Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

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.