DVD Corner

North By Northwest 4K UHD Review

Alfred Hitchcock’s “North By Northwest” gets the 4K treatment.

Written by Ernest Lehman, 1959’s “North By Northwest” finds an advertising executive (Roger) being mistaken for George Kaplan. Roger is kidnapped by 2 men working for a spy named Phillip Vandamm who tries to kill him. Roger manages to survive, but his problems are only just beginning. He gets in trouble with the law, becomes framed for murder, and is forced to go on the run. He hides out on a train where he meets Eve whom he falls in love with. Alas, not even Eve is who she appears to be. From there on out, Roger becomes embroiled in a situation involving spies, an undercover agent, more murder attempts, secrets, microfilm, and cross-country travel.

“North By Northwest” is among Alfred Hitchcock’s most celebrated films, but this entry has never connected with me. Despite multiple viewings, it’s still a struggle to see what all the hullabaloo is about. On paper, the movie sounds incredible. Alfred Hitchcock, Cary Grant, a spy story, and a Bernard Herrmann score? Sounds like a dream film, right? To many it is, but for myself, it’s nowhere near the level of “Psycho,” “Vertigo,” or “Rear Window.” ‘North’ is a film of moments. There’s no denying that the cropdusting plane sequence and the climactic Mount Rushmore sequence are iconic scenes in cinema. Outside of that, the story just sort of lingers on and on as this mistaken identity tale wears out its welcome and contains some truly ridiculous moments (Roger grabbing the knife out of the dead man’s back especially). 

Luckily, the presence of Cary Grant is always a welcome one. Regardless of my feelings on the film as a whole, Grant and Hitchcock were always a great pairing. You believe Grant as an ad man whose world is turned upside down. Underrated actress Eva Marie Saint shines as the layered character Eve. James Mason (Phillip) and Martin Landau (Leonard) both play good villains here.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? Film buffs will be in heaven here as this Technicolor classic gets a pristine print. The colors really pop here.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? A truly wonderful Atmos track. Bernard Herrmann’s score soars here.

Extras:
* Digital copy
* An archival commentary by writer Ernest Lehman.
* “North By Northwest: Cinematography, Score, And The Art Of The Edit”- A new 23 minute extra
* “Destination Hitchcock: The Making Of North By Northwest”- A 39 minute featurette.
* “The Master’s Touch: Hitchcock’s Signature Style”- A 57 minute documentary on the legendary filmmaker.
* “North By Northwest: One For The Ages”- A 25 minute analysis of the film by famed directors.
* “A Guided Tour With Alfred Hitchcock” promo

January 13, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Alfred Hitchcock, Cary Grant, North By Northwest, North By Northwest 4K UHD Review