The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition)

Product Description

Shot in Salzburg against the majestic Bavarian Alps, THE SOUND OF MUSIC is considered one of the greatest screen musicals ever made. Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director (Robert Wise), the film, based on a real family and their true events, tells the story of a young postulate, Maria (Julie Andrews), who, after proving too high-spirited for the Mother Abess and other nuns, is sent off to work as a governess to seven unruly children. The Von Trapp family is run, in military style, by the seemingly cold-hearted Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), a lonely widowed naval officer. Seeing how badly he and his children need companionship, he proposes to the Baroness Schraeder (Eleanor Parker), a calculating, mutual friend of beloved family friend Max Detweiler (Richard Haydn). It is the baroness who soon realizes that it's Maria--with her warmth and love for the children--the captain really loves. It is nearly bliss for the newly formed family who loves to sing together--except for the cloud looming over their beloved Austrian horizon: Hitler is ascending to power, forcing Von Trapp to decide whether to join the Nazi party--which he loathes--or force his family to leave their home forever. One of the most memorable scores ever written (by Rodgers and Hammerstein) and breathtaking performances by Andrews, Plummer, and the seven children mark this classic as one of the world's most favorite films.

System Requirements:

Running Time 174 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com essential video

When Julie Andrews sang "The hills are alive with the sound of music" from an Austrian mountaintop in 1965, the most beloved movie musical was born. To be sure, the adaptation of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II's Broadway hit has never been as universally acclaimed as, say, Singin' in the Rain. Critics argue that the songs are saccharine (even the songwriters regretted the line "To sing through the night like a lark who is learning to pray") and that the characters and plot lack the complexity that could make them more interesting. It's not hard to know whom to root for when your choice is between cute kids and Nazis.

Read our interview with
Charmian Carr, who played
Liesl von Trapp in The
Sound of Music.

It doesn't matter. Audiences fell in love with the struggling novice Maria (Andrews), the dashing Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), and, yes, the cute kids, all based on a real-life World War II Austrian family. Such songs as "My Favorite Things," "Do Re Mi," "Climb Every Mountain," and the title tune became part of the 20th century Zeitgeist. In addition, The Sound of Music officially became a cult hit when audiences in London began giving it the Rocky Horror Picture Show treatment, attending showings dressed as their favorite characters and delivering choreographed comments and gestures along with the movie. So why resist, especially when the 40th Anniversary Edition is the best DVD yet.

The DVDs
As if the direct involvement of Julie Andrews weren't enough, the 40th Anniversary Edition of The Sound of Music is a must-have for fans because of the fond sense of nostalgia that will touch all but the worst cynic's heart. Andrews introduces both discs and contributes a commentary track on the film. It's a joy to hear her speak about the film (for example, she explains how she solved her dislike for the lyrics of "I Have Confidence"), and also heard are remarks by Christopher Plummer (who at one point refers to his being 48, which if true would mean his comments were made in about 1975), Charmian Carr (Liesl), choreographer Dee Dee Wood, and Johannes Von Trapp (the real-life Maria Von Trapp's youngest son, who admits that his father did have a whistle but claims that he was not as stern as portrayed in the film). Even with all those people involved, there are still significant gaps of silence, however. Retained from the previous two-disc editions is the commentary track by director Robert Wise, which during the musical numbers becomes an isolated score with no vocals. Also new are sing-along subtitles in English, Spanish, and French, which allow you to have your own sing-along at home. In addition, the film's remastering shows off a truer and much warmer sense of color.

On the second disc, Andrews participates in a new 63-minute documentary "My Favorite Things: Julie Andrews Remembers." But it's really a general making-of documentary with contributions from a number of principals, including director Robert Wise, who died in mid-2005 (not surprisingly, some stories are repeated from the commentary track and from the 87-minute documentary on the previous DVD). Andrews also shares a warm 19-minute sit-down with Christopher Plummer. Carr, who over the years has become the film's biggest advocate, narrates a new 22-minute documentary, "On Location with The Sound of Music," in which she revisits the places in Salzburg where the movie was filmed, and even joins one of the "Sound of Music tours" that have become a booming industry. And acknowledging another big industry, there's a 12-minute featurette on the sing-along phenomenon, focusing specifically on the audience, costumed and otherwise, that attended a sold-out Hollywood Bowl sing-along in 2005. Making special appearances at the event are four von Trapp great-grandchildren and all seven of the actors who played the children. Thankfully, those actors also appear in a 33-minute documentary "From Liesl to Gretl: A 40th Anniversary Reunion," in which they explain what they do now (many are still in show business) and share stories about the film, who was afraid of Christopher Plummer, and what they feel is their responsibility to the film's passionate fans. What's touching is how the group still considers themselves a family so many years later. Other material includes an A&E documentary on the von Trapps, Mia Farrow's screen test for the Liesl role, and a restoration comparison.

What's Missing?
If you already own the previous two-disc editions, you'll want this 40th Anniversary Edition as well, but you might not want to toss those versions. Probably the most significant omission from this edition is the original 14-minute documentary Charmian Carr made in 1967, "Salzburg Sight and Sound." Carr's new documentary includes only a couple clips from the vintage piece. It's not a great work of art, but it's a notable loss and would have made a good contrast with the new documentary. In addition, the new making-of documentary is about 24 minutes shorter than the old one. Also missing are the audio-only features--the interviews, the radio programs, the Ernest Lehman spotlight--and the historical still gallery examining the history of Salzburg and the film. Granted, this material probably got the least play of any of the old features, but completists might want to hold onto their old discs for it. It would have also been nice to have screen tests other than Farrow's. Tests for all the children and for Christopher Plummer (including singing in his own voice before he was dubbed for the film) were included on Hollywood Screen Tests and Rodgers and Hammerstein: The Sound of Movies. Again, they're not critical but it would have been nice to have them all in one place. So maybe the 40th Anniversary Edition isn't the complete package on The Sound of Music, but it's the most satisfying edition yet, with enough new material to please even the veteran SoM DVD watcher. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

The cheesiest, corniest yet funny and romantic movie of all time.......2007-09-10

I just bought this version and haven't had time to play all of the special features, but there seems to be a lot of commentaries and less behind the scene videos. I would love to see the deleted scenes or video of the actors while filming this movie, but I think it's too much to ask since this movie was made in the mid 60's. They did a great job in restoring it though. The quality of the picture is very good, almost as if it was recently made, which led me to discovery of why all actresses back then looked so beautiful and their faces looked perfectly smooth and wrinkle-free... LOL.

