VERTIGO is Alfred Hitchcock's haunting tale of deception, madness, and death--a masterful exploration of fantasy and anxiety. The film ranks with REAR WINDOW as one of the director's most closely studied films for its psychological complexity, while the obsession of its protagonist--John "Scottie" Ferguson (James Stewart)--can also be seen to parallel that of Hitchcock's own fascination with the icy-blonde leading lady he re-created at the center of so many of his films. Ferguson is a retired detective, his career ended by the onset of a paralyzing fear of heights. An old friend, the wealthy Gavin Elster (Tom Helmore), hires Ferguson to follow his wife (Kim Novak), whom, he explains, has grown obsessed with an ancestor of hers. The assignment, however, draws Ferguson out of his comfortable role as observer and into a complex web of intrigue, mingled with the detective's own fantasies and fears.
Stewart gives an exceptional performance as the disintegrating detective, while Novak, who was left largely undirected by Hitchcock, conveys a subtle and powerful psychological journey. Another star of the film is its San Francisco setting. VERTIGO is considered one of Hitchcock's most complex, finest films.
DVD Features
Region 1 Snap Case Special Edition Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85 Full Frame - 1.33 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - English Subtitles - English (SDH), French, Spanish - Optional Additional Release Material: Alternate Ending: Foreign Censorship Ending Featurette: The Vertigo Archives Audio Commentary: 1. Herbert Coleman - Associate Producer; Robert A. Harris, James C. Katz - Restoration Team 2. William Friedkin - Director Trailers: 1. Original Theatrical Trailer 2. Restoration Theatrical Trailer Text/Photo Galleries: Production Notes
Related Items
People who purchased Vertigo Special Edition; Universal Legacy Series DVD also purchased:
Well, my Demented Darlings - Vertigo has got to be one of the screwiest and most disturbing movies about men and their 'modern-day' mental illnesses that I have ever seen. It's true. The mental... Read the whole review at MatchFlick
Posted on February 7, 2008
Reviewed by: Movie Addict
Oscar ignored this fantastic film by Hitchcock starring James Stewart. It gave nomination for Art and Set decoration and Sound. Small acknowledgment of an outstanding film. James Stewart was... Read the whole review at MatchFlick
Posted on October 24, 2007
Reviewed by: Jessica Film Junkie
Years ago I watched this movie and I never understood what the fuss was about. I don't think I was able, at that age, to see all the subtleties and nuances of this complex and lovely film. It follows... Read the whole review at MatchFlick
Vertigo Special Edition; Universal Legacy Series DVD
Posted on November 9, 2009
Posted on October 24, 2007
