Room for One More Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of "Room for One More" showcases a video presentation derived from meticulous preservation efforts and a fresh 2K scan. Benefiting from the adept cinematography of Robert Burks, known for his collaborations with Hitchcock, this 1080p transfer captures the film's stylistic lighting choices with impressive fidelity. The transfer boasts rich black levels with smooth contrast, avoiding any signs of crush. Natural grain enhances the visual appeal, reminiscent of the period's film stock quality, whether nitrate or otherwise.

The new master, utilizing the finest surviving elements, delivers a crystal-clear 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer. This includes a finely rendered grain structure that preserves the celluloid aesthetic, paired with remarkable clarity and contrast. Gray tones are beautifully graded, and shadow details are well delineated. Cary Grant's close-ups are particularly striking, highlighting his signature tan and slick hair. The transfer excels in reproducing the textures of costumes and settings, from the meticulously detailed Rose family home to the rustic seaside cabin.

Presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, the Blu-ray image is rock steady, devoid of any wear or debris. The transfer demonstrates a full grayscale range and abundant detail that brings forth the elegance of Burks' cinematography. The visual fidelity surpasses Warner Archive's earlier DVD-R edition, solidifying this release as another high-quality addition to the company's portfolio. Fans and newcomers alike will be pleased with this faithful and visually stunning presentation.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track for "Room for One More" delivers a robust audio experience, expertly maintaining the film's split mono origins. Dialogue clarity is impressive, conveying every line crisply and without obstructions like ADR or age-related artifacts such as drop-outs, pops, or hisses. The audio mix strikes a commendable balance, harmonizing dialogue with background effects and Max Steiner’s whimsical score. Although the high end may occasionally feel slightly thin, the track universally retains a solid sonic presence with a satisfactory amount of weight, suggesting that the original source material was in excellent condition.

This DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono track is punctuated with vibrant sound effects and nuanced atmospherics, enhancing the on-screen action and immersing the listener into the film's quieter moments. Accents such as honking horns, crying babies, shattering glass, and crashing waves are rendered with precise clarity. Moreover, Steiner’s score benefits from a wide dynamic range that handles highs and lows without distortion, ensuring both the music and ambient sounds enhance rather than overshadow the dialogue. The optional English (SDH) subtitles are well-formatted and synchronous, providing an additional layer of access without any syncing issues. This audio track stands out for its purist-friendly presentation, refraining from unnecessary sweetening and preserving the original sonic integrity of this classic film.

The Blu-ray release of "Room for One More" comes with several noteworthy extras that elevate the overall package. It features beautifully restored classic Looney Tunes shorts, including "Operation: Rabbit," where Bugs Bunny faces off against Wile E. Coyote, and "Feed the Kitty," showcasing the charming interaction between a tough bulldog named Marc Anthony and an adorable kitten. These high-definition restorations preserve the charm and humor of the original animations, providing a delightful trip down memory lane. Additionally, the disc includes the movie's original theatrical trailer, also presented in HD, which highlights the comedic and romantic elements of the film while keeping its heartwarming moments under wraps. The lack of a radio adaptation featuring Grant is a notable omission but does not detract significantly from the overall value offered by these period-specific features.

Extras included in this disc:

• Classic Looney Tunes Shorts: High-definition restorations of classic cartoons "Operation: Rabbit" and "Feed the Kitty."
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer emphasizing the film’s plot and comedic elements.

"Room for One More" is a charming, yet nuanced family comedy directed by Norman Taurog, centered around foster parenting and the dynamics it introduces within a household. Starring the real-life couple Cary Grant and Betsy Drake, the film is inspired by Anna Perrott Rose’s autobiography. Betsy Drake plays Anna, who, after losing a fourth child, decides that her family isn’t complete and persuades her reticent husband George (Grant) to adopt troubled teenagers Jane (Iris Mann) and Jimmy John (Clifford Tatum Jr.). Drake’s portrayal strikes a balance between the headstrong matriarch and the nurturing caregiver, while Grant delivers his usual charm mixed with a comic bewilderment.

Despite its heartwarming theme, the transition from heartfelt drama to breezy comedy occasionally feels disjointed. The screenplay by Jack Rose and Melville Shavelson oscillates between forced sitcom-like humor and moments of genuine emotion. This uneven pacing is smoothed over by Taurog’s adept direction, where he allows his actors room to navigate their characters' complexities. The film avoids the overly sugary endings typical of 1950s family films, aiming instead for a satisfying closure that doesn't feel contrived.

The new Blu-ray release showcases the film’s understated yet attractive cinematography with a robust 1080p transfer. While the disc is light on extras, the main feature’s charm is more than enough to justify it as a valuable addition to any collection. Notably, young George Winslow’s debut performance is a highlight, stealing scenes with his adorable yet mature demeanor. Despite its minor flaws and somewhat episodic structure, "Room for One More" remains an entertaining and heartfelt exploration of foster parenting, anchored by strong performances from Drake and Grant.

"Room for One More," a heartwarming family comedy, offers a masterful blend of humor and sentimental storytelling. In this 1952 film starring Cary Grant and Betsy Drake, real-life husband and wife at the time, the onscreen chemistry is palpable, contributing to the film's charm. The narrative centers around the Scott family as they navigate the complexities of fostering children, delivering a mix of comedy and schmaltz while subtly addressing social issues around foster parenting. The film maintains its appeal through its endearing performances by both the adults and child actors, making it an approachable and enjoyable watch for audiences of all ages.

Warner Archive’s Blu-ray release of "Room for One More" delivers excellent technical specifications. The high-quality video transfer enhances the film’s timeless appeal, with meticulously restored visuals that bring clarity to the black-and-white cinematography. The audio quality is equally impressive, ensuring that dialogues and the musical score are crisp and clear. In addition to the main feature, the Blu-ray includes a selection of beautifully restored vintage cartoons, which serve as delightful accompaniments to the film experience.

Overall, "Room for One More" remains a delightful family movie nearly seven decades after its initial release. While providing a rosy view of foster parenting, it captures the excitement and challenges of expanding a family through adoption. Warner Archive's Blu-ray is a commendable release, both for its technical merit and the inclusion of engaging bonus features. This edition comes highly recommended for Cary Grant fans or anyone in search of a nostalgic cinematic experience.