The Centennial Collection

By: Brian Wright

Friday November 21, 2008

Paramount Home Entertainment Brings out the Classics
On November 11, Paramount Home Entertainment released the digitally remastered and restored classics ROMAN HOLIDAY, SABRINA and SUNSET BOULEVARD as the first three titles in their Centennial Collection.  Paramount spared no expense on preserving these films by using the latest digital technology to capture all the brilliance from their original release.

And, what choices!  These three pictures define American cinema and showcase the talents of some of film’s greatest artists.  Many of cinema’s greatest moments come from these three films.  And, now, with Paramount’s DVD release, future generations can enjoy these dazzling works of art.
 
   

Shot in black and white and released in 1953, ROMAN HOLIDAY instantly captured the hearts and imagination of audiences everywhere.  Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, it took home three statues, including the Best Actress in a Leading Role Oscar for Audrey Hepburn.  And, yes, that’s Gregory Peck peaking over Audrey Hepburn’s shoulder while riding a Vespa scooter.  William Wyler directed this wonderful romantic comedy script by Ian McLellan Hunter and John Dighton.  Note: William Wyler is sometimes confused with director Billy Wilder because of the similarities in their names, especially if you say the names really fast – William… Billy.  Wyler… Wilder.

In 1999, ROMAN HOLIDAY was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.  And, rightfully so.  But, personally, I prefer the 1987 television remake starring Tom Conti and Catherine Oxenberg in the title roles.  I’m kidding.  I hope you knew I was kidding.

Some of the bonus materials supplied in this new release DVD are a Behind the Gates: Costumes featurette, an excellent look at Audrey Hepburn: The Paramount Years, and photos galleries highlighting the film.  Also, the DVD provides fans a look at the original theatrical trailer.  And, here are some other interesting facts about the film: the Gregory Peck role was originally intended for Cary Grant, but he turned it down.  Also, Audrey Hepburn was cast after a grueling screen test.  It’s hard to believe now that Audrey Hepburn had to audition for any role.

                     

The next picture in the Paramount Centennial Collection DVD release is another Audrey Hepburn role, SABRINA.  The film co-stars Humphrey Bogart and William Holden, and was nominated for 6 Academy Awards (Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Actress in a Leading Role among them), and won the Oscar for Best Costume.  But, personally, I prefer the 1995 remake starring Harrison Ford, Greg Kinnear and Julia Ormand. Again,  I’m kidding. 

Bogie and Holden plan Linus and Larrabee, respectively, mega-rich brothers from Long Island.  And, Hepburn plays the title character, Sabrina, the daughter of the Larrabee family chauffer.  She returns from Paris all grown up and glamorous.  Well, you just know that the two brothers will fight for her love and affection – it’s a perfect setup!

Again, Cary Grant was considered for the role of Linus (Bogie’s character) but he passed.  In fact, Cary Grant was offered every male leading role in every film produced from 1946 to 1959.  Unfortunately, he had to decline some work due to scheduling conflicts.  Luckily, the film was cast perfectly and turned out star performances from the Big 3.

The DVD offers some great bonus footage.  There’s a half-hour William Holden: The Paramount Years featurette that documents his days at the famed studio.  In interviews, he talks about how he maintains those masculine facial features that became his trademark.  Also, the disc explores the phenomenon behind Audrey Hepburn’s style and wardrobe with a bonus Audrey Hepburn: Fashion Icon look.
 
 
 
 
 The last picture in Paramount’s Centennial Collection is 1950’s SUNSET BOULEVARD starring Gloria Swanson and William Holden.  Again, directed by Billy Wilder, SUNSET BOULEVARD was nominated for an incredible 11 Academy Awards, earning the Oscar in three categories – Best Art Direction, Best Music Score and Best Screenplay.  Also deemed “culturally, historically and aesthetically significant” by the United States Library of Congress, SUNSET BOULEVARD ranked #12 in 1998 on AFI’s 100 Best American Films list, dropping to #16 for the 2007 10th Anniversary Edition.  In 2016, AFI looks to ban the film completely from the list… just because they can.

In the 1940s, the actual Los Angeles located Sunset Boulevard was a symbol of Hollywood luxury and fine living.  But, since the 1980s emergence of metal hair bands and boulevard bars, Sunset Boulevard is now known for holding the record for puke stains on the sidewalk… unfortunately.  But, SUNSET BOULEVARD the film will always capture Hollywood glamour and decadence in the 1940s.  As of right now, no remakes have been made or announced.  But, if they do a remake, I’m sure I’ll prefer it over the original. I’m kidding… again.  I hope you knew that… again.  Okay…

The bonus materials include A Portrait of William Holden (as if you haven’t gotten enough of him after watching four hours of his performances over two films AND the 30 minute featurette on the last disc).  And, the standout is Commentary by Ed Sikov, author of “On Sunset Boulevard: The Life and Times of Billy Wilder.”  Enjoy!