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I've waited MANY years to see a boxed set of the film teamings of Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn, and
Tracy & Hepburn the Definitive Collection
, with all 9 of the features, the heartfelt Tracy biography, "The Spencer Tracy Legacy", narrated by Hepburn, and selected featurettes, geared to the time frame of individual films, certainly hits it out of the park! A quick overview of the features:
"Woman of the Year" (1942): The pair's first teaming, after Hepburn's HUGE success in
The Philadelphia Story
...She'd wanted Tracy in the role of the pragmatic, jaded reporter in the earlier film, but he was working, so she had to settle for Jimmy Stewart (who felt miscast, but won the Best Actor Oscar, anyway!) Ring Lardner Jr. and Michael Kanin wrote the script specifically for Tracy and Hepburn (he was a plain-spoken, savvy sports columnist; she was a high-brow, internationally-acclaimed political journalist), and the chemistry was electric from the first moment they shared onscreen, as he opened a door and glimpsed her beautiful legs...This classic comedy of opposites attracting still packs a wallop, nearly 70 years later! (5 stars out of 5)
"Keeper of the Flame" (1942): Despite being two of the great dramatic actors of their generation, the Tracy/Hepburn pairings always worked better in comedies, probably because the dramas were never quite of the same caliber. This tale of the hidden fascist roots of a deceased national hero is similar, in form, to
Citizen Kane
, with Tracy as an investigative reporter uncovering the nastiness, and Hepburn as the widow, tortured by her husband's secret life and ambitions; despite George Cukor's considerable directorial skills, and the stars at their most glamorous (mercy, they are both beautiful!), the whole film seems a bit overwrought...(3 stars out of 5)
"Without Love" (1945): A welcome return to romantic comedy for Tracy and Hepburn; he's a scientist concerned about high altitude's lack of oxygen, on pilots (a frequent theme in wartime films), she's a widow and brilliant assistant, with a house in overcrowded Washington; to avoid the public gossip of a single man and woman living together (despite both swearing no interest in romance), they arrange a platonic, 'loveless' marriage (my, how times have changed!) and, in working together, not surprisingly, love blooms. While the themes are dated, the pair simply glows, onscreen, and watch for some first-rate supporting performances by Lucille Ball and Keenan Wynn! (4 stars, out of 5)
"The Sea of Grass" (1947): This long, quasi-western period drama of the conflict between free-spirit Hepburn, and her husband, intractable land baron Tracy, is more fun for who was involved than the end result (which is, truthfully, slow and more than a bit turgid; a better Tracy vehicle as a rich cattleman is
Broken Lance
). Directing is young Elia Kazan, who would redefine edgy, realistic contemporary drama in films like
On the Waterfront
(here, directing a studio-shot, soft-focus WESTERN???) Tracy (or co-star Melvyn Douglas, another suitor) fathers a wild, undisciplined son by Hepburn, played by Robert Walker, one of the most gifted, kinetic, tragic young stars in Hollywood history, and he is dazzling, easily outshining poor Douglas! Another problem with the film: Tracy had just been critically panned in his return to the Broadway stage, in "The Rugged Path", and had fallen off the wagon in an epic bender that put him into the hospital, and made him nearly impossible to work with...All in all, a real curiosity piece...(2 1/2 stars out of 5)
"State of the Union" (1948): A somewhat flat Frank Capra political comedy, lacking the sharp, decisive wit of his earlier, similarly-themed
'Meet John Doe'
, with Tracy as a rather naive industrialist talked into running for the Republican Presidential nomination, and Hepburn as his estranged wife, brought in to improve his 'image'. A first-rate cast (including Angela Lansbury, Van Johnson, and Adolphe Menjou), but an uneven script, which sputters, occasionally. Hepburn was a last-second replacement for Claudette Colbert, whose cavalier attitude in walking out earned Capra's life-long venom. Despite the behind-the-scenes problems, the Capra-Tracy-Hepburn teamup still has some terrific moments, and a wonderful finale! (3 1/2 stars out of 5)
"Adam's Rib" (1949): The BEST of all the Tracy/Hepburn teamings! A battle royale of the sexes, as conservative D.A. Tracy prosecutes a young woman (Judy Holiday, dazzling in her debut), defended by his wife (Hepburn, at her funniest). A fabulous script (by the stars' lifelong friends, Garson Kanin and Ruth Gordon), and sharp direction by George Cukor raises still timely, relevant questions about sexual inequality in society, educating audiences with a smile, played to perfection by a flawless cast... (5 stars out of 5)
