Disc Details
Special Features:	Full frame format Chapter selection Commentary by film historian Gregg Kimble and Bernard Herrmann expert Christopher Husted Commentary by chairman of film studies at Wesleyan University Jeanine Bassinger and Kenneth Geist, biographer of Joseph L. Mackiewicz A&E Biography:"Rex Harrison: The Man Who Would Be King" Theatrical trailer Still gallery Studio Classic Collection: Sneak peeks
Video Format:	Full Frame (1.33:1) [SS-DL]
Languages:	English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo) English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono) French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono) Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono)
Subtitles:	English, Spanish.
Captions:	Yes
Casing:	1-Disc Keep Case

"The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" starts out with Bernard Herrmann's haunting theme playing over the studio logo. This was one of the few times a composer's score played over the FOX logo rather than the famous FOX drum and bugle theme. Quite an accomplishment and honor as this was only Mr. Herrmann's eighth score for a film.

Mrs. Lucy Muir (Gene Tierney in her best performance) is a beautiful young widow. During her period of grief, she rents a house by the sea. The house was once owned by sea captain Daniel Gregg (Rex Harrison). Mrs. Muir is warned that the house is haunted by the ghost of Daniel Gregg because he committed suicide. She brushes the warnings away and rents the house anyway. Turns out that the house is haunted by the late sea captain. Capt. Gregg reveals himself to the young widow. What follows is one of the most unusual romantic parings of film history.

Gene Tierney has never looked sexier than as Mrs. Muir. This is saying a lot since, the film is set in 1900. Ms. Tierney appeared in several film noir classics in which she was dressed in much more revealing costumes. Still, garbed in Victorian dress, Ms. Tierney comes across as a very desirable woman. This has a lot to do with the script by Phillip Dunne. Lucy Muir learns to live and love again. Ms. Tierney is outstanding in the way she brings this rebirth to life on screen.

Rex Harrison is also perfect as the gruff but lovable ghost. He shouts and stomps and is at the same time very gentle of the grieving woman. Harrison is great as he shows Capt. Gregg's conflict of emotions. The love affair can't go anywhere as he is dead! Things get more complicated when Miles Fairley (George Sanders) shows up to win Lucy Muir's heart. This film was also one of Natalie Wood's earliest roles as Lucy Muir's daughter Anna.

Picture Quality: 10/10
FOX has spared no expense with the Studio Classics Collection. The remastered picture captures Charles Lang's Oscar nominated photography in all of its black and white glory. Excellent delineation throughout the gray scale. Excellent detail in shadows. Crisp picture with no artifacts or pixilation of any noticeable degree. The scene in which Capt. Gregg first reveals himself to Mrs. Muir is one of the great moments in black and white photography. Through clever use of lights and shadows, Capt. Gregg suddenly appears to the startled young widow.

Sound Quality: 10/10
The original mono track is just fine, but thank heavens that FOX had the score remastered in stereo. Herrmann's memorable score is there to enjoy in all of it's glory. Nice balance between the ranges. No distortion or loss of dialogue.

Menu: 10/10
Very nice design. The menu is not animated, but it captures the tone of the movie perfectly. Easy to navigate.

Extra Features: 10/10
I love the commentary tracks FOX has put together for this series. "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" contains two tracks. The first is by visual effects whiz and film historian Gregg Kimball (A Clockwork Orange, se7en, Independence Day) and Bernard Herrmann expert Christopher Husted. Kimball, who claims this as his favorite movie, provides a passionate discussion of the film from the viewpoint of a fan and someone working in the industry. Mr. Husted offers many great insights in Bernard Herrmann's wonderful contribution to the film.

The second commentary track also offers a great overall analysis by college professor Jeanine Bassinger. The second track also gives the viewer insights into one of the greatest directors of the era: Joseph L. Mankiewicz. Biographer Kenneth Geist shares time with Ms. Bassinger as he discusses the director's life and views of this film in particular.

Anyone who has ever seen an "A&E Biography" knows of the quality of that series. This DVD includes their episode on the life of actor Rex Harrison. Harrison was one of those people who were both great actors and Movie Stars.

The DVD also includes the original theatrical trailer, a still gallery with nearly 100 lobby cards, posters, set stills and production stills.

The DVD also includes sneak peeks for other issues of the Studio Classic Collection: "All About Eve," "An Affair to Remember," "The Day the Earth Stood Still," "Gentleman's Agreement" and "How Green Was My Valley."

The Final Word:
I can't think of a better way to round out your DVD library than to get every DVD in FOX's Studio Classics Collection. It doesn't matter if you are a serious movie buff or just looking for a quality film with the types of extras that life the movie viewing experience to a higher plane. "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" is a welcomed addition to this collection. Don't forget, for a limited time, you can get the silent film classic "Sunrise" free with the purchase of three DVDs from this collection. I am anxiously awaiting the next release in the series.

Rusty White