MOVIE REVIEW
Alfred Hitchcock: The Iconic Film Collection - Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD + Digital
Rear Window  -     
To Catch a Thief  -     
Vertigo  -     
North by Northwest  -     
Psycho  -     
The Birds  -     

Genre: Mystery, Thriller / Romance, Thriller / Mystery, Romance, Thriller / Adventure, Mystery, Thriller / Horror, Mystery, Thriller / Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 1954 / 1955 / 1958 / 1959 / 1960 / 1963
Runtime: 1h 52m / 1h 46m / 2h 8m / 2h 16m / 1h 49m / 1h 59m
Director(s): Alfred Hitchcock
Writer(s): John Michael Hayes / Alec Coppel, Samuel A. Taylor / Ernest Lehman / Joseph Stefano / Evan Hunter
Cast: James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey / Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Jessie Royce Landis / James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes / Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason / Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles / Tippi Hedren, Rod Taylor, Jessica Tandy
Where To Watch: available now, order your copy here: www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Unlock this vault to cinematic greatness with the release of ALFRED HITCHCOCK: THE ICONIC FILM COLLECTION. This awe-inspiring collection, now in 4K Ultra HD, breathes new life into Hitchcock's most memorable films. Whether you're a newcomer to his filmography or a seasoned cinephile, this set offers an unparalleled viewing experience, highlighting the director's knack for suspense and innovative storytelling.

REAR WINDOW stands as a cornerstone of suspense cinema; its tension builds from the confines of a single apartment. In this film, James Stewart's portrayal of a photographer who temporarily uses a wheelchair transforms voyeurism into a gripping investigation into potential crime across the courtyard. The 4K restoration intensifies the apartment's colors and the courtyard's subtle shadows, enhancing the claustrophobic feeling and the escalating suspense Hitchcock orchestrates. Beyond the gripping plot and direction, REAR WINDOW also serves as a deep dive into social voyeurism. The film allows viewers to catch every nuanced expression and subtle interaction across the courtyard, mirroring the protagonist’s growing obsession. This added visual clarity enriches the story, offering a more immersive experience into the protagonist's world of speculation and suspense. The enhanced audio quality also plays a pivotal role, sharpening the ambient sounds of the city and the distinct dialogues through windows, which heightens the film's atmospheric tension.

TO CATCH A THIEF is a glamorous thriller set against the lush backdrop of the French Riviera. Cary Grant and Grace Kelly dazzle in this romance and deception cat-and-mouse game. The stunning upgrade highlights the Riviera's blues and greens, making the scenery pop as much as the intricate plot twists. This restoration enriches the visual appeal and sharpens the details of the costumes and picturesque landscapes central to the film’s charm. The Riviera's sparkling waters and landscapes are more captivating than ever, starkly contrasting the film’s thrilling chase sequences. Additionally, the enhanced resolution brings new life to the detailed and dynamic cinematography, highlighting Hitchcock’s skill in using the camera to improve the romantic tension and the suspenseful misdirection that drives the plot, making the film a visual spectacle that’s as much about style as it is about suspense.

VERTIGO, a tale of obsession and identity, features James Stewart in a complex narrative that bends perception and reality. The restoration of this psychological thriller brings out the vivid hues of San Francisco and the haunting, dreamlike sequences that define the film. The enhanced resolution offers a new depth to the film's iconic scenes, from the dizzying heights of the bell tower to the intricate details of Kim Novak’s enigmatic expressions. In VERTIGO, the visuals emphasize the symbolic elements used throughout the film, such as the regular use of red and spiral motifs that mirror the protagonist's psychological descent. These iconic parts of cinema history deepen the story's thematic aspects. Furthermore, the restoration brings a new vibrancy to the iconic locations around San Francisco, enhancing their role as almost another character in the narrative. This clarity allows for a more profound appreciation of Hitchcock’s craft in framing and composition, elevating the film’s visual storytelling to new heights.

NORTH BY NORTHWEST is a thrilling chase that spans the breadth of America, defined by its iconic crop-duster scene and climactic Mount Rushmore confrontation. Cary Grant's charismatic performance ensures that every frame, from bustling city streets to rural danger zones, is crisp and compelling. The restoration accentuates the cinematography and dynamic editing, making the film a staple of action and suspense. The additional detail revealed in the 4K restoration enhances the elaborate production design and the precision of Hitchcock’s action sequences. The cleaned-up image sharpens the edges of suspense in the pivotal moments on Mount Rushmore, providing a more visceral thrill. The restoration also allows for a greater appreciation of the film's rapid pace and clever script, ensuring that each witty exchange and tense interaction is as clear as the visually stunning set pieces. This level of clarity magnifies the film’s blend of elegance and excitement, securing its place as a pinnacle of cinematic thrillers.

PSYCHO redefined the horror genre with its shocking narrative and the notorious shower scene. Anthony Perkins' chilling performance as Norman Bates is more haunting than ever, thanks to the stark black-and-white contrast. This sharper image quality brings a fresh intensity to the suspense, making the slow-burning terror and abrupt shocks even more effective. With PSYCHO, the restoration enhances the ominous atmosphere that pervades the Bates Motel. The stark contrasts of light and shadow are more pronounced, deepening the sense of foreboding that Hitchcock meticulously crafted. This heightened clarity brings new layers to Perkins’ performance, revealing subtleties in his expressions and movements that underscore his character's duality. The enhanced audio quality also heightens the iconic score, whose piercing strings echo more profoundly, ratcheting up the tension that makes PSYCHO a horror masterpiece.

THE BIRDS presents a unique blend of horror and nature's revolt, where peaceful settings turn menacing as birds begin to attack humans. The 4K restoration amplifies the terror with unparalleled clarity, enhancing the special effects that make the avian assaults terrifyingly realistic. The improved visual detail adds to the film’s atmosphere, increasing the tension and unpredictability of each scene. This only intensifies the film's eerie quality, with the attacks now rendered in harrowing detail. This adds to the suspense and horror, as each feathered antagonist is rendered with a realism that underscores the film’s apocalyptic themes. Moreover, the scenic backdrops against which these dramas unfold are now vividly detailed, highlighting the stark contrast between the peaceful settings and the chaotic assaults, further immersing the audience in Hitchcock’s chilling vision of nature turned malevolent.

The entire collection is encased in a beautifully crafted box adorned with art by Tristan Eaton that reflects the thematic elements of Hitchcock's films. This collector’s edition serves as a visual treat and a historical archive, with over 15 hours of bonus content, including exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and expert commentaries that delve into Hitchcock’s cinematic techniques.

ALFRED HITCHCOCK: THE ICONIC FILM COLLECTION is an essential acquisition for cinema enthusiasts and those new to Hitchcock's work. The 4K restorations offers a contemporary lens through which to view these classic films, ensuring that Hitchcock’s mastery remains relevant and accessible for future generations. This collection preserves and celebrates Hitchcock's films' innovative spirit and enduring impact, making it a timeless addition to any film library.

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[photo courtesy of UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT, WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT, TRISTAN EATON]

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