Rating: 
Summary: THE 39 STEPS..
Review: OKAY NOW,THIS IS A HITCHCOCK FILM..WHEN I BOUGHT THE CRITERION EDITION OF THE 39 STEPS, I WAS REALLY EXPECTING A MOVIE LIKE NORTH BY NORTHWEST..39 STEPS IS FOR SURE AN EARLY HITCH CLASSIC AND I WOULD RECOMMEND YOU THE LASERLIGHT ONE BECAUSE OF IT'S FAIR PRICE (I HAVEN'T SEEN THAT EDITION BUT I HAVE LASERLIGHT'S THE LADY VANISHES AND THE AUDIO + VIDEO ARE OKAY), BUT IF YOU ARE A REAL FAN OF THIS MOVIE OR THE DIRECTOR OR IF YOU ARE EAGER TO HAVE THE SUPPLEMENTS, GET THIS DISC..(BY THE WAY THE AUDIO IS PERFECT IN THE CRITERION ONE).
Rating:
Summary: Early Hitchcock is memorable
Review: Although I do not think most people are aware of this movie, it has a very clever and well-constructed plot and I would recommend it. After getting used to the British accents (it takes a while for some reason), it is a very enjoyable movie with suspense, intrigue, action and romance. I would especially recommend it to Hitchcock fans and old movie buffs.
Rating: 
Summary: YES YEs Yes
Review: If you enjoy light-hearted mysteries..British..prior to WW II, this is a classic of the genre. Robert Donat was a gracious actor who is always enjoyable to watch. Black and White, but would be ruined in color. How he gets out of the hotel is a kick. Be kind to yourself and get it! Another good actor to look for is Basil Rathbone. Good watching....
Rating: 
Summary: GOOD?
Review: WHILE VIEWING THIS, I HAD BECOME LOST IN A SENSE. WHAT DOES ONE EXPECT FROM HITCHCOCK? SUSPENSE THAT INTRIGUES YOU GREATLY AT TIMES. BUT THIS FILM LACKS THESE ATTRIBUTES. THERE WERE GOOD SCENES THAT HELPED THE FILM GREATLY, BUT THE LACK OF SUSPENSFUL SOUND IS WHAT CREATES THE SMALL QUALITY OF AN ENDLESS BORE. MUSIC IS WHAT CREATES SUSPENSE. TAKE "PSYCHO" FOR EXAMPLE. NOW JUST PICTURE THE SHOWER SCENE, WITHOUT THE CLASSIC OVERTURE THAT IS WELL KNOWN TO SCARE PEOPLE: ALONG WITH THE SCREAMS ETC. THIS FILM LACKS MUSIC. MUSIC IS THE MOST POWERFUL MOOD CREATOR EVER. I DO REALIZE THAT THIS IS ONE OF HITCHCOCKS EARLIER FILMS AND THE SOUND IS SOMEWHAT HORRIBLE. THIS IS MOST AGREEABLY, HIS BEST BRITISH FILM. I WOULD SUGGEST SEEING IT AND YOU WILL SEE FOR YOURSELF THE OUTCOME. THE ENDING IS NOT WELL PLANNED. IT HAPPENS TOO QUICKLY WITHOUT MUCH BACKUP. FURTHUREMORE, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ONE OF HITCHCOCK'S BEST BLACK AND WHITE SOUND FILMS, I WOULD HIGHLY RECCOMEND "THE LADY VANISHES"
Rating:
Summary: It doesn't get better than this
Review: I won't argue the merits of DVD or recount the plot--but I do want to say this is a practically perfect film; it has it all: humor, suspense, romance, action, intrigue. I think it is Hitch's best British film, with the "The Lady Vanishes" coming in second. All of the actors are great, the script is fantastic, and Hitch's direction is unparelleled: the way he moves the camera, uses cuts, and frames the shots. This is such a fun and well-made film I almost hate seeing some of his later Hollywood movies which may have featured superstars like Bergman and Grant, but were made under the constrictive thumb of either Selznick or Hollywood moral conventions. "The 39 Steps" is a flat out wonderful movie, and Hitchcock was an absolute master.
Rating:
Summary: If you're a fan of Hitch, this is the disc
Review: Wow! Criterion has done it again with another great restoration of a great movie. Plenty of extras to please even the most insatiable DVD collecter. I'm undecided if Criterion should have restored the Vintage Hitchcock documentary--I may just be too restoration happy after the screening. Anyway, the documentary made me appreciate the transfer more. If they can do this, imagine how The Third Man will look when it comes out later this month. I can't wait.
Rating:
Summary: This is the one to get!
Review: Finally here is the best remastered DVD version from Criterion. Forget about the other cheaper versions. This is the one to get. It also comes with a lot bonus materials! I just hope that Criterion will remaster all Hitchcock's vintage films the same way in the future.
Rating:
Summary: A veritable textbook on how to make a movie
Review: In 1935 the British film industry lagged far behind Hollywood in technical expertise, and that gap somewhat mars this film. But Hitchcock far exceeded anyone working in Hollywood at the time in his knowledge and mastery of his craft, so that while the film might be a bit grainier and the sound a bit muddier than contemporary American releases, THE 39 STEPS reflects a mastery of craft and film technique largely neglected in the U.S.
Rating:
Summary: Classic Fun
Review: This was the first film version to tell the tale of Richard Hannay's quest to clear his name and stop a group of spies from passing on secret information. Wanted for questioning involving a murder Hannay (played by Robert Donat) must get to Scotland, a clue bequeathed to him by the murder victim. The problem is who can he trust? Can he get anyone to trust him? His one hope is a young woman he meets on the train to Scotland but she believes him to be the murderer. With time running out Hannay must find out what the spies are up to before he is caught and imprisoned for a crime he did not committ.This is a wonderful film, much better than the first remake starring Kenneth More. There are some wonderful touches of humour in the film and a good degree of tension. This is a good DVD transfer, very good for such an old film. The sound quality is fine although some people might be expecting something better. Considering the age and condition of the film this is a good print.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant early thriller by Hitchcock
Review: This movie is a superb blend of Hitchcock's storytelling technique and his macabre sense of humor. The story is excellently crafted. The audience sympathizes right away w/ Hannay as he listens to the spy's incredible story. And it fears for his safety at the words "Clear out, Hannay, you're next!" and the sight of the knife. Excellent romantic comedy bits as Hannay is handcuffed to a woman who dislikes him. And the lagniappe is the angle Mr. Memory is framed at at the end of the film. YOU MUST SEE THIS FILM!
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