George Stevens’ powerful film is given a new anniversary edition adding some new special features, but still showing that the film hasn’t lost any of the emotional power it displayed in 1959.
In 1942, the Nazis invade and occupy Amsterdam. The Frank family, Otto (Joseph Schildkraut), Edith (Gusti Huber), and their daughters Margot (Diane Baker), and the young Anne (Millie Perkins), the van Daan family, Petronella (Shelley Winters), Hans (Lou Jacobi), and their son Peter (Richard Beymer), and Mr. Dussell (Ed Wynn) enter into hiding because the Nazis are rounding up all the Jews.
The Franks have a secret loft over their factor and are aided in their confinement by Kraler (Douglas Spencer) and Miep (Dodie Heath). They hope to outlast the occupying Germans, but every day is a challenge remaining quiet during the factory operating hours and they’re only allowed a sort of freedom when the factory is closed at night.
Such cramped quarters, lack of privacy, and contrast threat of arrest lead to growing tensions with the persons cramped in the attic. However, Anne writes in her diary to pass the time and it will later become a stark reminder of the oppression of the Jews during the Nazi reign.
I don’t recall the reason for it, perhaps we were reading the novel, but in high school we watched the Diary of Anne Frank film over several days. Needless to say that by the end of those days there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. It may have been because Anne Frank was closer to our age then some of the other films that covered this time period or the fact that hers was a life that was cut far too short, but I remember the class being profoundly moved by her story. I know I was.
Stevens’ movie is nothing short of fabulous in both its execution and ability to move the heart. In some ways it has so much going against it in that it takes place in a crowded, claustrophobic space that could lead to boredom on the big screen. However, it grabs you with the acting and the contrast tension of that space and the threat of capture by the Nazis.
The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including best picture, supporting actor (Ed Wynn), costume design, director, and score. It would walk away with three Oscars. Shelley Winters would win for supporting actress and it would win for best art direction and cinematography.
The Diary of Anne Frank is presented in anamorphic widescreen (2.35:1) and is enhanced for 16x9 televisions. Special features include a commentary by the director’s son George Stevens Jr. and Millie Perkins on Side A (carried over from the previous DVD release). Side B gets the rest of the special features which are new to this release.
However, it carries over none of the special features from the previous DVD (they’re on the Blu-ray if you get that version though). The 7 minute “George Stevens in World War II” shows the director’s service in the war with the photographic unit, including the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp. The 25 minute “The Making of the Diary of Anne Frank: A Son’s Memories” sits down with Stevens Jr. about the film. The 25 minute “Memories from Millie Perkins and Diane Baker” also adds the thoughts of the film’s two stars.
The 7 minute “Shelley Winters and the Diary of Anne Frank” is footage from Stevens’ 1983 documentary and recollection of the actress. The 8 minute “Sound and Music of the Diary of Anne Frank” looks at both the sound design of the film and the excellent score of Alfred Newman.
The 13 minute “Diary of Anne Frank: Correspondence” has Stevens Jr. reading production letters, some of which are between Otto Frank and Stevens Sr. The 14 minute “Fox Legacy with Tom Rothman” is from the Fox Movie Channel about the film. There’s also and interactive press book and behind-the-scenes still gallery.
The Diary of Anne Frank is a profoundly moving film and this new edition adds some fantastic new special features. It still moves to this day and covers a dark time that should never be forgotten lest it be repeated. It is a highly recommended purchase for fans of classic cinema.
The Diary of Anne Frank, 50th Anniversary Edition is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for this version of the DVD in the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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