Rating: 
Summary: Earns every bit of its reputation.
Review: Vertigo is one of those films that is so good, no one at the time of release is able to appreciate it. It was dismissed by critics, ignored by audiences and, to my knowledge, didn't win a single Academy Award (this last part isn't shocking -- Citizen Kane didn't win Best Picture). It's interesting that the reputation of this film seems to have grown substantially since the public found out more about Alfred Hitchcock's private life. For example, Scottie Ferguson's obsession with Kim Novak mirrors Hitch's own obsession with beautiful blondes, most notably Grace Kelly. Actors often bare their souls to the world, but very rarely are we aware when a director bares his/her soul. Those who dismiss Hitchcock as just a taskmaster director of suspense films should study Vertigo. He is essentially dealing with his own weaknesses and inner demons on film.Vertigo also contains two great performances -- those of James Stewart and Kim Novak. Stewart reveals a dark side that might shock those who just know him from Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and It's a Wonderful Life. He is completely believeable as a man (Hitchcock's alter ego) who is consumed by obsession. Likewise Kim Novak is wonderful and totally convincing as Madeline/Judy. Vera Miles (Lila Crane in Psycho) was originally cast, but it's hard to see anyone else but Kim Novak in the role. She is utterly convincing as the distant, aristocratic Madeline AND as the earthy working class girl Judy. I can't think of many actresses who could be so effective in both roles. Grace Kelly, for example, might have been able to pull off Madeline, but probably would have been laughable as Judy. It's too bad more directors couldn't see past Novak's sex kitten image and cast her in more substantial roles. In case you couldn't guess, I highly recommend this DVD. The documentary about the restoration of the film is very interesting and makes you realize what a job it is to restore a film. The DVD edition also includes an ending that was only on the foreign release prints. This edition does Hitchcock's masterpiece all the justice it deserves and then some. (An additional note: I live in the San Francisco Area and have visited many of the locations featured in the film, including Madeline's apartment, Muir Woods, Mission Delores, The Palace of the Legion of Honor and Fort Point. Just to clarify for those of you who might be wondering: (1) there is no portrait of Carlotta at the Palace of the Legion of Honor and (2) there are no stairs leading down to the water at Fort Point -- the stairs were an in-studio shot that enabled James Stewart to more easily fish Kim Novak out of San Francisco Bay.)
Rating:
Summary: HITCHKOK AT HIS BEST!
Review: I just love this movie Kim Novak and James Stewart are at their best. This is the classic Hitchkok film. With it's beautiful sets, actors, spcial effects,and the high suspense, this is truly the best movie Alfred Hitchkok ever made.
Rating:
Summary: One of a kind masterpiece from Hitchcock.
Review: I seen this film for the first time, now this is one of my favorites and to me is the best Hicthcock film ever made. His another films are classic also like-The Man Knew Too Much(1954),Rear Window, Pyscho and The Birds. These are the only films from Hitchcock, i seen. James Stewart in a Great Performance, like the original tralier said (Like you never seen him before.) Kim Novak also in a Great Performance, she very beautiful woman, also is the first time, i see her in a movie. Unforgettable Classic From Director Hicthcock. DVD has an great non-anamorphic Widescreen(1.85:1) format and an good Dolby Digital 5.0 Surround. This DVD included an Deleted Ending and An group running commentary from the People has Remastered the film and The orignial cast and Filmmakers. Grade:A+. Vista Vision.
Rating:
Summary: Hitchcock's Masterpiece
Review: This movie is the best movie in the whole world!
Rating:
Summary: Hitchcock's Most Personal Film
Review: Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo is so complex in its intentions and so intricate and fascinating in its scope that it will take multiple viewings to uncover and comprehend the savagely beautifullandscape of Hithcock's most poetically vunernable and unberably passionate film. The damaged heart of Scottie Ferguson portrayed so dramatically and effectvely by James Stewart, in his most accomplished role, illustrates the damage caused by romantic obession and the danger inherent in loving a fantasy. This meticulously crafted Hitchcock masterwork is so unbeleiably vivid in its emotions and true to its own creative genesis that it remains Hitchcock's definitive work dealing with love, loss, romance, illusion, and romantic obsession. A movie watchers must-see. The DVD edition is also quite a package within itself as gives the viewer abundant Vertigo extras including an alternate ending.
