The Trouble With Harry appears in an aspect ratio of approximately 1.85:1 on this 4K UHD Disc. Only one word could describe this VistaVision presentation: wow!
Sharpness was quite good. Virtually no problematic softness materialized, so this became a tight, precise image.
No concerns with jagged edges or shimmering occurred, and edge haloes were absent. With a light layer of grain, I suspected no noise reduction issues, and print flaws remained absent.
Colors became a strength, as the 4K replicated the movie’s autumnal tones in a vivid, distinctive manner. HDR gave the hues real punch and power.
Blacks felt deep and dense, while shadows seemed smooth and clear. HDR added impact and power to whites and contrast. Pop this 4K into your player and expect to be dazzled.
Though not as impressive, I found the DTS-HD monaural soundtrack of The Trouble With Harry to work fine. It didn’t exceed expectations for a mix of its age, but the audio was more than acceptable.
Speech lacked edginess. The lines weren’t exactly natural – many showed obvious looping - but they seemed distinctive and without problems.
Effects were a little flat, but they showed no distortion and displayed acceptable definition. Music was pretty lively given its age, as the score sounded reasonably bright and concise. Altogether, I found little about which to complain, as the soundtrack aged well.
How did the 4K UHD compare to the Blu-ray version? Audio was similar, if not identical, though the 4K disc felt a little clearer.
On the other hand, the 4K UHD destroyed the Blu-ray, as it appeared better defined, richer and more vibrant. While the BD offered more than acceptable visuals, it couldn’t compete with the stunning image found with the 4K.
The 4K replicates the Blu-ray’s extras, and we start with a documentary called The Trouble With Harry Isn’t Over. This 32-minute, six-second piece provides notes from director’s daughter Pat Hitchcock O’Connell, associate producer Herbert Coleman, screenwriter John Michael Hayes, Bernard Herrmann biographer Steven C. Smith, and actor John Forsythe.
“Over” looks at the source novel, its adaptation, and the project’s path to the screen, Hitchcock’s working style, cast and performances, shooting in Vermont and sets, the score, and the movie’s reception.
The biggest disappointment about “Over” comes from the absence of any actors other than Forsythe. Shirley MacLaine and Jerry Mathers are still with us, so it’s too bad they didn’t participate.
Nonetheless, “Over” offers a fun look at the flick. Forsythe contributes a few amusing anecdotes about Hitchcock, and the program proves to be a breezy and informative piece.
Although we get a trailer for Trouble, it most definitely isn’t the film’s original theatrical ad. Instead, it’s a promo for a home video release – and not a very interesting one.
Under Production Photographs, we see 38 images. These mix ads, publicity shots and behind the scenes pictures.
Though a little more comedic than most Hitchcock flicks, The Trouble With Harry marks enough of the director’s hallmarks to still feel like one of his works. We find a skewed mystery that rarely cares about what happened to the titular victim, and it becomes an enjoyable experience. The 4K UHD delivers stunning visuals, acceptable audio and an interesting documentary. I wish the set had a broader set of supplements, but I feel pleased with the presentation of the film itself.
Note that this 4K UHD version of Harry can be found on its own or as part of a 5-film set called “Alfred Hitchcock Classics Collection”. This also includes Saboteur, Shadow of a Doubt, Marnie and Family Plot.
To rate this film, visit the DVD review of THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY