Rating: 
Summary: The Sublime Mr. Hitchcock
Review: A brooding, romantic, psychological thriller, Vertigo is considered by many critics today to be Hitchcock's most sublime cinematic masterpiece. Upon its initial release the film was something of a misfit for audiences who had been weened on more narrative film fare. But Hitch's highly personal exploration of phobias and obsession continues to enthrall. James Stewart is a P.I. with a fear of heights who is contracted by an old friend to follow his wife (Kim Novak). The catch, the whole plot is a sham designed to cover up a real murder. Both Novak and Stewart give stellar performances.
In the 1990's a complete restoration was performed on Vertigo under the meticulous supervision of Robert A. Harris and James Katz. But the DVD doesn't take full advantage of those efforts. Gone is the DTS stereo track, replaced with a 5.1 Dolby Digital mix instead. Also, although presented in its original VistaVision aspect ratio (1:85:1) as reprinted onto 70mm film stock, the DVD has not been enhanced for 16X9 televisions - a real bore. Over all, the picture quality is remarkable. Colors are rich and textured and flesh tones are accurate. There are a few minor occasions where shimmering details are noticed but nothing that terribly distracts. Still, Universal needs to go back and remaster this title again, this time with DTS and a new anamorphic transfer. Since that doesn't seem to be a likely possibility in the near future this disc will have to do for the time being. As a restoration effort, Vertigo definitely won't disappoint. The DVD's just a bit of a disappointment, that's all.Included: the AMC documentary, "Obsessed with Vertigo", theatrical trailers and an audio commentary track. Nicely put together. A true legend deserves no less.
Rating: 
Summary: A Masterpiece of Obsession, Emotion, and Deception!
Review: I saw this movie a long time ago, and was baffled by its complexity. Now that I have had a chance to see it again, in its restored version, I becam fascinated by its spellbinding atmosphere and powerful story. Truly, Alfred Hitchcock's greatest and most personal accomplishment. Although my personal favorite is still "Rear Window", "Vertigo" is by far Hitchcock's most admirable film. And now that it has been restored to its original brilliance and on this fabulous DVD, its better than you ever remeber. WARNING: some plot spoilers are included so be advised! Jimmy Stewart is John "Scottie" Ferguson, an ex-cop who has Agriphobia (fear of hieghts), which gives him Vertigo so he gets dizzy. He is asked by an old chum to follow his wife, Madeline(Kim Novak), who he thinks is possessed by a dead woman. But not just a dead woman, a dead, SUICIDAL woman. Eventually, Scottie and Madeline fall for each other. And so begins Scottie's attempts to save Madeline from her alter ego, but its both their handicaps that lead to her fate. I'll just leave it at that, because I don't want to reveal anymore. Bernard Herrmann's memorable score is perhaps the best of any Hitchcock film. And Alfred Hitchcock's direction, is of course, absolutely brilliant! "Vertigo" is a powerful love story of sexual obsession, desire, and deceit.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, Suspenseful and Haunting
Review: Scenes from this movie will linger in your mind long after the first viewing. Hitchcock is the master of plot and letting a story build. "The Sixth Sense" had a suspenseful tone similar to the one in this movie. There is a twist in the plot that is a great "aha" but even after several viewings there are many interesting layers to this film. Look for Barbara Bel Geddes (Ms. Ellie from Dallas) in a minor role. James Steward is great as the vulnerable male lead. This is probably Kim Novak's best performance. Pay attention to the plot and enjoy this great film.
Rating:
Summary: Mesmerizing masterpiece
Review: I consider Vertigo to be Hitchcock's finest film. From the opening credits with closeups of a woman's face and Bernard Hermann's powerful score, the viewer is hooked into a web of obsession and suspense. The mental turmoil of Scottie Ferguson, portrayed by James Stewart in one of his best roles, begins at the beginning of the film when he falls victim to vertigo. Only that is the beginning of his victimization. Scottie is the victim in this film, but in the film's second half, he makes Judy (Kim Novak) his own victim as well by molding her into his obsession, the deceased Madeline. The mood of this film is brooding, mesmerizing, and obsessive, parallel to Scottie's personality and mental anguish. Just listening to Bernard Hermann's masterful music conveys this mood brilliantly, but also notice the powerful use of colors, especially red, green, and blue. In addition to the music, the dominant color of key scenes symbolizes Scottie's mental state. Hitchcock was truly an artist. The restoration on this film is impeccable. Technical details aside, it's beautiful and does not look a day of its 46 years of age. If you are a fan of suspense films, or just movies in general, do not pass this one up. It will mesmerize you too.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely the best film Hitchcock ever made
Review: Everybody's got a favorite Alfred Hitchcock movie. Mine is VERTIGO. Everything about this movie is more than perfect. The performances from Kim Novak, James Stewart and Barbara Bel Geddes- beyond Oscar quality. The film is a masterpiece. There are multiple themes that are repeated throughout the movie, which make it subject to many repeated viewings. I've seen it many times, and I could see it all the time. Every time I see it, I find out something new. When you see John "Scottie" Fergeson going over the top, you'll have a hard time believing that it's Jimmy Stewart up on screen. Kim Novak is a beautiful, shimmering brilliance in her two- actually THREE roles (Madeline, Carlotta Valdes, Judy). And I found it hard not to sympathize with Barbara Bel Gedde's Midge. Alfred Hitchcock's meticulous direction pays off more than ever. The ending delievered such an emotional, psychological shock that I couldn't stop thinking about it. My advice to you: stop reading, go out and see VERTIGO. You won't regret it.
