![The Diary of Anne Frank [Blu-ray]](http://cdn.hometheaterforum.com/1/1b/50x50px-ZC-1b80fdd5_B001XJBE1Q-517TLC-4N2L.jpg)
George Stevens is a member of that pantheon of American filmmakers whose roots are found in our very early film industry. According to Imdb, Mr. Stevens began his career in the industry in 1915 as an actor, and made a move to cinematography in 1923, working in that capacity until 1930, when he segued into direction. As a cinematographer he was responsible for many of the classic Laurel & Hardy shorts.
Thereafter, he honed his directing skills at RKO, working with Katharine Hepburn on the 1935 Alice Adams and Astaire & Rogers in the 1936 musical Swing Time. By 1939 it became apparent that he could direct any genre from adventure (Gunga Din), to drama (Penny Serenade), and romantic comedy (Woman of the Year).
Many fans of the cinema think of him today for his later classics, A Place in the Sun, Giant and Shane.
But it is another film, The Diary of Anne Frank, finally released on Blu-ray by Fox, for which he will be remembered for taking the difficult, ultimately heart-breaking story of a young girl forced to hide from the Nazis in an Amsterdam attic during World War II, and bringing it to the screen.
As an ensemble piece, I (possibly strangely) relate TDoAF to Hitchcock's Lifeboat. Both films are extremely self-contained and restricted, and work well within those parameters.
Presented on Blu-ray in its original roadshow CinemaScope form, Fox has done a commendable job of harvesting the full texture of cinematographer William C. Mellor's black & white cinematography, and creating a final product that continues to look like film. Alfred Newman's brilliant score also makes a quality transition to both 5.1 DTS HD as well as the original stereo 4-track.
The Diary of Anne Frank was honored with eight Academy Award nominations in 1960, and won for Best Cinematography, Art Direction, and Actress in a Supporting Role (Shelley Winters). Its nominations were for Best Picture, Costume Design (black & white), Music, Director and Actor in a Supporting Role (Ed Wynn).
Mr. Stevens' abilities as an "actor's director" are very much in evidence in this difficult drama.
Recommended.
RAH
Thereafter, he honed his directing skills at RKO, working with Katharine Hepburn on the 1935 Alice Adams and Astaire & Rogers in the 1936 musical Swing Time. By 1939 it became apparent that he could direct any genre from adventure (Gunga Din), to drama (Penny Serenade), and romantic comedy (Woman of the Year).
Many fans of the cinema think of him today for his later classics, A Place in the Sun, Giant and Shane.
But it is another film, The Diary of Anne Frank, finally released on Blu-ray by Fox, for which he will be remembered for taking the difficult, ultimately heart-breaking story of a young girl forced to hide from the Nazis in an Amsterdam attic during World War II, and bringing it to the screen.
As an ensemble piece, I (possibly strangely) relate TDoAF to Hitchcock's Lifeboat. Both films are extremely self-contained and restricted, and work well within those parameters.
Presented on Blu-ray in its original roadshow CinemaScope form, Fox has done a commendable job of harvesting the full texture of cinematographer William C. Mellor's black & white cinematography, and creating a final product that continues to look like film. Alfred Newman's brilliant score also makes a quality transition to both 5.1 DTS HD as well as the original stereo 4-track.
The Diary of Anne Frank was honored with eight Academy Award nominations in 1960, and won for Best Cinematography, Art Direction, and Actress in a Supporting Role (Shelley Winters). Its nominations were for Best Picture, Costume Design (black & white), Music, Director and Actor in a Supporting Role (Ed Wynn).
Mr. Stevens' abilities as an "actor's director" are very much in evidence in this difficult drama.
Recommended.
RAH
trying to convince Fox to let him shoot The Diary of Anne Frank in a format other than CinemaScope. Perhaps that is why Panavision lenses were tested at Steven's request, yet Fox finally over-ruled him and insisted on using Bausch & Lomb lenses that Fox was contractually obliged to use?
