Susan Slept Here Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Susan Slept Here" on Blu-ray is exceptionally executed, leveraging a master sourced from the film's original negative. Meticulously color-corrected by Warner's MPI facility, the Technicolor palette is stunning, with vibrant hues covering the spectrum of reds, greens, deep blues, and intense pinks. The gold sheen of Mark's Oscar is particularly notable. Thanks to Warner Archive Collection’s meticulous attention, detail is superb, rendering the artificial world of production sets and costumes with precision. The fine grain pattern enhances the visual experience, maintaining a natural filmic quality.

Framed in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.66:1, the 1080p AVC-encoded Blu-ray transfer does justice to the era of the film. The image benefits from a BD-50 disc with an average bitrate just below 35 Mbps, resulting in minimal compression artifacts. Black levels are deep and inky without any signs of crush or contrast issues, enhancing the overall depth and clarity of the image. The print used is in excellent shape, marred only by faint speckling that is scarcely noticeable. The stellar visual presentation makes this release a must-have for collectors and fans alike.

The audio presentation of "Susan Slept Here" on Blu-Ray excels with its DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono soundtrack, providing a notable auditory experience. The encoding features identical left and right channels, producing a rich soundscape that enhances the viewer's immersion. Dialogue is presented with exceptional clarity and distinction, ensuring that even the film's fast-talking moments are easily comprehensible. Leigh Harline's musical score, along with original songs like the title track by Jack Lawrence and the Oscar-nominated "Hold My Hand" by Lawrence and Richard Myers, comes through with remarkable fidelity, featuring a smooth top end that avoids any harshness or fatigue for the listener.

The audio mix provides a sense of space and dimensionality that transforms Mark's bachelor pad from a mere set into what feels like a lived-in environment. Though the sound effects occasionally reveal their vintage origins, this minor issue is attributed to the original production mix rather than the current digital transfer. Overall, this DTS-HD MA 2.0 track stands out as an exemplary mono offering, contributing significantly to the enjoyment of "Susan Slept Here."

The Extras section of the Blu-ray for "Susan Slept Here" offers a somewhat limited but still engaging array of content for enthusiasts. The primary extra included is the original theatrical trailer, which is presented in standard definition (480i) and retains its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio over a duration of 2 minutes and 17 seconds. Notably, the trailer has not undergone remastering to 1080p due to the unavailability of an original element within Warner's library of RKO Radio Films. While the lack of in-depth special features may be a drawback for some, the inclusion of this nostalgic trailer provides a glimpse into the classic film's promotional efforts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer in SD, not remastered due to unavailability of original element.

Frank Tashlin’s 1954 film, Susan Slept Here, boasts an illustrious comedic pedigree. Tashlin, formerly of Warner Brothers cartoons, brings a Looney Tunes aesthetic to the slapstick moments, while screenwriter Alex Gottlieb's experience with Abbott & Costello shines through in the script’s playful wit. Featuring Dick Powell as Oscar-winning screenwriter Mark Christopher and Debbie Reynolds as Susan Landis, this madcap holiday comedy blends screwball antics with heartfelt romance. Noteworthy supporting roles include Glenda Farrell and Alvy Moore, who round out a cast that adeptly navigates the film's whimsical narrative.

From its unique narrative perspective—a talking Oscar statue—Susan Slept Here immediately sets a lighthearted tone that it maintains throughout. The plot centers on Mark, a screenwriter yearning for serious drama, whose life is disrupted when he begrudgingly takes in Susan, a teenage delinquent, for Christmas. The ensuing antics lead to an improbable romance that is both endearing and humorous, supported by Powell’s seasoned charm and Reynolds’ energetic performance. Despite its absurd premises and rapid-fire plot developments, the film's engaging dialogue and well-timed comedic set pieces ensure consistent lighthearted enjoyment.

The new Blu-ray release from the Warner Archive Collection showcases the film’s festive palette beautifully, sourced from a freshly minted master. This visual upgrade enhances the holiday ambiance, further complemented by excellent production design and period-specific music. While the plot may raise eyebrows concerning its plausibility and ethical contours, the infectious chemistry between Powell and Reynolds, paired with Tashlin’s careful direction, makes for a thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience. This release captures the film's exuberant spirit and technical nuances, solidifying Susan Slept Here as a delightful holiday screwball comedy that revels in its idiosyncrasies.

"Susan Slept Here" is an engaging and delightful classic that transforms a seemingly contentious plot into a heartwarming and charming holiday narrative. The film, starring Dick Powell and Debbie Reynolds, showcases Reynolds' exceptional ability to balance youthful innocence with a budding maturity, a feat that would be hard to recreate in today's context. Powell effectively complements Reynolds, creating a believable dynamic that transcends the era-specific sensibilities of the 1950s. The Warner Archive Collection's Blu-ray release boasts an exceptional audio-visual presentation that highlights the film's whimsical aesthetic, reinforcing its status as a festive favorite despite its unconventional summer release.

The Blu-ray's transfer quality is impeccable, demonstrating Warner Archive's commitment to preserving the cinematic integrity of classic films. The picture is clear, with vibrant colors and sharp details that enhance the viewing experience. The audio clarity ensures that viewers catch every nuance of the witty and endearing dialogue. However, it is noteworthy that the release is sparse in supplementary material; fans of additional content may find this aspect lacking. Despite this, the technical excellence of the primary content leaves little to be desired.

In conclusion, "Susan Slept Here" couldn't be made today; even the greatest actress could not pull off Reynolds' combination of naivete and incipient womanliness in a contemporary setting, and her sham marriage with a 35-year-old would immediately be denounced as inappropriate (or worse). Tashlin's comedy belongs to a more innocent time, and it uses that innocence to transform what might otherwise be a sordid tale into a cheerful holiday picture suitable for the whole family. Highly recommended.