My Man Godfrey Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of Gregory La Cava's "My Man Godfrey" is truly commendable, marked by a meticulous 4K restoration from the original 35mm nitrate camera negative, processed through an ARRISCAN wet-gate film scanner. Criterion's 1080p transfer, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in the 1.33:1 aspect ratio, showcases substantial improvements over previous releases. Compared to Criterion's old DVD release, this Blu-ray offers superior delineation and depth, revealing fine details that were previously imperceptible on standard definition. Enhancements in grading result in more vibrant and consistent grays, blacks, and whites, providing a richer visual experience. Despite minor native limitations affecting some areas' clarity or depth, these imperfections are non-intrusive.

Restoration efforts have effectively removed debris, scratches, cuts, damage marks, and other age-related imperfections. The new remaster also stabilizes blacks and maintains the grain structure, ensuring that the film's vintage quality is preserved without detracting from its improved visual fidelity. The detail resolution is particularly evident in the contrasting appearances of Godfrey's shabby clothing and the opulence of the Bullock family lifestyle. While occasional speckles remain, they are minimal and far less distracting than those present in the previous DVD release. Overall, this Blu-ray release stands as an exemplary testament to Criterion's dedication to film preservation and presentation excellence, offering a visually enhanced viewing experience that aligns closely with modern expectations while honoring the classic's original aesthetic.

The Blu-ray release of "My Man Godfrey" features a standard audio track: English LPCM 1.0, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles. The audio presentation is notable for its stability and clarity. The restoration process has addressed and eliminated typical imperfections such as hiss, crackle, and hum. Unlike many older genre films that suffer from 'thinning' in the upper registers, this release maintains a proper stability and offers a pleasant roundness in its sound quality.

Equally impressive as the video transfer, the fully restored English LPCM 1.0 mono track breathes new life into the film's dialogue, which possesses a lively vibrancy and natural clarity. The meticulous restoration has eradicated common distractions like pops and snaps, making the dialogue consistently clear throughout the movie. An added sense of spatial dimension enhances the audio experience, particularly in complex scenes such as the bustling party at the beginning. Sound effects and voices are distinctly placed, yet blend seamlessly to create a cohesive auditory space. Audio levels are meticulously balanced, contributing to an overall crisp and clear mix that significantly enriches the viewing experience.

The extra features on the Blu-ray release of "My Man Godfrey" are a superb collection that enriches the viewing experience by offering historical context and insights into the film's production and reception. From notable radio adaptations to detailed analysis by film historians, these supplements provide a comprehensive look into the film's enduring appeal and its place in cinema history. Particularly noteworthy are the engaging discussions by Gary Giddins and Nick Pinkerton that delve deeply into Gregory La Cava's directorial finesse and the film's broader cultural significance. The inclusion of rare outtakes and poignant newsreels further adds to the value, making this a must-have for cinephiles and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: An original, unrestored trailer for "My Man Godfrey."
• The La Cava Touch: Author Gary Giddins discusses the special qualities of "My Man Godfrey."
• Lux Radio Theatre: A 1938 radio adaptation featuring the original cast.
• Outtakes: A collection of vintage outtakes.
• Effortless Art: Critic Nick Pinkerton on Gregory La Cava's career and style.
• Newsreels: Two newsreels from the 1930s reflecting themes of the film.
• Booklet: An illustrated leaflet with an essay by critic Farran Smith Nehme.

Review of Gregory La Cava's "My Man Godfrey" (1936) on Blu-ray

Gregory La Cava's "My Man Godfrey" (1936) captivates audiences with its sharp social commentary masked through witty comedy. The film, set against the Great Depression, depicts an elitist scavenger hunt driven by the Bullock sisters' quest to find a “forgotten man.” William Powell’s portrayal of Godfrey, who transitions from a homeless man to the Bullock family's butler, is nothing short of spectacular. His chemistry with Carole Lombard's Irene is palpable, and their rapid exchanges and subtle romance anchor the film’s engaging narrative. Despite the essential critique of the elite’s detachment from society, the humor is consistently effective, making the social critique more digestible.

The ensemble cast is one of the film's standout features, with each actor enhancing the performances of those around them. Powell and Lombard’s on-screen synergy reflects their off-screen rapport, even post-divorce, providing a depth to their characters that enhances both comedic and dramatic moments. Supporting actors like Gail Patrick and Eugene Pallette further enrich the narrative, making it truly an ensemble piece. La Cava’s direction adeptly balances comedic timing with emotional depth, ensuring that each zinger lands without overshadowing the film’s heart.

Technically, the Criterion Collection’s Blu-ray release is commendable. It includes comprehensive supplemental features such as video interviews, a vintage radio adaptation, archival newsreels, and outtakes. Additionally, Criterion provides an illustrated leaflet and an insightful essay by critic Farran Smith Nehme. The inclusion of optional English SDH subtitles and Region-A locking is notable for broader accessibility. This Blu-ray offers fans a chance to appreciate “My Man Godfrey” in pristine quality while deepening their understanding of its historical and cultural context.

The Criterion Collection’s Blu-ray release of "My Man Godfrey," directed by Gregory La Cava, is an exceptional restoration of a Hollywood classic. Featuring a stellar cast led by William Powell and Carole Lombard, the film is an astute comedy with both heart and humor. The narrative, which follows a forgotten man hired as a butler by a wealthy family only to reveal his humanity, still resonates today and offers enduring relevance.

Technically, the Blu-ray sourced from a pristine 4K remaster marks a considerable improvement over previous home video releases. The visual restoration delivers crisp, high-definition clarity, breathing new life into the black-and-white cinematography. Complementing this is an excellent audio track that enriches the overall viewing experience. Moreover, the Blu-ray includes a robust collection of extra features, providing fans and film historians alike with valuable insights and additional content that enhance appreciation for this timeless piece.

The contemporary relevance of the content in this classic comedy actually feels a bit eerie. New York City's elitists organize a lavish scavenger hunt to entertain themselves and one of them picks up the perfect winning item at a popular dump -- a forgotten man. She then hires the item to be her butler and together with the rest of her family discovers that, gasp, he is a human being. Criterion's upcoming Blu-ray release of Gregory La Cava's "My Man Godfrey" is sourced from a nice 4K remaster and represents a good upgrade in quality over previous home video releases of the film. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.