Imagine my happy surprise when the colors leaped off the screen at me, when the crispness of the pictures knocked my socks off!! Wow!! Whoever wrote that this DVD is "washed out" probably needs a new TV. Granted, I'd love to see this movie digitally remastered -- and soon!! -- but until that happens this DVD is a far better version of this movie than any I've ever seen. I am unfortunately too young to have seen the original in the theatres, but I'd have to guess that this DVD comes pretty close. I'm frankly thrilled with it!!

Cary Grant is wonderful, Grace Kelly is divine, the supporting cast (especially John Williams and Jessie Royce Landis) get their chops in, and a good time is had by one and all. And even beyond the stunning visuals, the scintillating dialogue and clever wordplay are easily worth the price of the movie! Don't look for Hitch's usual suspense or intrigue here; there's relatively little of those to be had. Rather, think of "To Catch A Thief" more as a very stylish romantic comedy, filmed in the inimitable Hitchcock fashion.

My vote is four stars -- a very worthy effort, and a happy new purchase, but still a movie that could stand a serious remastering!! If that ever happens, I'll buy that DVD, too!! (That's a hint.)


A Long Wait for Disappointment   November 12, 2002
 10 out of 14 found this review helpful

I had been waiting a long time for the DVD release of this classic romantic mystery. What I had been most anticipating was viewing the delicious technicolor cinematography which garnered an Academy Award for Robert Burks. What a disappointment! The picture quality is grainy and the colors are somewhat washed out. This I could see on the late, late movie on my local T.V. station. So, if you just want to enjoy the story and the entertaining performances by Grant and Kelly, go ahead and buy it. However, if you were looking forward to the beautiful visuals, save your money.


The Sunny Side of Hitchcock   April 21, 2007
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

This movie is pure entertainment. Hitchcock loved Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, food and the south of France, and it all shows here. They must have had a wonderful time making this terrific film and we are lucky to have this record of it.

Grace Kelly must have been about 25, pristinely lovely as a white gardenia in full bloom. She's more than just a beautiful blond though and brings something of charm and intelligence of the mature woman she is on the verge of becoming. (Too bad she married that playboy prince and ruined it all...but that's another story.) Cary Grant, ultra tan as was the fashion at that time, is still very handsome and, at 50, is almost mesmerizingly charming. The chemistry between the two, despite the age difference, is terrific. At first Grant holds back, being a gentleman, but Kelly pursues and at the end, she catches her thief.

To me this is more of a love story than a mystery and I didn't care in the least who the real cat burglar was...but maybe that's cuz I am a woman.

The censorship of the 50's was much more strict than in our times, which, I think, heightened the charm of the romance. Alone together in her hotel room, with Kelly looking like a goddess from the moon in her white chiffon dress, one wonders how Grant can keep his cool for as long as he does. When they finally kiss (!) we are treated to shots of fireworks through the balcony window. It may sound corny but it is tremendously effective and very sweet. Bring back Romance!

The visuals are splendid--there's plenty of beauty to fill up every screen, whether it's shots of the blue blue sea, French chefs in mile-high hats or a flower market filled with pink and red blooms. The costumes are lavish. In the opening credits, a travel poster brags, "If you love life, you'll love France!" I think that pretty much sums up this picture.


A Classic Hitchcock Masterpiece   April 24, 2000
 9 out of 11 found this review helpful

What a fantastic movie! Very suspenseful and beginning-to-end thrill and excitement throughout. Stars 2 of the world's most famous actors for the silver screen; the legendary Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. I honestly think this is Princess Grace's best film, and never was she more beautiful and stunning. They both should have won Oscar's for this movie. Now, this film met all of Hitchcock's usual standards, and, in my opinion, was just as good as the other 1959 Masterpiece, North By Northwest, which you will absolutely LOVE if you loved this one. Trust me, this movie is well worth buying on tape; however, it does air on T.V. often, so catch it then. I Love Grace Kelly!