Topaz

Starring:Per-Axel Arosenius, Roscoe Lee Browne, Karin Dor, John Forsythe, Tina HedstrÃ¶m, Claude Jade, Sonja Kolthoff, Philippe Noiret, Michel Piccoli, Donald Randolph, Dany Robin, Edmon Ryan, George Skaff, Frederick Stafford, Michel Subor, SÃ¡ndor SzabÃ³, Roger Til, John Van Dreelen, John Vernon
Studio: Universal Studios
Product Type: DVD

Product Description

14 of the finest works from the universally acclaimed Master of Suspense come together for the first time in one collection. These captivating landmark films boast three decades of Hollywood legends, including James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Anthony Perkins, Sean Connery and Doris Day. The premium packaging and collectible book make Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection the must-own, definitive anthology of gripping works by a true genius.

System Requirements:

Running Time 1630 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Masterpiece indeed. With 14 films, each supplemented with numerous documentaries, commentaries, and other bonus materials, Alfred Hitchcock - The Masterpiece Collection will be the cornerstone for any serious DVD library. Packaged in a beautiful, conversation-starting velvet box, the individual discs inside come four to a case, decorated with original poster art.

No doubt opinionated fans will argue about what should fall under the rubric of "masterpiece" in Hitchcock's body of work, but with the bona fide classics Vertigo, Psycho, and The Man Who Knew Too Much, there's plenty of timeless movie magic here. Eye-popping transfers and gorgeous sound make this set one of the must-have releases of the year.

Should the Hitchcock fan have the energy for more after imbibing on the movies themselves, a bonus disc provides additional documentaries. These include a revealing interview in which the master of suspense discusses, among other things, how much he dislikes working with method actors, going so far as to name names (we're talking about you, Jimmy Stewart and Montgomery Clift). In an American Film Institute lifetime achievement ceremony, the master of suspense is praised by the likes of Stewart and Ingrid Bergman, and seems to be suffering from severe boredom as celebrities pile on the flattery. Then Hitchcock opens his mouth to accept the award, delivering an endlessly witty stream of perfect bon mots that prove once again that he was a master of high comedy as well. Revealing documentaries about the making of Psycho and The Birds round out the feast of extras. The 36-page booklet, filled mostly with stills and poster art, provides little new information about the films.--Ryan Boudinot

Films Included in Alfred Hitchcock - The Masterpiece Collection

Saboteur
Robert Cummings stars as Barry Kane, a patriotic munitions worker who is falsely accused of sabotage, in this wartime thriller from Alfred Hitchcock. Plastered across the front page of every newspaper and hated by the nation, Kane's only hope of clearing his name is to find the real villain. The script as a whole is a clever one--Algonquin wit Dorothy Parker shares a screenwriting credit, and her trademark zingers make for a terrific mix of humor and suspense. Saboteur is a pleasure whether you're a die-hard Hitchcock fan or just someone who likes a good nail-biter. --Ali Davis

Shadow of a Doubt
Alfred Hitchcock considered this 1943 thriller to be his personal favorite among his own films, and although it's not as popular as some of Hitchcock's later work, it's certainly worthy of the master's admiration. Scripted by playwright Thornton Wilder and inspired by the actual case of a 1920's serial killer known as "The Merry Widow Murderer," the movie sets a tone of menace and fear by introducing a psychotic killer into the small-town comforts of Santa Rosa, California. Through narrow escapes and a climactic scene aboard a speeding train, this witty thriller strips away the façade of small-town tranquility to reveal evil where it's least expected. And, of course, it's all done in pure Hitchcockian style. --Jeff Shannon

Rope
An experimental film masquerading as a standard Hollywood thriller, Rope is simple and based on a successful stage play: two young men (John Dall and Farley Granger) commit murder, more or less as an intellectual exercise. They hide the body in their large apartment, then throw a dinner party. Will the body be discovered? Director Alfred Hitchcock, fascinated by the possibilities of the long-take style, decided to shoot this story as though it were happening in one long, uninterrupted shot. Since the camera can only hold one 10-minute reel at a time, Hitchcock had to be creative when it came time to change reels, disguising the switches as the camera passed behind someone's back or moved behind a lamp. James Stewart, as a suspicious professor, marks his first starring role for Hitchcock, a collaboration that would lead to the masterpieces Rear Window and Vertigo. --Robert Horton

