Vertigo (Australia)
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Alfred Hitchcock engulfs you in a whirlpool of terror and tension!
Certificate: PG
Running Time: 127 mins
Retail Price: 35.99
Release Date:
Content Type: Movie
Synopsis:
Considered by many to be director Alfred Hitchcock`s greatest achievement comes this fully restored and remastered version of the haunting film classic. This special release also contains a restoration trailer and revealing documentary footage. Set in San Francisco, James Stewart portrays an acrophobic detective hired to trail a friend`s suicidal wife. After he successfully rescues her from a leap into the bay, he finds himself becoming obsessed with the beautifully troubled woman. One of cinema`s most chillingly romantic endeavors:it`s a fascinating myriad of haunting camera angles shot among some of San Francisco`s renowned landmarks. This film is a must for collectors; Leonard Maltin gives Virtigo four stars and hails it as "A genuinely great motion picture that demands multiple viewings."
Special Features:
Behind The Scenes Documentary
Audio Commentary By:
Associate Producer and Restoration Team
Trailer
Production Notes
Talent Profiles
Video Tracks:
Widescreen Anamorphic 1.85:1
Audio Tracks:
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Dolby Digital Surround 2.0 German
Dolby Digital Mono Spanish
Dolby Digital Mono Italian
Dolby Digital Mono French
Directed By:
Alfred Hitchcock
Written By:
Alec Coppel
Samuel A. Taylor
Thomas Narcejac
Pierre Boileau
Starring:
Barbara Bel Geddes
Kim Novak
James Stewart
Soundtrack By:
Bernard Herrmann
Director of Photography:
Robert Burks
Editor:
George Tomasini
Costume Designer:
Edith Head
Producer:
Herbert Coleman
Alfred Hitchcock
Distributor:
Columbia / Tristar
Your Opinions and Comments
After watching it for the second time, I can say that it is still impressive, but some of its charm simply wore off.
The story needs no introduction - James Stewart is a detective with a fear of heights, who is hired to snoop after Kim Novak, who`s his friend`s suicidal wife.
This movie is considered by many to be Hitchcock`s best movie. I tend to disagree. I think "North By Northwest" is much better.
The video transfer is good. There are no compression signs to be seen. The restoration team pulled of a very good job in restoring the movie to its original condition. However, no effort was made to clean the movie of scratches and dust particles, and they are clearly visible. Naturally, the rear projection scenes look a bit lame nowadays, but hey - this movie dates back to 1958.
The DD 5.1 soundtrack is good. The surrounds are occasionally used, but the new 5.1 mix isn`t too explosive, and for once - it`s a good thing.
The menus are still and silent.
The extras include a good commentary by the producer and the restoration team, some production notes and a very interesting 30 minutes behind the scenes featurette.
Bottom line - a true classic that will definitely appeal to anyone watching it for the very first time.