North by Northwest
One of the most influential films – and its so enjoyable youmay not even realize it
Tags: North By Northwest Categories: DVD/TV Reviews, Reviews
Posted by Daniel "monk" Pelfrey on Nov 17th, 2009
North by Northwest is one of Hitchcock’s greatest films, and now on Blu-ray, we get what appears to be a definitive home video release. The script was written by Ernest Lehman, specifically for the famed director (though the story was a collaboration between the two). What we have is a good writer taking into account strengths of the intended director, and a leading man needed to be of the same caliber. Fortunately, Cary Grant was available.
With equal doses of mystery, intrigue and action, North by Northwest is a superb example of what filmmaking can do. A sweeping story that delivers nothing but satisfaction, 50 years later it still entertains. As a matter of fact, North by Northwest can be seen as a beacon in the history of filmmaking for all the spy and action films that have come since as not only influential but laying out a blueprint and foundation for others to follow.
Cary Grant is Roger Thornhill, an advertising executive that is mistaken for a government covert operative. This misunderstanding leads to a kidnapping and an interaction with Philip VanDamm (played by James Mason) and Leonard (Martin Landau). Further breaches in identity and happenstance further complicate matters, and Roger is on the run. Along the way he meets Eve Kendall (Eva Marie Saint) who may or may not be helping him for her own purposes.
While the cropdusting scene is certainly worthy of praise, North by Northwest is chock full of memorable scenes. Mount Rushmore, the United Nations, a train, and more all provide plenty of scenery for the action to unfold as well as providing scenes that are justifiably as memorable (Mount Rushmore in particular).
Tension builds naturally and events unfold in a manner that is not only logical, but preposterous enough to provide the type of entertainment that still delivers 50 years later. Camera angles also highlight the action in a way that has been copied, mimicked and even mocked to this day, noting just how influential the film is. North by Northwest succeeds not just because it is a landmark film, but it is a landmark film largely because it is so fun to watch still.
Oh, and that score by Bernard Hermann… Yeah, just another piece of the puzzle that adds another layer of perfection. This is another example of how the usic and visuals compliment each other.
I would love to spend a couple of paragraphs discussing just how great Cary Grant is, but shouldn’t have to. While the film would work with a host of other actors, Cary Grant seems tailor made for this role. For those unfamiliar with the actor, I can’t recommend this film enough. For those that are, they know what to expect from Cary Grant, and know that he delivers.
For its Blu-ray debut, the film looks as if it has undergone a restoration. Noth by Northwest almost looks as if it were filmed this year, just without the “benefit” of modern computer graphics. The image and sound are so clean that the film is startling.
We get what appears to be all of the special features from the previous DVD release, starting with an audio commentary by the (now deceased) screenwriter. While there are gaps, fans of the film as well as the 50’s era of filmmaking will want to take a listen. We also get an audio track featuring just the film’s outstanding score. Promotional and behind the scenes stills are presented as well.
Bothersome is the fact that everything else, as wonderful as they are, is presented in “standard” definition. Even the trailers are in a lower resolution. This is understandable, but still sad. Carried over from the previous DVD is a 40 minute retrospective “making of” featurette that is worth checking out. A 2004 PBS documentary that runs just under 90 minutes is fantastic, and well worth watching for fans of the actor. Two new featurettes were created for this relese total almost 90 minutes and look at Alfred Hitchcock and North by northwest from a more analytical perspective.
North by Northwest is hard to beat for sheer entertainment, and after 50 years, that’s saying something. While the special features fall a little short (a newer audio commentary by a Hitchcock historian would have been nice, as well as having all the special features in high definition) this is still a must own release for fans of cinema.
| What Works | Score |
|---|---|
|
+ Great film + Good selection of both old and new special features + Cary Grant |
9.0 |
| What Doesn't | |
|
- A new audio commentary by a Hitchcock and film historian would have been nice - Special features in standard definition |
|
| Under the Shrink-wrap | |
| One of the best films by the master in a near definitive version. | |
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Tags: North By Northwest
Posted by Daniel "monk" Pelfrey on Nov 17th, 2009 and is filed under DVD/TV Reviews, Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
