To Catch a Thief (Special Collector's Edition)

I was absolutely unfamiliar with Grace Kelly's activities as an actor. Now I have avery good chance of it. I liked this particular movie very much. She is one of the most beautiful women in the entire world. I have red 2 books about Her Serene Highness, I think that she became a legend not only her fairy-tale wedding into the aristocracy, but also because she left show business on the peak of her famousness

I am probably being unfair on "To Catch a Thief" giving it only 4 stars when the original was released more than 50 years ago. There is no denying that Hitchcock captures Grant's and Kelly's performances and the south of France so eloquently. Furthermore it was enjoyable hearing the French speak French. Thoroughly enjoyable.

This is one of the real "classics", one of the finest tales I've ever seen.

The video quality of this special edition is excellent. Though the packaging doesn't refer to it as being a remastered version, the video image is clearer than my previous DVD. I think it was worth the cost to upgrade.

Director Alfred Hitchcock was worthy of the title of "Master of Suspense." Some of his greatest successes, critically and commercially, were steeped in psychological terror, sexual tension/confusion, political intrigue, or his frequent use of mistaken identity in his plots.

While "To Catch a Thief" does have the "wronged man" scenario, in the guise of Cary Grant's cat burglar trying to prove his innocence, the film is more a showcase for the classy pairing of Grant and co-star Grace Kelly, along with the magnificent allure of The French Riviera, playground of the rich and famous.

Featuring luscious scenery and dazzling costumes by the legendary Edith Head, the movie is a feast for the senses and a testament to a time when there were MOVIE STARS.

Even with its fairly uncomplicated plot. the shared scenes of Grant and Kelly together are sheer heaven while John Williams and Jessye Royce Landis put the capital "C" and "A" in the term character actor.

The "extra" featurettes on the disc are equally as appealing, complete with interviews with Hitch's daughter Patricia and a fascinating profile of Head.

And the restoration of the film makes the French countryside look picture perfect.