Long before more recent serial killer films, such as Kiss the Girls, The Bone
Collector, and the series of Hannibal Lecter films, there was The THE COLLECTOR

Director William Wyler really surprised audiences with the content of his 1965
film, "THE COLLECTOR", finally available on dvd. 

Based on the novel by John Fowles, Terence Stamp and Samantha Eggar give
outstanding performances here. Stamp plays Freddie, a timid bank clerk, obsessed
with Miranda, a beautiful art student.  Freddie has made a hobby of butterfly
collecting, and after winning a jackpot, decides to "woo" Miranda, by kidnapping
her, and holding her captive in a luxurious room.  He believes that, after
beginning to know her, under these circumstances, she might fall in love with
him too.

Of course, Miranda doesn't want anything to do with him, refusing to communicate
with him, or even eat. Worried that he'll never really "have" her, he stikes a
bargain with her.  He promises to set her free, if after one month of trying
things his way, she still wants to leave.

There is a lot of tension derived from Miranda, and the viewer, remaining
uncertain as to what will happen when the month is up.
 
The film is brilliant in the manner with which Wyler brings the audience into
the minds of both Stamp's character and that of Eggars.  We see how both of them
manipulate one another to its disturbing conclusion. This isn't a "happy" film,
but it's quite entertaining!

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has presented the film with its proper 1.85:1 aspect ratio and
16:9 enhancement.  While the film shows its age at times, the overall image is
polished. There are scratches, and other age elements infrequently, but the
contrast is fine, and fleshtones appear natural throughout. Colors aren't
vibrant, but I don't recall the theatrical presentation offering much different. 

The audio mix is presented as Dolby 2.0 stereo on the player's display, but it's
strictly mono. The dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion. 

Theatrical trailers for "THE COLLECTOR", "PANIC ROOM", and "ENOUGH" are
included!