Welcome back to Dark Corners physical media reviews, where we examine Via Vision's Blu-ray premieres of two 70s British thrillers. These films are linked as adaptations of stories made famous by Alfred Hitchcock.
The first, 1978's 'The 39 Steps', is not a remake but a new adaptation of John Buchan's novel. This version attempts to stay true to the book, despite additional scenes inspired by Hitchcock's changes to the original narrative. Set in 1914, Robert Powell stars as Richard Hannay, a man inexplicably drawn into political intrigues via a neighbor, portrayed by John Mills.
The release is celebrated for its candid interview with producer James Kennel Clark, along with over an hour of special features including interviews with Colin Skeaping and Sergio Angelini. The film is directed by Don Sharp, known for his work with Hammer films.
'The Lady Vanishes', meanwhile, marks the end of Hammer's traditional thriller productions. It's a direct remake of the 1938 Hitchcock film, itself loosely based on Ethel Lina White's novel. This version stars Herbert Lom, Angela Lansbury, and features notable extras, including insights from Michael Carreras and Elliot Gould.
However, this adaptation struggles to match Hitchcock's adept character focus, resulting in less engaging leads. Despite strong performances, the films take time to gain momentum, with Hitchcock's originals setting a high bar in weaving personal and broader stakes.
Share your thoughts on these thrillers below and weigh in on whether remakes need a clear reason or distinction from originals.