"Pat and Mike" (1952): Tracy and Hepburn, reteamed with Cukor, Kanin, and Gordon, in another sparkling comedy; slow-speaking (but quick-witted) sports promoter Tracy hitches his star to a natural athletic phenom (Hepburn, who was actually every bit as gifted an athlete as her character!); in protecting her, and developing her skills, the pair gradually fall in love. A very 'Runyonesque' tale, with colorful characters (watch for young Charles Bronson in a bit role), this film is a real charmer! (5 stars out of 5)
"Desk Set" (1957): Katharine Hepburn was the force behind this automation-themed comedy becoming a Tracy-Hepburn vehicle, as Tracy's career and personal life were going through some very hard times, and she knew working together was the best medicine; while the storyline is dated (a research department at a ficticious television network, headed by Hepburn, faces elimination by Tracy's super-computer), and perhaps too rigidly adheres to it's roots as a stage play, it does offer a very good cast (including Gig Young and Joan Blondell), bright, witty dialogue (by Phoebe and Henry Ephron), and the Tracy/Hepburn magic, which makes it a winner... (4 stars out of 5)
"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" (1967): While it's place as relevant social commentary (with an interracial marriage theme) may be a bit too sugar-coated, the final teaming of Tracy and Hepburn, with superstar Sidney Poitier, and Hepburn's niece, Katharine Houghton, in her film debut, is a very, very special film. Spencer Tracy was dying, the years of alcoholism having destroyed his health, but he wanted one last chance to act (which both Hepburn and director/friend Stanley Kramer were determined to provide him); the major studios refused to insure him, however, and the pair had to agree to financially cover all losses, if Tracy passed away during production. He hadn't acted in front of a camera in over three years, his energy was erratic, and he could work, at most, only a few hours a day, in the studio (the outdoor sequence at the ice cream 'drive-in' was performed by doubles, in long shots, with the close-ups filmed indoors on a set). Tracy did, in fact, pass away just days after the film 'wrapped', but his performance was superb, with a decisive closing summation that is one of the finest pieces of acting in film history, earning him a final Oscar nomination (while he lost, Hepburn won, and considered the award as recognition to both of them). A beautiful, bittersweet farewell (5 stars out of 5)
This is the collection to own!!!!!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2011
"Woman of the Year" (1942): The pair's first teaming, after Hepburn's HUGE success in [[ASIN:B0006Z2KXE The Philadelphia Story]]...She'd wanted Tracy in the role of the pragmatic, jaded reporter in the earlier film, but he was working, so she had to settle for Jimmy Stewart (who felt miscast, but won the Best Actor Oscar, anyway!) Ring Lardner Jr. and Michael Kanin wrote the script specifically for Tracy and Hepburn (he was a plain-spoken, savvy sports columnist; she was a high-brow, internationally-acclaimed political journalist), and the chemistry was electric from the first moment they shared onscreen, as he opened a door and glimpsed her beautiful legs...This classic comedy of opposites attracting still packs a wallop, nearly 70 years later! (5 stars out of 5)
"Keeper of the Flame" (1942): Despite being two of the great dramatic actors of their generation, the Tracy/Hepburn pairings always worked better in comedies, probably because the dramas were never quite of the same caliber. This tale of the hidden fascist roots of a deceased national hero is similar, in form, to [[ASIN:B00003CX9E Citizen Kane]], with Tracy as an investigative reporter uncovering the nastiness, and Hepburn as the widow, tortured by her husband's secret life and ambitions; despite George Cukor's considerable directorial skills, and the stars at their most glamorous (mercy, they are both beautiful!), the whole film seems a bit overwrought...(3 stars out of 5)
"Without Love" (1945): A welcome return to romantic comedy for Tracy and Hepburn; he's a scientist concerned about high altitude's lack of oxygen, on pilots (a frequent theme in wartime films), she's a widow and brilliant assistant, with a house in overcrowded Washington; to avoid the public gossip of a single man and woman living together (despite both swearing no interest in romance), they arrange a platonic, 'loveless' marriage (my, how times have changed!) and, in working together, not surprisingly, love blooms. While the themes are dated, the pair simply glows, onscreen, and watch for some first-rate supporting performances by Lucille Ball and Keenan Wynn! (4 stars, out of 5)
