‘Detour’ Exclusive Trailer: Edgar G. Ulmer’s Classic 1945 Film Noir Is Getting An Incredible 4K Restoration

Filmmaker Edgar G. Ulmer was an incredibly prolific director for three decades, beginning in 1933, having completed 37 films. And right in the middle of that run, perhaps Ulmer’s most appreciated work is the 1945 noir film “Detour.” Selected among the first group of films to ever be worthy of special preservation by the Library of Congress, “Detour” is one of the finest examples of gritty film noir in history.

And now, for the first time ever, “Detour” is getting a brand new restoration. Before now, DVDs and prints of the film have been released as the film fell into public domain, but often the quality suffered. Now, in amazing 4K, you can watch Ulmer’s film as its never been seen before. And we’re excited to be able to offer an exclusive trailer for the new 4K restoration courtesy of Janus Films.

For those who have never seen the film, “Detour” tells the story of a nightclub musician, played by Tom Neal, that finds himself on the run with a dead body. Then he comes across one of the most vicious femme fatales in film history, played by Ann Savage. Filmed on a shoestring budget over the course of six days, “Detour” is one of the best examples of using a low-budget to your advantage.

Janus Films is releasing the 4K restoration of “Detour” at the Film Forum on November 30.

Here’s the synopsis:

As he hitchhikes his way from New York to Los Angeles, a down-on-his-luck nightclub pianist (Tom Neal) finds himself with a dead body on his hands and nowhere to run—a waking nightmare that goes from bad to worse when he picks up the most vicious femme fatale in cinema history, Ann Savage’s snarling, monstrously conniving drifter Vera. Working with no-name stars on a bargain-basement budget, B auteur Edgar G. Ulmer turned threadbare production values and seedy, low-rent atmosphere into indelible pulp poetry. Long available only in substandard public domain prints, Detour haunts anew in its first major restoration.