The Bride Comes Home Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Bride Comes Home" by Kino Lorber presents the film in a 1.36:1 aspect ratio with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC transfer. Derived from an aged master provided by Universal Pictures, this transfer has notable imperfections. The visuals exhibit distinct patterns synonymous with outdated telecine equipment, leading to a lack of proper grain structure typically seen in modern restorations. This results in a somewhat blurry and watery appearance, particularly observable on larger screens where delineation and depth suffer. Fortunately, there are no signs of digital over-corrections like sharpening or contrast boosting.

Despite these issues, the transfer maintains a level of stability; however, shaky transitions and occasional black crush in darker scenes detract from the overall experience. Black levels appear rich, and whites maintain brightness, showcasing a decent grayscale. However, blemishes such as speckles, scratches, and faint vertical lines, especially noticeable in the upper center of the screen, persist throughout the film. These elements mark the visual presentation as inherently flawed due to a lack of remastering prior to its Blu-ray release.

Overall, while close-ups in certain scenes are appealing, they insufficiently compensate for the prevalent visual shortcomings. The presence of heavy grain softens clarity, inferring an antiquated look for this otherwise watchable but suboptimal transfer. It's crucial that viewers have a native Region-A or Region-Free player, given this is a Region-A locked release.

The Blu-ray release of "The Bride Comes Home" is equipped with an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, delivering a competent audio experience reflective of its era. The dialogue is clear and prioritizes speech effectively, ensuring that viewers can follow the story without difficulty. Although the track is largely free of age-related artifacts such as hiss, pops, or crackle, there are instances where the sound becomes thin, and minor background distortions emerge, affecting clarity. These issues are subtle and do not overly detract from the listening experience.

Dynamic balance is generally adequate, although some room remains for enhancement in this aspect. Occasionally, a light hiss is detectable in the upper registers, but it is not obtrusive. The audio track does have a tendency to sound tinny and hollow at times, reminding us of the film's antique origins. Despite this, the track maintains a certain charm; isolated music cues have a pleasant presence, and sound effects like shattering glass, thuds, and a buzzing motorcycle engine come through with crispness and fidelity.

In conclusion, while additional remastering could potentially elevate the auditory experience further, the existing DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track provides a satisfactory representation of "The Bride Comes Home's" audio landscape. It captures the essence of the film's historical context while providing clear and comprehensible dialogue. Optional English SDH subtitles are also available, supporting accessibility for all audiences.

The Blu-ray release of "The Bride Comes Home" boasts a concise yet compelling array of extras that enrich the viewing experience. Critical attention is directed towards the audio commentary by noted author and critic Lee Gambin, who offers an insightful examination of the film's intricate themes, such as class dynamics, gender roles, and societal context during the Depression era. Gambin's commentary is both engaging and informative, shedding light on Colbert's career trajectory and MacMurray's screen presence, while also reflecting on director Wesley Ruggles' directorial style. His analysis significantly enhances the appreciation of this classic film. The disc also includes a collection of trailers, providing a nostalgic glimpse into promotional practices of the era. The extras complement the main feature, offering valuable historical and critical perspectives that are a must for cinephiles and fans of classic cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Vintage broadcast trailer for The Bride Comes Home.
• Commentary: Audio commentary by film historian Lee Gambin.

Wesley Ruggles' 1935 screwball comedy, The Bride Comes Home, enters the Blu-ray market through Kino Lorber, complete with a nostalgic trailer and exclusive commentary. Despite star power from Claudette Colbert, Fred MacMurray, and Robert Young, the film falters amidst a jumble of missteps and strained performances. The plot, which explores Depression-era themes through humor and romance, lacks cohesive vigor and poise. Colbert's character, Jeannette Desmereau, finds herself forced to navigate financial turmoil and romantic entanglements with Jack Bristow (Young) and Cyrus Anderson (MacMurray), yet the film's attempt at tackling genuine socio-cultural issues falls flat.

While the film offers a pleasant visual journey thanks to Leo Tover's cinematography, known for more robust pieces such as The Heiress, this movie unfortunately cannot evoke strong emotional resonance. Character motivations are erratic, illustrated by Jeannette’s struggle between love and financial security, but their actions seldom strengthen the credibility of their plights. Furthermore, the lead actors often seem ill at ease within their roles; MacMurray's portrayal of the gruff but endearing Cyrus becomes more caricature than character, leading to an emotional disconnect.

Even with moments of classic screwball humor and fleeting elements of charm embedded in Ruggles' direction, the narrative stumbles through predictable clichés. The comedic potential hinted at in spirited exchanges and slapstick antics never quite hits its mark. This exploration of gender roles and independence shows sparks but rarely ignites into the substantial drama or comedy it promises. Despite its aspirations to touch on timeless issues with a spirited touch, The Bride Comes Home remains an endearing yet ultimately forgettable piece of vintage cinema history. For fans of the stars or the era, it functions as a charming artifact rather than a standout work in their filmographies.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "The Bride Comes Home" offers a mixed bag for viewers, especially fans of classic cinema. The film, featuring the second on-screen pairing of Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray, delivers a quirky romantic narrative that doesn't quite live up to their initial collaboration. Despite its shortcomings, such as a somewhat implausible plot and an unconvincing romantic lead played by MacMurray, the film showcases spirited performances by its cast, which manages to infuse charm into the otherwise uneven storyline.

The technical quality of the Blu-ray leaves much to be desired. Sourced from a less-than-ideal master provided by Universal Pictures, the video transfer is not pristine, though it serves its purpose. The audio quality fares better, maintaining a clear reproduction of dialogue and soundtrack. An insightful commentary track adds value for those interested in the film's intricacies and historical context. However, the overall presentation might not appeal to those seeking state-of-the-art quality, making this release more suitable for dedicated fans of the stars rather than casual viewers.

In conclusion, while "The Bride Comes Home" may struggle with narrative believability, it remains an intriguing piece for classic film enthusiasts and collectors devoted to Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray. Its nostalgic charm and notable performances warrant attention despite technical limitations. However, potential buyers should consider waiting for discounts unless they are committed to completing their collections. The Blu-ray is ultimately a niche offering, best appreciated by those who are deeply invested in the film's cast or the era it represents.