Rating: Summary: THAT kiss Review: I first saw Rear Window some 15 years ago on its first major Australian rerelease, and have never forgotten the impact of the first kiss between Grace Kelly and James Stewart. Having seen the new restoration I was again overwhelmed by the incredible erotic charge that Hitchcock and his photographer brought to a simple closeup; it's one of those transcendant moments in cinema that defy explanation. Rear Window has several such moments - of generally lesser intensity - and the restoration is a subtle complement. I agree with an earlier reviewer about the slight artificiality of the skin tones, as well as what appears to be the irretrievable loss of richer green tones. Watching this on big screen is now a distinctly more satisfying experience, but it still looks washed-out, and apart from the obvious anachronisms you are still well aware that it is an old movie. In this respect the restoration of Vertigo is the greater success, although Rear Window is still a very fine movie.
Rating: Summary: 2001 Restored VHS Version Review: This is one of the greatest movies of all time and I cannot add much to the other reviews in terms of the movie itself. The restoration of Rear Window was a painstaking task taking several years. The results, while not up to the quality of Vertigo, are well worth the wait. There is still quite a bit of "graininess", especially in the closeup shots. However, much color, particularly the yellow layer, has been restored. More detail can be seen, particularly in the dresses, the brick, and backgrounds. The scene where Grace Kelly makes her entrance benefits the most from the restoration (not as blue and fuzzy as it was on the first VHS incarnation). One of the greatest movies of all time looking much better than ever at a good price make this an essential purchase.
Rating: Summary: A fine transfer, but not as good as other Hitchcock DVDs Review: No need to say much about the film itself, it is one of Hitchcock's most enjoyable, with excellent performances. James Stewart is marvellous as always, although I doubt if his part stretched him quite as much as other roles, in 'Vertigo' for example. The image on DVD is good, although this film (from 1954) goes not look as impressive as 'Vertigo' (1958) which is excellent. Also don't miss Stewart's best screen performance in the fabulous courtroom drama 'Anatomy of a Murder' which looks superb on a black & white MGM DVD. As for Hitch's 'North by Northwest' (1959), that is an absolutely stunning image on DVD, better than you could imagine. In this film, the image is warm and clear, although with a hint of grain on some fleshtones which occasionally do not look entirely natural. Also there is some loss of sharpness, particularly on closeups. The footage of the view from L B Jefferies' (Stewart's) window is very fine. There are no serious nicks or scars that I noticed, just the occasional fleck. All in all this is the best 'Rear Window' has looked for home viewing, and too much should not be made of the slight flaws I have mentioned. They will not interfere at all with your viewing and enjoyment of an excellent film.
Rating: Summary: Hitchcock DOES NOT get better than this! Review: This is the best Hitchcock film ever made. I have waited for years for this to be re-released and I AM NOT DISAPOINTED! Grace Kelly is beautiful, Jimmy Stewart is at his finest and I could watch this movie over and over again! The screenplay is superb and the directing is excellent. I have seen this movie about 100 times and every time Lisa goes into the apartment alone I get nervous! Buy this DVD it is a COMPLETE MUST HAVE!
Rating: Summary: HITCHCOCK CLASSIC-A WHOLE NEW LOOK!! Review: I have to admit that I have a lot of respect and admiration for Alfred Hitchcock. I studied about his work in film school and most of his movies are just great. REAR WINDOW is no exception. The movie is all about our facination with what other people are doing with their lives. With the popularity of so called "reallity TV" on the rise, the film seems as current today, as it was in the 1950s. Jimmy Stewart gives another one of those fine "everyman" performances that he was famous for. It's also what made his four film collaboration with Hitchcock work so well. The radiant Grace Kelly is made even more so, thanks to the film's restored look. It looks just great!! The DVD has another one of those facinating documentaries that are included on many Hitchcock COLLECTOR EDITION DVDs. Another highlight for me is the re-release trailer with a voice over by Stewart himself. The restoration team that worked on Vertigo did another super job! The comparisons between the old print and the new version are amazing.
Rating: Summary: WONDERFUL!!! WONDERFUL!!! WONDERFUL!!!!! Review: OH MY GOSH! I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS FILM LOOK SO GOOD IN MY LIFE. I HAD A COPY OF THIS FILM, WHICH WAS RELEASED IN THE 80'S, BUT THIS PRINT WAS MUCH BETTER. JIMMY STEWART AND GRACE KELLY ARE SUPERB AS JEFF AND LISA, THE TWO LOVERS WHO ARE CAUGHT UP IN MURDER AND MAHEM!!! AND RAYMOND BURR IS WONDERFUL AS THE HUSBAND WHO IS KNOWN TO HAVE KILLED HIS WIFE!!! a MUST-SEE FOR ALL HITCHCOCK, STEWART, OR KELLY FANS!!!!!!!!!!
