39 Steps, The (UK)

7 / 10
2 votes cast
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Inline Image

Handcuffed To The Girl Who Double-Crossed Him
Certificate: U
Running Time: 78 mins
Retail Price: £19.99
Release Date:

Synopsis:
Alfred Hitchcock considered `The 39 Steps` to be one of his favourite films, partly because it launched his classic theme of the innocent man on the run from villains and lawmen alike, and partly because of the film`s exhilirating pace.

Robert Donat stars as Richard Hannay in this freely adapted version of John Buchan`s story. Despite repeated re-makes, Hitchcock`s riveting original remains unequalled.

Special Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
Documentary

Video Tracks:
Pan & Scan 1.33:1

Audio Tracks:
Dolby Digital Mono English

Directed By:
Alfred Hitchcock

Written By:




Starring:
John Laurie
Peggy Ashcroft
Godfrey Tearle
Lucie Mannheim
Madeleine Carroll
Robert Donat

Soundtrack By:
Hubert Bath

Director of Photography:
Bernard Knowles

Editor:
Derek N. Twist

Costume Designer:
Joe Strassner

Producer:
Ivor Montagu
Michael Balcon

Distributor:
Carlton

Your Opinions and Comments

7 / 10
This slightly overrated classic has Hitchcock written all over it.
The video transfer is average, but considering the source material`s age, it is acceptable. There are no compression signs at all but the picture is not too clear and sharp. Numerous scratches and dust particles can be easily spotted as well.
The DD 2.0 (mono through the 2 front speakers) soundtrack is ok. Naturally, the surrounds are not used. The dialog is mostly understandable.
The menus are still and silent.
The disk contains no extras at all.
Bottom line - a true classic that had aged quite a bit since its original release.
posted by Zvi Josef on 22/1/2002 15:17