Brian De Palma has directed some of my favourite film such as Scarface (1983) and Carlito’s Way (1993) so I think it’s high time a take a look at some of his other work. Fortunately several of these are now available on Blu-ray.
The one I’m featuring here, Obsession (1976) is often compared to a truly great film, Vertigo. Released by Arrow Video back in 2013 I think it;s time for my Obsession blu-ray review.
- Obsession (1976)
- Genre: Thriller
- UK Rating 12
- Discs: 1
- Released By Arrow Video
- Blu-ray Released: 25th November 2013
Plot
Businessman Michael Courtland suffers personal tragedy in 1959 following a ransom demand involving his family. Skip forward to 1975 and Michael is still struggling with the effects of that incident in 1959. He decides to visit Florence, Italy the place where he met his wife Elizabeth.
On a trip to a church he finds himself face to face with a woman named Sandra who bears a striking resemblance to his wife. In fact he becomes somewhat obsessed with Sandra and finally begins to date her. Has he just found the perfect replacement for his wife?
The film is directed by Brian De Palma with the cinematography handled by Vilmos Zsigmond. Many people have compared Obsession to Hitchcock’s Vertigo and I think that a fair comparison. De Palma creates a thoroughly intriguing and compelling thriller just like the true master of suspense.
That said I wouldn’t say he quite reaches the level of Vertigo but none the less this film will have you hooked from start to finish. Overall the camera movements and angles all help to add to the suspense which builds and builds.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is provided by Bernard Herrmann and is a mix of several Hitchcock style films ranging from Vertigo to North by Northwest. That however is not a criticism in fact those epic sounds really ramp up the tension and really help to create a gripping thriller.
Acting / Characters
On the acting front the three main actors turn in excellent performances helping to create plenty of intrigue.
Cast
- Cliff Robertson as Michael Courtland
- Geneviève Bujold as Elizabeth Courtland/Sandra Portinari
- John Lithgow as Robert Lasalle
Conclusion: Obsession (1976) Film Review
I must admit I’d never seen Obsession before and I came away thoroughly entertained. The film leads you one way and then another before finally revealing all. That said you know early on one of the people involved in pulling the strings but the full story is well concealed.
I highly recommend you take a look at Obsession it’s a film full of suspense and intrigue.
If you like my Obsession blu-ray review you may want to check out these films:
Conclusion: Obsession Blu-ray Review
The picture quality on this new version of Obsession (1976) is very good with no real issues. The picture is clean and sharp without any speckles.
On the extras front there is another good set of extras from Arrow Video including a couple of early Brian De Palma films whilst not particularly good are interesting for film buffs.
Extras
- Obsession Revisited (37 mins)
- Early Brian De Palma Films: Woton’s Wake (1962) & The Responsive Eye (1966)
- Original Trailer
- Reversible Sleeve
- Booklet
Popcorn Cinema Rating: Obsession (1976)
MOVIE RATING: VERY GOOD
BLU-RAY RATING: VERY GOOD
EXTRAS RATING: EXCELLENT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Obsession (1976) Blu-ray
Obsession (1976) blu-ray is available now, I’ve added a link below.
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Obsession (1976) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the Blu-ray version
That’s my Obsession blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film you can leave a comment over on our Facebook page.
Summary: Obsession (1976) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Obsession (1976)
Duration: 98 mins
Director(s): Brian De Palma
Actor(s): Cliff Robertson, Geneviève Bujold, John Lithgow,
Genre: Thriller
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
Obsession is a film full of suspense and intrigue.
