Product: SLEUTH - (Russian Import - PAL DVD) (1972)
Rating: 5.0
Olivier vs. Caine!
To see two great actors face off in a film like this is a joy to behold. 'Sleuth' provides this golden opportunity, especially when both actors are at the top of their game. You would think that Lawrence Olivier's grand theatrical acting style and Michael Caine's more straightforward acting style would clash, but in 'Sleuth' they blend wonderfully. It helps that Anthony Shaffer's outstanding screenplay (based on his popular stage play) gives these two actors a delicious cat and mouse game to engage in.Olivier is a famous mystery novelist who invites Caine, his wife's hairdresser, to his estate to offer him an intriguing proposal. You see, Caine is sleeping with Olivier's wife and Olivier wants Caine to, as he says, "take her off my hands". To reveal anymore would spoil all the fun. Just enjoy the twists and turns of this delightful story.Translating a stage play like this to the big screen can be a tricky proposition, but director Joseph L. Mankiewicz pulls this off splendidly. Ken Adam (who worked on many of the James Bond films) does a brilliant job designing the sets, especially the incredible variety of games that are featured which vividly illustrates the obsession with games playing that Olivier's character has. I don't know if Ken Adam found them in shops or invented them himself, but they certainly are ingenious. You try solving a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle that's completely blank!If you purchase this DVD, DO NOT get the 1997 Anchor Bay edition. It has poor picture quality, it was not formatted properly (1.66:1, you can tell by looking at the opening credits), you have to flip the disc halfway through the film to watch the second part of the film and the audio is awful. I had to turn the volume all the way up just to understand the dialogue! You should get the 2002 Anchor Bay edition. The picture quality is improved, it's formatted properly (1.85:1), the audio is clear and solid and it also has an interview with Anthony Shaffer that was recorded shortly before he died. Oh, yeah...the film and bonus material are all on one side of the disc! I've owned both editions and, trust me, the 2002 edition is much, much better. I hope you enjoy this wonderful film as much as I always do.