Hitchcock on Universal DVD and Blu-ray

[hudakj]

So, overall, it sounds as though Shadow of a Doubt, Rear Window, and Vertigo are all fairly solid, while Frenzy and possibly The Birds are badly flawed?

This is what I picked up. Now with the less-than-inspiring Family Plot comment, it seems we're down to 50/50 in this sense.

[matrixschmatrix]

On the other hand, they're batting 1.000 on the ones I actually like

[rspaight]

"Birds" doesn't sound hopeless, I'm looking forward to further comments on that one. If it's just the 70s titles that are seriously FUBAR, that's not fatal for me.

[denti alligator]

"Birds" doesn't sound hopeless, I'm looking forward to further comments on that one. If it's just the 70s titles that are seriously FUBAR, that's not fatal for me.

I could care less about TOPAZ, but FAMILY PLOT is pure joy, and I wish'd it weren't ruined.

[knives]

I actually like Topaz so I'd prefer it being watchable to not.

[willoneill]

I ... ugh ... still haven't watched Topaz from the velvetty maroon box. I suppose I should do that someday.

[knives]

It's no masterpiece and is more flawed than good, but there's a number of good scenes and conceits in the film with a lovely sucker punch of an ending. If you can survive until Roscoe Lee Browne's scene you should be able to have some fun. Certainly it's better than say Torn Curtain and it's five minutes of life.

[denti alligator]

Nope, I much prefer TORN CURTAIN. Is that one in the Blu set?

[peerpee]

My rough notes on the ROPE *UK* Blu-ray: http://enthusiasm.org/post/31250496642" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[triodelover]

As long as we're picking and choosing, is there any confirmation that these will be released separately?

[peerpee]

No confirmation, but I'd expect them to be released singly in 2013. Dependent on how many boxsets they overmake and have left in the warehouse?

[peerpee]

My disappointing rough viewing notes about the *UK* BD of FRENZY: http://enthusiasm.org/post/31285985246" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[MichaelB]

I don't envy you boiling all this down to a single Sight & Sound review! How many words are they giving you?

[wllm995]

Wow!

I can not believe that SOMEONE did not notice the mistakes in the credits.

Horrible work on the part of Universal.

[peerpee]

I don't envy you boiling all this down to a single Sight & Sound review! How many words are they giving you?

I'm currently at 45,000

[denti alligator]

This just plain sucks. I'm totally bummed.

[ShellOilJunior]

A damn shame about Frenzy. That is some excellent reporting, Nick. Very appreciated.

Plus, I learned a new word! Although, at first I read it as "crack-handed".

[peerpee]

The remaining 7 x *UK* Blu-rays are now in my grubby mitts. First up:

THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
Confirmed AR: 1.85:1, AVC encode, feature length 02:00:18

Colours are strong, not faded. The resolution is superb. Noticeable damage in places, which is a slight shame, but first impressions are "phew".

More details with full notes later.

MARNIE quick look next...

[mckeldinb]

Just a follow up on the VERTIGO 5.1 debacle. The new Foley for the opening gun shots will have a VERY noticeable echo or ricochet sound; that's the easiest way to tell if it's the 1996 sound track or not. I've never had a 5.1 set up either, but even on my old mono TV set, I recognized the new sound track on the restoration back when the VHS tape was released in 1997.

The most damaging thing about the '96 version is that the cop's scream as he falls is overpowered by the music... in direct contrast to the original sound track where the scream pierces through and overpowers the music.

I would love to hear that the 5.1 on the blu is a new mix based on the original track/s (a la PSYCHO), but I'm not holding out much hope. Sigh...

[rwaits]

I just checked out your posts on enthusiasm.org and am so depressed about Frenzy. What a massive blunder for such a massive release.

Glad to hear TMWKTM looks promising at least. Please keep us posted on this... MUCH appreciated!!

[Der Spieler]

I don't envy you boiling all this down to a single Sight & Sound review! How many words are they giving you?

I'm currently at 45,000

45, 000 words? You're basically writing a book.

[NABOB OF NOWHERE]

43,000 words however consist of..
70% of this box set is a fucking pile of fucked up manure
70% of this box set is a fucking pile of fucked up manure
70% of this box set is a fucking pile of fucked up manure
70% of this box set is a fucking pile of fucked up manure
70% of this box set is a fucking pile of fucked up manure
70% of this box set is a fucking pile of fucked up manure
70% of this box set is a fucking pile of fucked up manure
70% of this box set is a fucking pile of fucked up manure
ad infinitum

No reflection on Mr Wrigley's penmanship of course

[MichaelB]

I don't envy you boiling all this down to a single Sight & Sound review! How many words are they giving you?

I'm currently at 45,000

45, 000 words? You're basically writing a book.

I believe there may have been the merest soupçon of exaggeration there.

70% of this box set is a fucking pile of fucked up manure

And another scintilla there.

(If you actually read what Nick's writing instead of focusing on the headlines, most of the discs actually sound somewhere between perfectly acceptable and pretty good - I can certainly see myself buying several of them. Though clearly not Frenzy.)

[colinr0380]

Fingers crossed for Topaz! [-o<

[David M.]

(If you actually read what Nick's writing instead of focusing on the headlines, most of the discs actually sound somewhere between perfectly acceptable and pretty good - I can certainly see myself buying several of them. Though clearly not Frenzy.)

Depends on your expectations. Given that they're Universal catalogue titles, mine were low to start with. Meaning that I'm disappointed, just not surprised.

But if this was 2005-2006 when BD was new, and I was looking into the future, I'd be appalled. Master filmmaker collection on next generation disc format gone wrong? It sounds like a bad joke, but that's the reality of their output.

It's such a shame though. I mean, it's Hitchcock for crying out loud.