The Shop Around the Corner Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive's restoration of "The Shop Around the Corner" in 1080p is a noteworthy enhancement that far surpasses the previous DVD iterations. Utilizing what appears to be a fresh 2K scan of the film's interpositive, the resultant AVC MPEG-4 transfer is marked by its pristine clarity and a stable, artifact-free presentation. This remastering effort meticulously balances a rich grain structure with high levels of fine detail, particularly evident in close-ups and intricate textures like shop trinkets and clothing materials. Interior scenes and night-time sequences, especially the snowy Christmas Eve, showcase well-defined deep blacks and a full range of silvery grays, maintaining an authentic celluloid feel.

Despite occasional instances where brightness levels seem marginally elevated—affecting outdoor scenes with overly prominent whites—this issue appears inherent to the original photography rather than any fault in the transfer process. The overall contrast is refined, shadow delineation is solid, and there's an appreciable depth to the image with stable costume patterns and clearly discernible background elements. Importantly, prior flaws such as nicks, scratches, and faint vertical lines have been meticulously removed, ensuring a clean viewing experience devoid of digital anomalies.

This Blu-ray presentation breathes new life into William Daniels' esteemed cinematography. With perfect authoring at a high bit rate, Warner Archive has delivered a superior presentation that makes "The Shop Around the Corner" look better than ever on home video, pleasing both longtime admirers and new viewers alike.

The audio presentation of "The Shop Around the Corner" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track that significantly enhances the experience while preserving the film's original one-channel roots. This upgrade shows restrained yet commendable improvement, particularly in the clarity of dialogue which predominates the soundtrack. While the film isn’t heavy on music cues, Werner R. Heymann's score is afforded a wide dynamic range, allowing it to fill the room adequately. Despite some subtle defects like minor distortions in the opening theme and sparse exchanges, these are source-related and wisely left untreated to preserve authenticity.

Furthermore, the dialogue is consistently clear with no discernible distortion or clipping, which is crucial since the film relies heavily on one-on-one interior conversations. Sonic accents are crisp and distinct, enhancing the overall immersion without being obtrusive. Although faint surface noise can be detected in quieter moments, all notable age-related pops, crackles, and hisses have been effectively eliminated, resulting in an audio track that sounds remarkably fresh for an 80-year-old film. Additionally, optional English (SDH) subtitles are well-formatted and maintain proper sync, despite their bright yellow hue which some might find slightly distracting.

Overall, while not groundbreaking, the audio mix provides a well-balanced and engaging auditory experience that complements the film's timeless charm.

The Blu-ray release of "The Shop Around the Corner" provides a compelling selection of extras that enhance the viewing experience with a mix of vintage content and riveting radio adaptations. Though it lacks the DVD featurette "A Great Story is Worth Retelling," the Blu-ray compensates with comprehensive inclusions like two vintage radio adaptations and an insightful short on MGM's sound department. These features offer a nostalgic dive into the film's era, showcasing not only the movie itself but also the cultural and technical backdrop of its production.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Miracle of Sound: A vintage 1940 documentary short focusing on MGM films, sound technology, and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
• Screen Guild Players: A 1940 radio broadcast featuring original cast members reprising their roles in a condensed adaptation.
• Lux Radio Theater: A 1941 extended radio adaptation starring Don Ameche and Claudette Colbert.
• Theatrical Trailer: A promotional trailer with Frank Morgan and director Ernst Lubitsch introducing the film's characters and story.

"The Shop Around the Corner" stands as a quintessential example of classic romantic comedy executed with finesse by director Ernst Lubitsch. Set against the festive backdrop of Budapest’s holiday shopping season, this 1940 film pits two co-workers, Alfred Kralik (James Stewart) and Klara Novak (Margaret Sullavan), who unknowingly become anonymous pen pals while experiencing friction as top employees at the leather goods shop Matuschek and Co. The movie captures the intricacies of workplace dynamics while hiding a nuanced love story within its primary plot—a testament to Lubitsch's masterful storytelling and his ability to deliver 'The Lubitsch Touch'. Frank Morgan's portrayal of the benevolent yet mercurial shop owner Hugo Matuschek adds layers to the narrative, presenting a character grappling with personal and professional challenges.

The film excels in weaving complex interpersonal relationships among its ensemble cast, contributing to a broader canvas that transcends typical rom-com fare. Felix Bressart's portrayal of Pirovitch, Kralik's steadfast friend, along with Joseph Schildkraut as the womanizing Ferencz Vadas, enhance the storyline with depth and humor. The chemistry between Stewart and Sullavan is palpable, reflecting their comfortable rapport from previous collaborations and elevating the film’s romantic and comedic elements. Each supporting actor meticulously crafts their character’s arc, resulting in dynamic secondary plots that contribute to the film's enduring appeal.

Technically, "The Shop Around the Corner" is beautifully preserved in Warner Archive Collection’s Blu-ray release, featuring a finely remastered 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono sound. This restoration captures every nuance of Lubitsch's direction and allows new generations to appreciate the film's charm without compromising its original artistic intent. As a beloved classic that subtly incorporates Christmas themes, this film finds relevance throughout the year but shines brightest during the festive season, securing its place in the heart of holiday movie rotations.

Ernst Lubitsch's "The Shop Around the Corner" arrives on Blu-ray with impeccable timing, offering fans and newcomers a chance to experience this classic holiday romantic comedy in high definition. The film, starring Margaret Sullavan and James Stewart, showcases their delightful on-screen chemistry as they navigate the story of two store clerks who unknowingly fall in love as pen pals. This Blu-ray release from Warner Archive is supported by an exceptional new 1080p transfer that enhances the visual experience while preserving the film's nostalgic charm.

The HD remaster ensures that "The Shop Around the Corner" looks better than ever, with clean visuals and solid audio quality that complement the film's engaging dialogue and festive atmosphere. Warner Archive's disc excels with retained DVD-era bonus features and the addition of a few new supplements, making it a comprehensive package for both die-hard fans and those experiencing the film for the first time.

Charming, well-acted, and perfectly paced, Ernst Lubitsch's career highlight, "The Shop Around the Corner," is a perennial Christmas favorite. Warner Archive's disc supports the film strongly with an outstanding 1080p transfer and carries over most of the DVD features while adding some new ones. Even if you don't get it in time for the holidays, this Blu-ray is absolutely recommended for all audiences.