However, I think this is by far the cheesiest, corniest yet funny and romantic movie I have ever seen.
The funniest scenes are when the Captain blew his whistle to summon his children and when Maria blew her whistle to ask for Captain's own signal. The look on his face was priceless.
The most romantic scene is the Laendler scene, where their relationship started to bloom.
The cheesiest and corniest scene is the gazebo scene between Maria and the Captain. Somehow, I don't see any chemistry between them. Maybe it's the way the Captain touched Maria or his exaggerated voice when asking for Maria's relative to ask permission, I'm not sure. To me the Laendler scene is more convincing in showing their blooming romance.
The most unforgettable songs are Edelweiss and Do re mi (even my 2yo loves these songs and can sing to them).

Overall, I love this movie, especially the handsome Captain, played effectively by Chris Plummer. I think he should be nominated for Academy Award instead of Peggy Wood who played Reverend Mother... But this is different story.

I feel kind of sorry for the Baroness, since she's not a real villain, but someone who traveled all the way to Salzburg to get acquainted with her beau's children only to be intercepted by their governess/charmer. However I don't disapprove of Maria and Georg's romance, since that's the plot... LOL. Eleanor Parker was convincing in her role as Baroness.

Julie Andrews was also effective in playing a cheerful, innocent and outspoken governess with a gifted voice. It was a little bit disappointing when after the wedding, she suddenly played a role of a doting but reserved and obedient wife.

As for the dubbing issue and the apathy from Chris Plummer... I don't really care. They shouldn't have dubbed his singing since it was fine... Although it was a bit shaky, it sounded sincere and more realistic coming from someone who hadn't sung in years. Perhaps, this (and the fact that he was somewhat limited to similar roles as Captain von Trapp after this movie) is why he dislikes this movie so much up to this day.

Magnificent!.......2007-09-09

I saw this movie as a child, at the cinema.
Now I returned to it and got even more pleasure.
Fantastic performance, marvelous music, beautiful locations.
Gourmet's choice!

For use in Czech Republic.......2007-09-04

This was purchased for a gift to someone in Prague and we find out that their system will not permit them to play the DVD. Is there an other way to get this to play European style?

"Fa, a long, long way to run..." (if you're from Boston).......2007-09-03

THE SOUND OF MUSIC is incredibly entertaining and incredibly effective despite the fact that it is incredibly hokey. THE SOUND OF MUSIC may actually be the source of all known hokeyness in the universe. Still, despite it all, this film leaves nuclear waste long-haul truckers and oil-rig wildcatters singing, "How do you solve a problem like Maria?" with a smile on their grizzled faces.

There's a lovely innocence to this film that touches everyone who sees it. Julie Andrews as Maria essentially reprises her MARY POPPINS role as the magical governess who brings happiness to a houseful of lonely children being raised by an overly stern but loving father.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC is more or less the true story of the singing von Trapp family who fled anschluss Austria to escape the overwhelming shadow of Nazism. Christopher Plummer plays Naval Captain Georg von Trapp, a rather benevolent despot of a parent who is mismanaging his children with brisk military efficiency when Maria appears. The new Nanny is a reluctant Novice at the local convent, sent out into the world by the Reverend Mother to measure her devotion to the cloister. She soon falls in love with the children and they with her. As Maria and the children bond, the Captain and Maria are drawn to one another. They eventually marry, and as the Germans occupy their country, they flee over the mountains to Switzerland.

Most of the musical numbers in THE SOUND OF MUSIC have become true standards, including, "The Sound of Music," "Sixteen on Seventeen," "Do-Re-Mi" (AKA "Doe a Deer"), "A Few of My Favorite Things," and "Edelweiss" (which is NOT the national anthem of Austria). Rodgers and Hammerstein contributed their best and last to the libretto. Musically, the 1965 movie varies somewhat from the 1959 stage play, but this only means there are more classics to be had in enjoying them both.

Certain scenes have become classics in and of themselves: The opening scene of Julie Andrews flinging her arms and pirouetting joyfully on the slopes of the Unterberg is instantly recognizable. The chorus of smiling nuns is equally recognizable. The gazebo scene and gentle dance between the eldest daughter, Liesl and her boyfriend Rolf, still leaves the viewer with wet eyes. Plummer and Andrews' wistful last scene on stage in Salzbug is moving.

Affection for this staid but singular film has led to it being often parodied (i.e., "The Sound of Murder") and picked on (viz., "The Sound of Mucous"), and it is awfully easy to goof on the dialogue and songs, but nevertheless, we keep coming back to it.

When released, THE SOUND OF MUSIC became the top-grossing film of all time, and, inflation adjusted, it still stands in the top ten. The continuing popularity of this film is amazing, especially considering that four decades later the movie musical is all but dead. There are no dramatic special effects, no car chases, no explosions, no T & A, and not a foul word in this film. No doubt, this combination of elements accounts for its success. The political yahoos who grow fat on trumpeting "Family Values" could do more good by encouraging people to watch this film than by all the other anti-whatever they hypocritically babble about. Of course, that assumes they really believe what they're saying in the first place.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC is true G-Rated quality family entertainment, an artifact of a gentler age.

The greatest movie ever made.......2007-08-31

Every moment in "The Sound Of Music" is magical, the music is incredible, it touches your heart and soul.This is my all-time favorite movie.

Average customer rating:

Hopefully as good as I remember...
Why does it take so long for the GREATEST shows to make it to DVD?
BEYOND Recommended!
One of the best historical mini series ever

Masada - The Complete Epic Mini-Series
Starring: Peter O'Toole , Peter Strauss , Barbara Carrera , Anthony Quayle , and David Warner
Director: Boris Sagal
Manufacturer: Koch Vision
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000S0KYTE
Release Date: 2007-09-11

Description

In first century A.D., Flavius Silva (Peter O'Toole), commander in Roman Palestine, leads his forces in combat against the remaining Jewish Zealots who have taken refuge in the seemingly impregnable fortress of Masada. There, the engineering and military might of Rome faces the passion and ingenuity of Eleazar Ben Yair (Peter Strauss) and his people. Based on the novel "The Antagonists" by Ernest K. Gann, this epic, 4-part mini-series was shot on location in Israel.

Customer Reviews:

Hopefully as good as I remember..........2007-09-09

I remember watching Masada when I was a nine-year-old child and loving it. I didn't understand all of the subtleties, but I understood the story. As a result, the story of the Jewish patriots standing up to the might of the Roman Empire has stayed with me all of these years. I am now a history teacher, and will be purchasing the DVD to show my students when we study the Romans later this month. The thing that has stuck with me the most all these years is the amazing soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith, which I hope will be re-released in conjunction with the DVD, as the only copy on Amazon is available for $299...

Why does it take so long for the GREATEST shows to make it to DVD?.......2007-08-15

I saw this series when it originally aired in the 1980's and its impact has lingered with me all of these years. I managed to acquire a VHS transfer of the entire series just in time for my VCR to completely die - leaving me no way to enjoy this powerful drama again. After passing scores of copies of "Gilligan's Island - The Complete Series" and "Bosom Buddies - Collector's Edition" on the shelf of my local video store, I am exhilarated to find this one released at last!

