Format
UHD Blu-ray
UHD Tiers
Excellent
Criterion:

BFI a close second

Superior Imports
Criterion US > BFI UK:

better audio + subs on the US 4K

Featured Lists
TSPDT
2026: #340
2025: #341
2024: #341
2023: #335
2022: #335
Criterion Forum
Review

Picture: 9, Audio: 7, Extras: 8

Length
105 mins
Type
Movie
Last Updated
a year ago
Contributors

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The Wages of Fear (1953) backdrop

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