Rear Window
Like the Greenwich Village courtyard view from its titular portal, Alfred Hitchcock's classic Rear Window is both confined and multileveled: both its story and visual perspective are dictated by its protagonist's imprisonment in his apartment, convalescing in a wheelchair, from which both he and the audience observe the lives of his neighbors. Cheerful voyeurism, as well as the behavior glimpsed among the various tenants, affords a droll comic atmosphere that gradually darkens when he sees clues to what may be a murder. At deeper levels, Rear Window plumbs issues of moral responsibility and emotional honesty, while offering further proof (were any needed) of the director's brilliance as a visual storyteller. --Sam Sutherland

The Trouble with Harry
A busman's holiday for Alfred Hitchcock, this 1955 black comedy concerns a pesky corpse that becomes a problem for a quiet, Vermont neighborhood. Shirley MacLaine makes her film debut as one of several characters who keep burying the body and finding it unburied again. Hitchcock clearly enjoys conjuring the autumnal look and feel of the story, and he establishes an important, first-time alliance with composer Bernard Herrmann, whose music proved vital to the director's next half-dozen or so films. But for now, The Trouble with Harry is a lark, the mischievous side of Hitchcock given free reign. --Tom Keogh

The Man Who Knew Too Much
Alfred Hitchcock's 1956 remake of his own 1934 spy thriller is an exciting event in its own right, with several justifiably famous sequences. James Stewart and Doris Day play American tourists who discover more than they wanted to know about an assassination plot. When their son is kidnapped to keep them quiet, they are caught between concern for him and the terrible secret they hold. When asked about the difference between this version of the story and the one he made 22 years earlier, Hitchcock always said the first was the work of a talented amateur while the second was the act of a seasoned professional. Indeed, several extraordinary moments in this update represent consummate filmmaking, particularly a relentlessly exciting Albert Hall scene, with a blaring symphony, an assassin's gun, and Doris Day's scream. The Man Who Knew Too Muchis the work of a master in his prime. --Tom Keogh

Vertigo
Although it wasn't a box-office success when originally released in 1958, Vertigo has since taken its deserved place as Alfred Hitchcock's greatest, most spellbinding, most deeply personal achievement. James Stewart plays a retired police detective who is hired by an old friend to follow his wife (a superb Kim Novak, in what becomes a double role), whom he suspects of being possessed by the spirit of a dead madwoman. Shot around San Francisco (the Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of the Legion of Honor are significant locations) and elsewhere in Northern California (the redwoods, Mission San Juan Batista) in rapturous Technicolor, Vertigo is as lovely as it is haunting. --Jim Emerson

Psycho
For all the slasher pictures that have ripped off Psycho (and particularly its classic set piece, the "shower scene"), nothing has ever matched the impact of the real thing. More than just a first-rate shocker full of thrills and suspense, Psycho is also an engrossing character study in which director Alfred Hitchcock skillfully seduces you into identifying with the main characters--then pulls the rug (or the bathmat) out from under you. Anthony Perkins is unforgettable as Norman Bates, the mama's boy proprietor of the Bates Motel; and so is Janet Leigh as Marion Crane, who makes an impulsive decision and becomes a fugitive from the law, hiding out at Norman's roadside inn for one fateful night. --Jim Emerson

The Birds
Vacationing in northern California, Alfred Hitchcock was struck by a story in a Santa Cruz newspaper: "Seabird Invasion Hits Coastal Homes." From this peculiar incident, and his memory of a short story by Daphne du Maurier, the master of suspense created one of his strangest and most terrifying films. The Birds follows a chic blonde, Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren), as she travels to the coastal town of Bodega Bay to hook up with a rugged fellow (Rod Taylor) she's only just met. Before long the town is attacked by marauding birds, and Hitchcock's skill at staging action is brought to the fore. Beyond the superb effects, however, The Birds is also one of Hitchcock's most psychologically complicated scenarios, a tense study of violence, loneliness, and complacency. What really gets under your skin are not the bird skirmishes but the anxiety and the eerie quiet between attacks. Treated with scant attention by serious critics in 1963, The Birds has grown into a classic and--despite the sci-fi trappings--one of Hitchcock's most serious films. --Robert Horton

Marnie
Sean Connery, fresh from the second Bond picture, From Russia with Love, is a Philadelphia playboy who begins to fall for Tippi Hedren's blonde ice goddess only when he realizes that she's a professional thief; she's come to work in his upper-crust insurance office in order to embezzle mass quantities. His patient program of investigation and surveillance has a creepy, voyeuristic quality that's pure Hitchcock, but all's lost when it emerges that the root of Marnie's problem is phobic sexual frigidity, induced by a childhood trauma. Luckily, Sean is up to the challenge. As it were. Not even D.H. Lawrence believed as fervently as Hitchcock in the curative properties of sexual release. --David Chute