Rating:
Summary: The Heights Of Perfection
Review: Director Alfred Hitchcock's most romantic thriller got a "face lift" in the mid-90s from the team that more recently worked on REAR WINDOW. VERTIGO tells the story of John 'Scottie' Ferguson (James Stewart), an acrophobic detective, who is asked by a friend Gavin Elster (Tom Helmore) to follow his suicidal wife (Kim Novak). After "Scottie" rescues her from San Francisco Bay, he finds, that he is attracted to her. Once the attraction turns to obsession, he must confront his own fears and desires, in order to find true happiness. When the film was released in the late 50s, critics and audiences alike, didn't quite know what to make of it. Fortunately, over time, the film has become one of the most beloved motion pictures of all time--that honor is justly deserved. Thanks to fine performances, a memorable score from composer Bernard Herrmann, and breathtaking cineamatography by Robert Burkes, the film is among the very best of the director's long list of films. The extras on the "collector's edition" focus much attention on the restoration of the film. The documentary even includes the overseas ending of the film. Also included are the vintage theatrical trailer and the restored version trailer. A VERTIGO photo gallery, production notes, cast and filmmaker biographies, and a comparision between the original film and the restored print-What a difference. VERTIGO is a highly recommended classic, made even better, thanks to the DVD format
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Summary: vertigo vs. rear window
Review: Like most people, I've always preferred Rear Window to Vertigo (note Rear Window's #1 status on Amazon.com's rankings). That is, until I saw both movies twice. While I consider Rear Window an undisputed masterpiece, I think Vertigo holds up better after repeated viewings. While Rear Window, like most Hitchcock films, contains wonderful humor throughout, Vertigo remains serious. While Rear Window is vastly entertaining, Vertigo moves slowly and requires careful concentration. If you've only seen Vertigo once, you owe it to yourself to watch it again; it'll definitely leave you thinking. While Rear Window entertains you, Vertigo haunts you.
Rating:
Summary: Hypnotic Masterpiece, Hitchcock's Finest
Review: As much "art" film as Hollywood product, VERTIGO was generally savaged by critics upon its release; today it is widely regarded as Hitchcock's single finest film. The story is extremely well known: a retired police detective with an incapacitating fear of heights, Scottie, is engaged to shadow a beautiful woman, Madeline, whose husband suspects her of being suicidal. Scottie soon becomes obsessive about Madeline--but circumstances quickly spin out of control, and his love turns to tragedy and maddness. Unlike most Hitchcock films, VERTIGO unfolds slowly, drawing the viewer into the relationship between Scottie and Madeline at the same pace as the characters experience it. At the same time, Hitchcock presents the viewer with a number of visual motifs (such as the famous spirals found in the film) to reenforce the increasingly disturbed nature of the story. As the film progresses, VERTIGO develops a powerfully hypnotic quality rather like the dreamed nightmare of a slow-motion fall. To a certain extent, the stars of VERTIGO are cast against type. This is particularly true of James Stewart, who is best known as the All-American Everyman, and his performance as the increasingly neurotic Scottie is all the more disturbing for our knowledge of his more typical performances. Although usually noted more for beauty than for acting ability, Kim Novack gives a remarkable and extremely believable turn in what is easily the finest performance of her career. The supporting cast--which includes particularly fine performances by Barbara Bel Geddes and Konstantin Shayne--is also excellent, and Bernard Hermann's excellent score adds tremendous dimension to the film. Some viewers, particularly those enamoured of such rapid-fire Hitchcock romps as TO CATCH A THIEF and NORTH BY NORTHWEST, may find themselves impatient with the film's leisurely pace; some viewers will themselves unable to see beyond the twists in the script to grasp Hitchcock's statement on obsessive love. But for most viewers--myself included--this is the penultimate Hitchcock film, the great masterpiece by a director reknowned for masterpieces. A personal favorite, and very highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: "Vertigo" - - - -Hypnotic, Amazing, Unbelievable
Review: Compelling. Tradgic. Lovely. Vertigo is amazing. From the opening squence, you are pulled into the dizzying shots and romantic story. James Stewart plays one of his best roles (along with Rear Window) as a retired detective head over heels, and somewhat obsessed with Madeleine, a "possesed" and mentally ill wife of a college friend. Amazing acting and probably the best Hitchcock shots are contained in Vertigo. The trick shots involving the Church staircase are fantastic and quite effective, making the audience just as dizzy as Scottie (Stewart). When Hitchcock made it, I think he was in heaven. Why? Because the movie is ABOUT modeling a woman into what you want her to be. And thats what Hitchcock did with Tippi Hedren (The Birds, Marnie) Grace Kelly (Rear Window, Dial M For Murder, To Catch a Thief) and Janet Leigh (Psycho). He molded them into the perfect blondes, and in fact, his dream women. Also, half-way through the film, Hitchcock suprises us, releaving a secret BEFORE revealiong it to Stewart. Aside from the underlying meanings, Vertigo is a splendid and nail-biting romantic suspense thriller about uncontrollable obsession and loss. As always, the final moments of the film are suprising and heartbreaking. AMAZING. The is without a doubt, Hitchcock at his best, and most content.
Rating:
Summary: Mesmerizing Perfection
Review: I have come across few films that have drawn me in and hypnotized me the way "Vertigo," my favorite film of all time, did. Just as Scottie Ferguson was hypnotized by his love for Madeleine, so was I to this film. The two leads, Kim Novak and Jimmy Stewart, are absolutely phenomenal and were perfectly cast by one of the world's greatest directors, Alfred Hitchcock. Kim Novak, in particular, plays dual roles of Madeleine Elster and Judy Barton so well even though the two roles are in complete contrast to each other, which really speaks volumes about her talent as an actress and her ability to act convincingly in a variety of different roles. The score by Bernard Hermann is perhaps the greatest made for a film and truly compliments the mood of the film itself. This is Alfred Hitchcock's greatest film and both of the leads' greatest roles.
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