| Topaz |
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List Price: $19.98
Buy New: $14.99
You Save: $4.99 (25%)
Avg. Customer Rating:   (based on 25 reviews)
Sales Rank: 13856
Category: DVD
Author: Topaz
Publisher: Universal Studios
Studio: Universal Studios
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
Label: Universal Studios
Format: Color, Dolby, Original Recording Remastered, Subtitled, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled), French (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled)
Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: DVD
Running Time: 143 minutes
Number Of Items: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
UPC: 025192831423
EAN: 0025192831423
ASIN: B000ECX0QU
Release Date: June 20, 2006 (New: Last 30 Days)
Theatrical Release Date: December 19, 1969
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
Alfred Hitchcock hadn't made a spy thriller since the 1930s, so his 1969 adaptation of Leon Uris's bestseller seemed like a curious choice for the director. But Hitchcock makes Uris's story of the West's investigation into the Soviet Union's dealings with Cuba his own. Frederick Stafford plays a French intelligence agent who works with his American counterpart (John Forsythe) to break up a Soviet spy ring. The film is a bit flat dramatically and visually, and there are sequences that seem to occupy Hitchcock's attention more than others. A minor work all around, with at least two alternative endings shot by Hitchcock. --Tom Keogh
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Customer Reviews: Read 20 more reviews...
 Not his best. June 12, 2006
It became generally assumed after "Torn Curtain" and even more so after "Topaz" that the great Hitchcock had finally fallen victim to the march of time. It turns out what he had actually fallen victim to were idiots at Universal Studios who insisted he hop on the "evils-of-communism" bandwagon. The results turned out to be exactly what these meddlers deserved. "Topaz" is, simply put, a misguided failure on just about every count. Hitchcock loathed location filming, and this film required extensive location work. Music had always been an integral part of the Hitchcock "recipe". Since he had lost his favorite composer, Bernard Herrmann (again precipitated by studio meddling on "Torn Curtain") the score was composed by the fine Maurice Jarre who, unfortunately, just didn't seem able to fill Herrmann's shoes. It is obvious in scene after scene that Hitchcock just didn't give a damn about this film. And the lesson cost Universal over $4 Million, nearly five times as much as Hitch had spent on "Psycho" a few years earlier.
The fact that Hitchcock was still fully capable of making a good film was proven when he came roaring back some three years later with the remarkable "Frenzy" and, a couple of years later, with his valedictory, the lovely "Family Plot".
"Topaz" is a slight blemish on a remarkable career. Nothing more, nothing less.
once again the "master of suspence" is washed up in more cold war dlivel May 4, 2006
hitchcock didn't learn from torn curtain and tried another cold war tale with even worse results. this mess starts with an american and french spys tring to trace leak of info to the russians. the real proplem here is we expect so suspence or thrills from hitchcock and none are delivered and the movie just goes on forever. still some may like and hitchcock fans may even love it, but not me the master has and would do better
Decent Hitchcock Spy Thriller With Great Acting October 1, 2005
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
Despite the failure of "Torn Curtain", Hitchcock decided to make another Cold War spy thriller. Based on the Leon Uris novel of the same name, "Topaz" is meant to be an exciting and suspenseful spy drama. However, it comes off as poor excuse for a James Bond movie.
If that last comment seemed harsh, don't take it to heart. "Topaz" has actually aged fairly well. It isn't a masterpiece and pales in comparison to even "Torn Curtain", but it sill makes for an entertainign film.
The film's plot involves a CIA agent (John Forsythe) who has French operative by the name of Deveraux (Frederick Stafford) go to Cuba and intercept Russian missile rumors and a Nato spy named Topaz. While in Havana, Deveraux's investigation becomes riskier with each move. People are double crossed, mudered and comitting suicide. When he returns home to Paris, the danger builds, leading up to a predictable but overall satisfying end.
The film does have some good things going for it. It is far from Hitch's best work, but some of the scenes are fantastic. The acting is top notch as well, especially Stafford, John Vernon and Forsythe. The extras are cool, especially the three alternate endings. I don't highly recommend "Topaz", but it certainly won't be a waste if you buy it.
Second-Rate Hitchcock Has Its Moments September 24, 2005
28 out of 28 found this review helpful
Director Alfred Hitchcock's uneven adaptation of Leon Uris' "Topaz" does not rank among his finest efforts. However, the 1969 espionage thriller is not without merit. There are classic Hitchcockian touches scattered amidst a rather overlong story -- particularly his imaginative use of sound during the New York segments. Though lacking in star power, the international cast (particularly John Forsythe, Frederick Stafford, Roscoe Lee Browne, John Vernon and Karin Dor) is better than expected. Unfortunately, the film suffers from several lengthy dialogue sequences that bog down the globe-trotting narrative. "Topaz" cries out for more action -- and less talk -- from the Master of Suspense.
Had potential. . . November 18, 2004
10 out of 11 found this review helpful
THE MOVIE:
Topaz is one of those movies that when I watch it I keep checking the time to figure out how much longer I have to watch it. The reason is simple. There are some great scenes and there is an okay story but it takes to long to actually get to the story. The movie picks up for me whem Frederick Stafford goes to New York. I think the movie could have included only a little bit of the things that happened before since we are told that there is a defecting russian (Credits). Then have the russian defector tell what he knows. Finally John Forsyth commissions Frederick Stafford in his hotel room and the movie starts like that. I would take other bits here and there out. It could have been a great hour and 45 minute movie! It would have had it's problems but it would be enjoyable. (Many would disagree that so much could be taken out but this is my opinion.) This brings me to ----
THE DVD:
I like that there is an uncut version on the dvd- the problem is the SHORTER theatrical version should have also been included! It needed the trimming that was done for it's theatrical release! Why didn't they include both versions, or the theatrical version with a deleted scenes archive (prefferably both versions)? The fact that the un tightened version is all that is included adds to what was wrong with the film - even in it's theatrical release. Once again I like the fact the uncut version is included but it shouldn't be ALL that was included.
The documentary rocks. I enjoyed it. It isn't the best documentary in the Universal Hitchcock dvd library but it rocks just the same.
I like that they included the three different endings as well...
The trailer isn't his best but is worth a look as well.
The other extras are rather standard but it is nice to have them anyway.
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