You Can't Take It with You Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "You Can't Take It with You," presented by Sony-Columbia, is a remarkable feat considering the significant challenges faced during its 4K restoration. Grover Crisp and his team spearheaded an intricate and labor-intensive restoration process, contending with the absence of the original picture negative, presumed destroyed in the 1940s. Utilizing a third-generation nitrate duplicate negative, supplemented by a 1939 print found on a former Capra ranch, they meticulously crafted a transfer that merges various sources to achieve the best possible image quality within the project's constraints.

The AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.37:1 aspect ratio exhibits surprisingly cohesive quality despite the less-than-ideal source material. The restoration team successfully assembled shots from multiple elements, resulting in an image that is more homogeneous compared to previous home video releases. While there are minute fluctuations in density, contrast, and grayscale, the overall appearance remains fairly consistent. Grain structure, although coarse at times, and a generally darker presentation due to dupe source elements, are noticeable yet manageable. Detail is middling, exacerbated by a somewhat soft and worn-looking transfer.

Gray scale and grain structure fluctuate but showcase commendable efforts from the restoration team. The image maintains a level of clarity that compensates for weak contrasts and lackluster black levels. The film admirably resists shimmering patterns and minimizes specks, marks, and scratches. Moments of softness are typical of its era, especially in gauzy close-ups. Overall, considering the difficult conditions under which this project was undertaken, this restoration is a respectable achievement, honoring the integrity of this Oscar-winning film while providing an appreciable viewing experience.

The Blu-Ray audio presentation of "You Can't Take It With You" features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track, which provides a commendable reproduction of the film's dialogue-heavy content. This track, sourced from a 1939 print and a safety fine grain master, supports the rapid-fire dialogue efficiently, ensuring clear and well-modulated sound throughout. While the track is largely free of age-related imperfections and surface noise, it still reveals the technological limitations of its original recording when musical interludes play. During these moments, the narrowness and boxiness of the stems become apparent, though they remain non-intrusive.

The limited dynamic range of the audio is noticeable; however, it integrates well with the film’s material. Effects, such as the explosive fireworks sequence, are delivered with sufficient oomph to make an impression. The cacophony within the Sycamore household sometimes borders on shrill, along with Dimitri Tiomkin’s bouncy score. Still, most conversations are easily understandable, and the music fills the room comfortably. Despite the track’s lack of resonance and showy sonic moments apart from a few key sequences, it serves its purpose and maintains good prioritization, ensuring a clear audio experience in line with the era's standards.

The Blu-ray extras for "You Can't Take It With You" present a mix of informative and engaging content. The commentary by Frank Capra, Jr. and Cathrine Kellison offers a detailed, yet occasionally dry discussion on cast biographies, production design, and differences between the play and film adaptation. While it includes interesting anecdotes and quotes from Frank Capra, it sometimes struggles to keep the listener’s interest over the lengthy film. Conversely, the featurette "Frank Capra, Jr. Remembers 'You Can't Take It With You'" is a gripping and personal recollection that deftly covers behind-the-scenes topics such as casting and thematic development, though it occasionally veers into less relevant stories. The theatrical trailer serves more as a nostalgic teaser for the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Frank Capra, Jr. and Author Cathrine Kellison: Informative yet sometimes dull. Discusses cast biographies, production design, anecdotes about Frank Capra.
• Frank Capra, Jr. Remembers You Can't Take It With You: Personal and insightful recollection of the film's history.
• Theatrical Trailer: Nostalgic teaser with brief glimpses of the film.

Frank Capra's 1938 film adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway comedy "You Can't Take It With You" by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart is a delightful and astutely observant study of class distinction and family dynamics, layered with Capra's characteristic social idealism. The film ingeniously balances the comedic excesses of the eccentric Vanderhof family with the more restrained but equally compelling Kirby clan, leading to an engaging narrative punctuated by situational and character-driven humor. Notably, Capra, utilizing Robert Riskin's screenplay adaptation, makes several strategic modifications to emphasize his vision of celebrating the common man's perseverance against formidable societal forces.

The film opens in the structured world of the Kirbys before transitioning to the chaotic exuberance of the Vanderhofs. The storyline follows Kirby’s son, Tony (James Stewart), as he falls in love with Alice Sycamore (Jean Arthur), the only seemingly 'normal' member of the quirky Vanderhof household. Capra skillfully juxtaposes these two families, setting up a clash that reaches both comedic and philosophical heights. Lionel Barrymore’s performance as Martin Vanderhof, the family's patriarch, alongside Spring Byington’s role as Penny Sycamore and Samuel S. Hinds as her fireworks-obsessed husband, encapsulates the film’s spirit of whimsical rebellion against societal norms.

Despite its vintage, "You Can't Take It With You" exudes a timeless resonance, capturing themes of individualism and community. Capra's decision to shift focus away from pure romance towards an ideological struggle between the patriarchs adds depth to the narrative. While some revisions from the original play feel unnecessary and may dilute the frenetic pace, Riskin retains much of Kaufman and Hart's sharp humor. The resulting film earned Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director, underscoring its lasting impact. Despite showing its age in certain areas, its core message about valuing personal satisfaction over material wealth remains poignantly relevant.

Frank Capra's "You Can't Take It With You," a 1938 Best Picture and Best Director Oscar winner, is an exemplary showcase of Capra’s talent and humanistic ideals. Often compared to Capra's other classics like "It Happened One Night" and "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," it retains a unique charm through its mix of farcical comedy and resonant social themes, such as individualism and brotherly love. Jean Arthur, James Stewart, Lionel Barrymore, and Edward Arnold deliver spirited performances that drive the film's humor and emotional undertones, ensuring it remains engaging despite its somewhat dated humor and inherent staginess stemming from its theatrical origins.

Sony's new Blu-ray edition of this film is a commendable endeavor, especially considering the problematic state of the original source elements. The 4K restoration showcases an impressive effort to preserve the film's visual quality, although there remain some video and audio issues that may not satisfy the staunchest videophiles. Despite these minor shortcomings, the transfer significantly enhances the viewing experience, presenting a clearer, more vibrant rendition of this Capra classic. The digibook packaging adds a touch of elegance, making it a valuable addition to any film collection.

If you've never seen (let alone performed in) the original stage version of "You Can't Take It With You," you may miss some of the original's forceful comedic impact. However, the film adaptation remains undeniably hilarious and unexpectedly touching. With understanding of the source elements' provenance and an appreciation for the adaptive work done by Capra and his team, this Blu-ray edition comes highly recommended. Whether for its historical significance or its delightful performances, "You Can't Take It With You" remains a worthy piece for any film enthusiast's library.