Love Me Tonight Blu-ray Review

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Love Me Tonight is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition, maintaining the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. The new 4K remaster breathes new life into this classic, distinctly preserving the visual integrity of Rouben Mamoulian's artistry and the cinematography genius of Victor Milner. This meticulous remaster ensures superior clarity and contrast that bring out an exceptional level of detail in the black and white visuals. The print is in stellar condition, with natural film grain enhancing the cinema-like feel without overwhelming the image.

The transfer faithfully renders organic film grain, presenting fine details and grayscale with precision. The pleasingly rich black levels, crisp whites, and varied grays work in harmony to amplify depth and sharpness, particularly in close-ups, which highlight the stars' timeless glamor. Shadow delineation is superb, giving additional punch to the picture. While a few minor blemishes occasionally appear, they do not detract from the viewing experience. Overall, this Blu-ray release likely represents the highest quality presentation of Love Me Tonight achievable on home video, far surpassing the previous Kino DVD iteration.

The DTS-HD Master Audio mono track on the Blu Ray release of "Love Me Tonight" delivers an impressively clear and robust audio presentation. Despite the film's considerable age, the quality of the encode holds up remarkably well, facilitating a rewarding viewing experience. The music shines with lovely clarity, fitting seamlessly with the high-quality video transfer. Optional English subtitles are provided for accessibility.

The audio track provides a well-modulated sound that transcends the early talkie roots of the film. While some faint surface noise is detectable during quieter moments, it is minimal and unobtrusive. The dynamic range handles Jeanette MacDonald's operatic soprano beautifully, without distortion, and Maurice Chevalier's vocals maintain a pleasing clarity. Notably, the opening scene’s orchestration of Parisian life is treated with impressive nuance, capturing the rhythms and charm with sophistication. Instrumentals fill the room with a vibrant presence, ensuring all dialogue remains clear and comprehensible.

Overall, the original mono soundtrack benefits greatly from the DTS-HD Master Audio track, representing dialogue and music faithfully. There is an absence of significant distortion, hissing, or crackling, signifying a substantial upgrade over previous releases, such as the Kino DVD. This amalgamated presentation likely stands as the pinnacle for how "Love Me Tonight" can be experienced on home video.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Love Me Tonight" present an impressive assortment of historical insights and engaging content, highlighting the film's esteemed legacy. The anchor piece is the commentary by Miles Kreuger, who regards the film as the finest musical of all time, drawing on a treasure trove of personal notes from director Mamoulian. Kreuger excels in providing details on cast and crew biographies, noting revolutionary production techniques and censors' mandated deletions. Additionally, excerpts from the "Hollywood on Parade" newsreels feature musical performances by Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette MacDonald. The inclusion of screenplay excerpts, production documents, and detailed censorship records offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the filmmaking process and its subsequent impact from regulatory bodies. Lastly, theatrical trailers for both "Love Me Tonight" and Marlene Dietrich’s "The Song of Songs" are also included.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Miles Kreuger: In-depth perspective and detailed recounting from personal archives.
• Maurice Chevalier Sings Louise: Performance excerpt showcasing his trademark style.
• Jeanette MacDonald Sings Love Me Tonight: Title tune performed in a suggestive boudoir setting.
• Screenplay Excerpts of Deleted Scenes: Dialogue and exposition screens of omitted content.
• Production Documents: Includes budget sheets, shooting schedule, and music cues.
• Censorship Records: Detailed correspondence and lists of required cuts from various censorship bodies.
• Love Me Tonight Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional hype for the film.
• The Song of Songs Theatrical Trailer: Preview of another Mamoulian-directed film.

"Love Me Tonight" is an essential viewing experience for aficionados of classic cinema, often touted as a groundbreaking masterpiece in the realm of musical film. Directed by the visionary Rouben Mamoulian, this 1932 film embarks on a charming journey propelled by a meticulously crafted score by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. The story revolves around Maurice Courtelin (Maurice Chevalier), a Parisian tailor who ventures to collect a debt from Viscount Gilbert de Varèze (Charlie Ruggles) and ends up ensnared in a romantic fairytale with Princess Jeanette (Jeanette MacDonald). The performances by Chevalier and MacDonald exude chemistry and charm, further accentuated by the intricate costume designs by Travis Banton and Edith Head, and the striking black-and-white cinematography of Victor Milner.

Mamoulian's direction brings unparalleled technical innovation to "Love Me Tonight," fusing narrative, music, and visual wizardry in ways previously unseen. His orchestration of zooms, quick pans, sound effects, and various special effects like split-screen technology and double exposure imbues the film with a vibrant, dynamic energy. The opening sequence, a symphonic depiction of Paris waking up, and the iconic “Isn't It Romantic?” number, where the song travels through various characters, stand as testaments to Mamoulian's artistic prowess. The production design by Hans Dreier also provides a compelling backdrop, contrasting Maurice’s simple tailor shop with the grandeur of the aristocratic chateau.

Beyond its technical bravura, "Love Me Tonight" is elevated by its ensemble cast. Myrna Loy as the flirtatious cousin Valentine, Charles Butterworth as the ineffectual suitor, and C. Aubrey Smith in a rare singing role contribute memorably to this pre-Code gem. The ensemble's performances enrich the musical numbers and broaden the film's romantic and comedic dimensions, ensuring "Love Me Tonight" remains an enduring triumph in film history.

Rouben Mamoulian's Love Me Tonight stands as a paragon of early Hollywood musicals, seamlessly marrying vivacious performances with adept filmmaking. Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette MacDonald captivate in their quintessential roles, their charming on-screen chemistry propelling the film to new heights. The magnificent score by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, featuring unforgettable tracks like Isn't It Romantic?, Mimi, and Lover, is brilliantly integrated, enhancing the film's whimsical yet sophisticated narrative.

Kino's Blu-ray release delivers a meticulously executed 4K restoration that breathes new life into this pre-Code gem, ensuring every scene pops with renewed vibrancy. The audio quality stands commendable, preserving the film’s original sound design while providing a clean and immersive listening experience. The inclusion of comprehensive supplements enriches the viewing experience, offering fans a deeper dive into the movie's production and lingering legacy.

In summary, Mamoulian crafted an outstanding musical with the vibrant Love Me Tonight. The performances are extraordinary: Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette MacDonald are delightful in their respective parts. The filmmaking is top-notch and the music featured throughout the film delivers in spades. The Blu-ray release features a stunning new 4K restoration that is sure to delight fans of the film. Highly recommended.