Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)"Heidi" is a charming film, and one of Shirley Temple's best star vehicles. It was originally released in 1937, near the end of Temple's long reign as the Number One box office attraction in America. In addition to a captivating performance by Miss Temple in the title role, it features excellent supporting turns from Jean Hersholt as the Grandfather, and the wonderful character actress Mary Nash as Temple's vitriolic adult nemesis (she also did a masterful job of menacing poor Shirley in the 1939 version of "The Little Princess"). Give the movie ****1/2 for its endearing sentimentality and lush production.
But rate the DVD an utter BOMB, and a dud at that. Fox Home Video offers two versions of the film on this disc, neither one of which is an acceptable transfer of this fondly-remembered and eagerly-anticipated release. One is the wretched "colorized" version that was released during that dreadful time in film history when modern businessmen dared to tamper with the classic artistry of bona fide filmmakers from the Golden Era (an experiment which critics and consumers alike rejected ... how many black and white classics are being colorized today?). The other version offered on the DVD is a substandard transfer of a very poor black and white print that is an insult to consumers. It doesn't do the original film justice, and more importantly, it's NOT the best print currently available. I predict that in a couple of years, Fox will offer a "newly restored" edition, and make the public buy this title once again to get an improved copy that should be available NOW. (Can you say, "Disney's 'Little Mermaid'"?)
I recommend you wait, and hold on to your money. Do not encourage studios by purchasing whatever inferior product they toss into the marketplace. This DVD is an insult to both Miss Temple whose box office popularity saved 20th Century-Fox from ruin during the depths of the Depression, and to the public who wishes to enjoy her unique talents on DVD.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Heidi (1937)
Shirley Temple in a role that seems custom-made for her, portrays the spirited young heroine of the popular children's novel, giving her a rich emotional depth and infinite charm. When her aunt tires of caring for her, orphan Heidi is taken into the Swiss mountains to live with her gruff grandfather (Jean Hersholt), a hermit who comes to adore her. But the aunt returns to steal Heidi away, selling her to a family whose invalid daughter (Marcia Mae Jones) needs a companion. Bullied by an evil governess (Mary Nash), Heidi still charms the entire household and never stops trying to return to her beloved grandfather.
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