His Girl Friday

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "His Girl Friday" presents a quintessential viewing experience that enhances the classic film with modern restoration techniques while staying true to its original aesthetic. The video transfer, maintained in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, showcases a meticulous restoration effort, utilizing 4K scans of the original negatives completed by Cineric, Inc. This careful preservation has culminated in a slightly darker image than previously seen in catalog black and white presentations, yet it enhances the film’s appearance with richer black levels, and cleaner, more vibrant whites. The nuance in contrast adds depth to each scene, complementing the work of cinematographer Joseph Walker and director Howard Hawks' fast-paced storytelling. Notably, the Dolby Vision and HDR10 grades introduce a subtle yet effective high dynamic range, balancing brightness and shadows more harmonally than ever before.

Detail and clarity receive a significant boost in this edition, rendering textures, particularly in fabrics and background elements, with extraordinary precision. The film's grain structure is beautifully preserved, contributing to a filmic quality that aficionados will appreciate. This release outpaces the 2017 Criterion edition in terms of resolution and clarity—a testament to the advancements in restoration technologies and approaches as outlined by Grover Crisp. Fine details, such as the intricate stitching on Cary Grant’s suit or the crisp typeset of the Ultra HD newspaper headlines, flower under this meticulous attention to detail.

Artifacting and digital noise are non-issues here, as the transfer benefits from both historical photochemical restoration efforts and contemporary digital techniques. Although some might find the image darker than expected, this choice seems deliberate, augmenting the film noir aesthetic without sacrificing visibility. The occasional minor crush in darker scenes barely detracts from what is an undeniably superior viewing experience. Sony’s 4K presentation sets a new benchmark for "His Girl Friday" transfers, striking a perfect balance between preserving film integrity and embracing the perks of modern video technology.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track of "His Girl Friday" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray is an articulate homage to the original sound recordings, reflecting a masterful blend of historical audio integrity with modern restoration techniques. Derived from the original optical tracks on the nitrate negative, the audio component has undergone meticulous restoration by Deluxe Audio Services in Hollywood to eliminate any disruptive clicks, pops or distortion, while minimizing noise and hiss to barely perceivable levels. This caring preservation ensures that the dialogue remains consistently clear and intelligible throughout, a necessity for keeping pace with the film's signature rapid-fire exchanges, presenting a challenge that the mix handles with a commendable balance of respect for original recordings and viewer experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio track excels in delivering crisp, distinct vocals that are crucial for this dialogue-driven classic, emphasizing the performances' nuanced inflections without surrendering to the ambient sounds of its era's cinematic tinniness. The sonic landscape of the track is further enriched by subtly integrated ambient effects like the lively buzz of a newsroom and the distant wail of sirens, thereby creating an immersive auditory experience that enhances the overall viewing without overwhelming the film's verbal wit. Despite its mono configuration, the audio retains a remarkable breadth and fidelity, with restoration efforts ensuring a clean, detailed mid-range that complements the viewing without veering into overly polished territory, thereby maintaining the film's authentic vintage charm.

This conscientious approach to audio restoration and presentation highlights an understanding of the film's technical and historical context, ensuring that "His Girl Friday" shines with both clarity and character. The work done balances technical improvement with deference to the film’s original essence, providing an audio experience that supports and enhances the rapid, witty exchanges that define this classic, all while keeping audio degradation at bay and preserving the ambient authenticity of its setting.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "His Girl Friday" offers a rich assortment of extras that are both informative and entertaining, housed on the included standard Blu-ray disc. From the insightful audio commentary by film critic and author Todd McCarthy, offering an in-depth look into the film's production, legacy, and Howard Hawks' directorial nuances, to a series of featurettes and essays exploring the film's costume design, dialogue, and contributions to cinema. The collection offers a comprehensive look at both the film's historical significance and its technical achievements. Particularly standout are pieces like "Lighting Up with Hildy Johnson" and "Ben Hecht," which dive deep into specific aspects of the film and its creators, while shorter segments on key figures such as Carry Grant and Rosalind Russell provide brief but welcome insights into their careers. Despite a majority being in standard definition, these extras provide invaluable context and appreciation for this screwball classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: With film critic and author Todd McCarthy.
• Ben Hecht: A deep dive into the writer's career.
• Lighting Up with Hildy Johnson: A video essay with David Bordwell.
• Screwball Style: Exploring the iconic costumes of Robert Kalloch.
• Breaking the Speed Barrier: The dialogue of the film.
• On Assignment: A talking-heads featurette.
• Carry Grant: Making Headlines: A brief look at the actor's career.
• Rosalind Russell: The Inside Scoop: Insights into Russell's career.
• Howard Hawkes: Reporter's Notebook: A short featurette on Hawkes.
• The Funny Pages: DVD-era featurette on comic influences.
• Vintage Advertising: A collection of promotional material.
• Trailers: Original and re-release trailers in HD.

