“Alfred Hitchcock Masterpiece Collection”
Universal, $119.98
WHO’S IN IT: James Stewart, Anthony Perkins, Grace Kelly.
RECAP: Even the less-than-stellar Hitchcock films are worth checking out, especially in the context of his inimitable body of work, shown in this 15-disc, 14-film set.
BEST EXTRA: The packaging takes up a fraction of the shelf space. Finally, a collector’s edition that keeps the collector in mind.
SECRETS REVEALED: The doc “All About ‘The Birds’ ” lives up to its title, tackling the making of one of the master’s most technically demanding films.
FEATURE TO SKIP: The much-touted bonus disc is an afterthought compared to the films’ cinematic weight.
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TRIVIA: 1972’s “Frenzy” (included in the set) was the first film Hitchcock made in his native England since 1950’s “Stage Fright.”
IF YOU LIKED THIS, TRY: “The Alfred Hitchcock Signature Collection.”
Rating: 4 REMOTES
“Cinderella”
Disney, $29.99
WHO’S IN IT: Evil stepsisters! Prince Charming! Fairy Godmothers!
RECAP: Poor Cinderella can’t get a break, until a bit of magic helps her win the heart of a prince. Think “Cinderella” is just for kids? Well, adults of all ages will relish the gorgeous animation.
BEST EXTRA: The making-of materials make one pine for the glory days of traditional animation.
SECRETS REVEALED: A feature focuses on Disney’s famed Nine Old Men, its team of original animators, without whom the vast stuffed animal, Halloween costume and lunchbox market may have never taken off.
FEATURE TO SKIP: The Disc 1 features are aimed at little kids, as are “Games and Activities” on Disc 2.
TRIVIA: In the original Brothers Grimm story, one of the stepsisters mutilates her foot to try to fit it into the glass slipper.
IF YOU LIKED THIS, TRY: The “Shrek” movies, which poke fun at “Cinderella” and its innocent ilk.–joshua klein is a redeye special contributor.
RATING: 3 REMOTES
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COMING SOON
In stores next week:
– “Kicking & Screaming”
– “Kingdom of Heaven”
– “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants”
– “Happily Ever After”
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Edited by Curt Wagner ([email protected]) and Kris Karnopp ([email protected])
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