Visually stunning (filmed on location) and dramatically riveting, the "Two Peters" duel on screen with searingly intense chemistry and vie for best performance, though O'Toole's ability to humanize his Roman commander makes this series so enticing. His final moments on screen as he comes to the full realization of the cost of Roman domination, is the stuff of legend. Barbara Carrera is positively luminous as a Jewess torn between her people and the man who controls her destiny.

A must see production, well worth the wait, and a demonstration of what "Event Television" was in the 1980's. They TRULY don't make them like this anymore!

BEYOND Recommended!.......2007-07-06

Masada is one of the most eagerly anticipated DVD releases of the year. This Classic TV 1981 miniseries is arguably one of the greatest ever produced in its genre, and garnered a lot of awards in its day. It is MORE than highly recommended!

It is well written and has a stellar cast that more than lived up to the script. The series, based on Ernest K. Gann's historical novel The Antagonists, is a dramatization of a documented revolt by nearly a thousand Jerusalem Jews against Roman oppressors in A.D. 72 to 73.

Epic in its scope, the actors bring nobility and pathos to the ultimately inspiring and tragic story. Following a city-wide siege by Rome's soldiers, Jewish Zealots move into a desert fortress in the mountains of Masada of Judea. It is from that remote location that they make their last stand against the tyrannical Roman Empire. Amazingly, their defensive battlement is strong enough to convince the enemy to negotiate after a two-year battle!

The brilliant Peter O'Toole, portrays Cornelius Flavius Silva, commander of the Roman legions, while Peter Strauss (who was cast in several miniseries in the 80's) portrays the Zealot leader Eleazar ben Yair, who end up developing an improbably respect for each other during the life-and-death struggle.

O'Toole, is fresh from the Roman conquest of Judea. Exhausted emotionally and physically, he has been affected by the constant warring, but remains the ruthless Commander of the elite Tenth Legion. He yearns to return home to Italy, but is prevented from doing so by a violent uprising of a small band of courageous Jews led by the volatile renegade soldier, Eleazar ben Yair (Strauss).

Silva is ordered to capture Eleazar and his followers. He is beset by internal strife because the brutal desert conditions have his legion teetering on the brink of mutiny, while he finds himself falling in love with a Jewess (portrayed with sensitivity by Barbara Carerra.) At the same time, Pomponius Falco, portrayed by David Warner, is working to steal his command.

Inside the fortress, Eleazar is struggling to keep his followers together. A diverse mix of defected soldiers, wanted criminals along with women and children totally about 900, they struggle to find enough food and water to survive their courageous stand against impossible, truly hopeless odds.

The actors leave nothing on the cutting room floor in their heart wrenching renditions of their unforgettable characters. Somehow, O'Toole brings humanity to his character, while Strauss is integrity, fury and courage personified.

Both of their characters believe the negotiations are real, and represent each side in good faith, struggling to find a way out of the deadly situation.

Unfortunately, neither realizes that Rome has no intention of yielding, but instead sends thousands of soldiers in a horrible seige of Masada resulting in one of the worst tragedies in Jewish history.

Masada was brilliantly directed by Boris Sagal (The Omega Man), and the musical score is unforgettably moving.

One of the best historical mini series ever.......2007-07-02

Masada is one of the greatest historical mini series ever made. it tells the story of the jewish revolt in 70 AD AND it's destruction by the romans.
Masada is a movie full of passion and intense. peter o toul is awesome as the roman general who has to end the jewish revolt once and for all.
Masada is not to miss and here is presented in all it's glory (full 6 hours +...movie).
I Wish also a few more "roman" movies to be released in dvd and i'm talking about "dacii" // "the last roman" // "sign of the gladiator"

Average customer rating:

3:10 to Yuma (1957) Movie Review
3:10 to Yuma - comparing the old with the new version - in progress
A true classic deserving more repsect
A great Western deserving more exposure!
Wow, who did the cover art?

3:10 to Yuma (Special Edition)
Starring: Glenn Ford , Van Heflin , Felicia Farr , Leora Dana , and Henry Jones
Director: Delmer Daves
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000TGJ82Q
Release Date: 2007-08-28

Product Description

This fine western opens with Van Heflin as a rancher whose family is suffering from the devastatingeffects of a long drought. Heflin needs $200 to build a well, then learns he can obtain the money as a reward for delivering Glenn Ford, a notorious outlaw now in the hands of the law, to the state prison in Yuma, Arizona. Though this will put Heflin in great personal danger, the peaceful man accepts the assignment, knowing what the money will mean to his family. Heflin and Ford hole up in a small hotel in another town while waiting for the train to Yuma. The outlaw begins toying with Heflin's mind, talking in a friendly manner about Heflin's job and financial situation. Playing psychologicalgames, Ford tries to convince Heflin to take $100,000 to look the other way while he escapes. Heflin finds himself in a quandary, desperately needing the money yet being bound by his word to carry out the job. Ford's gang, led by Jaeckel, discovers where their leader is hidden and sets out to rescue him. The town officials abandon Heflin rather than put themselves in danger, leaving the troubled rancher alone to face off with the outlaws. Ford ends up assisting Heflin, helping his captor on the 3:10 to Yuma, explaining, 'I owed you that.' Heflin has come through the ordeal, body and integrityintact, and, as if in answer to this baptism by fire, the skies burst forth with rain, putting an end to the drought.

Customer Reviews:

3:10 to Yuma (1957) Movie Review.......2007-09-10

3:10 to Yuma is an interesting blend of Western and Suspense, but more captivating still is its methodical examination of fleeting morals, blind justice, and the charismatic villain at the heart of the conflict.

Notorious outlaw Ben Wade (Glenn Ford) and his gang rob a stagecoach transporting significant funds of one Mr. Butterfield (Robert Emhardt) and end up killing the driver in the process. Farmer Dan Evans (Van Heflin) and his son are witness to the tragic events but are unable to help, save for notifying the authorities. When Dan returns home and his son explains the day's harrowing event, his wife appears disappointed by his apparent lack of courage, though his family's safety was foremost in his mind. When Dan is forced to go into town to borrow money for his farm's upkeep, he discovers that Ben Wade has stayed behind and the desperate farmer agrees to help apprehend the nefarious criminal. Upon Wade's capture, Butterfield employs Dan to guard the outlaw until 3:10 when the train to Yuma will arrive and take him to prison. But when Wade's gang arrives in town to free their leader, Dan will find that honor and dedication may only lead to an early grave.

While 3:10 to Yuma may appear to be an action film, it is actually an intricate examination of character, both hero and villain, set against a suspenseful game of cat-and-mouse in the old West. Van Heflin's protagonist represents the forces of good and parallels the difficulties present that don't always allow justice to prevail - at least not at first anyway. Honor and pride play an important role in Dan's decisions, as his wife's initial chagrin instigates his desire to bring Wade to justice. His belief in this subjective moral is so determinate that he even protects Wade from certain death just to attempt to deliver him to the law's judgement.

