I am looking at 3 Criterions right now, and would like some fresh opinions. The Third Man, The 39 Steps, & Peeping Tom. I am wondering which of these 3 would be the best for repeat viewings? I am also interested in the disc quality. I would greatly appreciate any insight into these discs as I haven't seen any of them yet, but do know the basic plots. I am a horror/suspense fan, I do own Carnival of Souls Criterion, which I think is a great disc set.

3 great movies and 3 great discs. All three have a good amount of extras, but I think Peeping Tom has the least of all three. Repeat viewing list for me would be:
The Third Man
Peeping Tom
then The 39 Steps

The Third Man is great film noir. If you're into this type of movie definately get it.

Peeping Tom is one of those movies people either hate or love. Don't fall for the "British Psycho" label. I think it has more substance than Psycho and don't think they should even be compared.

The 39 Steps is your typical Hitchcock British movie. If you like his other "classic" British ones you'll probably like this too.

The Third Man would be at the top of my list. I have watched the DVD 3 times, plus I have spent time going through all the extras including the cool radio programs. I would recommend this first and 39 Steps second. I have not seen Peeping Tom yet, so I can't comment on that one.

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Aaron
"I'd give my right hand to be ambidextrous"
DVD Laserdisc Videogames

Peeping Tom is quite simply awesome and very disturbing, there is no other film like it although the countless pale imitations that have followed (ie every slash and stalk flick) owe it a deep legacy. Contrary to the post above the disc contains a superb extra, the Channel 4 documentary A Very British Psycho which covers the writing, production and critical/public reception to the film on it’s first release.

BTW, three excellent choices, it’s nice to see people interested in quality cinema as opposed to the latest bubble-gum for the eyes.

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[This message has been edited by jonathan.e (edited July 07, 2000).]

i personally would recommend 39 Steps first & the third man second.

i really enjoyed 39 steps & look forward to numerous re-watchings (is that a word?). it has a lot of humor, moves at a fast pace, some good suspense & has some decent extras.

it is not as extra-laden as the third man but i felt 39 steps was a more enjoyable movie.

i felt that the third man was really slow and not very interesting. but i also felt that way about carnival of souls & you liked it so you may enjoy the third man a lot more than i did.

i have not seen peeping tom.

You've picked 3 wonderful DVDs and I would say get all three. However, my first recommendation would be THE THIRD MAN. This is one of my favorite DVDs -- great picture quality, great film, great supplements.

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My DVDs
My LaserDiscs

The Third Man may be the best DVD that I don't own* (saw it on rental). It's the kind of movie you watch and say "Wow, that's why I enjoy watching films!"

Extras are top-shelf also.

*If anyone would like to change this, let me know. http://talk.dvdtalk.com/ubb/smile.gif

Thanks for your help on this. I combed the internet looking for reviews, and was quite surprised at the amount of what appeared to be stolen or copied reviews! I always trust the reviews here, because after all you guys own these films. I think I will go with The Third Man 1st, then flip a coin between Peeping Tom & the 39 Steps. I will own all 3 one day! Thanks again!