"The Sea of Grass" (1947): This long, quasi-western period drama of the conflict between free-spirit Hepburn, and her husband, intractable land baron Tracy, is more fun for who was involved than the end result (which is, truthfully, slow and more than a bit turgid; a better Tracy vehicle as a rich cattleman is [[ASIN:B0007PALKC Broken Lance]]). Directing is young Elia Kazan, who would redefine edgy, realistic contemporary drama in films like [[ASIN:B00003CXBU On the Waterfront]] (here, directing a studio-shot, soft-focus WESTERN???) Tracy (or co-star Melvyn Douglas, another suitor) fathers a wild, undisciplined son by Hepburn, played by Robert Walker, one of the most gifted, kinetic, tragic young stars in Hollywood history, and he is dazzling, easily outshining poor Douglas! Another problem with the film: Tracy had just been critically panned in his return to the Broadway stage, in "The Rugged Path", and had fallen off the wagon in an epic bender that put him into the hospital, and made him nearly impossible to work with...All in all, a real curiosity piece...(2 1/2 stars out of 5)
"State of the Union" (1948): A somewhat flat Frank Capra political comedy, lacking the sharp, decisive wit of his earlier, similarly-themed [[ASIN:B0043GAT5I 'Meet John Doe']], with Tracy as a rather naive industrialist talked into running for the Republican Presidential nomination, and Hepburn as his estranged wife, brought in to improve his 'image'. A first-rate cast (including Angela Lansbury, Van Johnson, and Adolphe Menjou), but an uneven script, which sputters, occasionally. Hepburn was a last-second replacement for Claudette Colbert, whose cavalier attitude in walking out earned Capra's life-long venom. Despite the behind-the-scenes problems, the Capra-Tracy-Hepburn teamup still has some terrific moments, and a wonderful finale! (3 1/2 stars out of 5)
"Adam's Rib" (1949): The BEST of all the Tracy/Hepburn teamings! A battle royale of the sexes, as conservative D.A. Tracy prosecutes a young woman (Judy Holiday, dazzling in her debut), defended by his wife (Hepburn, at her funniest). A fabulous script (by the stars' lifelong friends, Garson Kanin and Ruth Gordon), and sharp direction by George Cukor raises still timely, relevant questions about sexual inequality in society, educating audiences with a smile, played to perfection by a flawless cast... (5 stars out of 5)
"Pat and Mike" (1952): Tracy and Hepburn, reteamed with Cukor, Kanin, and Gordon, in another sparkling comedy; slow-speaking (but quick-witted) sports promoter Tracy hitches his star to a natural athletic phenom (Hepburn, who was actually every bit as gifted an athlete as her character!); in protecting her, and developing her skills, the pair gradually fall in love. A very 'Runyonesque' tale, with colorful characters (watch for young Charles Bronson in a bit role), this film is a real charmer! (5 stars out of 5)
"Desk Set" (1957): Katharine Hepburn was the force behind this automation-themed comedy becoming a Tracy-Hepburn vehicle, as Tracy's career and personal life were going through some very hard times, and she knew working together was the best medicine; while the storyline is dated (a research department at a ficticious television network, headed by Hepburn, faces elimination by Tracy's super-computer), and perhaps too rigidly adheres to it's roots as a stage play, it does offer a very good cast (including Gig Young and Joan Blondell), bright, witty dialogue (by Phoebe and Henry Ephron), and the Tracy/Hepburn magic, which makes it a winner... (4 stars out of 5)
"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" (1967): While it's place as relevant social commentary (with an interracial marriage theme) may be a bit too sugar-coated, the final teaming of Tracy and Hepburn, with superstar Sidney Poitier, and Hepburn's niece, Katharine Houghton, in her film debut, is a very, very special film. Spencer Tracy was dying, the years of alcoholism having destroyed his health, but he wanted one last chance to act (which both Hepburn and director/friend Stanley Kramer were determined to provide him); the major studios refused to insure him, however, and the pair had to agree to financially cover all losses, if Tracy passed away during production. He hadn't acted in front of a camera in over three years, his energy was erratic, and he could work, at most, only a few hours a day, in the studio (the outdoor sequence at the ice cream 'drive-in' was performed by doubles, in long shots, with the close-ups filmed indoors on a set). Tracy did, in fact, pass away just days after the film 'wrapped', but his performance was superb, with a decisive closing summation that is one of the finest pieces of acting in film history, earning him a final Oscar nomination (while he lost, Hepburn won, and considered the award as recognition to both of them). A beautiful, bittersweet farewell (5 stars out of 5)
This is the collection to own!!!!!
