Rating: 
Summary: NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT ON DVD - FOR A CHANGE!
Review: "Sunset Boulevard" is the macabre story of Hollywood decadence turned on end. When has-been screen writer Joe Gillis (William Holden) finds himself hiding out from the repo-guy he accidentally stumbles upon forgotten screen legend, Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson) and her dark, brooding butler, Max (Eric Von Stroheim). She's derranged. He's desperate. Oh, well. Nobody's perfect.
ASIDE: There's a story here: Swanson and Stroheim were once married to one another in real life. It was his film, Queen Kelly that gave Swanson's career the black eye it never recovered from. At the time that "Sunset Blvd" went into production Swanson was, like her character, very much a has been. So how did it all turn out in the end - on film; tragically. In real life? - fairly better.
TRANSFER: Paramount has outdone themselves on this DVD. The transfer is simply flawless, exhibiting a perfect image from the opening credits to the final fade out. The gray scale is magnificently rendered and this on a film that was on the verge of being lost to us forever. There's no hint of edge enhancement, pixelization or any of the other digital anomalies that seem to plague so many B&W transfers. The audio has been restored and remixed and will blow you away in its depth and clarity. Really, this is as perfect as a DVD will ever look. The only other B&W movies that look as good are Warner's "Mildred Pierce" and "Citizen Kane".
EXTRAS: Here too Paramount amazes me. After penny pinching with no extras on practically every disc they released, Paramount opens the flood gates with a brilliant documentary on the making of the film and two featurettes. There's also an audio commentary and the film's original theatrical trailer. YES! - MANY THANKS TO THE MOUNTAIN FOR THIS ONE.
BOTTOM LINE: You must run out and purchase this disc. It is bar-none the most perfectly rendered DVD of a classic film! Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: 5 stars for the film, 2 stars for the print
Review: 'Sunset Boulevard' is a spectacular film, and the extras on the DVD are nice. However, the print for this film is in desparate need of digital restoration: I noticed many instances of "ghost movements" throughout the film, among other imperfections, clear signs of corrosion in the print.
Rating:
Summary: Wilder knew how to stun an audience...
Review: The struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis (William Holden) owes money for his car and if he does not pay it the car will be repossessed. Thus, Joe sets off to search for someone to get the money from and he is also looking for a new job. In this search for money, he crosses path with the repossessing agents and in a car chase he evades the repossessing agents by turning into the driveway of 10086 Sunset Boulevard where a crumbling mansion from the golden days of silent films stands. Joe assumes the mansion is abandoned, however, he quickly realizes differently. The house is inhabited by Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson) who once was a huge silent film star, but now is delusional about her own current fame. This provides an opportunity for Joe, who is broke, to regain his financial security and avoid the repossessing agents, since Ms. Desmond is looking for a screenwriter to help her with her feeble script. However, there seems to be something else going on behind the curtain as Joe helps Ms. Desmond. Sunset Boulevard is a brilliant film offering first class cinematography, an ingenious script, and good acting through the excellent cast. The film entertains, but there are also many lessons to be taught through the experience of the story as it unfolds. In the end, the film depicts an extraordinary cinematic event.
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Summary: Gloria IS The Greatest STAR of them ALL!
Review: I truly knew very little of Gloria Swanson until I happened to view Sunset Boulevard. That night my fate was sealed! I was destined to begin an exaustive quest for ANYTHING to do with this Movie. I purchased some of her other movies and they were "quaint" to put it nicely. BUT as Norma Desmond...Miss Swanson became an INSTANT Legend..Perhaps the greatest of them all! The role was made for her, she had ONE SHOT at making a return, and she gave it her all! I was able to collect EVERY Autograph of all the major players in this movie and have dozens and dozens of Signed Photos and letters of Miss Swanson. This movie is the story of all human beings who were once young and beautiful (like me) and find themselves slipping into old age and a life of memories. It is the story of how one woman copes with this fact. By living in a "Dream World" she is ever young and glamorous...I am doing that as well. Norma is my idol and role model on how to survive being a Diamond in a Rhinestone World! Goodnight Norma Darling...I will love you Forever!.......Dennis
Rating:
Summary: Top notch Wilder, top notch Hollywood
Review: A superb transfer to dvd is just one of many reasons to buy this timeless, biting and brooding satire, which also gives us a tantalising and tasty glimpse of the LA of the late forties in some nice location shooting. Ace casting and performances make this film absolutely compelling, and what a blessing the original opening scene was dropped in favour of the now legendary 'body in the pool' opening.
