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By
NICK ZEGARAC
When Regina Lampert (Audrey Hepburn) returns home from holiday she discovers that her fashionable Paris apartment has been cleaned out by her husband, Charles -- who was a double agent, embezzled money from a trio of crooks (headed by James Coburn) and has been murdered. Into the thick of this mystery comes a savvy stranger with too many names, played by Cary Grant. Presenting himself as a friend and confidant, Grant is determined to put Regina's mind at ease. But is he or isn't he working for the same men that killed her husband? Also of note in the cast is Walter Matthau in an uncharacteristically serious role that is particularly engaging.
I have a problem with Criterion charging an arm and a leg for DVD's when so many of them come with little more than bare bones in the way of extra features. Their reissue of "Charade" is no exception. You may remember that this title was previously available from Criterion in a non-anamorphic transfer. That oversight has now been corrected. But although colors are exceptionally vibrant and sharp, there remains a considerable amount of edge enhancement and fine shimmering that is detected in horizontal and vertical details throughout the film. The audio is mono and nicely rendered.
In terms of extras, there's an essay on the films of Stanley Donen and an audio commentary that is -- well, just ample as far as audio commentaries go.
Universal has made "Charade" available as part of a double feature with its remake, the genuinely awful "The Truth About Charlie." However, for the difference in price, and because Universal's DVD is absent of digital all the digital anomalies I have already mentioned, that version is recommended over Criterions. |
