Paramount Press Release: The Odd Couple and To Catch A Thief Centennial Collection

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. — Two memorable screen teams create very different kinds of chemistry in the latest DVD releases from the Paramount Centennial Collection. Comic greats Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon prove that opposites don’t always attract in The Odd Couple (1968), while Hollywood golden girl Grace Kelly and film legend Cary Grant smolder on the sultry French Riviera in To Catch a Thief (1955). Each film will be available in a two-disc set including an eight-page collectible booklet and additional all-new bonus material. Launched in November 2008, The Paramount Centennial Collection features some of the most treasured films from Paramount’s nearly 100-year history, digitally mastered so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.
The Odd Couple stars Oscar® winners Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau as mismatched middle-aged roommates Felix Unger and Oscar Madison, divorced pals who discover the hilarious pitfalls of sharing an apartment with your polar opposite. Adapted for the screen by Neil Simon from his hit Broadway play, The Odd Couple is directed by Gene Saks. The film, which was Oscar-nominated for Best Writing and Best Editing, also stars Herb Edelman, John Fiedler and Carole Shelley.
To Catch a Thief, a romantic thriller from master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock, takes Oscar winners Grace Kelly and Cary Grant to glorious, glamorous Monaco. Cat burglar John Robie (Grant) has retired in style, but a recent rash of jewelry thefts matches his M.O. To prove his innocence, he will have track down the real thief, but besotted American debutante Frances Stevens (Kelly) keeps getting in his way. To Catch a Thief’s breathtaking shots of the soaring Monegasque coastline earned an Academy Award® for Best Cinematography, in addition to the film’s nominations for Best Art Direction and Best Costumes.

DVDs

The Odd Couple DVD will be presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with
Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround; French and Spanish Mono; and English, French and Spanish subtitles. Bonus material includes:
Disc One
Feature film
Commentary by Charlie Matthau and Chris Lemmon (new
Disc Two
In the Beginning… (new)
Inside The Odd Couple (new)
Memories from the Set (new)
Matthau & Lemmon (new)
The Odd Couple: A Classic (new)
Photo Galleries
Production
Movie
Theatrical Trailer

To Catch a Thief on DVD will be presented in widescreen format enhanced for 16:9 televisions with Dolby Digital English 2.0 Surround; English, French and Spanish Mono; and English, French and Spanish subtitles. Bonus material includes:
Disc One
Feature film
Commentary by Dr. Drew Casper, Hitchcock film historian (new)
Disc Two
A Night with the Hitchcocks (new)
Unacceptable Under the Code: Film Censorship in America (new)
Writing and Casting To Catch A Thief
The Making of To Catch A Thief
Behind the Gates: Cary Grant and Grace Kelly (new)
Alfred Hitchcock and To Catch A Thief: An Appreciation
Edith Head: The Paramount Years
Original Theatrical Trailer
If You Love To Catch A Thief, You’ll Love this Interactive Travelogue
Photo Galleries
Movie
Production
Publicity

THE ODD COUPLE
Street date: March 24, 2009
S.R.P. $24.99 U.S./$25.99 Canada
Runtime: 105 minutes
U. U.S. Rating: G
Canadian Rating: PG


TO CATCH A THIEF
Street date: March 24, 2009
S.R.P. $24.99 U.S./$25.99 Canada
Runtime: 106 minutes
U. U.S. Rating: NR
Canadian Rating: G

Re: Paramount Press Release: The Odd Couple and To Catch A Thief Centennial Collection

So let me get this right, excluding repackaging, this is the third version of To Catch a Thief?

I'll wait for Blu-ray.

Re: Paramount Press Release: The Odd Couple and To Catch A Thief Centennial Collection

First of all, let me say I love these Centennial 2-disc sets from Paramount. Of course, I wasn't too thrilled that I double dipped on Sabrina, Sunset Boulevard, and Breafast At Tiffany's. Sure glad I waited on To Catch A Thief. Looking forward to the 2-disc Hitchcock favorite. And I'm thrilled that Paramount is releasing a new edition of The Odd Couple. It will be wonderful reintroducing ourselves to Oscar and Felix via the amazing Jack Lemon and Walter Matthau.

Re: Paramount Press Release: The Odd Couple and To Catch A Thief Centennial Collection

So far, they seem to be something of a mixed bag. I'd like them a lot more if they ported all the features from the previous releases. Losing the Bogdanovich commentary on Thief does nothing to get me excited about another trip to the well.

Re: Paramount Press Release: The Odd Couple and To Catch A Thief Centennial Collection

Same with me, the next time I buy this title it will be in 1080p.

Re: Paramount Press Release: The Odd Couple and To Catch A Thief Centennial Collection

Absolutely. Another 'let's change the UPC again and boast up the MSRP' snore-fest of an announcement.

Re: Paramount Press Release: The Odd Couple and To Catch A Thief Centennial Collection

FWIW, it looks like they finally got it right. They've used a much higher bitrate, and haven't boosted the colour.
To Catch a Thief - Grace Kelly Cary Grant

I'll still wait for the Blu-ray.

Re: Paramount Press Release: The Odd Couple and To Catch A Thief Centennial Collection

Same here. I already bought both previous DVD versions. I double-dipped because the second release was such an improvement over the original. But even though this third version appears to be another improvement I will not bite again in SD. Frankly, this is the point where Paramount really needs to start releasing classic titles in both formats.

Re: Paramount Press Release: The Odd Couple and To Catch A Thief Centennial Collection

I've not had a chance to compare the 2007 SE and the CC yet, but I definitely thought the colors looked GREAT on the CC. When I reviewed the SE two years ago, I thought the colors seemed a bit heavy at times - especially in skin tones - but that impression didn't result here...

Re: Paramount Press Release: The Odd Couple and To Catch A Thief Centennial Collection

BR