The lovely ‘Sabrina,’ restored

“Sabrina” with Audrey Hepburn has received a tasteful makeover courtesy of Paramount Home Entertainment and its “Centennial Celebration” DVD series.

“Sabrina” sets a standard for ugly-duckling romance stories, with Hepburn playing a chauffeur’s daughter who’s loved by two rich brothers: Humphrey Bogart and William Holden. Who will she choose? Linus (Bogart) the hard-working boss of the family business? Or David, the playboy who can’t be bothered to work.

The 1954 film was directed by the great Billy Wilder, whose classic ““Sunset Boulevard”” was rereleased along with “Sabrina.” Actor Holden, of course, plays the sap in “Sunset,” but gets lighter duty here. Wilder’s touch with comedy can’t be beat — see “Some Like It Hot.”

Don’t be confused or waylaid by the 1995 “Sabrina” remake directed by Sydney Pollack, who should have known better than to try to update Wilder. The original “Sabrina” is 50 years older, but feels fresher, hipper and much more romantic.

The new release of “Sabrina” improves slightly on the pictures and sound found on its previous DVD release, in 2001, part of the “The Audrey Hepburn DVD Collection.”.

Extras on the new “Sabrina” DVD include a 17-minute look at Hepburn as a fashion icon; a visit to the Long Island setting of the movie; and, in a nice touch, “Supporting Sabrina,” about the outstanding character actors who worked the movie.

There’s a profile of Holden at Paramount (different than the decent Holden extra feature on “Sunset Boulevard”) and the same “Paramount in the ’50s” documentary that’s found on the other Centennial DVDs.

The other title in the Centennial series (so far) is Hepburn’s “Roman Holiday.”

Perfect gift for: Romantics, Billy Wilder fans, Audrey Hepburn fans

Buy Audrey Hepburn movies at Amazon.