In the Columbia Classics Collection: Volume 4, "His Girl Friday" shines as a beacon of classic cinema brought to life in stunning 4K UHD. This Howard Hawks masterpiece, nestled among other iconic films like "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and "Sleepless in Seattle," stands out for its sharp, witty commentary on the newspaper industry, a sector fraught with ethical quandaries and rapid-fire changes. The film’s transition to 4K UHD Blu-ray not only elevates its visual appeal but also preserves the dynamic between Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell, whose performances anchor the film’s enduring charm.

The plot, centered around the whirlwind professional and personal dynamics between hard-boiled editor Walter Burns and his ex-wife and star reporter Hildy Johnson, captures the essence of the fast-paced, cutthroat newspaper world. Their banter and the frenetic energy of their environment are rendered with even greater clarity in this format. The 4K UHD presentation illuminates the intricate details of the setting and the nuanced performances of the cast, particularly Grant and Russell whose chemistry practically leaps off the screen. This remastering brings a fresh vitality to the film, inviting viewers to immerse themselves once again in its timeless narrative.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's meticulous treatment of this classic in the Ultra HD Blu-ray release ensures that every frame reflects the care and detail worthy of such a seminal work. Included in the Columbia Classics Volume 4 box set, "His Girl Friday" is presented on a dual-layered UHD66 disc, accompanied by a Region Free, BD50 disc. The package promises an unparalleled viewing experience, granting access to a 4K HDR version that accentuates the film's visual and auditory nuances. Although part of a larger collection, "His Girl Friday" remains a standout piece, offering both a nostalgic return and a forward-looking appreciation for new audiences discovering it in its most polished form yet.

"His Girl Friday" triumphantly makes its 4K UHD Blu-ray debut, delivering an exhilarating experience that celebrates classic cinema with modern technological elegance. The movie, recognized for its nimble, quick-witted dialogue and standout performances by Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell, retains its charm and energy in this latest release. Sony's meticulous video presentation showcases the film in stunning Dolby Vision HDR, enhancing the visual depth and detail without compromising the original aesthetic. The faithful DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix ensures the rapid-fire dialogue and dynamic soundstage remain true to its era, providing an authentic auditory experience. While some may note the absence of certain extras found in previous releases, such as interviews and radio adaptations, the inclusion of critical bonus content still enriches the viewing experience.

The release garners appreciation for its comprehensive approach to restoration and presentation, albeit with a mingled sense of missed opportunities regarding supplementary materials notably present in earlier Criterion editions. This omission places a slight damper on an otherwise stellar package, which effectively bridges Howard Hawks's timeless directorial charm with leading-edge restoration techniques. Viewers are encouraged to retain past editions for their historical and extra content value, emphasizing this release's visual upgrade as its primary allure.

In conclusion, Sony's 4K UHD presentation of "His Girl Friday" is an essential acquisition for aficionados of classic cinema seeking the pinnacle of picture quality without forsaking the original monaural soundscape. Despite the pared-down extras, the technical merits of this release set it apart, making it a commendable addition to any collection. This version does not just serve as a testament to the film's enduring legacy but also as a beacon for the future preservation of cinematic masterpieces. It's highly recommended for those passionate about film history and the evolution of home cinema technology.