As unique and interestingly obstinate as Dan's demeanor is, the villain of the film actually overshadows him in charisma and stage presence. Glenn Ford's portrayal of outlaw Ben Wade is one of the finest character studies in cinema, as he approaches the role with a full palette of emotions and intentions, complete with a similar belief in honor and morals that deceptively shifts as the film progresses. The opening scene finds Wade nonchalantly killing one of his own men when held hostage, and such dispassionate violence would lead one to believe the vilest of villains stands before him. However, the narrative follows Wade just as much as Evans and we discover he stays behind in the town of Bisbee to woo the young bartender Emmy (Felicia Farr). His presence is so captivating in fact that not only does he get the girl, but she seems completely unfazed to learn that he is the notorious Ben Wade. When the outlaw is captured by Evans, their witty back-and-forth banter often reveals Wade to be the more entertaining of the two and most often it's hard not to root for the bad guy. The final confrontation with Wade's gang cements what we'd been expecting all along - the line between heroes and villains is a thin one, at least in this engaging battle of wits and integrity.

Though the plot is light on action, the story is heavy on suspense as Dan attempts to carry out his suicidal mission. Mind games replace gunplay and while the film's running time doesn't outstay its welcome, those expecting a nonstop shootout extravaganza may leave unsatisfied, while the film connoisseur will be delighted by the intricate character study. Reminiscent of deliberately paced suspenseful westerns like John Sturges' Bad Day at Black Rock and of course Fred Zinnemann's High Noon, 3:10 to Yuma deserves a place of its own in classic cinema for its daring antagonist and intent focus on the composition of heroism and the trials and tribulations it requires.

- Joel Massie

3:10 to Yuma - comparing the old with the new version - in progress.......2007-09-09

Maybe it's my own Wyoming roots clouding my judgment, but I absolutely love a GOOD Western, especially those having Southwest settings, especially Arizona and Old Mexico - having heard tales of them spun by my mother and father since childhood.

When the "new" version of "3:10 to Yuma" hit the previews, I suddenly realized I wanted to make the comparison since I often do that. To make it even more enticing, I had never seen the old version.

The heart of the story centers around a good man, desperate for money, who unwittingly becomes ensnared in the capture of an outlaw, and as part of his volunteering for the paid work, he must "take the prisoner to the 3:10 to Yuma". The interaction between the psyche two men makes for a remarkable tale . He knows only too well that his prisoner, even though shackled, is probably smarter than he is, and certainly more cunning, honed to a razor sharp edge by profession, and backed by a well-organized gang of scoundrels who are still on the loose.

I rate this most excellent older movie 5 stars, even with a few oddities and the highly improbable ending. (other than that, it had every possibility of having actually occurred somewhere back in time, which is one of the things I look for).

I'm amazed I hadn't seen it before. It has all the essential elements of an enduring Classic: a well written, well chosen and unique story line; great casting, and splendid direction, enhanced by a smoldering moment or two between male and female without the graphics deemed so necessary now. (not knocking "now", just making the statement that physical emotion can be transmitted very successfully without the graphics, which, in my view took much more thought process and showcased the talent of this director,who brought the story to life through the well chosen cast and his ability to bring out the best in each of them.

I highly recommend this movie and encourage anyone watching it for the first time to look for all the details that set this one apart from the crowd.

A true classic deserving more repsect.......2007-09-08

This is truly an excellent film which deserves more respect, despite bad cover art. The trailer for the remake already made me shudder. If you are a fan of classic westerns, do yourself a favor and check this out. Glenn Ford is out of character but great as this wily villain. I believe the original story was written by a young Elmore Leonard. The bombastic Frankie Laine soundtrack tune is pretty good too. Do yourself a favor and see this even if you have already seen the remake. It will be very tough for Russel Crowe to outdo Ford (in my opinion).

A great Western deserving more exposure!.......2007-08-14

Despite the lousy cover art, this is a fantastic western and I'm giving the film (not the DVD cover!) 5 stars. The character play between Van Heflin and Glen Ford is dynamic and I wouldn't count on any of that for the action-oriented remake.

Wow, who did the cover art?.......2007-08-11

Wow, somebody please learn these graphic designers a little taste.

That's a modern Chinese steam locomotive plastered onto the cover.

Did they not watch the film to look for the type of imagery they should be using? Was this image just lying around in the Google-sphere waiting to be used? The damn photo has Chinese flags and writing on it! How did this get overlooked?

It's acne on the face of a classic. The film is ABOUT the "3:10" and they can't even get the imagery right! D'oh!

Average customer rating:

Fantasic pic
Mel Gibson
Outstanding
Best movie of the year.
Apocalypse!

Mel Gibson's Apocalypto [Blu-ray]
Starring: Raoul Trujillo , Fernando Hernandez , Gerardo Taracena , Rudy Youngblood , and Dalia Hernandez
Director: Mel Gibson
Manufacturer: Buena Vista Home Entertainment / Touchstone
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000NQQ4ME
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Product description

From Mel Gibson, director of The Passion Of The Christ and the Academy Award® winning Braveheart (Best Director, Best Picture, 1995) comes the thrilling historical epic Apocalypto. This intense, nonstop action-adventure transports you to an ancient South American civilization, for an experience unlike anything you've ever known. In the twilight of the mysterious Mayan culture, young Jaguar Paw is captured and taken to the great Mayan city where he faces a harrowing end. Driven by the power of his love for his wife and son, he makes an adrenaline-soaked, heart-racing escape to rescue them and ultimately save his way of life. Filled with unrelenting action and stunning cinematography, Apocalypto is an enthralling and unforgettable film experience.

Customer Reviews:

Fantasic pic.......2007-09-09

Fantastic movie, so great looking in 1080p, but very short on features. I assumed with it being blu ray the extras would be great, but nothing like my hd dvd's.

Mel Gibson.......2007-09-05

The movie is very intrigue and realistic of a time not talked about. The action and storyline is tremendous and thought provoking and graphic. Definetly not for the young at heart.

Outstanding.......2007-08-17

Mel does it again. Although I'm not a big fan of blood & guts nor english sub-title movies, I'll make an exception here in view of the subject matter. This was a great movie. Perhaps the only problem is there is just was not enough time for character development and historical perspective. As with most movies, that's left to your imagination and your knowledge of history. Considering the subject matter of the movie though, historical data is largely conjecture. And character development with english sub-titles is challenging.

Best movie of the year........2007-08-14

This movie is fantastic. Do not read too many of the reviews because they seem to give away too much of the plot. Yes it is violent, but done well. Hats off to Mel and his crew for making a great film with no spoken english, yet very easy to follow and even easier to get wrapped up in. I did not want it to end.

