Harvey

Finally, the Easter Bunny has brought something that won't give you cavities: the long-awaited DVD release of one of the enduring family classics. James Stewart shines as Elwood P. Dowd, a gregarious tippler who is accompanied by a rather unusual--and invisible to others--friend: a pooka. This particular pooka, or spirit, takes the form of a 6 ft., 8 in. white rabbit named Harvey (in a poignant 1990 interview included on the disc, Stewart explains why Harvey couldn't be the traditionally accepted 6' 31/2" height). Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning play by Mary Chase, Harvey also features Josephine Hull in an Oscar-winning performance as Elwood's put-upon sister. Although not particularly "extras" heavy, this perennial classic sports a handsome DVD transfer. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (R. Pitman)[Blu-ray Review—Aug. 28, 2012—Universal, 105 min., not rated, $26.98—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1950's Harvey features a great transfer and a DTS-HD 2.0 mono soundtrack. Blu-ray extras include a special introduction by star James Stewart with a photo montage (7 min.), “100 Years of Universal” featurettes on “The Carl Laemmie Era” (9 min.) and “The Lew Wasserman Era” (9 min.), trailers, the BD-Live function, and bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a beloved classic makes a welcome debut on Blu-ray.]