Scarlett Johansson Collection – DVD Review

By June L. Mar 9, 2009, 16:14 GMT

GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING (2003): Seventeen-year-old Griet must work to support her family and becomes a maid in the house of Johannes Vermeer, where she gradually attracts the master painter\'s attention. Johannes and Griet must hide their inspiration of each other from his vo latile wife Catharina. The wealthy and troublemaking Master van Ruijven senses the intimacy between the artist and his maid and cont rives a commission for ...more

Rarely do we see a young star “collected” in a set, but the Scarlett Johansson Collection is a testament to her achievements.  Much like a young Katherine Hepburn, Scarlett Johansson has the ability to portray a wide and varying range of characters, and make the audience believe in what they are seeing. 

This collection brings together three of her fine dramatic period piece performances, The Girl With a Pearl Earring, A Good Woman, and An American Rhapsody. 

In The Girl With a Pearl Earring Scarlett Johansson stars as Griet, a seventeen year old girl who is hired to be a maid in the house of Johnannes Vermeer (Colin Firth.)  Griet’s father was an artisan, so she has inherited the sensibilities and appreciation for the artist’s spirit. 

Her intelligence and understanding soon brings her to the attention of the artist Vermeer, and results in an emotional bonding of spirits and a beautiful painting.  This delicately beautiful film was nominated for three Oscars in 2003, for Cinematography, Art Direction and Costume Design. 

It is presented in this set on single disc, widescreen, with English and Spanish subtitles available.  Special features include  the “Anatomy of a Scene” which demonstrates how much care was taken to follow the color palette in Vermeer’s paintings to get the feel of 17th century Holland on-screen.

A Good Woman has Scarlett Johansson as young newlywed Meg Windermere pitted against the worldly woman Mrs. Erlynne (Helen Hunt) who is determined to steal Mr. Windermere away from his wife. 

Based on a play by Oscar Wilde, the early 20th century social scene is Italy is gloriously portrayed, and Ms. Johansson is elegant as the young bride with strength and courage to fight back against her adversary.

In a wonderfully convoluted story passions flare and revenge is the answer.  Special features included on the disc are a commentary with the director and producer, and English or Spanish subtitles.

The film An American Rhapsody explores the maturing of Suzanne (Scarlett Johansson) child of an independent Hungarian couple besieged by the Communist government.  They make their escape but must leave Suzanne behind. 

Based on a true story, Scarlett gives a riveting performance as Suzanne on a journey to discover herself.  Special features include commentary by Writer/Director Eva Gardoss and Producer Colleen Camp.

Presented in a single keep case containing all three discs, The Scarlett Johansson Collection is a fine addition to a dramatic period movie collection. 

Fans will enjoy having these three films together, and for those who don’t know Ms. Johansson’s dramatic work, this is an excellent introduction.  Each film represents another dramatic facet in this young star’s jewel-like performances.  

Scarlett Johansson Collection is now available at Amazon. As of yet, there is not a release date for this collection in the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.