DVD Review: Some True Classics in ‘The Robert Mitchum Film Collection’

CHICAGO – They don’t make ‘em like Robert Mitchum any more. Every few years, there’s a DVD collection of classic movies that rises above the others for the holiday season. One of this year’s most star-packed entries includes not only Mitchum but John Wayne, Deborah Kerr, Kirk Douglas, Shirley MacLaine, Richard Widmark, Gene Kelly, Paul Newman, Shelley Winters, Marilyn Monroe, and many more. Mitchum may be the face on the cover but the set is a trip through the golden era of Hollywood through more than just one star.

Rating: 3.5/5.0

With a 10-DVD set, it can be difficult to sum up in one review. The quality of the films, the transfers, and the special features are wildly variable. “River of No Return” looks surprisingly good. “Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison” needs a better remastering (some of the darker scenes look horrendous). The Criterion Blu-ray edition of “Night of the Hunter” is one of the best ever and so I would recommend buying that over the standard transfer in this set. And “The Longest Day” looks awful in standard-def. It was made for HD.

What it comes down to is quantity over quality. If you only want one or two classic movies, even ones starring Robert Mitchum, pick up Blu-ray editions or more lovingly remastered special edition DVDs. This is a set designed to give people something to buy for dear old dad at Christmas that will keep him occupied until at least New Years. There are some undeniable classics in here and the flaws of the set don’t overly diminish the quality of the works.

The Robert Mitchum Film Collection was released on DVD on October 9, 2012
Photo credit: Fox

Synopsis:
With an illustrious acting career spanning more than 50 years, Academy Award Nominee Robert Mitchum was one of Hollywood’s most iconic and memorable leading men. Although widely known for his “tough guy” roles in classic film noir dramas, Mitchum’s powerful on-screen charisma proved equally effective in all movie genres - from comedy and romance to Westerns and war films - leaving an indelible mark in cinematic history.

Special Features Vary Per Film

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com