Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
81 of 83 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the Landmark Films of the 1930s Comes to DVD, October 20, 2002
THE THIN MAN is a landmark film in so many ways that it is difficult to over-estimate either its impact or its brilliance. Based on the popular novel by Dashiell Hammet, the film presents us with a completely egalitarian husband and wife who trade witticisms as freely as they mix cocktails--and the concept was so completely unexpected that it proved extremely controversial in the 1930s and even today still sets the standard for witty comedies in which couples engage in clever verbal sparring. The script is sharp and clever; the cinematography by James Wong Howe anticipates later film noir by mixing glossy black and white beauty with an underlying grittiness; W.S. Van Dyke's direction is fast paced and never allows your attention to wander; the supporting cast is remarkably fine; and the production values offer MGM at the height of its considerable powers.All of this would be enough to make THE THIN MAN memorable, but what really elevates it into a rarified atmosphere is the chemistry between leads William Powell and Myrna Loy, who handle their lines like sparkling rapiers, playing a combination of dry wit and unexpectedly silliness in high relief against a remarkably dark tale of multiple murder. Hard drinking, and mixing socially with both the uppercrust and the underworld, they are the people we would like to be in the sort of relationship we would like to acheive: glamorous, stylish, intelligent, and having tremendous fun as they work together to track down a missing inventor who may or may not be responsible for his lover's sudden murder. Although Powell and Loy made numerous films together, including five sequels to this one, THE THIN MAN shows them at their zenith, and I can think of no other screen couple to date who have played so effectively together. Regrettably, the DVD release has not been restored, and although the print is crisp it does contain a number of blemishes; similarly, although the DVD does include trailers for all of the "Thin Man" films Powell and Loy made, the bonus features hardly do justice to the film's inexhaustible charms. Still, I do recommend the DVD over a VHS for the simple reason that you are likely to return to the film again and again, hoping some of the Powell-Loy sophistocation will rub off--and in the process you are likely to wear out a VHS in fairly short order. Of all the many films I have seen and enjoyed, this is probably the one I have watched most often, and I cannot recommend too highly. A must have for your collection.
|
|
|
35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best movie since the last time Nick sent me up the river, February 19, 2001
"Would you mind putting that (gun) away? My wife doesn't mind, but I'm a very timid fellow..." Talk about memorable movie lines! The Thin Man is simply one of the best detective films I have ever seen, and one of my favorite movies. William Powell and Myrna Loy star as Nick and Nora Charles, recently of California. Back in the Big Apple with Asta, their "courageous" sidekick pooch, the two drink ("Want a drink?" "What do you think?"), dine , and solve a murder case(reluctantly, on Nick's part) while giving the audience the time of their lives. Cleverly written and brilliantly played are Nick and Nora themselves, and William Powell and Myrna Loy rival Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. I give this film two VERY enthusiastic thumbs up, and recommend these for anyone with a good taste for movies in general. Who could forget Nick blasting a hole through the window and pretending to be asleep? Or Nora's first appearance, taking a huge spill as Asta drags her towards Nick? And who could forget that last endearing threat to Asta by Nora-"If you let anything happen to him, you'll never wag that tail again!" How...sweet.
|
|
|
40 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Finally Nick & Laura Charles Series on remastered DVD!!!!, January 25, 2003
William Powell & Myrna Loy played Nick & Nora Charles super detectives in 6 outstanding "Thin Man" movies over 13 years (1934-47).They became America's favorite married rich eccentric drinking sleuths. "The Thin Man" (1934)was their first installment in this most popular detective series. Now for the first time Powell & Loy are perfectly displayed on this digitally remastered DVD. The picture is absolutely crystal clear and very detailed in every frame. (Probally better than the original movie film release). The sound also digitally remastered allows us to here a pin drop without any distortion. Warner Brothers AOL/Time Warner have done an outstanding job presenting this first of 6 films in the series perfectly. The movie itself is a classic black & white black Hollywood comedy of the depression years. Allowing the world and its movie audiences a chance to escape for a few moments into the delightful comedic & thrilling lives of the rich millionairess Nora Charles and her semi-retired super sleuth husband Nick Charles. Summary: The forever partying & drinking Nick & Nora Charles with their faithful dog Asta return East from California during the Christmas holiday to find themselves smack in the middle of a series of murders due to their famous sleuthing reputation. Everyone expects this is the real reason they have returned East. This movie is very good in it quick pace and many red herring leads keeping the suspects,police & audience guessing. Believe me this movie is fantastic & their are 5 more sequels to follow in the future on DVD. (I can't wait!!!) Special Features: Theatrical Trailers of all 6 Thin Man movies. Again you can't lose with most delight DVD presentation. William Powell, Myrna Loy & Asta are awesome. So buy it and watch over & over. This is 1930's Hollywood at its best. Enjoy.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
DVD ~ William Powell
DVD ~ William Powell
DVD ~ William Powell
DVD ~ William Powell
DVD ~ William Powell
on 
