ITV Blu-Ray Collection

2 months ago 20th Nov 16:18

ITV DVD proudly announces the restoration and Blu-ray debut of cinematic masterpieces Alfred Hitchcock’s the 39 Steps, All Quiet On The Western Front, Hamlet and Henry V. 

The announcement follows on from the critically acclaimed restoration of Powell and Pressburger’s The Red Shoes earlier this year, one of the UK’s most popular restored classic films.

All digitally remastered in high definition for Blu-ray release on 19 October 2009, these timeless classics feature some of the greatest British and American acting talent to ever grace the silver screen and are presented in their most pristine glory ever for fans and a new generation to enjoy.

This was the first Hitchcock film based upon the idea of an innocent man on the run and received critical acclaim when adapted from John Buchan’s novel in 1935.  The story is currently experiencing a revival at London’s Criterion Theatre which Time Out described as ‘gold standard comedy’.

While sitting in a London theatre watching a dazzling performance from Mr. Memory, Richard Hannay, played by Robert Donat (The Winslow Boy, Goodbye Mr Chips) and the rest of the audience flee after hearing a gun shot.

Hannay, an innocent engineer, gets caught up in a web of intrigue when he encounters a female spy.  Fascinated by her terror he agrees that she can accompany him to his apartment but later that night she is murdered. 

Fearing he could be accused of the girl’s murder Hannay goes on the run to prove his innocence and find the real killer with the assistance of a beautiful woman called Pamela played by Madeleine Carroll (An Innocent Affair).

The Blu-ray is also packed with special features including The Thirty Nine Steps feature commentary, the Lux Radio Show audio feature, an art of film/video feature, on Location material and two photo galleries.

World War I anti-war classic All Quiet On The Western Front features an all-star cast including Ernest Borgnine (The Wild Bunch), Ian Holm (The Lord of the Rings), Donald Pleasance (Halloween) and Richard Thomas (The Waltons).

This is the devastating story of a generation destroyed, following the lives of Germany schoolboys goaled by their schoolmaster to join the ‘glorious’ war.  Their disenchantment begins with brutal basic training and when they see the crippled casualties being rushed to hospital as they board a train to the front-line they have their first glimpse of the grim-visaged reality of war.

Based on a novel written by Erich Maria Remarque, this acclaimed film won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Made for TV.  2009 marks the 30th Anniversary of the films release.

One of Laurence Olivier’s masterpieces and the capturing of a defining moment of his career, hailed as the greatest performance of Hamlet on stage and screen.  The film also stars Jean Simmons as Ophelia (Great Expectations, Guys & Dolls), Patrick Troughton (Doctor Who) and Peter Cushing (Dracula). 

Having gained widespread popularity in film, Olivier tried his hand at directing and created three highly successful films including Hamlet and Henry V.  Olivier’s definitive version of the Bard’s tragedy won 11 awards including 4 Oscars and was the first British film to pick up the coveted Best Picture honour.

Other actors to make the role their own on stage recently include another Doctor Who; David Tenant and Jude Law whose production has just transferred to Broadway.

Based on one of the most popular historical plays by Shakespeare and made to boost moral of British troops during World War II, Henry V tells the story of this King of England and the epic Battle of Agincourt. 

Devised, directed by and starring Laurence Olivier, this film includes some of most impressive technicolour battle sequences in film, making it a must see.  2009 is the 65th Anniversary of this historically important and glorious film that was nominated for five Academy Awards.

The Blu-ray release also includes some fantastic extras such as the Henry V feature commentary, the trailer and three photo galleries which include black and white, original colour and HD comparison images, actor’s portraits and promotional material.

These four classic masterpieces are released on Blu-ray for the first time and are essential for any collector from 19 October 2009.

ITV DVD has released classic masterpieces The 39 Steps, Hamlet, Henry V and All Quiet On The Western on Blu-ray for the first time this Christmas