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The Early Hitchcock Collection [1929]
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RRP: £34.99
Our Price: £22.58 (subject to change)
CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SECOND INSTALMENT
Review date: 2007-05-22 Rating: 10 out of 10
This is a great set, an absolute must for anyone interested in the film career of Alfred Hitchcock, with some of his earlier British films (including 4 silent movies), lovingly restored and with some wonderful extras, most notably an hour long documentary on early Hitchcock. It's amazing how great these movies look on this new masters (infinitely better than all previous releases, that can now be easily dismissed). I just hope that Studio Canal and Optimun Classic get round to release soon the rest of the British films, particularly The Lodger, the first true Hitchcock work only available so far in unwatchable transfers. Some of these films may not be great works of art, up to the standard set by the master in his later opus, but in all of them can be found moments and ideas which speak loud of a real genius in working process. Don't miss it!
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Reviews
Missing
Review date: 2007-04-16 Rating: 10 out of 10
Buying this set was a treat as most of them were earlier available in terrible prints.Some of films in the set are important works like blackmail and rich and Strange. However it is a pity they have not included the silent version of Blackmail like was done in the german version. The other important omissions are The finest Hitch silent The Lodger. I would also have liked to see Young and Inocent if for nothing else but the glorious camera movement that ends in a close up of the villians eyes. i hope there is a vol 2 that puts these films out
Not just the history of Hitchcock but the history of British cinema.
Review date: 2007-03-24 Rating: 10 out of 10
The importance of this collection will vary depending on who you talk to. For the Hitchcock fan this is as essential as putting on your underwear in the morning, however, for the casual fan this might be a little bit too much for the money. Although it is important to state that there are many 'gems' in this collection that will be very entertaining even to the latter party.
The Early Hitchcock collection has been lovingly put together by Optimum Classic and Studio Canal to the extent that films over 80 years old are crystal clear to eye and ear. The menus have there own little piano score and each has scene selection, galleries, an introduction by film historian Noel Simsolo and some have special extras. In fact this box set even has original musical scores for 4 of the films. The whole thing has been put together with the utmost care and attention. Of course some of these films have been around on DVD but usually very poor (likely unofficial) conversions not giving you the full experience that this remastered set offers.
Onto the films themselves. The biggest draw for me in buying this box set was 'Blackmail', the first 'talkie' film to be of British release. Originally filmed silent Hitch knew the talkie phenomenon was on its way so made room for it to be re-edited for sound. Blackmail is classic Hitchcock all the way, from the first Hitchcock blonde to the tense murder scene to the final chase through the museum it has all the hallmarks. Although Anny Ondra's lines were dubbed live by Joan Barry (due to Ondra's thick German accent - as displayed in the extra features) it doesn't suffer much. Just as The Lodger did Blackmail started the fascination Hitch had with the thriller genre and you can tell he's having fun with it. An excellent piece.
'Murder!' I'm afraid really didn't have the same impact as Blackmail mainly because of it's predictable outcome. As such the film draws on far too long and I was really struggling to hold my interest. I'm afraid I can't really say many good things about it. Perhaps future viewings may change my mind.
'The Ring' really turned the tide as a very good and quite enthralling silent film. Aided by the excellent new piano score the film follows one mans struggle to regain his girl and be boxing champion. A precursor to Rocky? Well, maybe not but it certainly has a similar ending. Lillian Hall-Davies is the real draw here as the damsel torn between two men. It's unusual territory for Hitchcock but done brilliantly.
'The Farmers Wife' is another gem in this box set. A silent comedy that follows Master of the house Gordon Harker in his pursuit to gain a wife. With some very funny moments mixed with some very moving moments this quaint tail succeeds in being very entertaining, not too long and a rare occasion where Hitch delves into slapstick.
'Rich and Strange' is certainly strange. Fred and Emily, bored with their lives, inherit a fortune and decide to go travelling the world on a cruise. While on their travels Emily and Fred each meet new loves, but only after they're boat sinks do they rekindle their love (I told you it was strange). There are some entertaining moments here if you can keep watching but they are few and far between. It reminds me of Mr and Mrs Smith slightly with its unsuited and very annoying couple. Not much to identify with the characters and not much story. Poor.
'Champagne' stars Betty Balfour (an irresponsible socialite) whose father decides to teach her a lesson in pretending he has no money left. It certainly has some charm to it, however, it suffers in going on a little too long to hold my full attention all the way through.
'The Skin Game' adapted from the John Galsworthy play has little going for it other than an excellent performance from Edmund Gwenn. Hitch didn't choose to make this film and in typical style it ends up rushed.
'Number 17' is a very entertaining comedy thriller that has Leon M. Lion stumbling on a jewel thieves hideout. The chase sequence at the end is edge of your seat stuff (the budget constrained special effects deserve special mention). A definite gem in this boxset.
'The Manxman' is an average melodrama piece with Anny Ondra. Hitch's last silent film. It follows two friends both in love with the same girl. A nice little piece, though somewhat lacking with its bare bones story line.
The Early Hitchcock Collection is more than just an interesting curio but offers a trip back in time to the master of suspense's humble beginnings. It displays excellently that even with budget constraints Hitch was able to tell a story through his own skills and not just through the actors. I would urge fans of Hitchcock to check out this collection, even though there are some flops here its more than worth it for the insight into the past.
Product Details/Specifications
Director(s):
Recording label: Optimum Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Optimum Home Entertainment
EAN: 5060034577805
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 9
Format: Box set, Full Screen, PAL,
Release date: 2007-02-26
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 755 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1928
Language: English (Original Language)