Great movies that never, ever needed remaking #236: the Boulting Brothers' brilliant 1947 adaptation of Graham Greene's superb novel Brighton Rock. But we're getting one anyway. Thanks a lot. For those of us who are happier to revisit the original there's good news in February when it comes to UK DVD with a digitally restored transfer from Optimum.

Richard Attenborough, in perhaps the most iconic screen role of his career, stars as Pinkie, a small time hoodlum running a protection racket at a Brighton racecourse. Following the murder of a visiting journalist, Pinkie becomes involved with Rose (Carol Marsh) a café waitress and potentially dangerous witness. Marrying her seems to ensure her silence, but events escalate and eventually lead to Pinky's undoing.

Co-starring Carol Marsh, Nigel Stock, Harcourt Williams and the great William Hartnell, the novel was adapted the screen by Terence Rattigan and Greene himself, who famously changed his own memorable ending.

Brighton Rock will be released on UK DVD and Blu-ray on 28th February 2011 by Optimum Home Entertainment at the RRP of £15.99 (DVD) and £19.99 (Blu-ray). Both discs will feature a new, restored digital transfer of the film, plus the following extra features:

• Interview with Rowan Joffe;
• 1954 NFT interview with Richard Attenborough and John Bouting.

Cover art will follow later.