Apocalypse!.......2007-08-06

Although Mel got critisized by the media for this one, this film is well worth the price. Be prepared for some ultra violence but it has a great story. Yes this story has been done before but you've seen nothing like it in a way. The cinematography is grade A and should've won an oscar. The sound and picture of the blu ray is pristine and this film is great eye candy. If you like action and heart, this movie delivers on both aspects!!! The story of a man who's trying to save his family.

Average customer rating:

will they make the 3:10 to Yuma?
Unfortunately, not very realistic
"For Fate Travels Everywhere"
Tense, well-directed with excellent performances and atmosphere...
One of the best B&W westerns ever made

3:10 to Yuma
Starring: Glenn Ford , Van Heflin , Felicia Farr , Leora Dana , and Henry Jones
Director: Delmer Daves
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005YUNS
Release Date: 2002-04-02

Amazon.com

Struggling rancher and family man Van Heflin sneaks captured outlaw Glenn Ford out from under the eyes of his gang and nervously awaits the prison train in this tight, taut Western in the High Noon tradition. Adapted from an Elmore Leonard story, this tense Western thriller is boiled down to its essential elements: a charming and cunning criminal, an initially reluctant hero whose courage and resolution hardens along the way, and a waiting game that pits them in a battle of wills and wits. Glenn Ford practically steals the film in one of his best performances ever: calm, cool, and confident, he's a ruthless killer with polite manners and an honorable streak. Director Delmer Daves (Broken Arrow) sets it all in a harsh, parched frontier of empty landscapes, deserted towns, and dust, creating a brittle quiet that threatens to snap into violence at any moment. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

will they make the 3:10 to Yuma?.......2007-06-05

I'm a Glenn Ford fan from way back & will watch just about anything with him in it. The thing I liked about Ford is that he was a man, macho even, if you will, without being in your face about it in some kind of fake and phony way like The Duke liked to be (from time to time), so it makes it kind of tough to give this only a three star rating.

But you know what? It's not a bad western at all, and Van Heflin is also pretty good in it (though the role he portrays here will easily remind you of the character he played in Shane.) Last, but not least: the actress who plays the barmaid lingers in your mind long after the film is over. Some nice dialogue is exchanged between her and Glenn Ford.

Unfortunately, not very realistic.......2007-02-27

Again, I am forced to serve as the lone reviewer who believes this film to be over-rated. I am definitely a Glenn Ford fan, but the idea that Ford simply waits for the train to come and take him away, while he and Van Heflin sidle down the street definitely didn't move me. I'm sorry but the rest of the film didn't ring true either. Richard Jaeckel gets killed in a weird, unrealistic way, and Henry Jones gets lynched somehow. The scenes with Heflin's wife are stagey and uncomfortably hard to believe.
I would rate both Jubal and Cowboy much higher, more realistic, especially Cowboy. Check out Cowboy first and then Jubal. Either of these are better than 3:10. Sorry, Delmer Daves/Glenn Ford fans.

"For Fate Travels Everywhere".......2006-12-01

The desolate backdrop of the old west , coupled with the wonderfully wistful title song (sung by Frankie Laine), gives this 1957 Columbia film an intriguing opening, one which the viewer cannot help but be absorbed. Van Heflin is Dan Evans, a rancher whose family is threatened by drought, and who is asked to bring notorious outlaw Ben Wade (Glenn Ford) to Yuma to stand trial, for a sum that will undoubtedly help his financial problems. Wade's gang is jailed after committing a stagecoach robbery and killing, but they escape, planning to rescue their leader, so Dan must keep one step ahead of them as he escorts the handcuffed Wade to the train station. Felicia Farr has a nice supporting role as the bar girl, Emmy, who falls for Wade - Ford's villain knows how to charm the ladies, so much so that almost every woman falls under his spell. His engaging manner with the girls - "What's a woman for, if you can't treat her right?" - his romantic way of telling stories, almost literally makes the female population swoon. Even Dan's wife Alice (Lenore Dana) is temporarily taken with Wade as he sits, handcuffed, at the dinner table, telling a tale of a girl that he knew with sea-green eyes. Heflin can't understand why women fall for this - after all, this guy is a outlaw and a killer. As the two men arrive at the station town, Wade's gang is ready to pounce and so Evans and Wade hide out in a hotel room, the bridal suite, no less, to wait. Ben then plays mind games with Dan, trying to escape, to beat him down. Although Alice wants him to save himself by allowing Wade to escape, Dan realizes that he has to do it - not only for the money, but because it's the right thing to do. The two guys form a strange bond, as Ben's gang closes in. Had things been different, they may have even liked each other. Wade allows Dan to get him onto the train, explaining that he doesn't like to owe anyone any favors. There is a tentative understanding between them as Dan waves to his wife from the moving train, while the final chords of the title tune and Frankie Laine's voice close this psychological, fascinating Western.

Ford's performance is just flawless; he embodies his redeemable bad guy effortlessly, whistling the title song throughout relatively quiet sequences. And he is cunning and manipulative, knowing what buttons to push, as he subtly degrades Dan for not being a good husband and father. Maybe it's my female perspective, but somehow I don't think I'd be immune to his penetrating gaze. After he and Farr engage in a passionate kiss, we see them a few moments later emerging from the back room of the saloon, fully clothed of course, but there can be no doubt of what had transpired between them. As he is taken away by Evans and the marshal, he promises to send her some pearls. Heflin gives just the right amount of selflessness, courage and compassion as the one who has to perform an unpleasant, risky task to support his family. These two underrated actors fill the screen, and it's hard to imagine any other leading men of the time bringing the protagonist and bad guy to life. An up and coming Richard Jaekel plays Wade's right hand, a fair-haired, cold-hearted sidekick who will stop at nothing to free his leader. He would later go on to have a succession of similar roles in several genres. Director Delmer Daves collaborated with Ford on three Westerns, all of which are gems.

The DVD: Transfer looks great, with a few extra trailers included: "Bite The Bullet", "Silverado" and "MacKenna's Gold". It's a dual sided disc so that the viewer can choose between full screen and widescreen.

"Though you've got no reason to go there, and there ain't a soul that you know there, when the 3:10 to Yuma whistles its sad refrain, take that train . . . . . . . "

Tense, well-directed with excellent performances and atmosphere... .......2006-11-06

Delmer Daves has certainly proved himself as one of Hollywood's most talented directors--at least in the Western genre... His "3:10 To Yuma" echoes "High Noon" in some respects, but to make frequent on the similarity misses the point of a very fascinating picture...

"3:l0 to Yuma" is a classic among suspense Westerns, a serious examination of the nature of heroism of an ordinary man in control of a dangerous outlaw... It is fundamentally a distinguished psychological drama played out in the claustrophobic setting of a hotel under mental and physical siege... The film deals with two entirely opposing characters locked together in an isolated room where Daves' camera moves ceaselessly on their course of action...

