According to Gregory Peck, whose interview is featured on this “Special Collector’s Edition” DVD release of the 1953 classic “Roman Holiday,” the original plan was to have his name in large letters over the title of the film during the opening credits–denoting Peck as the film’s featured star.

He insisted that the producers highlight unknown newcomer Audrey Hepburn’s name as well. It was a wise move.

In her first major role (which netted her an Academy Award that year), Hepburn’s stylish demeanor, chic attitude, smooth, timid dialogue and unconventional beauty make it impossible not to recognize her as the tour-de-force behind this film–in spite of its impressive direction and supporting cast.

After holding ballet recitals as a sickly child in her native Holland during World War II to raise money for the underground Dutch resistance, and breaking into play acting with the starring role in “Gigi” in the early 50s, Hepburn brought a unique personality–partially shaped by these past experiences–to all her characters.

Her role as Princess Anne, an overworked royal diplomat (who is hounded by the public in a manner reminiscent of Princess Diana) who yearns to give up her stately duties in exchange for the freedoms of a normal life, is the first glimpse we see of this.

On a visit to Rome, she escapes from virtual captivity and stumbles upon the conniving journalist, Joe Bradley (Peck). Realizing who she was, Bradley jumps at the chance of an expose and, along with his fellow photographer (Eddie Albert), hides their identities and pretends to believe her cover as a runaway school girl as they maraud around the city. And along the way, a love develops between Joe and Anne.

Throughout the film, William Wyler’s direction is kept in the background–literally. Joe and Anne’s escapade is set against the well-shot clamor and scenery of Rome. From the crowed streets to the Trevi Fountain and the Coliseum, Wyler leaves few locales unturned, leaving Hepburn and Peck to generate some classic scenes, like the famous “Mouth of Truth” sequence where Peck pretends to lose his hand in front of a genuinely hysterical Hepburn in the stone mouth of an old Italian oracle thought to bite the hands of liars.

Fifty years after its theatrical debut, “Roman Holiday” is still one of the best romantic comedies out there, and is more than worthy of the bells and whistles given it by Paramount in its recent DVD release. It’s stating the obvious to say that studios are guilty of stamping over-inflated nomenclatures such as “Criterion Collection” and “Special Edition,” to describe a few added gimmicks, especially on popular classics like “Roman Holiday.” But are this DVD’s special features worthy of its moniker? Well, yes and no.

The half-hour documentary on the film highlights some interesting film trivia. For instance, most will be surprised to learn that the story was originally penned by Dalton Trumbo, a screenwriter turned political dissident who, after being blacklisted as a suspected Communist, continued to write under pseudonyms. But there are few real behind the scenes moments here, and no audio commentary from those involved with the production. Also, an in-depth documentary on Hepburn, whose enduring legend continues to carry this film, would have been a welcome addition for her legion of fans likely to own the DVD.

Overall, however, this new release brings welcome DVD treatments, most notably the restoration of the film itself, which is, of course, its strongest sell.

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