Torn Curtain
Paul Newman and Julie Andrews star in what must unfortunately be called one of Alfred Hitchcock's lesser efforts. Still, sub-par Hitchcock is better than a lot of what's out there, and this one is well worth a look. Newman plays cold war physicist Michael Armstrong, while Andrews plays his lovely assistant-and-fiancée, Sarah Sherman. Armstrong has been working on a missile defense system that will "make nuclear defense obsolete," and naturally both sides are very interested. All Sarah cares about is the fact that Michael has been acting awfully fishy lately. The suspense of Torn Curtain is by nature not as thrilling as that in the average Hitchcock film--much of it involves sitting still and wondering if the bad guys are getting closer. Still, Hitchcock manages to amuse himself: there is some beautifully clever camera work and an excruciating sequence that illustrates the frequent Hitchcock point that death is not a tidy business. --Ali Davis

Topaz
Alfred Hitchcock hadn't made a spy thriller since the 1930s, so his 1969 adaptation of Leon Uris's bestseller seemed like a curious choice for the director. But Hitchcock makes Uris's story of the West's investigation into the Soviet Union's dealings with Cuba his own. Frederick Stafford plays a French intelligence agent who works with his American counterpart (John Forsythe) to break up a Soviet spy ring. The film is a bit flat dramatically and visually, and there are sequences that seem to occupy Hitchcock's attention more than others. A minor work all around, with at least two alternative endings shot by Hitchcock. --Tom Keogh

Frenzy
Alfred Hitchcock's penultimate film, written by Anthony Shaffer (who also wrote Sleuth), this delightfully grisly little tale features an all-British cast minus star wattage, which may have accounted for its relatively slim showing in the States. Jon Finch plays a down-on-his-luck Londoner who is offered some help by an old pal (Barry Foster). In fact, Foster is a serial killer the police have been chasing--and he's framing Finch. Which leads to a classic Hitchcock situation: a guiltless man is forced to prove his innocence while eluding Scotland Yard at the same time. Spiked with Hitchcock's trademark dark humor, Frenzy also features a very funny subplot about the Scotland Yard investigator (Alec McCowen) in charge of the case, who must endure meals by a wife (Vivien Merchant) who is taking a gourmet-cooking class. --Marshall Fine

Family Plot
Alfred Hitchcock's final film is understated comic fun that mixes suspense with deft humor, thanks to a solid cast. The plot centers on the kidnapping of an heir and a diamond theft by a pair of bad guys led by Karen Black and William Devane. The cops seem befuddled, but that doesn't stop a questionable psychic (Barbara Harris) and her not overly bright boyfriend (Bruce Dern, in a rare good-guy role) from picking up the trail and actually solving the crime. Did she do it with actual psychic powers? That's part of the fun of Harris's enjoyably ditsy performance. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

Poor packaging........2007-06-01

This is a great set minus the annoying packaging. As someone mentioned earlier the DVD cases are fitted to go in a certain order and if they don't go in in that order then they get stuck and the edges of the DVD cases get frayed. The corners of the cases get frayed anyway because the cases are a paper and cardboard-based binding with the plastic DVD holders glued on to them. So I put them in spine first now. Open and close them enough times and you get those white, worn edges on the spine. Another problem with the cases is that the plastic glued on part that hold the DVDs in place are notorious for getting de-glued. Yet another thing. . .one disc is now not holding in the case properly. How could I remedy this problem? Buy an entire new set??? The door on the velvet box doesn't snap shut in anyway so if you hold the wrong side down. . .the DVDs will fall out. So watch out. The velvet box looks and feels nice but it collects dust very easily and is not easily cleanable. I tried to brush off some of the dust and the silvery logos and such began to flake off.

A REALLY NICE COLLECTION - A GREAT GIFT.......2007-05-23

Not only does this collection have some of Hitchcock's best movies, it also comes in a REALLY nice felt box and nice DVD cases. Makes an excellent gift.

Alfred Hitchcock Masterpiece Collection.......2007-05-08

This is an excellent collection. It doesn't have all of Hitchcock's greats, it's missing Strangers on a Train, Notorious and Rebecca, but its hands down the best collection assembled of his movies from the 40's and on. There are some great extras as well. I highly recommend this collection.

