George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey

Written, produced, and directed by George Stevens Jr., this superb documentary traces the career of one of Hollywood's legendary directors. Contemporary interviews with the likes of Katherine Hepburn, Frank Capra, Warren Beatty, Cary Grant, and a host of other luminaries, are interwoven with clips from Stevens' masterpieces: Woman of the Year, A Place in the Sun, The Diary of Anne Frank, Shane, and Giant, among others. If you're on Continental Video's mailing list, you've noticed that they deal primarily in lurid exploitation films. But, every now and then, there's a real gem sandwiched between the flesh and blood. George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey is one; Basileus Quartet (a steal at $14.95), and Herzog's Aguirre, the Wrath of God ($39.95) are others. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman)[DVD Review--January 25, 2005--Warner, 112 min., not rated, $19.98--Making its debut on DVD, 1984's George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey is presented in its original full screen aspect ratio in a solid transfer (with some minor dirt and scratches, but a good image overall) and a fine Dolby Digital mono soundtrack, but with no extras beyond a text biography and filmography. Bottom line: a great portrait of a brilliant director, this is highly recommended.]