After a holdup and the killing of a coachman with a gold shipmen, Ford is captured in a saloon, where he was wasting his time in amorous advances with a lovely barmaid (Felicia Farr).

But how to hold him? For his gang, who have made their getaway, will most likely be back to claim him... Ford is sure of this, as his care-free indifference makes it easy to see... The cowed citizenry (echoes of the Zinneman picture) become equally certain... Someone has got to get him out of local circulation and then on to a train to Yuma where he can stand trial...

Who will undertake such task?

The best offer comes from an austere farmer motivated by a severe desperation... Struggling Heflin sees in the 200 dollars his last chance of salvation as his means of subsistence are too little, and the prolonged drought is killing his cattle... For him, there is no other option...

So Ford expects his gang to follow him, and eventually they do... Richard Jaeckel--'the man who slept en the sofa' was how everyone remembered him in this picture--is sinister evidence of discovery...

In a hotel room, therefore, they sweat it out... Van Heflin does most of the sweating, trying to cope, until the train is due, with a situation beyond his experience... For Van Heflin is not even a true professional, as Will Kane was in "High Noon" (who had somewhat similar train-waiting problems), but an amateur, having to deal with Ford's every physical and psychological ruse; having, in the last resort--finding some sort of moral obligation in the job--to resist temptation...

The outlaw, an intelligent man, continually seeks for a way that will give him his freedom, but becomes deeply fascinated by his 'keeper'. What kind of creature is this who toils on some miserably piece of land, cares so deeply for it, gets no fun at all out of life and seems so greatly incorruptible?

Whatever he is, he's the complete antithesis of Ford... You get the impression that the outlaw is confronted by a being from another planet... Who wouldn't be intrigued?

Van Heflin could so easily have repeated his leading homesteader role in Shane, but, in fact, he adds another layer to him... Ford, in one of his best performances, and he has given many, gets the utmost from his greatest gift... The women in the picture, Felicia Farr and Leorna Dana, make a solid contribution to its depth...

With a nice musical score, this great psychological Western draws its drama and power from the interaction of two excellent characters rather than gun blazing action...

One of the best B&W westerns ever made.......2006-09-19

Director Delmer Daves' 3:10 TO YUMA (1957, Columbia) ranks with John Ford's STAGECOACH (1939) and MY DARLING CLEMENTINE (1946) as one of the finest B&W adult westerns ever made. Told almost in real time, YUMA has Glenn Ford as an outlaw named Ben Wade being held hostage in a dusty old west town hotel room by farmer Dan Evans (Van Heflin), who needs the money he is getting for the job. That job is to guard Wade until the 3:10 to Yuma train arrives in town. But Halsted Welles' complex script, from an Elmore Leonard story, has fun in switching roles. Who is the good guy and who really is the bad guy? And should Evans take Wade's offer to give him triple the amount of money that sheriff Robert Emhardt is offering Evans to led him go free? After all, Evans is only in it for the money. This is very suspenseful storytelling. In a small cast, Felicia Farr is also excellent in a tiny role as a bartender.

I really love the look of 3:10 TO YUMA--Charles Lawton, Jr.'s dusty moderate wide-screen B&W photography, the sparce and empty town that seems to only have a saloon and hotel and train station, the real time editing, George Duning's ghostly music score, and Frankie Laine's unforgettably lonely theme song sung over the opening credits. This is a great western for adults parched for an intelligent and evocative one. I highly recommend it on DVD rental with a couple of cold beers.

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Masterpiece
Colorized classic
North byNorthwest
the best classic film ever!
No hotter love scene anywhere...

North By Northwest
Starring: Ed Binns , Leo G. Carroll , Bill Catching , Philip Coolidge , and Lawrence Dobkin
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
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ASIN: B0002IQEHI
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Amazon.com essential video

A strong candidate for the most sheerly entertaining and enjoyable movie ever made by a Hollywood studio (with Citizen Kane, Only Angels Have Wings and Trouble in Paradise running neck and neck). Positioned between the much heavier and more profoundly disturbing Vertigo (1958) and the stark horror of Psycho (1960), North by Northwest (1959) is Alfred Hitchcock at his most effervescent in a romantic comedy-thriller that also features one of the definitive Cary Grant performances. Which is not to say that this is just "Hitchcock Lite"; seminal Hitchcock critic Robin Wood (in his book Hitchcock's Films Revisited) makes an airtight case for this glossy MGM production as one of The Master's "unbroken series of masterpieces from Vertigo to Marnie." It's a classic Hitchcock Wrong Man scenario: Grant is Roger O. Thornhill (initials ROT), an advertising executive who is mistaken by enemy spies for a U.S. undercover agent named George Kaplan. Convinced these sinister fellows (James Mason as the boss, and Martin Landau as his henchman) are trying to kill him, Roger flees and meets a sexy Stranger on a Train (Eva Marie Saint), with whom he engages in one of the longest, most convolutedly choreographed kisses in screen history. And, of course, there are the famous set pieces: the stabbing at the United Nations, the crop-duster plane attack in the cornfield (where a pedestrian has no place to hide), and the cliffhanger finale atop the stone faces of Mount Rushmore. Plus a sparkling Ernest Lehman script and that pulse-quickening Bernard Herrmann score. What more could a moviegoer possibly desire? --Jim Emerson

Customer Reviews:

Masterpiece .......2007-07-24

One of the great movies of all time. One of Hitchcock's best. rather than go for the boxed set - which includes a few of his lesser lights - decided to cherry pick a gem. North By Northwest is a classic. AFI Top 100. Anyone who's a fan of Hitchcock - or just suspense in general - or great movies specifically - you cannot miss with this one.

Colorized classic.......2007-07-04

An unfortunate aspect of growing up in America is that the turnover in culture is so fast that many older classics are almost unknown to the modern generation. This is especially so with old movies, which, outside of holiday fare like the Ten Commandments or The Sound of Music, do not make comebacks once a decade or so, unlike clothing fashions. This is why so many young people have never seen an Alfred Hitchcock movie. For the longest time, I was one of the ignorant masses, until my mother told me about this great movie-maker. I picked this up at the local library and watched it, and was amazed. This is probably one of the best movies I have ever seen. Part thriller, part romance, part suspense and part action, this movie presaged modern Hollywood fare such as The Fugitive, National Security, and Enemy of the State for example. There is gunfights, chase scenes, set-ups, cliffhangers (literally), and of course the famous cover shot of Cary Grant getting chased by an airplane in an open field. And like many modern action movies, this one has the climax right at the very end, followed immediately by a cut to the closing kiss of hero and heroine.

This DVD restoration is great. The film and audio quality is flawless. The special effects are also top-notch and comparable to anything seen on network TV today. And most importantly, a great storyline. I highly recommend this movie.

North byNorthwest.......2007-07-01

The video quality of this DVD is excellent. Though the package doesn't say that it has been remastered, it is better than my previous DVD version. To me, it was worth the cost to upgrade.

