DVD Review: Paramount Centennial Collection - To Catch A Thief and The Odd Couple

Paramount continues its stellar Centennial Collection with the release of the sixth and seventh films: Alfred Hitchcock's To Catch A Thief and the Neil Simon scribed The Odd Couple.

These are two classic and timeless films that are honored here with 2 Disc special editions jammed with features. Featuring such Hollywood Gold as Cary Grant, Jack Lemmon, Grace Kelly, and Walter Matthau, these films are must own for anyone who loves that magic of the movies.

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To Catch A Thief
Written by: John Michael Hayes
Based on the Novel by: David Dodge
Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Jessie Royce Landis, and John Williams

Cary Grant stars as a notorious jewelry thief John "The Cat" Robie who is forced out of his plush retirement in order to clear his name when a series of brash thefts strike the Riviera, all baring his signature style. With the help of an American heiress, he must catch the real thief in order to prove his own innocence.

One of the biggest hits of the 1950's, To Catch A Thief is a prime example of classic Hollywood Cinema at its best. It's exciting and charming, and made me wish for a James Bond film that starred Cary Grant.

The chemistry between Grace Kelly and Cary Grant is electric, despite his being some 25 years her senior. The two play well off each other and really take the film to another level.

Paramount has really treated this film well. It looks and sounds incredible, almost as if it was just produced. The 2-disc set is loaded with features including a commentary by Alfred Hitchcock historian, Dr. Drew Casper (How great is that name btw?), and numerous featurettes that touch on everything from Film Censorship to the writing and casting of the film. The set also includes the original trailer, photo galleries, film recommendations, behind the scenes, a featurette on Edith Head's years at Paramount, and more.

This is another great example of Hitchcock's brilliance. I hope we get more Centennial releases from him.

The Odd Couple
Written by: Neil Simon
Directed by: Gene Saks
Starring: Jack Lemmon & Walter Matthau

I never really understood the hype when Grumpy Old Men was released. I didn't really get the big deal of having Lemmon and Matthau back together on the big screen. I guess it was because I hadn't seen The Odd Couple.

The story surrounds to unlikely roommates, neat and neurotic Felix Ungar (Jack Lemmon) who was planning to kill himself after his divorce until he is saved by his friend and slob Oscar Madison (Walter Matthau) who invites Felix to stay at his home. Hilarity ensues.

Even some forty odd years after its release, The Odd Couple still ranks among the best of a genre that is pretty much started, despite all the imitators.

Paramount has also given this film the special treatment with a 2-disc set full of featurettes, photos, a trailer, and a commentary by the sons of the film's stars.

The film looks and sounds as good as the day it was first released in 1968 and the performances are as hilarious as they ever were. This is pretty much the origin of buddy movies so if you like that kind of movie that certainly grab this one.

I continue to be impressed by the care and respect Paramount puts into these Centennial releases. They're truly giving us some great films fully loaded with some great and informative features. Every release so far is a must own.

To Catch A Thief and The Odd Couple are available now along with the rest of the Paramount Centennial Collection.

The next releases in this stellar collection are going to be the John Wayne classics The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and El Dorado which are due out next month.