Blu-ray Review: The Diary of Anne Frank 50th Anniversary Edition

Fifty years after Director George Stevens brought “The Diary of Anne Frank” to cinema, the Blu-ray release comes home to celebrate the films half-century anniversary as well as what would have been Anne Frank’s 80th birthday.

“The Diary of Anne Frank 50th Anniversary Edition” brings to life one of the most poignant stories of the Twentieth Century. During 1942 to 1944, at the height of World War II, two Jewish families are forced to abandon their livelihood to avoid persecution from the Nazi regime. Thanks to the goodwill of their Dutch friends, the families go into hiding in a tiny attic in Amsterdam. Anne Frank kept a diary chronicling the events of the two families self-imposed captivity leading up to the moment when the Nazis discovered them in hiding and sent them to concentration camps. Each moment vividly captures the deep-seated tragedy of Anne’s tale.

George Stevens does a brilliant job using sound to compliment the picture. The eerie sound of soldiers’ footsteps, as the family is forced to remain motionless, will immediately transport you into Anne’s attic. As the sirens fade in and out, your pulse will pound with Anne’s wondering if this will be the final moment of discovery. The radio becomes the families’ eyes and ears. In Anne’s words, they listened to the German radio was for good music, while they tuned into the BBC for hope.

The Blu-ray release is loaded with several featurettes, including discussions with George Stevens, Jr. who served as Associate Producer and 2nd Unit Director during the original production. It also includes letters from Anne’s father to director George Stevens on casting “The Diary of Anne Frank.” You will see color footage from World War II shot on 16MM film. The shocking shots of dead bodies piled on top of each other will reinforce the horror of the period. One Featurette discusses the use of sound as a character in the film. The frightening sound of Hitler’s speeches and the use of sirens to build tension are key elements to this timeless piece.

“The Diary of Anne Frank,” both written and on film, is still taught in schools throughout the world. The 50th Anniversary release is a historical experience that will draw you into the horrific world seen through the eyes of a thirteen-year old girl.

Special Features:
- Audio Commentary with George Stevens, Jr. and Millie Perkins
- George Stevens Press Conference
- Millie Perkins Screen Test
- Fox Movietonews Clips
- Trailers, Interactive Pressbook & Behind-the-Scenes Gallery

All New Featurettes:
- The Making of “The Diary of Anne Frank: A Son’s Memories”
- “The Diary of Anne Frank”: Memories from Millie Perkins and Diane Baker
- Shelley Winters and “The Diary of Anne Frank”
- The Sound and Music of “The Diary of Anne Frank”
- The Diary of Anne Frank: Correspondence
- “Fox Movie Channel presents” Fox Legacy with Tom Rothman
- “The Diary of Anne Frank: Echoes from the Past”
- “Diary of Anne Frank” Excerpt from “George Stevens: A Filmmaker’s Journey”