A few words about…™ The Three Musketeers (1948) – in Blu-ray

It’s more Warner Archive, with that same old, same old…

Lana Turner, Gene Kelly, June Allyson, Van Heflin, Angela Lansbury, and some other folks from M-G-M, doing yet another costume drama in three-strip Technicolor.

And typically, when decent, good enough masters are already available, going back to the original nitrate camera negatives, and coming out with something that’s merely other-worldly.

So…

If classic Technicolor looking other-worldly, and perfectly replicating the appearance of an original nitrate print is your thing, then have at it.

“Perfect” is the word from this meticulous restoration from Warner Archive via their secret weapon – MPI.

If you already have this on VHS, and you feel it’s good enough, then no need to go further, but if you’ve got a thing for Technicolor…

A magnificent production that could not look better.

Have I used the term “perfect?”

Image – 5

Audio – 5

Pass / Fail – Pass

Upgrade from DVD or VHS – I’d do more than think about it

Up-rez to 4k – Magnificent

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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benbess

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Ben
Thanks for the great review. Ordered. Looking forward to another fantastic release of an old favorite.

That old saying comes to mind: "Like watching it again for the first time."
 

Randy Korstick

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Great news. I have loved this movie since I 1st discovered it on VHS in the mid 80's. I upgraded it to Laserdisc in the early 90's and then DVD in the mid 2000's so of course I'm getting the blu ray. Looking forward to revisiting this its been more than 10 years.
 

Mark B

Screenwriter
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This is such great news. The DVD was SUCH a botch job with that crazy contrast level it'll be SO nice to toss it once and for all. That's ONE case where the VHS was preferable, lol.
The VHS/Laserdisc one one of the best transfers from that first home media sell through wave circa 1983-1988. The Three Muskateers was featured in the Great Books on Video clamshell collection (red leatherette and gold) from MGM/UA. It is also one of the few that had a laserdisc counterpart with the same cover theme.

Shadowy scenes in Technicolor firelight. This BluRay is going to blow us away, methinks.
 

warnerbro

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I'm not really interested in this film, but I love seeing original nitrate Technicolor blu rays done by Warner Bros. but I always end up buying theme because they are beautiful to look at. Can't wait for A STAR IS BORN (1937) and THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF THE BROTHERS GRIMM (Cinerama).
 

Capt D McMars

Bernuli Tech Vet
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Todd Doc Sigmier
I'm getting the WBA edtion but if you also want the original 1921 refelected in the cover banner follow me!!!
 

Doom

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Nori
That's amazing that the silent version is getting a blu ray too. It's the first time I hear of the Film Preservation Society. I hope they do more Douglas Fairbanks blu rays. I love those movies.

I'm a new user here, first post, but very excited to finally do more than lurking on this wonderful forum.
 
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