Alfred Hitchcock: The Classic Collection Notorious / Rebecca / Spellbound [Blu-ray] Blu-ray – Blu-ray, March 12, 2013

I'm pretty shocked by the negative reviews of this set. Let's dispel some of the ranker untruths among them.1. These are not 480p "DVD scans." These are 1080p scans of original film elements. These transfers look like film on your HD television. Each movie shows detail that a DVD simply could not. They have their problems, yes, but these are problems like print damage, contrast pulsing, or dated wipes and dissolves that degrade detail - problems that dog a lot of movies of this vintage. None of the problems are related to these transfers not being high definition.2. These movies were shot in the 1.37:1 "Academy Ratio." It is simply not a valid criticism to complain that they are not widescreen. There is nothing to show on the sides of the frame. Would you prefer that the top and bottom of the frame be cut off so you can have a "zoomed" image on your television? I wouldn't.3. Grain is a good thing. Grain is detail. Grain is what the emulsion layer of film stock creates when it is exposed. For a high definition scan of a piece of film to show the grain structure of said film is a mark of excellence and nothing else. If you want to watch movies that have been scrubbed free of natural film grain, pick up "The Truman Show" or "Dark City." Watch them real closely, then come back here to discuss whether grain is something to be complained about when you witness the waxy faces and lack of fine detail that artificial grain reduction creates.4. Each of these discs contains several extras. I don't know where the claim they don't comes from. Maybe someone doesn't know how to use the "Pop Up Menu" button on their remote? Each film contains at least one commentary, as well as an hour-plus of documentary material per disc. Several include screen tests and interviews with Hitchcock himself. One even includes a radio adaptation of the movie.OK. All that said, you are getting 3 Hitchcock classics for a low price. These movies represent (but by no means exhaust) Hitchcock's early Hollywood efforts, in collaboration with producer David O. Selznick. They don't generally show the technique of Hitchcock's "masterpiece" period in the 50s and early 60s, but they are all excellent movies (Rebecca won best picture in 1940) with strong stories and interesting psychological elements. They feature some big stars of Hollywood's "golden age," including Cary Grant, Gregory Peck, Laurence Olivier, Ingrid Bergman, and Joan Fontaine.For this price, they are an easy recommendation for fans of Hitchcock or of classic films. They represent a solid upgrade over DVD editions of the same films.UPDATE: The current list price is way more than what I paid when I wrote this review. I can't really recommend it at this price. I advise waiting until it is re-issued or goes back under forty dollars.

This is a great addition to my 'Masterpiece collection'. I enjoyed each of the films. Though I am not able to comment on all the technical aspects of these Blu-Rays, I can say that they looked very good to me as well as better than the DVD format which I also have. They do have grain but I believe that that is only natural because of the age of the films and did nothing to detract from my enjoyment of the films but, rather, enhanced my enjoyment of these films which is the way I remember enjoying them so long ago in my youth.I will say that 'Notorious' is an interesting B&W film for much of its film screens that were used as background in place of a lot of scenes. It seems easier to see this on the BluRay of my 65" screen. 'Rebecca' looked really good to me. Blacks were black and whites were white. Everything looked very sharp. As for 'Spellbound' though not as sharp as the other two, it still looks way better than my DVD copy. And, of course, you've got the beautiful Ingrid Bergman to make the film easier on the eyes. In any case, I think the film 'Rebecca' makes this 3-movie set all worth it. And many believe that 'Rebecca' is Hitchcock's finest film ever.Hitchcock was a master of his craft and I can and will enjoy watching these films more than once over the coming years. They come on 3 Blu-Ray discs in a sturdy case, rather than one of those flimsy cases where the plastics are actually cut out on the front and back, which I don't like and tend to replace with better cases also bought here on Amazon.

Some of these movies are very hard to find, especially spellbound which can go for a lot of money and only found on dvd. The dvds worked well and are in good condition

I have been looking for this particular collection for a while. Most of these films are now found by themselves in (usually expensive) Criterion Collection editions, but its incredibly hard to find Spellbound at all, which is my favorite of the collection. Once this collection was below $50 it was definitely worth it to purchase. Mine came banged up, possibly from shipping. I replaced the blu-ray box (with an Amazon order of blu-ray boxes), which improved its curb appeal on my DVD shelf.Its wonderful to see these Hitchcock Classics in such pleasing detail. The warmth of classic film grain, makes you know you're watching something as close to the original as possible.For those who want to know a little more about the features:Rebecca: Hitchcock's only best picture winner (recently remade aptly but inferiorly on Netflix), is some good old fashioned gothic melodrama. Featuring excellent acting, and Hitchcock's classic atmospheric directing, a little more staid than usual. This film actually beat out another Hitchcock film of the same year, Foreign Correspondent, which, by today's standards, may be the superior film. Still, its a strong showing as Hitch's first American made feature.Notorious: One of film school's favorite Hitchcock films, while reserved, it features so many of the key Hitchcock touches. With an all star cast and Hitch's deft hand behind the camera, this is one of Hitchcock's best showing (if not his best) in his often visited genre of espionage.Spellbound: One of Hitchcock's most visually memorable features. A true psychological thriller which stars Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman. Most notable for its Salvador Dali designed dream sequence, this one is a oft forgotten gem, that really ought to be unforgotten by film fans.This collection ought to be more obtainable for fans of classic film.

Some of the best Alfred Hitchcock remastered and in Blu-ray