Alfred Hitchcock - Masterpiece Movie Collection DVD set.......2007-04-12

A Must have for all hard-core Alfred Hitchcock movie fans

Multible Thrillers.......2007-04-12

I received this DVD in the time promised. It came in good condition. How can you go wrong purchasing Alfred Hitchcock collections! One of the greatest,writers,director, and producer of all times. This was a birthday gift, and my son was "THRILLED" to receive it. Thanks

Average customer rating:

A disappointing cold-war thriller from the Master
Much Better Than You've Aeard
Back from the dead.
Not his best.
once again the "master of suspence" is washed up in more cold war dlivel

Topaz
Starring: Per-Axel Arosenius , Roscoe Lee Browne , Lewis Charles , Roberto Contreras , and Karin Dor
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Suspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Espionage | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Torn Curtain
Family Plot
Rope
The Trouble with Harry
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ASIN: B000ECX0QU
Release Date: 2006-06-20

Amazon.com

Alfred Hitchcock hadn't made a spy thriller since the 1930s, so his 1969 adaptation of Leon Uris's bestseller seemed like a curious choice for the director. But Hitchcock makes Uris's story of the West's investigation into the Soviet Union's dealings with Cuba his own. Frederick Stafford plays a French intelligence agent who works with his American counterpart (John Forsythe) to break up a Soviet spy ring. The film is a bit flat dramatically and visually, and there are sequences that seem to occupy Hitchcock's attention more than others. A minor work all around, with at least two alternative endings shot by Hitchcock. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

A disappointing cold-war thriller from the Master.......2007-06-18

"Topaz" is a tired Cold War thriller from the Master.

After the disaster of "Torn Curtain", Hitchcock had a go at making another "Bond-like" film but once again he missed the mark and never tried it again. If he had not made the brilliant "Frenzy" three years later one could easily have come to the conclusion that he was well past his best.

One of the major problems with "Topaz" is that the actors are all second-rate - particulary Frederick Stafford in the lead role of a French intelligence agent.

There are some interesting touches - for example the scene in the flower shop where we can't hear what the actors are saying - but this film smacks of a once-great director struggling to find his feet in the "modern" cinema.

"Topaz" should be seen once by all Hitchcock fans, but despite the advocacy of Leonard Maltin and other reviewers, Hitchcock's third-to-last film doesn't have much to recommend it.

Much Better Than You've Aeard.......2007-01-01

I saw "Topaz" on television when I was in high school in the early 1990s and hated it. I never bothered watching it again. But since the film was included in Universal's "Hitchcock Masterpiece" DVD collection that I received for Christmas, I decided to watch it again out of curiosity. My opinion has completely changed.

This is a cleverly written, suspenseful film, particularly the first half. What I've always liked most about Alfred Hitchcock is how modern his films are. Because of that they age extremely well. The "problem" with "Topaz" is simply that it was ahead of its time. In working my way through the "Masterpiece" DVD collection, I've found that all of Hitchcock's later American films ("The Birds" through "Family Plot") have benefited tremendously from second and third viewings. I'm not about to say that these films are as good as the work he produced at his creative peak (the 1950s--"Strangers on a Train" through "Psycho"), but they're much better crafted and more textured than I originally gave them credit for being. I would argue that these late period films work much better with repeated viewings.

Back from the dead........2006-08-03

The reasessment of Hitchcock's 1960's work continues, begun with the amazing Marnie. (Torn Curtain may be a lost cause, however.) It's fair to say that Topaz benefits from this ongoing reconsideration. It's just a very good movie.

The plot follows an episodic but compelling arc along the trail of French cold-war spy leaks. A number of satisfying (and inter-twining) sub-stories among the large cast are well presented. The parallel infidelities of the Stafford/Robin husband and wife are interesting and key to ultimate plot resolution. Some very nice "set pieces" are included, the tent poles that support Hitchcock movies. I found the location photography to be both realistic and refreshing. The film's main fault, of course, is the absence of a convincing ending. How Hitch believed that the "duel" ending would stand up is beyond me. I'm not sure how Uris ended his book.

Jarre's music is almost laughable, certainly in comparison with the monumental Herrmann. Topaz is a serious movie about serious themes (betrayal, good versus evil) and Jarre's music does nothing to advance these themes.

Finally, Leonard Maltin's commentary touches powerfully on Hitchcock's directorial powers, the likes of which are few and far-between these days. Outside of maybe Soderberg and Tykwer, most modern-day directors have little idea of where to place the camera, how to sequence images through cutting, et al. (Poster child of directorial ineptitude is Ron Howard who absolutely doesn't have a clue.) Suffice it to say that Topaz is a very well directed movie that delivers visual style and meaning in spades.

Not his best........2006-06-13

It became generally assumed after "Torn Curtain" and even more so after "Topaz" that the great Hitchcock had finally fallen victim to the march of time. It turns out what he had actually fallen victim to were idiots at Universal Studios who insisted he hop on the "evils-of-communism" bandwagon. The results turned out to be exactly what these meddlers deserved. "Topaz" is, simply put, a misguided failure on just about every count. Hitchcock loathed location filming, and this film required extensive location work. Music had always been an integral part of the Hitchcock "recipe". Since he had lost his favorite composer, Bernard Herrmann (again precipitated by studio meddling on "Torn Curtain") the score was composed by the fine Maurice Jarre who, unfortunately, just didn't seem able to fill Herrmann's shoes. It is obvious in scene after scene that Hitchcock just didn't give a damn about this film. And the lesson cost Universal over $4 Million, nearly five times as much as Hitch had spent on "Psycho" a few years earlier.