It was by reading the amazon reviews that I chose the latest versions of "North by Northwest" and "To Catch a Thief." I want to thank those of you who submitted the previous reviews, and commented on the quality of the video images.

the best classic film ever!.......2007-06-16

What can I say? This movie is great. It has everything, from intense action and mystery that is built up by the amazing score, to the perfect actors and actresses portraying well written and witty, and sometimes sexy, dialogue. As well as the exoticly filmed locations and that 50-60's style. Recommended for everyone.

No hotter love scene anywhere..........2007-06-01

A good film and a great film...

No spoilers here. Simply mentioning things not mentioned (much) in other reviews, here:

The frenetic music as Manhattan traffic is reflected in one of the anonymous AKA boring glass International Style skyscrapers. Hitch's hymn to the worst of modern life. Doreen Lang as Maggie, Grant's cute and long-suffering secretary and their dialogue from the lobby throughout the taxi ride. No hotter love scene anywhere, in any film, ever made, than when Cary Grant ends up at Eva Marie Saint's table in the dining car. Scorching! Grant's line "I've never been in Pittsburgh!" Hitch loves cars and the juxtapositions of them are fun throughout--some of the best and worst models ever made are clustered in this film. Old Westbury looks nice on film. Jessie Royce Landis' lines in traffic court ("Roger, pay the two dollars!") and in the elevator ("You boys aren't really trying to kill my son?"). The auction scene scene. The sunglasses scene. The shaving scene. The female patient's "Stop!...STOP!" classic double take when Cary Grant appears in her hospital room. The pseudo Frank Lloyd Wright hideout. Every detail is dead on. In Summary...

This is without any argument or exception one of the top ten films of all time and Hitchcock's best, bar none.

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HELL'S HOTEL
A timeless thriller
Legend of the man-faced dog
scary
Classic

The Shining
Starring: Jack Nicholson , Shelley Duvall , Danny Lloyd , Scatman Crothers , and Barry Nelson
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
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ASIN: B00005ATQJ
Release Date: 2001-06-12

Amazon.com essential video

Stanley Kubrick's The Shining is less an adaptation of Stephen King's bestselling horror novel than a complete reimagining of it from the inside out. In King's book, the Overlook Hotel is a haunted place that takes possession of its off-season caretaker and provokes him to murderous rage against his wife and young son. Kubrick's movie is an existential Road Runner cartoon (his steadicam scurrying through the hotel's labyrinthine hallways), in which the cavernously empty spaces inside the Overlook mirror the emptiness in the soul of the blocked writer, who's settled in for a long winter's hibernation. As many have pointed out, King's protagonist goes mad, but Kubrick's Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) is Looney Tunes from the moment we meet him--all arching eyebrows and mischievous grin. (Both Nicholson and Shelley Duvall reach new levels of hysteria in their performances, driven to extremes by the director's fanatical demands for take after take after take.) The Shining is terrifying--but not in the way fans of the novel might expect. When it was redone as a TV miniseries (reportedly because of King's dissatisfaction with the Kubrick film), the famous topiary-animal attack (which was deemed impossible to film in 1980) was there--but the deeper horror was lost. Kubrick's The Shining gets under your skin and chills your bones; it stays with you, inhabits you, haunts you. And there's no place to hide... --Jim Emerson

Customer Reviews:

HELL'S HOTEL.......2007-09-01

the shining is by far one of the best bone chilling movies. so good, so sinister, and jack nicholson is superb. stephen king does it again, what can i say the man is a genius. it doesn't hurt that jack is a great actor either. just goes to show what a little cabin fever, and an evil hotel, in an isolated mountain can do to a person, and a family. what is real what isn't. who can you trust, where do you go when you're all alone? it's everything about this movie that will make your skin crawl.

A timeless thriller.......2007-09-01

The Shining is by far one of the freakiest films I have ever seen. It has such a creepy undertone throughout the entire film. There are so many parts that make you wonder what was going on in Stanley Kubric's head. In my opinion he made hotels one of the creepiest places on earth by making you wonder if the twins will appear at the end of a long dimly lit hallway.

Just a terrific classic horror flick. If you are a true horror fan this one is a must see.

Legend of the man-faced dog.......2007-07-30

Ok. Anybody that's seen this movie knows about that scene at the end where there is this man in a dog/bear costume. It's the scariest scene in this movie or any other movie for that matter. Some reviewers, such as Howard Tuttleman assume that there was a lot of cut footage that explained the whole dog/man legend. I doubt it though. But the truth may be a lot more terrifying. There is a Scientology book by L. Ron Hubbard called the Creation of human ability. It is a book for high-ranking scientologists but you can find it on ebay sometimes. The cover of this book has...a man in a bear/dog costume. Just one problem this book was written long before the Shining was made. 1954. Just what the hell is going on here?! So I read the book but there is nothing about the man/bear/dog thing on the cover. Is this false advertisement, or is Hubbard trying to tell us something? Or perhaps the director of the shining is trying to tell us something. Maybe the guy just walked on the set that day in the cosutume and he is trying to tell us something. I don't know the answer but there is more to this man/bear/dog thing than people are letting on.

scary.......2007-07-17

this movie to me is one of jack's finest pieces of work. i love it and have seen it many times but did not own it. now it will be a classic in my video library. thanks a million

Classic.......2007-07-09

Another Kubrick masterpiece. Every element of the film is superb: the cinematography, the acting, the pacing, the music. A perfect example of flim at its finest.

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great spy tale of a CIA analyst forced to fight an unknown enemy
A CIA Thriller Worth Owning
Three Days of the Condor
A Classic
Superlative in every way

Three Days of the Condor
Starring: Robert Redford , Faye Dunaway , Cliff Robertson , Max von Sydow , and John Houseman
Director: Sydney Pollack
Manufacturer: Paramount
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ASIN: 6305511055
Release Date: 1999-08-17

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Robert Redford and Sydney Pollack continued their longtime collaboration (the actor and director have worked together on Jeremiah Johnson, The Way We Were, The Electric Horseman, and Out of Africa, among other films) with this taut spy drama. Redford plays a reader for U.S. intelligence who becomes a hunted man after he is not among the victims of a mass murder of his colleagues. Faye Dunaway does solid work as the frightened and mystified woman whom he forces to conceal him, and Max von Sydow is appropriately cool as a professional assassin. That same, sustained tone of danger and expectation that made Pollack's The Firm so much fun can be found in this 1975 thriller, albeit with an appropriate dose of post-Watergate paranoia. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

great spy tale of a CIA analyst forced to fight an unknown enemy.......2007-07-31

This is a wonderful film, perhaps Pollack's best. From the moment it begins, with Redford as a sensitive and bookish CIA desk employee, the story carries you along with mystery, fear, and fascination. Redford is not an expert assassin or spy, but a reluctant amateur, who is thrown into a situation completely frightening to him. He must figure out how to fend for himself, and he does so effectively and even brilliantly, first hiding and then figuring out what is happening and who is responsible. He is wonderfully believable, even when he becomes deadly. Faye Dunaway is brilliantly convincing as the beautiful lost soul who eventually helps him, a lonely artist he meets in a chance encounter. But the resolution is also a jarring surprise, which I shuld not reveal here. Although this film reflects the cynicism of post-Watergate America, compared to the complacent twits we hve in DC now, it looks tame.

