awesomeredhead:

I had never even heard of this film until I saw all the reviews on 'Disturbia', comparing it to Rear Window. I saw Disturbia and now after seeing this movie, it doesn't compare one bit! This film was much creepier especially in the sense that you never *really* meet the neighbor, yet he's still creepy! Maybe it's because you think you know what he may have done, or maybe it's because you don't really know for sure if he did what he was accused of. Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly made a great team in figuring out exactly what may have happened in that little apartment and Raymond Burr was terrific as the eerie resident in Jeff's rear window. Wonderful movie! 4.5 stars. 12/30/08

TH Reviews:

A five star DVD package for a five star film. I have seen Rear Window a number of times and have always loved it and continued to come back to it. Perhaps the voyeuristic elements of the film are catching--the supreme irony here is of a voyeuristic film audience watching a voyeuristic Jimmy Stewart watching the world out of his window. In a day and age where you had to be careful of graphic sexual situations or references, this film is dead sexy with Stewart and Kelly in absolutely steamy scenes. What I love about Hitchcock is that he had the ability to present sexual situations in such a romantic and subtle way. Wonderful film with no weak performances. The DVD treatment is fabulous--a rare moment in which a classic film gets such a classic and generous treatment. The film looks gorgeous, better than any other version I have seen. For the Hitchcock fan or film buff worth a few views and perhaps a purchase!!

AfroPixFlix:

HE'S A PEEPING TOM, and never has a Peeping Tom been lifted to such a lofty cinematic realm! But really, isn't there a bit of godly self-exaltation here? Consider how Stewart metes out judgment upon his neighborly subjects while he sits on his mobile throne, amidst his worldly treasures, and is lavished by a queenly beauty (Kelly), entertained by a jester (Ritter), and protected by his warrior (Corey)? Here?s a treat: although a highly visual movie, try just listening to it...the pauses are just as magical as the words and visual portals.

Jeremy Thomas:

One of Alfred Hitchcock's classics, Rear Window features a fantastic storytelling technique from the masters of the cinema. The Oscar-nominated script from writer John Michael Hayes (To Catch a Thief) is simple yet involved, and a stellar cast headed by Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly give top-notch performances. Hitchcock builds the tension slowly, using the tale of a wheelchair-bound photographer with a case of voyeurism to involve us in the story quite nicely. The various characters we see in L.B. Jefferies' apartment complex are often not heard, but through simple pantomime and snippets of their lives the audience follows each person's story?important to the plot or not?and becomes interested in them. The main story of a suspected wife-murderer is nicely done and still feels original today thanks to the twists and turns the script makes and the solid supporting cast including Thelma Ritter and Raymond Burr fill out the characters nicely. This may not be as action- and chills-packed as the recent remake Disturbia (a good enough film in its own right), but this is a better one thanks to attention to story and to what makes a film truly great instead of just settling for good.

javeryt:

Hitchcock doesn't disappoint with this mystery story. All told from the just 2 sets.....I googled if this was also a play and didn't come up with anything. Seems like it would be a good candidate. The banter between Stewart and the others is great. Made me laugh out loud a few times. Especially when his cop friend spots the night gown in the suit case, and Stewart tells him to be careful. I also liked the little subplot of the woman who didn't commit suicide because she heard the music being played. Grace Kelly is great in this too, and looks amazing. One thing I find with Hitchcock is his movies have really interesting female characters. Many current directors could learn from this.

Rigel:

Another stand-in-place film, the action occurs almost entirely in the main character's apartment as he looks out over his neighborhood while recovering from a broken leg. While the film is by Hitchcock, everything until the last 15 minutes of the film sure doesn't feel like it. It's playful, romantic and dreadfully slow. This could've easily been a 30 minute tv episode. The characters are unfortunately not very deep and sporadic, coming and going since it's all based in one room. Probably decent if you're into the classics, but hard to endure for a casual rental.

Forrest (Gump):

Tame by today's standards but a perfect way to spend the afternoon. James Stewart is awesome in his usual low-key way as the nice neighbor peeping in on the killer across the way. Yes he is nice and yes he is concerned about what's going on over there. However, isn't he really just a Peeping Tom? What kicks is he getting out of all this? And with a knockout girlfriend like Grace Kelly, why can't he take his eyes off the window? Hitchcock and David Lynch have a few things in common it appears. Watch this right before you watch Blue Velvet just for kicks.

nwk 1648665:

A fantastic movie that combines imaginative storytelling, a solid script, fantastic acting, and clever direction. This may be the quintessential Hitchcock movie for all it provides. Varying from intimacy, suspense, and the varying array of shots. Stewart plays a fascinated everyman that's both brilliant and a fool. Kelly lights up the screen (pun intended for those that remember her first scene), is enchanting as she plays the coolest girlfriend ever. Ritter adds wit, wisdom, and humor. Burr also gives a great mixture of menace and fear. The dialogue is great, never missing a beat. It's almost Spartan. There is never a word wasted that didn't benefit the movie. The documentary is quite in-depth and covers all the topics from costume to set design to the restoration. This is a great film.

BlueVoid:

Trapped in a room, the world abuzz around, Jeff Jefferies (Jimmy Stewart) reveals our inner voyeur in one of Hitchcock's masterpieces of suspense. I have a soft spot for one room movies, and Hitchcock is a master at decompressing a small space into a dynamic, un-restricting world. The tension is keyed up high from the beginning. It is a hot day and Stewart is trapped in his room overlooking a court yard which is a microcosm of New York City. It is akin to a plastic ant farm. Everyone going about their own business oblivious to one another, but wholly watchable by Stewart and the viewer. This rich world is important in the story working and it was essential for Hitchcock to be able to pull off such an environment effectively. There needed to be enough life outside the window for us to be interested in looking out it for the entire length of the film. He succeeds on every level. 'Rear Window' is a completely gratifying film in every way. With such a simple premise so much is explored. The one nit I would pick would be that near the middle portion I felt the suspense ball was dropped every so slightly, however it is a minor note in a near flawless film. The acting by everyone involved is incredible. Jimmy Stewart is the definition of a relatable guy. His tone is offset perfectly by Grace Kelly, who brings the epitome of the perfect woman to the screen. Stewart often remarks that Kelly is "too perfect". I couldn't help but think that about the film. Everything falls into place so perfectly. And yet, rather then be off put by this, it works on every level. This is a testament to the brilliance of Hitchcok. He is that good.

FN 1147189:

Not my favorite hitchcock movie, but this movie is so classic you can't help but appreciate it. Especially Grace Kelly and how fashionable she was.