The Must-Have Collection for Fans!
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2011
I've waited MANY years to see a boxed set of the film teamings of Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn, and [[ASIN:B004K4FUT8 Tracy & Hepburn the Definitive Collection]], with all 9 of the features, the heartfelt Tracy biography, "The Spencer Tracy Legacy", narrated by Hepburn, and selected featurettes, geared to the time frame of individual films, certainly hits it out of the park! A quick overview of the features:Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2011
"Woman of the Year" (1942): The pair's first teaming, after Hepburn's HUGE success in [[ASIN:B0006Z2KXE The Philadelphia Story]]...She'd wanted Tracy in the role of the pragmatic, jaded reporter in the earlier film, but he was working, so she had to settle for Jimmy Stewart (who felt miscast, but won the Best Actor Oscar, anyway!) Ring Lardner Jr. and Michael Kanin wrote the script specifically for Tracy and Hepburn (he was a plain-spoken, savvy sports columnist; she was a high-brow, internationally-acclaimed political journalist), and the chemistry was electric from the first moment they shared onscreen, as he opened a door and glimpsed her beautiful legs...This classic comedy of opposites attracting still packs a wallop, nearly 70 years later! (5 stars out of 5)
"Keeper of the Flame" (1942): Despite being two of the great dramatic actors of their generation, the Tracy/Hepburn pairings always worked better in comedies, probably because the dramas were never quite of the same caliber. This tale of the hidden fascist roots of a deceased national hero is similar, in form, to [[ASIN:B00003CX9E Citizen Kane]], with Tracy as an investigative reporter uncovering the nastiness, and Hepburn as the widow, tortured by her husband's secret life and ambitions; despite George Cukor's considerable directorial skills, and the stars at their most glamorous (mercy, they are both beautiful!), the whole film seems a bit overwrought...(3 stars out of 5)
"Without Love" (1945): A welcome return to romantic comedy for Tracy and Hepburn; he's a scientist concerned about high altitude's lack of oxygen, on pilots (a frequent theme in wartime films), she's a widow and brilliant assistant, with a house in overcrowded Washington; to avoid the public gossip of a single man and woman living together (despite both swearing no interest in romance), they arrange a platonic, 'loveless' marriage (my, how times have changed!) and, in working together, not surprisingly, love blooms. While the themes are dated, the pair simply glows, onscreen, and watch for some first-rate supporting performances by Lucille Ball and Keenan Wynn! (4 stars, out of 5)
"The Sea of Grass" (1947): This long, quasi-western period drama of the conflict between free-spirit Hepburn, and her husband, intractable land baron Tracy, is more fun for who was involved than the end result (which is, truthfully, slow and more than a bit turgid; a better Tracy vehicle as a rich cattleman is [[ASIN:B0007PALKC Broken Lance]]). Directing is young Elia Kazan, who would redefine edgy, realistic contemporary drama in films like [[ASIN:B00003CXBU On the Waterfront]] (here, directing a studio-shot, soft-focus WESTERN???) Tracy (or co-star Melvyn Douglas, another suitor) fathers a wild, undisciplined son by Hepburn, played by Robert Walker, one of the most gifted, kinetic, tragic young stars in Hollywood history, and he is dazzling, easily outshining poor Douglas! Another problem with the film: Tracy had just been critically panned in his return to the Broadway stage, in "The Rugged Path", and had fallen off the wagon in an epic bender that put him into the hospital, and made him nearly impossible to work with...All in all, a real curiosity piece...(2 1/2 stars out of 5)