Rating:
Summary: In Awe of Swanson!!
Review: I watched this movie 10 years ago and I still get goosebumps!! William Holden is great as the down on his luck screenwriter. I still get a kick out of Cecil B. DeMille in a cameo performance. But Gloria Swanson is the reason you should watch this classic. She should have recieved and Oscar for her larger than life performance. Watch and be in awe!!
Rating:
Summary: At long last,
Review: Ms Swanson got her close-up on DVD. A classic film noir, but not the usual plot. Interesting for it's nod to the past of Hollywood film and its' starts. Watch for Keaton, Nilsson and the clip from Queen Kelly...the film directed by Von Stroheim, starring Swanson, which didn't go into release. It's a strange film, with a strange plot, but it works, due to the scenery and attention to detail.
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Summary: Alright, I'm ready for this DVD, Mr. Wilder.
Review: I hate to use a cliche right off the bat, but they really don't make them like they used to and this film is proof of that. The great Billy Wilder, who already had such classics as The Lost Weekend and Double Indemnity (both great films in their own right) under his belt, came out with Sunset Boulevard in 1950. I've heard more than one critic say that they consider this his best film and that's saying a mouthful when one realizes that it's up against other great Wilder films including Stalag 17, The Apartment, and Some Like It Hot (as well as the aforementioned greats from the 1940's). But what of this film? Yes, we have scathing commentary on how shallow, materialistic, and rotten Hollywood (the entertainment industry?) can be. We have typically great Wilder dialogue, humor, and characters. Great charcters? William Holden as struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis who realizes too late that he has prostituted himself simply can't be beat. Of course he would follow it up with other great performances in Stalag 17, The Wild Bunch, and Network. Without a doubt, Gloria Swanson gives the performance of her career as Norma Desmond--the former silent film actress who refuses to acknowledge that time has passed her by. At times, Swanson is over the top but absurdity seems to be appropriate for the character. Ehric von Stroheim is also excellent as the joyless butler with more than one dark secret. Moreover this is a great story with characters that we care about in one way or another. If one doesn't identify with Norma Desmond, he/she most likely pities her. There's also a couple of good extras on the disc, including a 25 minute documentary that covers some of the goings-on with the making of the film. Unfortunately, it would appear that the only surviving cast member at the time of the filming for the DVD was Nancy Olson who played Betty Schaefer, the young screenwriter who falls for Holden but can't quite seem to pry him away from Norma. Otherwise, it's entertaining enough. The script for the original opening sequence is included as well (no, the famous body floating in the pool shot was not the original beginning to the film). Do enjoy this film and be sure to seek out other Wilder classics as well. Billy's counting on you.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful movie
Review: A great great movie, at times whimsical, other times tragic. Gloria Swanson was fantastic! The commentary can be interesting at times, but during large sections the narrator merely recalls the plot. However, I bought this movie not for the commentary, but for the memorable lines, the fantastic set and costume, and the outstanding performances of the actors.
Rating:
Summary: Old movie classic!
Review: A must have for the old black and white classic movie buff! Interesting story, seems real to life story. Guy loses car; old has been starlet takes him in because he is a writer. In the end she dooms herself! I say the butler help build her fake reality world. The best thing on the DVD was the extra features, that showed a map where the main parts of filming were at and if the buildings or car is still their! Great commentary!
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