Rating: Summary: Voyeuristic Odyssey Review: This is my absolute favorite Hitchcock flic! I like the narrowed set. It perpetuates a real sense of doom and no-escape. The vignettes of Jimmy Stewarts neighbors are brilliant. It's the kind of slick voyeurism that almost everyone is probably guilty of - that strange kind of excitement in wondering what's happening next door, across the way. Staring into Hitchcock's cast windows, one gets a feeling of cinematic detachment that permeates to real life. It's as if we're safe to explore and judge the actions of others without recognizing that they are not a stage. There's a fine line between being freaky and nosy and protecting a civil environment. Actions and motives are misconstrued....the climax is appalling and atones on-the-edge-of-the-seat (or window sill, in this case) snooping! Try also 'Dial M for Murder', 'Vertigo', and 'North by Northwest'. The soundtrack for N by NW and Vertigo are excellent.
Rating: Summary: A masterpiece of contemporary cinema. Review: Like all of Hitchcock's films, 'Rear Window' examines the duality of nature. To be more particular, the thrill and guilt of voyeurism. Sidelined by an accident and confined to a wheelchair with a broken leg, photographer James Stewart sits in his sweltering apartment with nothing more to do then look out his window. The simple hobby soon becomes an obsession when he grows to believe that one of his neighbors, a costume jewelry salesman played by Raymond Burr, has killed his wife. Hitchcock's amazing ability to craft suspense sequences figures in what can only be described as a nailbiting finale. This is very much a movie about moviegoing. Each of the occupants in the apartments Stewart watches has it's own story: Ms. Torso, the beautiful ballet dancer seen entertaining numerous men, Ms. Lonely Heart, who dresses up and waits for someone to come to her door, and a struggling songwriter who, right before our very eyes and ears, composes a song that ultimately becomes the very theme of the movie. We see Stewart watching these people, followed by his reaction. Thus is the essense of moviegoing. When his girlfriend (a radiant Grace Kelly) makes her way to Burr's apartment in search of evidence, Burr suddenly comes back. Stewart watches the volitile situation from his chair, unable to intervene, just watch. It's simply brilliant, made at a time when Hitchcock's powers were at their peak. Any person who enjoys film both as art and entertainment needs to see this film. The DVD edition is beautiful, the sound incredible. This is a film where the soundtrack is of utmost importance since the only sounds we hear are the sound from outside Stewart's window (whenever there is music playing on the film's soundtrack, it is coming from a neighbor's apartment, etc.). The making of documentary is fascinating viewing as is the production gallery, both giving us some rare insight into the master of suspense. This is a true classic of cinema and a must-own DVD.
Rating: Summary: Virgin Hitchcock Review: "Rear Window" was the first Hitchcock film I ever saw. Fabulous!
Rating: Summary: "Rear Window" is Hitchcock at his BEST !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Review: This amazing director Alfred Hitchcock got the nod for 4 of AFI's (American Film Institute's) top 100 movies in 100 years (1998). This incredible feat showcases "Hitch" at his very best !!!! His greatest run began with his greatest movie "Rear Window" (1954), then Vertigo (1958), North by Northwest (1959) and his most famous horror thriller, Psycho (1960) all on AFI's list. Rear Window's cast was meticulously chosen and performed perfectly and flawlessly. This movie is the perfect blend of story, cinematography, acting, music, drama, suspense and most of all COLOR. Digitally restored masterfully you now can enjoy the artist pallet at its best. In summary; An adventure magazine photographer (James Stewart) is in his 6th week being wheelchair bound from a broken leg in a 2 room apartment overlooking the courtyard of an apartment complex in New York. Socialite girlfriend (the most beautifully photographed closeup sequence of Grace Kelly) tries to persuade the reluctant Stewart to be allowed into his high adventure life. Along with his physical therapist (Thelma Ritter) the trio get involved in a peeping Tom scenario of the neighbors & the possibility of a husband (Raymond Burr) killing & disposing of his wife? The girlfriend and therapist become predators to find the body. Stewart becomes the victim of the husband & the rest is history. This the greatest movie and Grace Kelly is absolutely gorgeous!!! Plenty of backgound information and incites from "Hitch's" daughter Patricia Hitchcock. You've got to see "Rear Window" and then you will want to see more of this directors work. You can't lose with "Rear Window"!!!!!
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