The fact that Hitchcock was still fully capable of making a good film was proven when he came roaring back some three years later with the remarkable "Frenzy" and, a couple of years later, with his valedictory, the lovely "Family Plot".

"Topaz" is a slight blemish on a remarkable career. Nothing more, nothing less.

once again the "master of suspence" is washed up in more cold war dlivel.......2006-05-05

hitchcock didn't learn from torn curtain and tried another cold war tale with even worse results. this mess starts with an american and french spys tring to trace leak of info to the russians. the real proplem here is we expect so suspence or thrills from hitchcock and none are delivered and the movie just goes on forever. still some may like and hitchcock fans may even love it, but not me the master has and would do better

Average customer rating:

I WANT A NEW DRUG
Slow but Kelly Brook Looks Hot
Finally! Someone's made a cure for insomnia!

Absolon
Starring: Christopher Lambert , Lou Diamond Phillips , Kelly Brook , Ron Perlman , and Roberta Angelica
Director: David Barto
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Thrillers | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Futuristic | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

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House of 9
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School for Seduction (Ws)
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ASIN: B0000DJYMG
Release Date: 2003-12-16

Customer Reviews:

I WANT A NEW DRUG.......2004-09-16

ABSOLON doesn't rely on flashy special effects nor big budget car chases. Unfortunately, it achieves only mild cult status as a B film. Christopher Lambert, trying hard to hide that French accent, is a noble hero, and Kelly Brook is a fetching love interest. Lou Diamond Phillips is an inept hitman, government agent; and Ron Perlman is the shadowy pharmaceutical magnate. Seems like the world in 2010 has been basically wiped out by a virus that came from man's destruction of the rain forests. Now all survivors must take a drug called Absolon daily in order to fight off the virus. When a doctor discovers a possible cure for the virus, he is killed and the hunt is on for Lambert, who has gotten involved.
The script is tangled and doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but it entertains; just don't expect a great movie. Just a passable one.

Slow but Kelly Brook Looks Hot.......2004-02-25

Like any movie on the sci fi channel this movie is slow. Lambert is his usual professional self playing his part well but this movie gets its 3 stars for the looks of model Kelly Brook.

Finally! Someone's made a cure for insomnia!.......2004-01-11

A deadly virus kills 5 billion people in the year 2010, and everyone depends on a drug called Absolon to survive.

The production design leaves a lot to the imagination. I don't care how low their budget was...they could have made it look better. It looks like they spent half their budget on a special effects shotin the beginning and a 3-D biohazard symbol in the opening credits. They would have been better off spending their money on better sets.

The dialogue is full of wimpy clichés, and all of the acting is dry. Sadly, though, the dialogue is slightly less boring than the action scenes.

This is the worst movie Christopher Lambert has been in since Highlander 2: The Quickening.

amazon.com

Blu-ray version; 1080i. French Riviera - From Nice to St. Tropez, we drop in on the hot spots along the Mediterranean's famous Cote d'Azur. Based in lively Nice, we visit the local beaches and superb modern art museums. A short hop along the Grande Corniche leads to wealthy Monaco. Then it's on to glamorous Cannes and the lively beaches at Juan le Pins and St. Tropez. Inland, we make our own perfume in Grasse. This disc plays on Blu-ray Disc compatible players. Resolution - [1080i]. Aspect Ratio - [16:9]. Immediate play, no menu or special features. Please note that this disc will not currently play on the following four players: Panasonic DMP-BD10 Blu-ray Player, Pioneer BDP-HD1 Blu-ray Player, Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray Player and LG BH100 Hybrid Blu-ray/HD-DVD Player. A firmware upgrade is expected from Sony in the near future for the Sony BDP-S1 to enable compatibility with most BD-R/RE discs.

