There was a time, as a late teen, before I learned to speak fillum, that I might confuse, or conjoin George Cukor’s wonderful 1938 romantic comedy Holiday, with Leo McCarey’s wonderful The Awful Truth, produced the year previous.
Both star Cary Grant, while Awful feature him with Irene Dunn, while Holiday, Katharine Hepburn and Doris Nolan.
For those unaware of either, or both, you’ve a treat in store.
Because finally, we have both on Blu-ray.
Both are Columbia productions, and neither has been seen in prime condition for many years.
While Holiday looks like film, grain haters need not apply, as the majority of the image is derived from a nitrate duplicate neg, presumably in turn, derived from a nitrate lavender.
Most viewers won’t notice the digital cleanup, as the film look remains, but elements appear to have been in less than stellar condition.
Work performed is of the highest caliber.
Audio is lively and clean.
Criterion has included the 1930 version of the film, also based upon the Barry stage play, and it fairs a bit better than the main feature.
But, those who love fine cinema can finally marvel at the words, the directing and the acting, in a far more appealing manner than in recent years.
An extraordinary film.
Image – 4.25
Audio – 5
Pass / Fail – Pass
Very Highly Recommended
RAH
Robert has been known in the film industry for his unmatched skill and passion in film preservation. Growing up around photography, his first home theater experience began at age ten with 16mm. Years later he was running 35 and 70mm at home.
His restoration projects have breathed new life into classic films like Lawrence of Arabia, Vertigo, My Fair Lady, Spartacus, and The Godfather series. Beyond his restoration work, he has also shared his expertise through publications, contributing to the academic discourse on film restoration. The Academy Film Archive houses the Robert A. Harris Collection, a testament to his significant contributions to film preservation.
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