Merrily We Live Blu-ray Review

ClassicFlix has provided a commendable Blu-ray release of "Merrily We Live," utilizing an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The restoration showcases a nicely organic visual presentation, retaining a suitable film-like aesthetic that highlights both bright whites and rich black levels. The overall sharpness of the image is very good, although occasional variances in clarity and grain structure are noted, largely due to the prevalence of optical dissolves. Despite some slight imperfections, such as a coarse looking grain field at times and minor fuzziness at the edges of the frame, the visual experience remains largely positive and engaging.

The transfer demonstrates solid contrast and detail levels, with no significant age-related wear and tear evident in the print. The film’s cinematography and production design, both of which garnered Academy Award nominations, are well-served by this high-definition treatment. Only one minor blemish—a fleeting white scratch—disturbs what is otherwise a pristine presentation. Divided cleanly into 22 chapters, this release is a noteworthy effort from ClassicFlix in bringing a lesser-remembered MGM title from the Golden Age of Hollywood into contemporary viewing rooms with renewed vigor.

The audio presentation of "Merrily We Live" on Blu Ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix that underscores the era-typical sound design with commendable clarity. While the mono mix retains some of the boxiness inherent to the original recording technologies, it successfully avoids significant audio disruptions such as pops or dropouts. The spirited, often overlapping Hawksian dialogue characteristic of the film comes through as slightly dense in certain scenes, but straightforward dialogue exchanges are rendered with clear articulation.

Notably, the solid dialogue is professionally balanced with the spare musical score and humorous sound effects, showcasing the film's craftsmanship that earned it Oscar nominations. While some popping and clicking are audible midway through, these audio artifacts are momentary and do not detract from the overall listening experience. The absence of hiss further enhances the clarity, making for an experience that respectfully preserves the auditory aesthetics of its time while providing a clean and engaging sound profile.

The Blu-ray release of "Merrily We Live" is devoid of any supplementary materials, which is a noticeable omission for enthusiasts seeking deeper insights and additional context on this classic film. Reviewers have consistently noted the absence of bonus features, expressing disappointment over the lack of interviews, commentary tracks, or making-of documentaries that could have enriched the viewing experience. The collective expectation for more comprehensive releases remains unmet with this disc.

Extras included in this disc:

None: This Blu-ray lacks supplementary materials.

Norman Z. McLeod's 1938 film, "Merrily We Live," stands as a delightful contribution to the screwball comedy genre, characterized by its eccentric cast and manic energy. Although often compared to "My Man Godfrey," the eccentric Kilbourne family situates it closer to the zany antics of "You Can’t Take It With You." The narrative thrust is driven by Billie Burke’s endearing portrayal of the well-meaning but naive Emily Kilbourne, whose penchant for hiring dubious characters culminates in the arrival of Brian Aherne's Wade Rawlins, a supposed vagrant who upends the family dynamics. Constance Bennett plays Jerry Kilbourne, akin to Jean Arthur’s straight woman role in "You Can't Take It With You," attempting to navigate her family's chaos with relative normalcy.

Centrally, "Merrily We Live" thrives on its carefully crafted character interactions and screwball set pieces. The script by Eddie Moran and Jack Jevne is a tapestry of comically exaggerated events with four prominent scenes: a spirited nocturnal escapade involving a drunken Mr. Kilbourne (Clarence Kolb), an inadvertently comedic dinner party, an underutilized chaotic golf game, and a mayhem-filled kitchen climax. Director McLeod’s adeptness shines through, maintaining momentum, especially in film's latter half. However, certain sequences may appear overly manic or inexplicably flat, falling short of the screwball peaks.

Performance-wise, the cast excels with Billie Burke earning an Oscar nomination for her charmingly bewildered portrayal, while Brian Aherne impresses as the suave Rawlins. Bonita Granville delivers an energetic performance as the mischievous younger sister. Alan Mowbray’s imperious butler provides ample comic relief, though Patsy Kelly's spirited cook remains underused. Despite some dated and potentially insensitive moments, including Willie Best's minor role, the film sustains its appeal through its adept humor and engaging social commentary, making it a memorable staple of its genre.

"Merrily We Live" emerges as an engaging screwball comedy from the 1930s, resonating with fans of classic cinema. While it may not quite reach the heights of timeless masterpieces like "You Can't Take It With You" or "Boudu Saved From Drowning," it holds its own with its breezy and often hilarious narrative. The film's standout moments include a brilliantly orchestrated finale where multiple characters faint at the sight of Rawlins, creating uproarious laughter.

ClassicFlix's meticulous restoration work shines through in this Blu-ray release, offering a crisp and vibrant visual experience that enhances the film's enjoyment. The care taken in presenting this lesser-remembered title underscores ClassicFlix's dedication to preserving cinematic gems, making "Merrily We Live" look spiffy and slick. As with their other releases, the technical merits of this Blu-ray are solid, providing a high-quality viewing experience that showcases the film in its near-original glory.

In conclusion, while "Merrily We Live" might not be the epitome of the screwball comedy genre, it's a delightful film full of charm and laughs. The Blu-ray release by ClassicFlix ensures that this fun-filled lark of a movie can be enjoyed in stunning detail. For lovers of classic comedy and those seeking an enjoyable cinematic experience, this release comes highly recommended.