Average customer rating:

A disappointing cold-war thriller from the Master
Much Better Than You've Aeard
Back from the dead.
Not his best.
once again the "master of suspence" is washed up in more cold war dlivel

Topaz
Starring: Per-Axel Arosenius , Roscoe Lee Browne , Karin Dor , John Forsythe , and Tina Hedström
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Suspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Espionage | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Torn Curtain
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ASIN: B000055Y12
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

A disappointing cold-war thriller from the Master.......2007-06-18

Much Better Than You've Aeard.......2007-01-01

Back from the dead........2006-08-03

Not his best........2006-06-13

once again the "master of suspence" is washed up in more cold war dlivel.......2006-05-05

Alfred Hitchcock The Masterpiece Collection - The Birds / Marnie / Torn Curtain / Topaz (DVD)

Average customer rating:

The Cold War and Fears of Nature and the Unnatural

Alfred Hitchcock The Masterpiece Collection - The Birds / Marnie / Torn Curtain / Topaz (DVD)

Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000M2LVGI

Product Description

Four Disc Set Each disc contains bonus features for each film

Customer Reviews:

The Cold War and Fears of Nature and the Unnatural .......2007-04-04

MARNIE is one of Hitchcock's masterpieces. It has been highly underrated and misunderstood by viewers and many critics alike. It is not a straightforward narrative as it deals with the compulsive and obsessive nature of its two main characters (Tippi Hedren and Sean Connery). The viewer has to become absorbed and drawn into the film's sights and sounds. The viewer has to elicit from what is seen and heard to fathom the motivations of the film's two main characters. Some of its images are just unforgettable and disturbingly haunting. Sound too plays an important part in the viewer's experience. In accompaniment is Bernard Herrmann's low-key score. I watched this film again several times over. Herrmann's score is always present, yet never intrusive. I used to think this score was somewhat repetitive, but it is quite diverse. It complements the images in such a way that it almost evokes some hidden and suppressed experience from the viewer that creates an emotional bond with the main title character of the film. I found the DVD print to be of exceptional quality and most pleasing in the wide-screen presentation (a prerequisite in this format).
TORN CURTAIN was Alfred Hithcock's 50th motion picture. This film marked a departure from his most recent bulk of films at that time, not in directorial style, but in the absence of many of his close-knit artistic-technical company he had been utilizing. Distinctively missing is collaborator-composer Bernard Herrmann. However, John Addison does a commendable job in Herrmann's absence, as his score seems to fit this film very well with the passage of time. This was a cold war drama set behind the Iron Curtain. The hero of the story as portrayed by Paul Newman is motivated less by personal staunchness for democratic idealism, but rather by his inner confrontation coming to grips with his own failure as a scientist. This very suspenseful film is really about his own redemption for his perceived failure. This film is has been highly underrated.
1969's TOPAZ was Hitchock's second return in that decade to his earlier spy thriller films. Shot directly after 1966's TORN CURTAIN Hitchcock TOPAZ is a more matter-of-fact tale than a genuine thriller where real lives were at stake. Essentially an American intelligence head (John Forsythe) uses his friend in the French Intelligence (Frederick Stafford) to spy for the United States in Cuba and at the same time they try to ferret out a high French official passing on secrets to the Soviets. Roscoe Lee Browne as Philippe Dubois has the best scenes in the film as he has to get close to the Cubans visiting New York to photograph some secret papers from a high official (John Vernon as Rico Parra). These scenes were what Hitchcock called pure cinema. TOPAZ contains an interesting score by Parisian Maurice Jarre and the DVD contains the 3 alternate endings that Hitchcock filmed.
THE BIRDS metaphorically plays out the frailties of the human heart as befuddled humans' fears are visually juxtaposed against hoards of birds gone on a destructive rampage. Humans rebel against nature and each other as the birds represent nature in harmony turned against human progenitors who stand to disrupt harmony. Rod Taylor's solid performance, as the steadfast Mitch Brenner who gradually realizes (but cannot fathom why) that things are beyond even his control, is pivotal to the progression of the story. The importance of Taylor's performance has been long overlooked. This film is a masterpiece full of vivid histrionics running the gamut of human emotions.

The Alfred Hitchcock Collection: The Best of Hitchcock, Vol. 1 (Psycho / Rear Window / Shadow of a Doubt / The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) / Rope / Topaz / Family Plot / Alfred Hitchcock Presents Vol. 2)

Average customer rating:

An Overview of Hitchcock's Work, Part 1
I love it
Another great DVD Box set for Hitchcock fans
Great Movies - love the extras! Worth the $$$$$$$$$$
Pure Classic Collection

The Alfred Hitchcock Collection: The Best of Hitchcock, Vol. 1 (Psycho / Rear Window / Shadow of a Doubt / The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) / Rope / Topaz / Family Plot / Alfred Hitchcock Presents Vol. 2)

Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Suspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

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General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

