Search - The Lady Vanishes [Special Edition] [Criterion Collection] on DVD

Content Advisory: Suitable for Children Movie Release: 1938 DVD Release: 05/27/1998 Format: DVD - Black and White Edition: Restored/Remastered Audio Tracks: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 37 mins Studio: Criterion Members Wishing: 15 Genres: Spy Film, Thriller, Comedy Thriller, Psychological Thriller See Also: The Lady Vanishes [Special Edition], The Lady Vanishes, Alfred Hitchcock's The Lady Vanishes, The Lady Vanishes, The Lady Vanishes, The Lady Vanishes [Criterion Collection]

The Lady Vanishes, Alfred Hitchcock's comedy-thriller, came at the end of his British period; this film's success brought Hitchcock to the attention of Hollywood. He would complete only one other British production, Jamaica Inn, before crossing the Atlantic to working for David O. Selznick on Rebecca. The film concerns the young Iris Henderson (Margaret Lockwood), heading home on a train after spending the holidays in the Balkans. Iris becomes friends with a kindly old lady, Miss Froy (Dame May Whitty) after Iris gets hit in the head with a flowerpot meant for Miss Froy. On the train, recovering from the blow, Iris falls asleep. When she awakens, Miss Froy has vanished, replaced by someone else in Miss Froy's clothing. Iris talks to the other passengers, a bizarre collection of eccentrics who think that Iris is crazy for insisting on there even being a Miss Froy -- everyone denies having ever seen the old woman. Finally, Iris finds a young musician, Gilbert (Michael Redgrave), who believes her and the two proceed to search the train for clues to Miss Froy's disappearance. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide

Margaret Lockwood - Iris Henderson
Michael Redgrave - Gilbert Redman
Paul Lukas - Dr. Hartz
Dame May Whitty - Miss Froy
Cecil Parker - Eric Todhunter

There are numerous budget editions of The Lady Vanishes to choose from but this pricier release from The Criterion Collection is the real keeper of the bunch. First off, the full-screen theatrical print has been beautifully restored, and a special chapter, gives viewers a before-and-after comparison. The Dolby Digital 1.0 audio track has also been cleaned up and is relatively free of all the scratches and pops heard on the other DVD editions of the movie. Film historian Bruce Eder is also on hand with a thorough, if slightly dry audio commentary. While Eder doesn't have Hitchcock's deadpan wit, his informative commentary is perfect for filmmakers, teachers, and students. Another excellent DVD release from The Criterion Collection. ~ Nick Dedina, All Movie Guide