One of the great American musicals, the 1936 Show Boat, with massive talent in the leads, including one of the finest voices ever recorded, Paul Robeson, and original cast member, Helen Morgan.
Derived from a safety fgm, Criterion’s new Blu, is the best I’ve ever seen this film look.
Gorgeous gray scale, perfect grain structure, great black levels.
Just grab a copy.
Don’t know who Paul Robeson was?
Best to find out.
While viewing, keep mind of the Showboat barge itself, and how location footage is blended and cut with partial views, overhangs, fore and background of parts of the set.
And last but not least, and fit for an interesting discussion, directed by James Whale, the top director of horror for the studio – Universal.
Image – 5
Audio – 5
Pass / Fail – Pass
Upgrade from DVD – Yes
Very Highly Recommended
RAH

Robert has been known in the film industry for his unmatched skill and passion in film preservation. Growing up around photography, his first home theater experience began at age ten with 16mm. Years later he was running 35 and 70mm at home.
His restoration projects have breathed new life into classic films like Lawrence of Arabia, Vertigo, My Fair Lady, Spartacus, and The Godfather series. Beyond his restoration work, he has also shared his expertise through publications, contributing to the academic discourse on film restoration. The Academy Film Archive houses the Robert A. Harris Collection, a testament to his significant contributions to film preservation.
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