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The Alfred Hitchcock Collection: The Best of Hitchcock, Vol. 2 (Vertigo / The Birds / The Trouble with Harry / Frenzy / Marnie / Saboteur / Torn Curtain / Alfred Hitchcock Presents Vol. 3)
The Alfred Hitchcock Signature Collection (Strangers on a Train Two-Disc Edition / North by Northwest / Dial M for Murder / Foreign Correspondent / Suspicion / The Wrong Man / Stage Fright / I Confess / Mr. and Mrs. Smith)
Alfred Hitchcock: The Collection (The Lady Vanishes / The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) / Blackmail / The Farmer's Wife / Murder! / Sabotage / The Lodger / Easy Virtue / Rich and Strange / The Sorcer's Apprentice [TV Episode])
Notorious (DVD) - 1946 - Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant (Import)
The Cary Grant Signature Collection (Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House / Destination Tokyo / The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer / My Favorite Wife / Night and Day)

ASIN: B000055Y18
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Customer Reviews:

An Overview of Hitchcock's Work, Part 1.......2005-12-24

Those who would like to own an overview of Alfred Hitchcock's work surely can't go wrong with the Best of Alfred Hitchcock Collection sets issued by MCA home video. Like its companion set, Volume 1 offers viewers a wide variety of types of movies Hitchcock made during a period spanning thirty years. This set offers suspense, horror, comedy, drama, romance, and mystery. I won't rehash the plots, just give you my opinion of each movie offered.
1) Shadow of a Doubt- Lots of mystery and more than a little suspense. One of my favorite Hitchcock films. Five stars.
2) Rope- A philosophical murder story in which the question of whether some people should be allowed to kill their inferiors with impunity is revisited. The outcome was never really in doubt as one of the killers did not have the nerves of steel needed to successfully follow through on what was planned. Not a favorite. Two stars.
3) Rear Window- One of Hitchcock's best known films. Enforced idleness allows Jimmy Stewart to give rein to voyeuristic tendencies. There is murder, romance, and some dark comedy, but not enough action for me. Four stars.
4) The Man Who Knew too Much- A thriller with suspense, murder, treachery being the main elements. I like the Moroccan setting of the first part of the movie and the surprise ending. Five stars.
5)Psycho- Perhaps Hitchcock's most famous film. Believe it or not, I saw it for the first time after I bought this set. Lots of horror. Good plot, great acting, and magnificent camerawork. The Bates Motel and Psycho have earned their place in film history. Five stars.
6)Topaz- Lots of critics did not like it, I think it is a magnificent Cold War thriller. Here again the story and acting are first rate. I often felt as though I was in Cuba myself during the spying sequences. Loads of romance and suspense. Five stars.
7) Family Plot- To me, a very silly movie. Karen Black's character is obnoxious as far as I am concerned and boyfriend Bruce Dern is the bumbling dolt his character calls for. The worst part to me is that the story line is not credible. I suppose its meant to be a dark comedy, and there are a few light moments, but overall I was bored. Best scene is when the brakes fail in Dern's car and he struggles to stay on the road. Two stars.
8)Alfred Hitchcock Presents #2- Four Episodes from the old show. The best are Revenge and Breakdown. Three stars.
These films, as well as those contained in the companion set, should be regarded as the foundation to any Hitchcock film collection. The problem is that both have been withdrawn from the market and have become collectors items. I got mine for less than half the price I last saw it here. The solution is to buy Alfred Hitchcock-The Masterpiece Collection instead. It contains nearly everything the Best of Alfred Hitchcock Collection Vols 1 and 2 contain at less than half the price. If you can't get this, go for that!

I love it.......2005-09-01

I have/like this Vol 1 Add it in your Collection,You won't regret it :)

Another great DVD Box set for Hitchcock fans.......2005-06-29

Some of Alfred Hitchcock's most impressive and mature films are available in this DVD box set so that a new generation of fans can admire the expert craft and knowing sensibility that the acclaimed director put into his imposing resume. SHADOW OF A DOUBT (1943) is a superb Film Noir thriller boasting a great dramatic turn from screen veteran Joseph Cotten, a ripping musical score from 50s Hitch stalwart buddy Dimitri Tiomkin. ROPE (1948) is less impressive, with the experimental style where the camera never "cuts" fails to impress (Hitch later stated that he didn't think it was a good idea) and the story meanders aimlessly. We all know what happened with the murder at the beginning, so the tension is virtually non-existent. Jimmy Stewart has his first Hitchcock collaboration, but it's not his best role, playing an atypical mentor to two men who commit murder as an experiment. John Dall and Farley Granger (STRANGERS ON A TRAIN) are really good as the two friends who murder. The film has its moments, but a technical achievement aside, there isn't much to like here.

