The Palm Beach Story Blu-ray Review

Criterion presents Preston Sturges' "The Palm Beach Story" in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1, using an MPEG-4 AVC encoded 1080p transfer. This Blu-ray release, featuring a meticulous 4K restoration, derives from a 35mm nitrate fine-grain and a safety duplicate negative. The restoration process, employing MTI's DRS along with Digital Vision's Phoenix and Pixel Farm's PFClean, has adeptly removed numerous imperfections such as dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps, resulting in a remarkably clean and stable image. There is a pleasing amount of natural film grain, contributing to an authentic cinematic experience, while maintaining excellent contrast and depth throughout the film.

The visual presentation showcases a well-balanced grayscale spectrum, with rich blacks and stable whites ensuring no color distortions. Minor density fluctuations may cause slight variations in grain exposure but these instances are few and do not significantly detract from the overall image quality. Additionally, there are no indications of problematic degraining or sharpening corrections. Image stability is commendably maintained with no frame jumps, edge flicker, or problematic transitions. The movie appears free from any digital artifacts, offering a smooth and consistent visual experience.

This Blu-ray delivers sharp and intricate texture details, visible in various key scenes such as Gerry's ornate gown and the stitching on Tom's bed cover in the hallway scene. The meticulous restoration ensures that time has brought an organic appearance to this beloved film, satisfying both long-time fans and new viewers alike. Criterion's effort in preserving the original cinematic feel ensures that "The Palm Beach Story" remains a timeless classic for modern audiences.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Palm Beach Story" features the original monaural soundtrack, remastered at 24-bit from a 35mm magnetic soundtrack, available in DTS-HD Master Audio Mono. Clarity and depth are maintained with minimal background noise, thanks to meticulous restoration processes such as using Pro Tools HD, AudioCube's integrated workstation, and iZotope RX 4. The available English LPCM 1.0 track also demonstrates strong balance between dialogue and music, although some high-frequency flatness and occasional light hiss can be noted during specific transitions. These minor issues do not detract significantly from the overall audio experience.

Dialogue clarity is noteworthy, effectively rendering all vocal elements with precision—although moments of overlapping loud elements, such as the Ale and Quail Club's singing and subsequent chaotic sounds, can lead to brief distortion. This distortion appears to be inherent to the source material rather than a flaw in the remastering process. The soundtrack adequately handles softer sounds with finesse; for instance, the gentle noise of the train in a sleeping car scene is executed well. However, the inherent limitations of a mono track do restrict the spatial articulation of Victor Young's score. Criterion has provided optional English SDH subtitles to further enhance the viewing experience for those who require them.

The extras for the Blu-ray of "The Palm Beach Story" present a comprehensive insight into Preston Sturges' work. James Harvey offers a thorough interview discussing Sturges’ tenure at Paramount Pictures, his unique style, and the thematic elements of his films, particularly in relation to screwball comedies. Bill Hader shares his admiration for the film's narrative and comedic timing, highlighting Sturges' detailed script descriptions. The disc also includes a vintage radio adaptation featuring performances by Claudette Colbert, Randolph Scott, and Rudy Vallee, adding nostalgic value. Additionally, Sturges' 1941 semi-documentary short "Safeguarding Military Information" provides a historical context of World War II era rhetoric. An illustrated essay by Stephanie Zacharek in the included leaflet enriches the viewer's understanding of the film's significance.

Extras included in this disc:

• James Harvey on Sturges: Insightful interview discussing Sturges' career and stylistic approach.
• Bill Hader on Sturges: Enthusiastic commentary on Sturges' comedic writing and film structure.
• Radio Adaptation: A 1943 radio play adaptation featuring original and additional cast members.
• Safeguarding Military Information: A World War II instructional short written by Sturges.
• Leaflet: Illustrated essay by film critic Stephanie Zacharek.

Preston Sturges' 1942 screwball comedy "The Palm Beach Story" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion Collection, showcasing his trademark style: rapid-fire wit, sharp satire, and colorful characterizations. The film masterfully blends romantic entanglements with social commentary. The plot revolves around Gerry (Claudette Colbert) and Tom (Joel McCrea), a married couple whose financial woes threaten their relationship. Gerry decides to divorce Tom and heads to Palm Beach, encountering a series of whimsical and often outlandish characters, including the charming millionaire John D. Hackensacker III (Rudy Vallee) and the eccentric Wienie King (Robert Dudley). The narrative’s believability may waver, but it remains captivating through its delightful absurdity.

The film thrives on Sturges' inventive script, complemented by Victor Milner's adept cinematography. A notable example of their combined ingenuity is presented in the opening credits, which allude to Tom and Gerry's tumultuous past. Straddling slapstick and sophisticated humor, Sturges' dialogue brims with sharp one-liners and suggestive jokes, flawlessly delivered at a frenetic pace by an exceptional cast. The ensemble includes standout performances from Mary Astor as Princess Centimillia and Sig Arno in a supporting role as her comically spirited suitor.

This Criterion release enriches the viewing experience with meticulous restoration, preserving the film’s visual and auditory fidelity. The disc includes insightful interviews with film historian James Harvey and actor Bill Hader, alongside a radio adaptation and a WWII-themed short film "Safeguarding Military Information." The holistic approach ensures that "The Palm Beach Story" remains an enduring and multisensory delight for both cinephiles and casual viewers alike.

The Palm Beach Story is a masterful romantic comedy from the legendary Preston Sturges, skillfully blending wit and charm. Criterion’s Blu-ray edition provides a pristine high-definition transfer that showcases the film in its finest form. Picture quality is markedly enhanced, presenting a crisp, detailed image with excellent contrast and depth. The restoration work brings out the subtleties in lighting and composition that are often lost in lesser transfers of classic films. This presentation will undoubtedly satisfy both first-time viewers and seasoned fans of the genre.

The audio presentation is equally impressive, delivering a clear and balanced soundtrack that enhances the dialogue-heavy scenes without overpowering the film’s more subtle moments. The Blu-ray also includes a range of supplementary materials that provide invaluable context and insights into both the production and legacy of the film. The inclusion of interviews, essays, and behind-the-scenes features enriches the viewing experience, making it a comprehensive package for enthusiasts and scholars alike.

It is great to see that many of these fantastic classic American comedies are entering Criterion's catalog. After Frank Capra's It Happened One Night, now we have a lovely restoration of Preston Sturges' The Palm Beach Story, a witty and very charming film with a truly outstanding cast. Hopefully, later this year Criterion will also delight us with a Blu-ray release of Sturges' excellent Sullivan's Travels. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.