Rating:
Summary: absolutely stunning
Review: Much more intellectual and psychological that his other films, but Hitch takes intensity to another level.
Rating:
Summary: This DVD Is So Good It Gives Me ... VERTIGO
Review: Now this is how DVDs should be made! Universal has done an excellent job with this Hitchcock classic. First of all, as far as audio commentary goes, more DVDs should take their cue from this one. VERTIGO features at least 3 different voices and points of view as narrators. You do not have to listen to the same person for two hours. Granted, some audio commentators are very entertaining (see/hear Terry Gilliam's commentary on BRAZIL or 12 MONKEYS). Some are not. Plus, it's more bang for your buck listening to VERTIGO's film restorers and original associate producer. Another disc that handles the commentary issue well is CONTACT. Back to VERTIGO: The other bonus stuff is great. We get to see original and re-release trailers; lots of great production photos; and the "Foreign Ending", which is very interesting. The documentary about restoring VERTIGO (which was originally on cable's A&E channel) is fascinating and well done. I find the restoration process very interesting. The picture and sound on the DVD are exquisite. It's never looked better! VERTIGO, the film, is a classic. I agree with some of my fellow reviewers that the story's structure is a bit odd -- Hitch reveals the "secret" half way through the movie. However, VERTIGO is a film about obsession. It doesn't matter who Madeleine really is. Scottie is in the throws of his own personal vertigo and that is far more interesting to watch than a gimmicky who-done-it. This DVD is definitely for the collection!
Rating: 
Summary: Masterpiece? Um, don't think so
Review: I just finished watching Vertigo for the first time and think it is terribly overrated. Granted, the first hour is riveting. I admit to being totally caught up in the mysterious plot. But the film sabotages itself around the time the audience is shown what took place during the "murder" in the church tower. After this revelation, the film sputters along, trying to find its momentum again. It never does. The scenes of Jimmy Stewart dressing up Kim Novak to look like the "dead" Madeline are seemingly endless. This is a truly tedious part of the film. The final five minutes are terribly unsatisfying. I was waiting for an amazing, totally unexpected conclusion. What I got was a real letdown. When the final credits rolled, I said "Huh? You mean that's it?" Hitchcock blew it when he revealed the "secret" of the movie with 45 minutes to go. What was he thinking? That's fine if you have an incredible ending up your sleeve. Obviously, he didn't. Geez, what some people call a masterpiece just amazes me...
Rating:
Summary: The Best Hitch Thriller
Review: Undoubtedly the best Hitchcock thriller, and it definitely comes into my top 5 of all the films I have ever seen. Gorgeous Kim Novak in the role of Madeleine could be the best one in her career. Her husky voice and alluring charm are not only breath-taking but even shocking. Hitchcock was to give Vera Miles, another beautiful young actress this role but was thwarted due to her pregnancy. She could have made a better Madeleine, but still, Novak is good enough. Jimmy Stewart is sympathetic as always, and his role personifies Hitchcock's desire, taste and lust. If you happened to find Psycho a masterpiece, brainwash yourself with this and understand that Psycho indeed was Hitch's temporal aberration. Bernard Herrman's music is another attraction. I saw this film even this morning but this haunting music is still in my ears. What I suggest is the following: insert the cassette into the VCR, grab a bottle of sherry, sit on a chaise-longue and just immerse yourself in the drama that develops in front of you. You should find the viewing experience more than just rewarding unless you are a serious acrophobe.
Rating:
Summary: Five stars is an understatment
Review: Shakespeare on film. This is a well-crafted tale of love, obssesion and the psychosis surrounding them both. Vertigo, the disorienting condition of the main character, is equated with the obsessive yet imbalancing power of love and the tale has a satisfyingly "minor key" ending. I can not love this film more. A must for anyone who professes to love movies.
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