Far more impressive is Hitch's best film ever and possibly the greatest film ever made. Forget CITIZEN KANE, CASABLANCA and GONE WITH THE WIND, REAR WINDOW (1954) is a masterpiece of voyeurism and thrilling suspense. Few movies have affected me like this, and James Stewart gives such a convincing performance and Grace Kelly is fabulous. Stewart is photographer L B. Jefferies, stuck in a wheelchair in his apartment with nothing to do but stare out the window, until one day he starts seeing things that possibly point to a murder. In an Oscar-worthy role, Stewart really ensconces himself in the role of Jefferies, and Raymond Burr is terrifyingly superb as Lars Thorwald, the man who may or may not have murdered his wife. Filming the entire movie on the one apartment set should feel claustrophobic, but its not, in fact, it feels more elaborate and fantastic than other experimental thrillers like 39 STEPS. A fantastic movie masterpiece. A remake of the 1938 original, THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH (1955) is another fantastic Jimmy Stewart film, and Hitch's strong directorial style shows through in many of the film's tense action scenes.

Slammed by some critics for being vulgar and disgusting upon the film's release in 1960, PSYCHO is the first 'slasher' film, but it's a lot more than that. Who ever heard of setting your story around an actress, providing an engrossing story, problems, solutions, then killing off your main character 25 minutes through? Robert Bloch's fascinating book is a great starting point for a movie, giving everything what it needs, and Anthony Perkins gives a bone-chillingly-horrifying turn as Norman Bates, the deeply disturbed young man with parental problems. Bernard Herrman's unnervingly creepy score wracks up the terror. The famous shower scene alone is worth watching the film for. Unlike other slashers, PSYCHO actually does things artfully, with unique camera moves and amazing film techniques. TOPAZ (1969) is less impressive, with some nice performances, but this was the first film to signal Hitch's unfortunate decline in quality, and FAMILY PLOT, his last film in 1976 is far from his best movies. However, Bruce Dern gives a solid performance, and surprisingly, this is a fitting swansong for the director whose career spanned almost 50 years and 60 amazing films. Alfred Hitchcock will always be remembered forever as the master of suspense, inspiring young filmmakers for generations and scaring the pants of audiences for years to come. This is an essentail DVD collection for film fans

Great Movies - love the extras! Worth the $$$$$$$$$$.......2004-01-27

I totally disagree with the person who said this collection is expensive.

Each one of these movies comes with a documentary feature (not just a publicity film like most DVD's) that feature the stars of the picture (if possible), the writers, creative teams and even Pat Hitchcock (his daughter & sometimes actress). These documentaries are an hour long sometimes and very detailed. Some of them even talk at length about the film restoration process. They are worth having even without the movie and the movies are classics.

If you price out these movies individually it is a Deal buying this collection together. There is only one movie here not worth having (TOPAZ in my opinion) unlike the #2 collection which is mostly duds.

These are great movies with tons of extras - the documentataries, storyboards, deleted scenes, screen tests etc etc.

Buy this if you are a Hitchcock fan!

Pure Classic Collection.......2003-08-11

Heaping praise on Hitchcock's works is an unnecessary task. He is among the top 5 directors of the 20th Century. This collection has four movies which are rightly considered amongst the best movies made (Psycho, Rear Window, The Man who Knew Too Much, and Rope). As a collection, it is a treat to have an assortment of videos that include so many truly excellent titles.

Rope deserves special mention. It was filmed in its entirety as a continuous shot. Watch it for the chilling, engaging plot the first time. Watch it for the compelling direction. In a movie era dominated by montage, Rope stands out in stark contrast.

Average customer rating:

A waste if time
Excellent, a must for your collection
Attention keeping

Water Damage
Starring: Daniel Baldwin , Leslie Hope , Dean Stockwell , John Neville , and Roberta Maxwell
Director: Murray Battle
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Suspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Mystery & Suspense | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00005OBAO
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Customer Reviews:

A waste if time.......2001-12-30

I believe this might be the worst movie I have ever seen. Even the opening was awful. The only reason I gave it 1 star was because "No Stars" was not available! Chock full of cliches, this thing was predictable from the first second. I know actors have rent to pay like everybody else but STILL! But perhaps it was done in camp and I wasn't informed. Now, if that's the case, it was a hoot! "Rocky Horror Picture Show", watch out!

Excellent, a must for your collection.......2001-12-17

Daniel Baldwin [Paul] attends his high school reunion and only three people were asked to attend. Days later two alumni have been killed. Paul is faced with the task of finding out the connection and who murder them. At the same time, Paul is dealing with the loss of his son in a pool "accident." Suspense and twists, a sleeper of a movie.

Attention keeping.......2001-08-26

This movie kept my attention all the way through. There were twists and turns. The ending was not what was expected. I recommend this movie to everyone who likes a good psychological thriller!