It’s Hitchcock in the morning, Hitchcock in the evening, Hitchcock at supper time given the upcoming Hitchcock movie, the recently-aired HBO flick The Girl, Blu-Ray releases of Dial “M” for Murder (in 3D!) and Strangers on a Train, and now a sumptuous new collection of the Master of Suspense’s work. On the other end of the spectrum is a kids’ holiday movie that never got the acclaim it deserved — but now that director Paul Feig has gone on to make a little film called Bridesmaids, maybe it has a shot at cult status.
HIGH: Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Universal Studios Home Entertainment; Blu-Ray $299.98)
WHO’S RESPONSIBLE: This impressive set features 15 films directed by the Master of Suspense.
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT: Hitchcock plied his trade at a number of movie studios over the years, so this is hardly a complete retrospective of his legendary career. That said, Universal offers a sumptuous array of some of his best movies (and a few that aren’t the greatest). Recent Sight & Sound magazine chart-topper Vertigo pops up, alongside such cherished classics as Psycho, North by Northwest and The Birds. The box set also includes such lesser-known but equally unforgettable films Shadow of a Doubt, Frenzy, Rope, Marnie and Saboteur.
WHY IT’S SCHMANCY: Hitchcock’s career is notable for more than his directorial talent. After David O. Selznick brought him to the U.S., Hitchcock became one of the most successful Hollywood filmmakers of his time. Then the French film critics who later started the New Wave, made the case that Hitch wasn’t merely a genre director but rather an artist and auteur. He scored a trifecta of sorts when the Alfred Hitchcock Presents…
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Also in Friday morning’s news round up, Universal is marketing an Alfred Hitchcock box set for its 100th anniversary. Pixar’s Brave looks ready to triumph at the weekend box office, and Marcia Gay Harden will play a librarian who finds life in Costa Rica.
Hey Alfred Hitchcock Fans, Here’s the Box Set for You
Packaged as a “Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Universal,” the Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection. The collection includes Psycho, The Birds, Vertigo, Rear Window, North by Northwest, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Marnie, Saboteur, Shadow of a Doubt, Rope, The Trouble with Harry, Torn Curtain, Topaz, Frenzy and Family Plot. But there is a bit of a wait, the collection of 15 titles won’t be available until September 25th.
Around the ‘net…
Charlie Sheen Joins Robert Rodriguez’s Machete Kills
Sheen has joined the cast in the sequel to the director’s Machete who will play the President of the United States. The two announced the news via Twitter, Deadline reports.
Box Office Preview: Brave Set to Triumph Over Abraham Lincoln
The animated film may hit $60 million, while Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is projecting a $15 – 20M opening. Seeking a Friend for the End of the World is hitting around $5 – 7 million in weekend predictions, THR reports.
Marcia Gay Harden Books The Librarian
The actress will play lead in the film about a woman who finds “a new life path while touring Costa Rica. Produced by Classic Films along with Mano a Mano Films, Juan Feldman will direct from a script by Joel Silverman, Variety reports.
Casey Affleck & Thunder Road Head to Pic on Baseball Superstar Josh Hamilton
Hamilton went from crack addict to baseball star in the American league.…
