The Blu-ray Disc
Far exceeding any previous DVD version of the film, Paramount’s 1080p, 1.85:1 transfer of To Catch a Thief is almost overwhelming in terms of its eye-popping color and superb film-like detail. Robert Burks’ VistaVision photography is perfectly rendered, from the glittering spectacle of the Riviera’s seaside to the bursting reds and yellows of flowers in the market to the pearly opulence of the Carlton Hotel in Cannes. Facial, object and clothing detail is incredibly rich, and a difficult pattern like Grant’s narrow-striped blue sweater isn’t bogged down with digital artifacts like in DVD versions. This might pull ahead as the best-looking Hitchcock Blu-ray yet.
Audio options include a 2.0 stereo TrueHD track and a mono TrueHD track. The mono track presents perfectly clean and clear audio, with no pesky hiss or crackle to be heard.
Special Features
Everything from Paramount’s 2009 Centennial Collection DVD edition (some of which was carried over from earlier DVD versions) is ported over here. Historian Drew Casper provides an audio commentary, Hitchcock’s daughter Patricia and her daughter Mary Stone are featured in a recorded Q&A at USC, and there’s a cursory look at Hitchcock’s troubles with censorship under the Production Code. A brief featurette focuses on the star power of Grant and Kelly, while various making-ofs focus on the writing, casting, costume design and production. Earlier interviews with Hitchcock’s family members, an interactive travelogue on shooting locations, still galleries and the theatrical trailer are also included.
The Bottom Line
Even if you don’t love the film, the stunning transfer here is reason enough to pick up the disc.
Article comments