Paul Newman is the finest actor to ever grace the screen, at least in this reviewer’s opinion. Many will disagree with that statement, but it is all about opinions after all, isn’t it? Opinions come into play with this box set as there are many questions raised. How can a Paul Newman Collection contain only three films? With a catalogue of over 70 films to his credit, what makes these three films the best? Where is the inclusion of Harper, The Sting, Cool Hand Luke or even Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid? The simple answer to these questions is that a worthy box set containing what the public perceive as his best work would constitute a box set containing 20-plus films, putting it out of the reach of most. The debate as to whether these three films are worthy of inclusion is simply a matter of opinion. My theory on this is that 20th Century Fox have endeavoured to give the viewing public a good variation of his work, while including some of his finest roles.

The Hustler is without doubt one of the man's finest performances and would be one of the first choices for any collection. His performance in this film as the cocky Fast Eddie Felson is simply superb. The Verdict was at the time also one of his finest roles, gaining him yet another Oscar nomination and a title that could also be included in any collection. Showing great vulnerability in his down and out character of a drunken lawyer earned Newman much deserved praise. Hombre is the weakest link in this set and although a very good film, it would not be top of most lists for inclusion. In this western, Newman plays a character that is more at home with Apaches and shunned by civilisation, until they need his help. The reason it is included in my opinion is to show Newman in one of his western roles, therefore giving a reasonable balance over the three selections.

Whether Paul Newman is the best actor of all time is of course debatable, but there is no disputing his talent or star quality. The fact that 20th Century Fox has released this collection is in my opinion a good start.

This box set contains some extras on each title that are reasonable while being nothing too spectacular. Hombre is the weaker in the way of extras offering no more than a theatrical trailer, whereas the other two films offer commentaries and other extras. Quite often with films of this age, all that is usually available are theatrical trailers so anything additonal to that is a bonus.

Quite simply the viewing public can only be the judge as to whether these films are the right choices for a Paul Newman Collection and purchase accordingly. In my opinion, these films are all worthy of inclusion as long as the other titles I would class as superior will be released in the future. More and more Paul Newman films are being released all the time and as long as that continues, this reviewer will be very happy.