HIGH ANXIETY (Blu-ray)

Surrounding himself with talented writers and actors, Mel Brooks was the king of film parodies during the 1970s, and probably the envy of many directors due to the different genres in which he worked. From 1974 to 1976, he released comedic versions of a western (Blazing Saddles), a black-and-white horror film reminiscent of the classics made by Universal Studios (Young Frankenstein), and a silent movie (Silent Movie). His last film of the decade was High Anxiety, which spoofed the Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock.

In the film, Brooks plays acrophobia sufferer Dr. Richard Thorndyke, who comes to Los Angeles to run The Psycho-Neurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous after the death of the previous administrator. There are suspicious goings-on at the Institute with both the patients and staff, but before Thorndyke can make sense out of any of it, he heads north to San Francisco for a conference. While there he meets Victoria Brisbane (Madeline Kahn), daughter of millionaire Arthur Brisbane, a patient at the Institute because he thinks he's a dog. However, the Arthur Brisbane Thorndyke met is not Victoria's father. As Thorndyke gets closer to the truth, he is framed for a murder. He strives to uncover all the mysteries while having to deal with his high-anxiety disorder.

Because it doesn’t reach the consistent, hysteric heights of Brooks' best work, High Anxiety likely won't appeal to everyone. There are funny moments throughout, such as Harvey Korman's Dr. Montague pretending to be a werewolf in order to scare a patient behind Thorndyke's back and the entire performance of Cloris Leachman as Nurse Diesel, similar to her portrayal of Frau Blücher in Young Frankenstein. However, High Anxiety seems more an homage to Hitchcock and other films rather than a parody, and half the fun comes from figuring out the references. Those with limited film history knowledge will likely be left wondering what is going on in many scenes. There are also a few gags that just fall flat.

The video is presented with a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer and an aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The picture is not overly impressive for high definition. Many of the backgrounds are soft, causing the images to appear flat. Colors have mild, consistent hues in a production design that uses a lot of earth tones and grays. Skin tones are relatively consistent.

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio is front heavy as expected for a comedy filled with dialogue, which comes through clear. The surrounds are mainly used for the score with very limited ambiance and the subwoofer doesn't have a great deal to contribute. The Isolated Score Track special feature allows full appreciation of John Morris' score.

There are three other special features. The "Don't Get Anxious! The Trivia of Hitchcock Trivia" pop-up track, which is not restricted to Hitchcock, is amusing and informative. The "Am I Very, Very Nervous?" test, a silly series of questions and answers to check if viewer is anxious, blocks the scene and could be done without. New to Blu-ray is "Hitchcock and Mel: Spoofing the Master of Suspense" (29 min), a very good feature with Brooks and others talking about film.

High Anxiety is not a must-see comedy or a must-own Blu-ray, but film fans should rent it for a good evening of laughs.

Article first published as Blu-ray Review: High Anxiety on Blogcritics.

To Catch A Thief: Centennial Collection (1955)

Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch A Thief is his first film shot in the short-lived widescreen format VitsaVision, his second film shot for Paramount, and the only one that the studio still owns and controls. It finds the director covering very familiar territory, both thematically as it deals with an innocent man trying to clear his name and interpersonally as Hitch had previously worked with actors Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, and John Williams, screenwriter John Michael Hayes, and cinematographer Robert Burks who won an Academy Award for this film.

Based on the novel by David Dodge, former jewel thief John “The Cat” Robie (Grant) is retired in France; however, a recent series of robberies cause the authorities to question his status. On the run, he seeks the help of from his old gang, but when the police show up, Danielle (Brigitte Auber), his former flame and daughter of his associate Foussard (Jean Martinelli), whisks him away by boat. Robie determines he must catch the imposter to prove his innocence. He teams up with insurance man H. H. Hughson (Williams) to learn who the next potential victims might be. They are Jessie Stevens (Jessie Royce Landis) and her daughter Francie (Kelly).

Robie gets close to them but Francie sees through his story and wants to become his partner in crime, but he denies his identity. She invites him over to watch fireworks in the evening and they make love. When Francie later awakes, her mother’s jewels have been taken and she blames Robie. He admits to being Robie and denies taking the jewels, but Francie refuses to believe him.

Robie receives a note to stay away from a villa. He knows it’s a trap, so he sets his own and has Hughson inform the police. On the villa’s grounds, Robie is attacked and his assailant falls to his death, revealing himself to be Foussard. The police announce to the press that the cat burglar is dead, but Robie knows the thief could not have been Foussard.

Francie apologizes to Robie. With her help, he goes to a grand masquerade ball where he is sure the real cat burglar will strike again. The police attend as well keeping a keen eye on Robie. Before the evening is over, the truth will be revealed.

Although this title might not leap to people’s minds when discussing his work, Hitchcock delivers a high quality film with To Catch A Thief that combines romance and intrigue. Sure to satisfy fans of classic Hollywood. Keep an eye out early for Hitchcock’s cameo.

Dr. Drew Casper, the first Alma and Alfred Hitchcock Professor for the Study of American Film at USC, provides a very informative commentary track that is reminiscent of a critical studies lecture. It’s best for those who want to learn about the artistry of Hitchcock.

Like the other entries in the Centennial Collection, Disc 2 is chock full of extras. “A Night with the Hitchcocks” documents an event in 2008 where family members spoke to students at an event at USC in his honor. “Unacceptable Under the Code: Film Censorship in America” looks at Hitchcock dealing with the issue. “Edith Head: The Paramount Years” looks at the legendary costume designer. “If You Love To Catch A Thief, You’ll Love This Interactive Travelogue” is less than a minute and looks at the French Riviera via the film; however, your love of the film probably won’t translate.

The features “Writing and Casting To Catch A Thief,” “The Making of To Catch A Thief,” “Behind the Gates: Cary Grant and Grace Kelly,” and “Alfred Hitchcock and To Catch A Thief: An Appreciation” all deal with the subjects in their titles through interviews and great archival footage.

Make sure to catch a copy of this for you video library to complete your Hitchcock collection.