"State of the Union" (1948): A somewhat flat Frank Capra political comedy, lacking the sharp, decisive wit of his earlier, similarly-themed [[ASIN:B0043GAT5I 'Meet John Doe']], with Tracy as a rather naive industrialist talked into running for the Republican Presidential nomination, and Hepburn as his estranged wife, brought in to improve his 'image'. A first-rate cast (including Angela Lansbury, Van Johnson, and Adolphe Menjou), but an uneven script, which sputters, occasionally. Hepburn was a last-second replacement for Claudette Colbert, whose cavalier attitude in walking out earned Capra's life-long venom. Despite the behind-the-scenes problems, the Capra-Tracy-Hepburn teamup still has some terrific moments, and a wonderful finale! (3 1/2 stars out of 5)
"Adam's Rib" (1949): The BEST of all the Tracy/Hepburn teamings! A battle royale of the sexes, as conservative D.A. Tracy prosecutes a young woman (Judy Holiday, dazzling in her debut), defended by his wife (Hepburn, at her funniest). A fabulous script (by the stars' lifelong friends, Garson Kanin and Ruth Gordon), and sharp direction by George Cukor raises still timely, relevant questions about sexual inequality in society, educating audiences with a smile, played to perfection by a flawless cast... (5 stars out of 5)
"Pat and Mike" (1952): Tracy and Hepburn, reteamed with Cukor, Kanin, and Gordon, in another sparkling comedy; slow-speaking (but quick-witted) sports promoter Tracy hitches his star to a natural athletic phenom (Hepburn, who was actually every bit as gifted an athlete as her character!); in protecting her, and developing her skills, the pair gradually fall in love. A very 'Runyonesque' tale, with colorful characters (watch for young Charles Bronson in a bit role), this film is a real charmer! (5 stars out of 5)
"Desk Set" (1957): Katharine Hepburn was the force behind this automation-themed comedy becoming a Tracy-Hepburn vehicle, as Tracy's career and personal life were going through some very hard times, and she knew working together was the best medicine; while the storyline is dated (a research department at a ficticious television network, headed by Hepburn, faces elimination by Tracy's super-computer), and perhaps too rigidly adheres to it's roots as a stage play, it does offer a very good cast (including Gig Young and Joan Blondell), bright, witty dialogue (by Phoebe and Henry Ephron), and the Tracy/Hepburn magic, which makes it a winner... (4 stars out of 5)
"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" (1967): While it's place as relevant social commentary (with an interracial marriage theme) may be a bit too sugar-coated, the final teaming of Tracy and Hepburn, with superstar Sidney Poitier, and Hepburn's niece, Katharine Houghton, in her film debut, is a very, very special film. Spencer Tracy was dying, the years of alcoholism having destroyed his health, but he wanted one last chance to act (which both Hepburn and director/friend Stanley Kramer were determined to provide him); the major studios refused to insure him, however, and the pair had to agree to financially cover all losses, if Tracy passed away during production. He hadn't acted in front of a camera in over three years, his energy was erratic, and he could work, at most, only a few hours a day, in the studio (the outdoor sequence at the ice cream 'drive-in' was performed by doubles, in long shots, with the close-ups filmed indoors on a set). Tracy did, in fact, pass away just days after the film 'wrapped', but his performance was superb, with a decisive closing summation that is one of the finest pieces of acting in film history, earning him a final Oscar nomination (while he lost, Hepburn won, and considered the award as recognition to both of them). A beautiful, bittersweet farewell (5 stars out of 5)
This is the collection to own!!!!!
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2012
The pros:
1. Well, obviously, a huge pro is that we finally have all nine films in one set. Warner Bros. went the extra mile, going beyond their own library and licensing "State Of The Union" from Universal, "Desk Set" from Fox, and "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner" from Sony.
