Magnificent Obsession: The Criterion Collection DVD

Magnificent Obsession from The Criterion Collection pairs Douglas Sirk’s color drama with John M. Stahl’s earlier film version in a two-disc DVD edition. It also includes a commentary, documentary, filmmaker interviews, theatrical trailer, and booklet, making it a substantial choice for viewers interested in the film and its history.

At a glance

Includes Douglas Sirk’s film and John M. Stahl’s 1935 version on a two-disc set.
Bonus material listed includes an audio commentary, an 80-minute career documentary, filmmaker interviews, a theatrical trailer and a booklet with a new essay.
The main film is presented in color with an English mono soundtrack.

Price

$19.98Save 50%

Reference price: ~~$39.95~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

The second film and substantial bonus features give this edition more context than a single-film DVD.
Includes commentary and interviews with filmmakers Allison Anders and Kathryn Bigelow.
Customer feedback specifically praises the Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson pairing and the film’s classic melodrama.

Cons

This is a DVD edition, not a Blu-ray release.

Technical specifications

13 specifications

Edition and playback
Genre	Drama
Format	Color, DVD, Multiple Formats, NTSC, Special Edition
Aspect ratio	1.33:1
Disc count	2
Run time	1 hour and 48 minutes
Rating	NR (Not Rated)

Credits and language
Director	Douglas Sirk
Actors	Jane Wyman, Rock Hudson
Language	English (Mono)

Edition details
Release date	January 20, 2009
Studio	Criterion Collection
Model	CRRN1789DVD
Dimensions listed	0.56 x 5.34 x 7.52 inches; 3.84 ounces

What to know before buying

The listed 1 hour and 48 minutes is the main film’s runtime. The separately included 1935 version is listed as 102 minutes, so the runtime field should not be read as the total viewing time for both films and extras.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Viewers seeking Douglas Sirk’s melodrama alongside John M. Stahl’s earlier adaptation.
Collectors interested in film-history extras, including commentary, a career documentary and filmmaker interviews.
Fans of Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson in classic Hollywood drama.

Less suited to

Buyers specifically seeking a Blu-ray edition.
Viewers looking for a single feature without extensive bonus material.

Magnificent Obsession: The Criterion Collection DVD · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.8 / 5 · 504 ratings

5 stars86%86%
4 stars8%8%
3 stars5%5%
2 stars0%0%
1 star1%1%

Customer feedback describes the film as a campy, timeless 1950s melodrama, praising the cast, story and message. The listed aggregate ratings are strongly favorable, but they do not explain individual viewing preferences. For buyers considering this edition, the reported appreciation for the 1935 version is relevant because that film is included alongside Sirk’s movie.

Positive themes

Customers praise the classic film’s story, drama and enduring appeal.
Customer feedback appreciates Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson’s performances and chemistry.
The included 1935 version is specifically noted positively in customer feedback.

Frequently asked questions

What is included on the two discs?

The listing describes Douglas Sirk’s film and John M. Stahl’s complete 1935 version, along with bonus features. It does not specify which disc contains each item.

What bonus features are listed?

The edition lists an audio commentary, an 80-minute documentary about Douglas Sirk, video interviews with Allison Anders and Kathryn Bigelow, a theatrical trailer and a booklet with a new essay.

Is this a Blu-ray?

No. This listing is for the DVD edition. The format is described as DVD and NTSC.

What is the runtime?

The main film is listed as 1 hour and 48 minutes. The 1935 film included in the set is separately listed as 102 minutes.