The Alfred Hitchcock classic, "Rear Window," is about a photographer in a wheelchair (Stewart) who becomes obsessed with watching his neighbors and discovers a possible murder. (Gary Reber)
Special freatures include commentary with John Fawell, author of "Hitchcock's Rear Window: The Well-Made Film"; "Rear Window Ethics: An Original Documentary" (SD 55:10); five featurettes: "A Screenwriter John Michael Hayes On Rear Window" (SD 13:10), "Pure Cinema: Through The Eyes Of The Master" (SD 25:12), "Breaking Barriers: The Sound Of Hitchcock" (SD 23:31), Hitchcock/Truffaut—in 1962" (SD 16:14), and "Masters Of Cinema" (SD 33:38); production photographs (SD 03:07); the theatrical trailer; a re-release trailer narrated by James Stewart and a Movies Anywhere digital code.
The 1.66:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD HDR10/Dolby Vision picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, was photographed on Eastman film stock using the Mitchell BNC camera system and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. While shot on film, film grade is virtually invisible. Color fidelity is varied but mostly vivid. Fleshtones are at times a bit pale but overall pleasing. Contrast imparts striking blacks. The imagery overall is bright with shadowy contrasts. Resolution is particularly revealing in closeups and on the long focus lens and binoculars. The apartment complex brick facades and surrounds are generally sharp and realistic. Overall, this is a fine update of a classic Hitchcock film. (Gary Reber)
The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 2.0-channel monaural soundtrack provides extremely clear dialogue. When looking out onto the inner courtyard of the apartment complex, street noises and ambience is constant, creating an effective locale setting. The ambience also extends to the comings and goings of Jefferies' neighbors, which draws attention to the occupants of four or so apartments. Franz Waxman's music is nicely crafted. Still the soundtrack represents the monaural limitations of 1950's sound design and as such is generally undistinguished. (Gary Reber)