2. The packaging is nicely done. All ten discs are in a clear double alpha case such as double-disc DVD's used to come in, only maybe a millimeter or two thicker, all inside a shiny cardboard slipcase. The discs all have new disc art - very plain, with only solid colors, but the look is quite classy. This configuration allows the set to take up very little room on your DVD shelf. The reverse side of the case insert has credits for the film and the inside contains a booklet with photos and information on each film. Everything is very classy and well-put-together.
3. The films themselves are quite good. Some are better than others, but there isn't a total dud in the whole set. Granted this opinion isn't entirely accurate, as I've only seen six of the nine films in the set, but the three I haven't seen yet ("Woman Of The Year," "Adam's Rib," and "Pat And Mike" - I've previewed the discs, however.) are generally accepted as classics and I expect nothing less. A few films, such as "Keeper Of The Flame" and "The Sea Of Grass" have some story and pacing issues, but the pairing of Tracy and Hepburn elevates anything they touch out of total mediocrity.
4. Those last two films I mentioned were the last two Tracy & Hepburn films not to be issued on DVD - thanks to the release of this set, that has finally been rectified. Both films are available separately, as well, for those simply needing to complete their collections.
5. In general, transfers are good and bonus materials, while not bountiful, are still nice additions. ("State Of The Union" is completely barebones - no trailer, not even a chapter menu, although there ARE chapter stops. I imagine MGM still retains promotional materials and such, which would prevent Universal from using them on the DVD.) The main attractions here are the films themselves, and for the most part, they are presented nicely. Most have some occasional issues here and there, but for their age, they mostly look wonderful.
Cons:
1. You can tell "Woman Of The Year" and "Adam's Rib" are among the first DVD's ever released - the films open with the old Turner logo. New digital transfers and new discs with the same types of bonus materials as more recent Warner catalog discs (a short subject, a cartoon, maybe a short retrospective) would have befitted these films very much and made this set truly an event, as opposed to merely recycling old discs.
2. Warner was only able to license one disc of the more recent 2-Disc set of "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner," which is a shame - the only bonus feature on the film disc of that set are celebrity introductions to the film. While I didn't expect the other disc to be licensed, it would have been nice if they'd been able to.
3. While Warner was kind enough to release separate discs for "Keeper Of The Flame" and "The Sea Of Grass," they sadly didn't bother to do so for "Without Love," meaning the only way to get that one is to either buy this set or the [[ASIN:B000NJXG68 Katharine Hepburn 100th Anniversary Collection]]. While both sets often go on sale for very reasonable prices, those simply needing to complete a collection still have to buy a big set to get this one film.
4. The bonus disc is merely a recycle of the exclusive "Spencer Tracy Legacy" disc from [[ASIN:B0002Y4TJM Tracy & Hepburn: The Signature Collection]]. Now, this documentary absolutely belongs in this set, but I don't find it kosher that this set's only substantial bonus feature only focuses on one half of the pair. (Granted the other half is the force behind it, but I digress.) A new disc should have been authored with this documentary as well as the intensely fascinating Katharine Hepburn documentary "All About Me." Granted it's available on [[ASIN:B0006Z2KXE The Philadelphia Story (Two-Disc Special Edition)]] but it would have made a nice inclusion here and given us a good look at both screen legends.
All gripes aside, Warner Bros. really has given us fans of Tracy & Hepburn a great box set of ALL of their films, and any gripes one may have about lack of extras, old discs being reused, etc. pale in comparison to finally having a complete collection of their on-screen magic together. Hopefully this will lead to more sets like this in the future, with Warner licensing other titles from other studios.
Almost perfect set, but with a few minor quibbles.
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2012
Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn made 9 films over a 25-year period, and enjoyed one of Hollywood's most legendary offscreen romances during that period as well. Last year, Warner Bros. finally decided to treat this classic screen duo to a definitive box set containing every film they made together, including two that had never been released to DVD and three that are owned by other studios.Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2012
The pros:
1. Well, obviously, a huge pro is that we finally have all nine films in one set. Warner Bros. went the extra mile, going beyond their own library and licensing "State Of The Union" from Universal, "Desk Set" from Fox, and "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner" from Sony.
