AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on July 25, 2025, 02:04:14 PM
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(https://i.imgur.com/ot0Ttos.jpeg)
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Rating: PG-13
Film: 3.5/5
Plot
Notorious cat burglar John Robie (Cary Grant) has long since retired to tend vineyards on the French Riviera. When a series of robberies is committed in his style, John must clear his name. Armed with a list of people who own the most expensive jewels currently in the area, John begins following the first owner, young Francie (Grace Kelly). When her jewels are stolen, Francie suspects John, destroying their tentative romance. John goes on the lam to catch the thief and clear his own name.
My Thoughts
To Catch a Thief is a lighter entry in Hitchcock’s filmography, blending romance, mystery, and comedy with his signature flair. The chemistry between Grant and Kelly is electric, their witty banter and smoldering glances driving the film’s charm. However, the age discrepancy between Grant (50 at the time) and Kelly (25) feels a bit creepy, especially in their romantic scenes, as the nearly 25-year gap is hard to ignore and occasionally overshadows their dynamic. The film’s pacing also stumbles with some filler scenes that overstay their welcome. The car chase in the first act, while visually engaging, drags on, feeling more like a showcase for the Riviera than a plot necessity. Similarly, the second chase with Grant and Kelly evading the police meanders, sapping momentum from the central mystery. Despite these flaws, Hitchcock’s direction, the stunning locales, and the leads’ charisma make it an enjoyable, if not top-tier, classic.
The 4K restoration is a mixed bag. Shot in VistaVision, the film’s lush Technicolor palette pops with vivid clarity—blues of the Mediterranean sparkle, and the lush greens of the countryside are rich and textured. The HDR enhances the sunlit scenes and the opulent costume ball, making every detail, from Grace Kelly’s golden gown to the intricate set designs, feel immersive. Unfortunately, the image suffers from an overuse of DNR which makes facial textures a bit inconsistent. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track is crisp, with clear dialogue and decent dynamic range that elevates Lyn Murray’s score. The rear channels are used subtly but effectively, especially during outdoor scenes. The original mono track is also included for purists, which is a nice touch.
Video 7/10
Audio 8/10 (Dolby TrueHD 5.1)
Special Features:
- Steelbook Packaging
- Interview with Leonard Maltin
- Audio Commentary
- Behind the Gates: Cary Grant and Grace Kelly
- Theatrical Trailer
- Digital Copy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5Vs5anuc4U (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5Vs5anuc4U)
Conclusion
This isn’t the first time the film has been released in 4K, but I do like the Steelbook packaging even if the disc is the same from the 2020 release. While I wish the DNR was less intrusive, overall the film looks quit good for being 70 years old. The film itself remains a glamorous, if flawed, caper, with the age gap and pacing issues being minor blemishes on an otherwise delightful romp. This release is a worthy celebration of a Hitchcock gem, perfect for a night of escapist elegance.
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Kaleidescape Strato + Server
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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David,
Once again, I want to thank you for a thoroughly good review. I am so glad that 4K has caused the release of so many older films and many by Alfred Hitchcock. It is wonderful to discover them again. My favorite will remain North by Northwest. And frankly, unless there’s a great sale somewhere, I don’t see myself getting this particular disc. But I remember it being a fun movie to watch
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David,
Once again, I want to thank you for a thoroughly good review. I am so glad that 4K has caused the release of so many older films and many by Alfred Hitchcock. It is wonderful to discover them again. My favorite will remain North by Northwest. And frankly, unless there’s a great sale somewhere, I don’t see myself getting this particular disc. But I remember it being a fun movie to watch
Thanks Barry. You are more than welcome. I'm gaining more appreciation for older films as I've grown older.
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I love this movie. I have the 4K disc but haven't had a chance to watch it yet ( been a while since I watched the Blu-ray ). As for the age difference between the stars, Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart have a 22 year age difference. I'm 14 years older than my wife. And if I remember correctly, Grace Kelly's character chases him. She gets exactly what she wanted!
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I love this movie. I have the 4K disc but haven't had a chance to watch it yet ( been a while since I watched the Blu-ray ). As for the age difference between the stars, Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart have a 22 year age difference. I'm 14 years older than my wife. And if I remember correctly, Grace Kelly's character chases him. She gets exactly what she wanted!
Twice someone's age is quite a bit. I get it if you're past 40 because at that point, you are what you are, but when you're 25, you're still "figuring things out." Then again, when a friend of mine got divoriced in his early 50s he dated a coulple of ladies in their late 20s/early 30s. When I asked him what they even talked about, he said, "We don't talk very much, if you know what I mean ;)!" I did LOL at the time, but I don't know. My daughter is 29 and I couldn't see myself dating (I use that term very loosly) her age.