The Good Fairy Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "The Good Fairy" boasts an impressive 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation, faithfully delivered in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. The video presentation benefits from a brand new 4K restoration, presenting the film with superior clarity and contrast. This is a marvelous presentation, honoring Norbert Brodine's black-and-white cinematography, with the new scan providing exceptional sharpness and detail while preserving the film's original grain structure. Although the source material occasionally shows minor specks and scratches, they are fleeting and do not detract significantly from the viewing experience.

Deep black levels and crisp white highlights anchor the image, enhancing both the visual appeal and the authenticity of the film's textures. Background elements are easily discerned, while close-ups—particularly of Margaret Sullavan—are lush and glamorous, providing a true cinematic treat. The beautiful grayscale reproduction captures a full range of tones, from velvety blacks to bright whites, ensuring that scenes display with remarkable fidelity. Overall, the 4K master transforms this 85-year-old classic into a stunning visual experience, making it an essential addition for any fan of classic cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "The Good Fairy" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track that effectively preserves the original sound design with outstanding clarity. Fans will appreciate the meticulous removal of age-related artifacts such as pops, clicks, hiss, and crackle, ensuring a pristine listening experience. The audio is well-balanced, providing clear and well-modulated sound that maintains an excellent equilibrium between dialogue, music, and sound effects. Each word of Sturges' famous dialogue is rendered with impressive clarity, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the film.

Adding to the technical excellence, the audio presentation exhibits a high level of professionalism in blending music and dialogue seamlessly. The track complements the visuals effectively, delivering an audio experience that remains faithful to its era while benefiting from modern restoration techniques. Despite minor instances of background noise in some scenes, these do not detract significantly from the superb overall audio quality. This presentation is surely commendable and will undoubtedly satisfy both new viewers and long-standing fans alike.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Good Fairy" provide a mixed experience. The standout feature is an audio commentary by film historian Simon Abrams, whose detailed research delves into the differences between the original play and its film adaptation, censorship challenges, and the personal lives of key figures like William Wyler and Herbert Marshall. However, Abrams' presentation is hampered by frequent mispronunciations and a tendency to read directly from his sources, making the commentary feel laboured. In addition, the disc includes the film's original theatrical trailer and a collection of trailers from other Kino Lorber releases.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Film Critic and Author Simon Abrams: Detailed yet often laboured discussion on film production and personnel.
• The Good Fairy Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.
• Kino Trailers: Previews for other Kino Lorber releases such as "The Great McGinty," "Christmas in July," "The Children's Hour," "The Big Country," "Murder!," and "Gog."

"The Good Fairy," directed by William Wyler and penned by Preston Sturges, is a charming romantic-comedy that expertly blends wit, pathos, and slapstick. Based on Ferenc Molnár's 1930s play “A j� t�nd�r,” the film stars Margaret Sullavan as Luisa Ginglebusher, a naive orphan turned usherette who stumbles upon a chance to better her life and the lives of others. Sullavan's angelic innocence and endearing sincerity make her character's journey both captivating and moving. She is supported by a stellar cast including Frank Morgan as the amorous Konrad and Herbert Marshall as the beleaguered lawyer Max Sporum, whose lives are upended by Luisa's well-meaning deceptions.

The film is a remarkable showcase of 1930s Hollywood, featuring the inspired script by Sturges that had to cleverly navigate the restrictive Hollywood Production Code. Sturges' adaptation retains the narrative's bright and airy charm while focusing on rapid-fire dialogue and physical comedy. William Wyler's directorial finesse ensures that the film’s brisk pace never lags, skillfully managing a tight blend of humor and sentimentality. Heinz Roemheld's dynamic musical score and Norbert Brodine's evocative black-and-white cinematography amplify the film’s lively spirit, while Vera West's costume design adds a touch of elegance.

"The Good Fairy" is elevated by standout performances and exceptional production values. Morgan delivers a show-stealing performance with his comic timing, overshadowing even the charming Marshall. Reginald Owen's protective waiter adds an additional layer of humor. Wyler’s smooth direction harmonizes these elements into a delightful whole, making “The Good Fairy” a forgotten gem of the Golden Age that deserves renewed appreciation.

William Wyler's "The Good Fairy" emerges as a noteworthy gem in the romantic-comedy genre, showcasing a blend of wit, charm, and exceptional filmmaking. The film features a brilliant script by Preston Sturges, complemented by Wyler's meticulous direction. Margaret Sullavan's captivating performance, supported by Herbert Marshall and Frank Morgan, brings the madcap plot to life with effervescence and humor. This Blu-ray release benefits from a stunning 4K restoration that enhances the visual and audio quality, making it a must-have for both classic film aficionados and new viewers alike.

The technical presentation on this Blu-ray is nothing short of remarkable. The 85-year-old classic has been revitalized through Kino Lorber’s meticulous work, resulting in an impressive visual experience that captures the film's original charm. This new 4K scan breathes new life into the film, offering an enhanced clarity that allows Wyler's cinematic artistry to shine through in every frame. The audio restoration ensures that the witty dialogues remain crisp and engaging, preserving the spirit of Sturges' original screenplay.

A charming gem that is a classic romantic-comedy through-and-through, "The Good Fairy" is a delightful experience from start to finish. It is a testament to William Wyler's directorial prowess. With a standout performance by Margaret Sullavan and a top-notch script by Preston Sturges, the film remains a magical experience for viewers. The Blu-ray, featuring an impressive 4K scan, comes highly recommended for those looking to rediscover this glorious Golden Age gem or encounter it for the first time.