2. The packaging is nicely done. All ten discs are in a clear double alpha case such as double-disc DVD's used to come in, only maybe a millimeter or two thicker, all inside a shiny cardboard slipcase. The discs all have new disc art - very plain, with only solid colors, but the look is quite classy. This configuration allows the set to take up very little room on your DVD shelf. The reverse side of the case insert has credits for the film and the inside contains a booklet with photos and information on each film. Everything is very classy and well-put-together.
3. The films themselves are quite good. Some are better than others, but there isn't a total dud in the whole set. Granted this opinion isn't entirely accurate, as I've only seen six of the nine films in the set, but the three I haven't seen yet ("Woman Of The Year," "Adam's Rib," and "Pat And Mike" - I've previewed the discs, however.) are generally accepted as classics and I expect nothing less. A few films, such as "Keeper Of The Flame" and "The Sea Of Grass" have some story and pacing issues, but the pairing of Tracy and Hepburn elevates anything they touch out of total mediocrity.
4. Those last two films I mentioned were the last two Tracy & Hepburn films not to be issued on DVD - thanks to the release of this set, that has finally been rectified. Both films are available separately, as well, for those simply needing to complete their collections.
5. In general, transfers are good and bonus materials, while not bountiful, are still nice additions. ("State Of The Union" is completely barebones - no trailer, not even a chapter menu, although there ARE chapter stops. I imagine MGM still retains promotional materials and such, which would prevent Universal from using them on the DVD.) The main attractions here are the films themselves, and for the most part, they are presented nicely. Most have some occasional issues here and there, but for their age, they mostly look wonderful.
Cons:
1. You can tell "Woman Of The Year" and "Adam's Rib" are among the first DVD's ever released - the films open with the old Turner logo. New digital transfers and new discs with the same types of bonus materials as more recent Warner catalog discs (a short subject, a cartoon, maybe a short retrospective) would have befitted these films very much and made this set truly an event, as opposed to merely recycling old discs.
2. Warner was only able to license one disc of the more recent 2-Disc set of "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner," which is a shame - the only bonus feature on the film disc of that set are celebrity introductions to the film. While I didn't expect the other disc to be licensed, it would have been nice if they'd been able to.
3. While Warner was kind enough to release separate discs for "Keeper Of The Flame" and "The Sea Of Grass," they sadly didn't bother to do so for "Without Love," meaning the only way to get that one is to either buy this set or the [[ASIN:B000NJXG68 Katharine Hepburn 100th Anniversary Collection]]. While both sets often go on sale for very reasonable prices, those simply needing to complete a collection still have to buy a big set to get this one film.
4. The bonus disc is merely a recycle of the exclusive "Spencer Tracy Legacy" disc from [[ASIN:B0002Y4TJM Tracy & Hepburn: The Signature Collection]]. Now, this documentary absolutely belongs in this set, but I don't find it kosher that this set's only substantial bonus feature only focuses on one half of the pair. (Granted the other half is the force behind it, but I digress.) A new disc should have been authored with this documentary as well as the intensely fascinating Katharine Hepburn documentary "All About Me." Granted it's available on [[ASIN:B0006Z2KXE The Philadelphia Story (Two-Disc Special Edition)]] but it would have made a nice inclusion here and given us a good look at both screen legends.
All gripes aside, Warner Bros. really has given us fans of Tracy & Hepburn a great box set of ALL of their films, and any gripes one may have about lack of extras, old discs being reused, etc. pale in comparison to finally having a complete collection of their on-screen magic together. Hopefully this will lead to more sets like this in the future, with Warner licensing other titles from other studios.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
William Ian Walker
Are you a classic Tracy/Hepburn fan and want to see rare films? Purchase this series!
Reviewed in Canada on January 9, 2014
Ken Barnes
TRACY & HEPBURN "COMPLETE AND ABSOLUTELY DEFINITIVE."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 17, 2012Tinksjane
A lovely film given a top quality Blu Ray transfer
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 10, 2016