Blu-ray Review: Stunning Restorations in ‘Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection’

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“Marnie” (1964)

The final five discs/movies in this set comprise the controversial “what was Hitchcock’s last great movie” debate. Most people, for years, have gone with “Marnie,” although some would argue that even this doesn’t qualify (making it “The Birds,” I suppose) while others favor “Frenzy” or even “Torn Curtain.” (No one likes “Family Plot” for good reason). All five of these movies have worthwhile qualities and look particularly good in HD (it’s easier to remaster ’60s and ’70s movies for Blu-ray than ’40s and ’50s). It’s also nice that Universal didn’t skimp on special features too much, leaving none of the films bare-bones. Having said that, the meat of this collection was on the previous two pages of this review. Watch all of those, devour those special features, and then take a look at how Hitchcock’s career ended and decide for yourself his last great flick (for me, it’s “Marnie.”)

Special Features:
o The Trouble with Marnie
o The Marnie Archives
o Theatrical Trailer

“Torn Curtain” (1966)

Special Features:
o Torn Curtain Rising
o Scenes Scored by Bernard Herrmann
o Production Photographs
o Theatrical Trailer

“Topaz” (1969)

Special Features:
o Alternate Endings
o Topaz: An Appreciation by Film Historian and Critic Leonard Maltin
o Storyboard: The Mendozas
o Production Photographs
o Theatrical Trailer

“Frenzy” (1972)

Special Features:
o The Story of Frenzy
o Production Photographs
o Theatrical Trailer

“Family Plot” (1976)

Special Features:
o Plotting Family Plot
o Storyboard: The Chase Scene
o Production Photographs
o Theatrical Trailer

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com