Beginning a some years ago with the Criterion Collection discontinuing some its Hitchcock titles along with the boxed set, you may have noticed recently Warner Brothers and Universal have also been taking select titles off the shelves. While there is no pending re-releases of any of these titles, it would be hard to believe that Hitchcock would stay out of the consumers minds for an extended period of time. Although, it has been about 5 years now with the Criterion's discontinuation and each of the titles are fetching 100+ for new copies. But here is a look at what is discontinued in the Hitchcock line-up.

The Skin Game - One of Hitchcock's earlier films. Although this is released by Delta and is a public domain film, it is only one of 2 versions available on DVD. But this still does not meet the demands of consumers as the transfer is poor, and the DVD's interactivity is equally poor. Not to mention a fair movie in the Hitchcock canon. Both versions are discontinued but have little second market value.

The Lady Vanishes - Although a public domain film, this was remastered by Criterion to look at its best as its one of Hitchcock's earlier and finer thrillers. This was later re-mastered again and put into a deluxe 2-disc set. Although this version does not gain the attention of other OOP Criterions, it is certainly sought after by completists.

Jamaica Inn - Although this is not discontinued, if you were lucky enough to buy this early on, you would have the snap case version issued by Image Entertainment with a distinctly different cover. I am assuming the UPC is the same as there is no other record of the cover. The picture here is for the current version.

Rebecca (Anchor Bay) - At the time of Criterion's release comes also this Anchor Bay version, which is a bare bones release of the same transfer. Not as revered as the Criterion edition, however, it is still in equal demand for both Hitchcock and collector's as it one his greatest films, and the only film to win him a Best Director Oscar. 

Rebecca (Criterion Collection) - Perhaps one of the most sought after OOP Hitchcock films, at least for a while, this is one of the best editions you can find. With remastered transfer and excellent special features, this 2-disc set remains the creme-de-la-creme of the Hitchcock releases, both in print and out of print DVDs. This DVD, however, has been heavily bootlegged by "importers". Although, because its a 2-disc set, most importers are only selling the first disc only (some replicate the Anchor Bay version), but are using the same artwork at the Criterion version. This is also available in our store. Rebecca remains out of print in any form. 

Suspicion - From Warner Brothers, this lesser known Hitchcock title has been discontinued, although there are still a relatively good amount to grab before it dries up. Whether or not Warner will re-release this has yet to be determined as there was no announcement made for it. 

Spellbound (Anchor Bay) - Also released with Criterion is this Anchor Bay version of Spellbound, a bare bones release of the nely remastered transfer. One of Hitchcock's more direct psychological-style thriller which incorporates the artistic dream work of Savaldor Dali making this film unique on both sides of the camera.

Spellbound (Criterion Collection) - A special edition was released by Criterion to include documentary footage highlighting the Dali dream sequence in which we see the planning and staging of the sequence come to life. This transfer has also been bootlegged many times by "importers" as well. This is also available in our store. This title remains out of print.

Notorious (Anchor Bay) - From Anchor Bay released in conjunction with the Criterion version, this is Hitchcock in his near prime. This version, also using the same remastered transfer, has equally garnered attention from collector's as other OOP titles.

Notorious (Criterion Collection) - Criterion's release of Notorious offers more to the movielover than just a high end transfer, but comes with commentaries, broadcast version with Ingrid Bergman and other rarities that only Criterion delivers on. Just as the other Anchor Bay and Criterion Hitchcock titles, this was also bootlegged from "importers". Recently, it shows that this version has been gaining more interest among collector's as its price has eclipsed Spellbound. This title remains out of print.

Paradine Case (Anchor Bay) - This is the only Hitchcock title released by Anchor Bay that did not follow up with a Criterion counterpart. So, this ends up being the only release of this film. Although not in as heavy demand as the other titles, it is still a respectable title for your collection and remains a fairly difficult title to find. Also, like the previous AB/Criterion releases, this also has been bootlegged quite a bit, which may also prevent the cost from soaring. This title remains out of print.

Rear Window - From Universal, their Special Edition has been discontinued unexpectedly. This edition comes with a few documentaries and featurettes, highlighted by "Rear Window Ethics", an original documentary for this DVD. Only a few months since it was announced, but has dried up quickly from online sellers.

To Catch a Thief - One of the few Hitchcock films under the Paramount banner, starring Cary Grant as a cat burgler with the beautiful Grace Kelly, this is the original widescreen version. This was later re-released with new artwork and possibly new features, if not, a new mastering.

The Trouble With Harry - Another Universal title, this is one Hitchcock's lesser known films as he ventures into the realm of dark comedies. This has also been re-released with new artwork and possible new material.

Vertigo - Universal released this very early in the DVD world, but with different artwork. The original release used the orange and black cover with the spiral, only to be re-released with this homogenized cover under the Alfred Hitchcock collection. The content appears the same, with same UPC. Regardless, this remains one of the staples of the Hitchcock canon as one of the most curious, intriguing and psychologically thrilling films Hitchcock makes in his career. This title has dried up at most, if not all online sources.

The Man Who Knew Too Much - From Universal, this is probably the only film that was remade by the same director that I know of. Originally he made this film back in 1934, only to be remade in 1956. The remake is much better on every level of filmmaking and stars Jimmy Stewart as well. Discontinued with the other Universal titles.

North By Northwest - One of the most infamous scenes in Hollywood history is Cary Grant being chased by a dustcropper plane has he swoops down and Grant flies face first down on the ground. Released by Warner Brothers, this version released in a keep case is the special edition which includes a number of special features including behind the scenes documentary and a commentary by screenwriter Ernest Lehman. Warner previously released this in a snap case version, but without the special features, so this version is in less demand. Further, this also had a Creative Designs boxed set, also discontinued. There are plenty to go around at the moment. Warner announced this discontinuation earlier this year with plans for a Blu-ray release sometime next year. 

  Psycho - With this Universal release, Hitchcock releases what may be the penultimate horror/thriller movie which all others are compared. Continually analyzed, studied, critiqued and even remade (to a poor reception) using the exact shooting script of the original. Hitchcock's Psycho is a must in any DVD collection has it is continually watchable and exciting with each viewing. 

    - All from Universal Studios, each of these has been re-released.

In addition to the individual titles, various boxed sets of the Master has been released, some discontinued, some still available, while others are re-released. Most importantly is the Criterion release of their Wrong Men and Notorious Women which included the 3 discontinued titles of Rebecca, Spellbound and Notorious, but also the original version of The Lady Vanishes.

Universal has released these "Best of Hitchcock" sets, which are currently discontinued.

The Best of Hitchcock Collection #1

The Best of Hitchcock Collection #2 

 Universal currently has the Alfred Hitchcoc: Masterpiece Collection which holds Rear Window, Vertigo and Psycho.

 Warner Brothers also has a boxed set titled The Alfred Hitcock Signature Collection which hold North By Northwest and Suspicion. All other boxed sets from Warner featuring North By Northwest are discontinued.

  Any thoughts for discussion are welcome in our forum

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