Ghost and Mrs. Muir, The



Synopsis

Gene Tierney is Mrs. Muir, a young widow at the turn of the 20th Century, who has hadenough of her overbearing in-laws. She moves to the coast, falling in love with a cottage thatturns out to be haunted by Rex Harrison, a crusty sea captain. The two strong wills clash initially,but soon develop a real affection for each other. Directed by All About Eve’s JosephMankiewicz, this low-key romance is affecting and witty, and the black-and-whitecinematography is gorgeous. The per…ormances are sharp, and George Sanders turns up to be hisinimitably urbane self.

Audio

The sound comes in both stereo and the original mono. The 2.0 mix has the usual flawsassociated with these kinds of remixes: surround voices, considerable hiss from the rear speakers.A nice job was done with the music, however, and the sound effects, when present, are nicelyexecuted. There is an odd blip in the sound around the 53 minute mark.

Video

There are moments where the whites seemed to be a little strong, almost bleached.Otherwise, the black-and-white is wonderful, and the print is in excellent shape, with only one ortwo minor instances of damage, and virtually no grain or edge enhancement.

Special Features

Not one but two very informed commentaries here. One is by FX supervisor and filmhistorian Gregg Kimble along with manager of the Bernard Hermann estate Christopher Husted.Lots of film history and cinematographical information come into play on this track. The othercommentary is by film professor Jeanine Bassinger and Mankiewicz biographer Kenneth Geist,and is equally good. This is another case of a film course in a box. The other extras are fine, ifnot quite in the same league: an A&E Biography episode on Rex Harrison, the trailer (along withthe trailers for the other Studio Classics releases), and still gallery (divided into Lobby Cards,Posters, Set Stills and Production Stills).

Closing Thoughts

Another excellent entry in the Studio Classics series: film, print and commentaries are first-class.

Special Features List

• 2 Audio Commentaries
• A&E Biography on Rex Harrison
• Trailers
• Still Gallery