Charade

Rating:
Summary: Nothing is really what it seems...
Review: And that includes the quality of this release. It just goes to show that you can take a great screenplay from a great book, cast some stellar Hollywood performers at their peaks, add clear expert direction, stunning location sets, stir in a Mancini score, and still end up with a painfully disappointing experience. Especially when you consider the promise of the new DVD format, and today's digital remastering techniques. Re-released through several small-time distributors (Front Row Entertainment of Canada, etc) Charade has been reduced to a sad caricature of it's original beauty. By using worn-out, poor-quality source for the transfer to DVD these distributors have marketed a product that is not only inferior to the existing VHS tape versions, but an insult to the DVD format. To see this type of travesty is to know the real tragedy of copyright expiration and it's resulting offspring--corporate greed at the expense of art, businesses reaping profits at the expense of unaware consumers, and worst of all...sometimes the loss of great examples of cinema magic. Thank goodness Criterion was able to resurrect what appears to be close to if not original film, and produce a release of Charade that shows what DVD is all about. If you haven't seen Charade, I won't spoil it by telling you the plot here. But whether you've seen it or not, I will tell you this: Spend the money and get the Criterion version for DVD, or save your money and buy the VHS tape version. Avoid the budget DVD versions at all costs--they're no bargain...just a waste. Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Old Style Hollywood Glam in Gorgeous DVD Transfer
Review: This is an exceptional DVD transfer of an exceptional movie. Criterion has done a magnificent job of restoring Charade to its colorful glory. The film is presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The print is clear, crisp, and beautiful to behold. You feel as if you can reach out and touch the actors.

And what actors! The film features the dashing older version of Cary Grant and the youthful gamine Audrey Hepburn, with enough chemistry between them to ignite a fireworks factory. The plot is a convoluted and flimsy trifle about cold war spy shenanigans, with cases of mistaken identity and episodes of grave danger for Miss Audrey. But Cary, the classic good guy in cad's clothing, is there to save the day. In addition to which he provides chaste romance that sizzles beneath the civility.

Audio commentary is provided by director Stanley Donen and screenwriter Peter Stone. While interesting and funny in spots, it does drag a bit over the length of the film. It may be better to check it out when you find something in the film that you would like to hear dissected. Otherwise, you'd be better to stick with the delightful, corny dialogue spoken in the dulcet tones of Cary and Audrey. The soundtrack music is to also to be savored, done up in classic '60s spy movie style by the movie maestro Henry Mancini.

If you have nothing to do on a rainy day and own a DVD player, this is the movie you want to have on hand to pop in the machine and deliver you from care. It's a keeper (and it comes in a keeper case!).

Rating:
Summary: DVD is a treasure
Review: Having suffered watching a poor print of this film on VHS for years, the DVD was a revelation. The image quality is simply superb. Finally, the technical aspects of the film do justice to its fabulous stars. Extra added bonus: The commentary of Stanley Donen and the writer Peter Stone is hilarious and insightful. What a treat!

Rating:
Summary: Awesome movie!
Review: I really enjoyed this movie. The acting was wonderful, and the plot took many unexpected twists and turns. It reminded of Hitchcock movies. It was his style, only a bit more comedic. I did, however, find that Cary Grant shower scene a littly corny.... but altogether a must see!

Rating:
Summary: Gorgeous!
Review: Gorgeous transfer..exceptional, hysterical commentary. CRITERION, I love ya.

Rating:
Summary: This is the definitive version of this film.
Review: A must see film for any Cary Grant or Audrey Hepburn fan, the chemistry between the two is wonderful. This has always been a great film and on DVD it is nothing short of stunning. The film is shown in its original widescreen 1.85.1 aspect ratio for the first time ever since its theatrical release. The image quality is superb when you consider the age of the film and the appalling video quality of previous releases of the film. The sound has been improved, yes it is mono but it sounds better than ever. The director's commentary on this DVD is one of the best I have ever heard, with some arguing between the writer and director of the film and some wonderful insights into the making of this film. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: great movie, great extras, great media
Review: First and foremost, this is a very enjoyable movie. It was very enjoyable in 1963 and it remains enjoyable today. The actors, the story, and the cinematic craft are all first rate.

This Criterion release is fantastic. Most of the video is absolutely flawless with well-saturated colors and an absence of artifacts. Even shots of Coburn's checked shirt are free of compression artifacts or aliasing which is common to this kind of shot. The audio is fine considering it is mono and mastered in 1963. There are a few rare blemishes noticeable on the screen that look like problems with the source media but that is nowhere near as offensive as artifacts or aliasing.

The fun bonus on this edition is the writer and director commentary! For those of us that like this sort of thing, this is a very enjoyable example. Listening to these two, what?, 70-year-olds bicker back and forth is a complete crack-up!

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful movie!
Review: This is probably one of Cary Grant's best films. The movie is a great mix of comedy, action, and romance, even though "Charade" is classified as a whodunnit. The chemistry between Grant and Audrey Hepburn is amazing, and the acting of the supporting stars-James Coburn, Walter Matheau, and George Kennedy-is excellent. A highly recommended video for any movie lover!

Rating:
Summary: The only Charade to buy
Review: This DVD has crisp color & glorious sound. Criterion took a great picture and made a superb DVD version of it. The quality is probably better than the original film!

Rating:
Summary: Am I glad I got this DVD!
Review: Unlike the majority of customer reviewers, I rarely rate a DVD with 5 stars. This one deserves it for great acting and great attention to detail in both the screenplay and directing. The plot is witty, clever without self-consciousness, and sufficiently interesting for repeat viewings. The Parisian ambiance adds to the film's interest. The special effects are amateurish by today's standards, but I consider plot-for-computer-effects a very good trade. Criterion has done an excellent rescue job, though some deterioration is evident in some of the scenes. Thank you Criterion. The movie is a 5, the DVD a 4.