Love with the Proper Stranger [DVD]

Okay, let's be clear: I love the FILM. The FILM is great, and the star wattage of Wood and McQueen results in two performances that are at the top end of their body of work. The direction is simple and beautiful, the writing is wonderful and heartfelt, and the score by Elmer Bernstein is tops, as is the supporting cast.The good news: Finally we have this in its proper screen ratio. Kudos all around.The bad news: Well, not "bad" but while the packaging tells us it's newly remastered in HD that is meaningless as everything on Blu-ray is mastered in HD. Meaningless - it's all about the elements. While the film looks better than it has on other home video releases, it could and should look much better than it does here. Close-ups have nice detail and clarity, but medium and long shots are just too soft and lack detail. There is also so little grain that it makes me think something was done in that regard. What is very clear is the transfer is not from the camera negative and there has been no new internegative made from the camera negative - easy to tell since the old internegative used has burned in changeover cue marks - some removed and some shockingly still there. If you love the film, like me you'll need to make the purchase. But since this is going to be it for this film, it's a damn shame it doesn't sparkle as it should.

A very sweet black and white film from the early 1960s shows Italian family life in New York through the story of an improbable love affair between a freelance musician (the cool, minimalist, brilliant Steve McQueen) and a Macy's shopgirl (the astoundingly beautiful -- and never more than in this film -- Natalie Wood). Herschel Bernardi (playing Italian!) is great as Natalie Wood's possessive brother, and it's great to see scenes of New York in this era.McQueen plays a kind of clueless romantic -- a different role, and different type of movie than the ones he'd become more known for -- but he's engaging. Although Wood's character is suspicious after a life of urban men trying to play fast and loose with her, McQueen's character would never think of being anything but respectful and caring. The difference in their family lives (both a bit dysfunctional, but hers in particular) explains it all. Watch it when you're in the mood for a good, old-fashioned romance with some comedy, some drama, and some bumps in the road, including a powerful scene set in a (at that time illegal) back room abortion.

I first saw this movie when I was in my early teens, it made an impression then, and it makes an impression now! Featuring two of the most acclaimed actors and personalities of the time, I believe that this movie starring Natalie Wood and Steve McQueen is one of their best. The plot is unique, with memorable characters, humor, and drama. I loved the story so much I have never forgotten it. It is in black and white, which I thinks adds to the movie, it is timely for the era, and it is fun to see how customs and attitudes have changed. The viewer should appreciate the historical value of the era portrayed. Take note of the wardrobe, family ties, even how perhaps the department store Macy's conducted business! A must for a film lover.

What's not to love when you have the chemistry of the likes of Natalie Wood & Steve McQueen, true icons and never to be again. This movie demonstrates why these two stars were the very best of the name given them of 'movie star'. Their lights still shine in their movies & I am very glad to have them preserved forever in their movie roles on film. Kudos to them for being who they are today! I love this movie & I love its theme song, one of the most romantic songs of all time! Kudos to Pakula-Mulligan for their top notch direction & collaboration on this plot subject. Their attention to detail & sensitivity to plot material shines through on the the big screen.

I don't know what it is about Steve McQueen, yes I do. He can laugh at himself. And he speaks with a look. He's blonde and isn't tall, my requisite 6'5" minimum, but dang...SE*Yas HE**!! Natalie Wood, stunning. What was great in this movie, she get a case of the nerves and does everything wrong...We've all been there, been around that guy you just can't catch your breath around. All you want to do is stare, and the minute you open your mouth you sound like you have a single digit IQ. Yep that's the scene, only she does it with Mr. Cunningham, not exactly top shelf...really funny. Very poignant too, when McQueen goes back to the "old neighborhood". It all goes so fast, it did then and it does now. If you are young, slow down enough to watch some of the best of yesteryear and you will be amazed that 1920's and 2020's the human condition is the same! Just the window dressing changes.

I bought this as I'd been unable to find a copy anywhere else. I was able to change it to English dialogue and get rid of the Spanish subtitles easily enough, but the picture quality is very poor and the music is distorted at the beginning. It has obviously been copied from an old VHS tape.To be honest, if I hadn't read the synopsis I wouldn't have had much idea what was going on, as the film started when Rocky (Steve McQueen) was told about the baby, and he clearly didn't remember his encounter with Angie (Natalie Wood). It felt as if the film should have started earlier in the story. Having said that, I was pleased to get hold of even a ropy copy of the film.

This is a good film, and with the people involved it's hard to believe this film has not received proper treatment on dvd/blu-ray.So thank you Acid Vibes for providing us with a copy of this film.Picture quality is of the VHS type. Sound is Good. 4:3 ratio picture.The film will initially play in spanish with subtitles. To play in English with No subtitles as intended - Highlight - 'Idiomas' on themain screen. then highlight under Audio - 'Ingles'. Then highlight - 'Sin Subtitulos' - then highlight 'Ver Pelicula'.Yes it's not the DVD quality were use to. But until Paramount get there act together it's better than nothing.

Still a good but not great film. However this dvd is taken from TV and is not much better than others from the US, which are also dvd made from home VHS tapes and take from an american tv presentation. On this one the audio is better but the picture is fuzzy and indistinct. It remains the case that this movie is buried in Parmount's vaults somewhere and has never been released in proper DVD form. Internet gossip suggests it is the subject matter of abortion, it remains a mystery as it has two major stars, a well known director and music by Elmer Bernstein.

Doesn't work. Will not play on dvd player. For Canada only! No mention of this in discription. Very disappointed, especially as this was bought for a gift!

Forgot how good this film is. Disappointed a print quality but OK, CONSIDERING IT APPEARS TO BE A SPANISH PRODUCT; until I tried to play it a third time - it would not allow it to be played in english