Warmly recommended. It is not dated, but still feels current. The actors are wonderful and you can view it multiple times in search of subtleties.

A CIA Thriller Worth Owning.......2007-07-10

This exciting, action packed film takes you into the world of a CIA Operative. The plot, dialogue, and acting team up to give you a supurb movie you'll watch again and again over the years.

Three Days of the Condor.......2007-07-06

Pollack's tense spy thriller ranks as one of the best conspiratorial dramas of the '70s, a time when government mistrust was at an all-time high. Redford is in his prime as baffled, low-level spook Turner, and the sparks fly with co-star Dunaway, whose initial terror and eventual thawing happen with finesse and subtlety. With excellent supporting turns by Max Von Sydow and Cliff Robertson, "Condor" delivers gripping suspense all the way.

A Classic.......2007-03-31

A time worn phrase but very appropriate for this movie. I searched a long time to find a copy of this film and I am extremely pleased to have found it. Yes, it is dated from the 70's but the quality surpasses many of the current movies in theaters today. Enjoy!

Superlative in every way.......2007-03-28

One of my all time favorite movies. Reading the list of actors tells you this one is special and they all deliver. Calling the plot clever is an understatement, to say the least. You have to pay attention to stay in the story, and if you do, it will be over before you want it to stop, it's that good. Like me, you will long remember Faith Dunaway's response to Robert Redford's request from her for another assist in his unraveling of a most diabolical plot, when she asks,"Have I ever denied you anything?" They don't come any better.

To Catch a Thief (Special Collector's Edition)

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Grace Kelly seals the show in this star vehicle for an Aging Cary Grant
To Catch a Thief Did Not Catch My Fancy
Smart and classy
Very good transfer
EXCELLENT DVD!!

To Catch a Thief (Special Collector's Edition)
Starring: John Alderson , Georgette Anys , Brigitte Auber , Martha Bamattre , and René Blancard
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Manufacturer: Paramount
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ASIN: B000MX7V5M
Release Date: 2007-05-08

Amazon.com

One of the creamiest of all of Alfred Hitchcock's films, To Catch a Thief is something like pure pleasure. Begin ticking off the ingredients of this 1955 movie and you'll get the picture: Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, the French Riviera, champagne, fireworks, cat burglary. Mmm, it already feels good. Grant plays a retired thief who becomes a suspect when valuable things begin disappearing along the Cote d'Azur. The diamonds hanging from the well-sculpted neck of Grace Kelly would appear to be the newest target, but it's just possible that actual romance might also be wafting through the Mediterranean air. The lightness of the story keeps To Catch a Thief from being one of the masterpieces of Hitchcock's great run in the 1950s, but it is very difficult to cavil about the sunny locations, Grant's elegant aplomb, and Kelly's shrewd withholding of her sexual interest beneath the ice-queen exterior. John Michael Hayes provided the amusing script (which stretches double entendres to their limit, especially in a romantic discussion of fried chicken), Edith Head the splendid costumes. If the movie has any weight at all, it's in proving that at this point in his career Hitchcock was consumed with charting the tricky terrain of male-female courtship; if issues of trust are treated here with a light touch, they nevertheless matter as much as the mechanical working-out of Mr. H's suspense stories. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

Grace Kelly seals the show in this star vehicle for an Aging Cary Grant.......2007-08-01

Grace Kelly's beauty is mesmerizing and her energy leaps off the screen. The movie is saved by her performance and the cineamatography. Apparently conceived as a starring vehicle for Cary Grant the May-September romance just flat does not work. Not Hitchcock's best work.

To Catch a Thief Did Not Catch My Fancy.......2007-07-22

I am a lifelong fan of suspense movies, especially those of Alfred Hitchcock. While Hitchcock is the absolute master of suspense, I did not find this film as entertaining as the other reviewers.

I give this film a very average 3-stars.

Sure, Cary Grant and Grace Kelly are lovely to look at, especially Grace Kelly(!), but for me the plot is somewhat confusing, especially initially, and the suspense is not as gripping as other (and better) Hitchcock films. For instance, I found "North By Northwest" a far superior work than this one.

There are some scenes that will remain in my memory forever, such as the road chase early on in the movie where Grace Kelly speeds along the French Riveria's winding roads at speeds that make your palms sweat. Only Hitchcock can film such a scene. Then there is the night scene with Grant and Kelly in the hotel room with the fireworks exploding in the background sky, while the sexual sparks are exploding just as loudly between Grant and Kelly. A classic Hitchcock scene. Today's director would have them both in bed wrestling naked in the throes of sexual love. I like Hitch's approach better. He tells you more with symbolic imagery than the visual act can ever portray.

I know everyone else calls this film a classic, and I suppose in many ways it is, but my take on it is that it is an average Hitchcock film. I will probably get reamed by other reviewers for my contrary opinion, but that is their right to say so, just as it is my right to say that this film is not one of Hitchcock's best.

Jim "Konedog" Koenig

Smart and classy .......2007-07-06

Hitchcock and Cary Grant bring their customary magic to this stylish and frothy thriller-cum-romance. While this film may certainly be more to the taste of the female half of the population than the male, Grant's debonair ease and the suspense involved in cat-and-mouse game between police, suspect, and real thief is enough to keep anyone interested, and the snappy dialogue between the main leads anchors this well-made film. There's neither deep passionate romance nor spine-tingling suspense, making the film lack that quality of being truly great, but it succeeds very well at what it attempts - to be a light and very fun theft/romance film with a touch of Hitchcockian darkness.

Very good transfer.......2007-07-05

I just watched it over the weekend and I felt like I've never seen it before (actually have seen it about ten times).

EXCELLENT DVD!!.......2007-06-28

EXCELLENT MOVIE WHERE PRINCESS GRACE KELLY SHOWED HER PROFESSIONALISM AS AN ACTRESS!! GRACE KELLY IS ALFRED HITCHCOCK'S FAVORITE ACTRESS. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS MOVIE! RATED BY: BRILI

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From The Director Of "Superman" Comes A Tale Of True Love And Rousing Adventure.
ENTERTAINING
Ladyhawke
Favorite for Years!
LadyHawke

Ladyhawke
Starring: Matthew Broderick , Rutger Hauer , Michelle Pfeiffer , Leo McKern , and John Wood
Director: Richard Donner
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD