Blu-ray Review A Few Words About A few words about…™ Gold Diggers of 1933 – in Blu-ray (1 Viewer)

[Robert Harris]

One of the quintessential musicals of the '30s, and typical of Warners' output during the era, Melvyn Le Roy's Gold Diggers of 1933 is pure classic Hollywood gold.

And (typically) it's been treated as such by Warner Archive.

With a scan from a beautifully produced fine grain master - no need to return to the negative - it's everything that one might wish from the film.

It's a breezy 98 minutes, kicking into high gear just a minute after the logo hits the screen, with a 21 year-old Ginger Rogers telling the world that the depression was over. A huge musical number that would was only a hint of things to come in the film.

The new Blu-ray has its entire gray scale, film grain, gorgeous black levels, and a steady image. I'm certain that it's DP, Sol Polito (Adventures of Robin Hood, Sergeant York), would be thrilled.

Rack up another perfect release for Warner Archive.

Want more? Support them with purchases.

Image – 5

Audio – 5

Pass / Fail – Pass

Upgrade from DVD - You'd better believe it

Up-rez to 4k - Beautiful

Very Highly Recommended

RAH

 

[benbess]

Gold Diggers of 1933 is very entertaining. With this great review and high score for this new restoration it's now ordered. As mentioned, it's a good feeling to think that every Warner Archive purchase helps fund the next restoration.

 

[Joel Arndt]

This is a very fun Pre-code musical and glad to know WBMPI did another of their stellar jobs to bring this to Blu-ray. Pre-ordered as well.

 

[PMF]

For those who like to program double-bill fares for their guests, might I suggest Gold Diggers of 1933 to be followed by Arthur Penn’s Bonnie & Clyde.

A definite purchase and may I never take for granted the excellence being put forth from WAC.

 

[benbess]

For those who like to program double-bill fares for their guests, might I suggest Gold Diggers of 1933 to be followed by Arthur Penn’s Bonnie & Clyde.

A definite purchase and may I never take for granted the excellence being put forth from WAC.

Interesting double feature! What's your thinking behind it?

 

[PMF]

Interesting double feature! What's your thinking behind it?

Refuge is taken inside a darkened movie theater by a Barrow Gang on the run.

The film being shown is Gold Diggers of 1933.

“We’re in the Money” is ironically playing out upon the screen as our desperate band of bank robbers both bicker and watch on.

 

[benbess]

Refuge is taken inside a darkened movie theater by a Barrow Gang on the run.

The film being shown is Gold Diggers of 1933.

“We’re in the Money” is the number being ironically half watched by Clyde.

It's been so long since I've seen Bonnie and Clyde that I'd forgotten that lol! You're right, that would make a good double feature.

 

[Alan Tully]

Ah, yes

I pre-ordered it last month (along with The Three Musketeers), it's my favourite B.B. What a start, & what an ending! And how about all those numbers in between.

...& I fancy re-watching Bonnie and Clyde now.

 

[sbjork]

I cannot wait to get my hands on this. It's hands-down my favorite Busby Berkley musical, and yes, that means I prefer it to 42nd Street. (That's still a great film, by the way; I just prefer Gold Diggers.) It's been one of my last remaining Blu-ray Holy Grails.

 

[jayembee]

It's been one of my last remaining Blu-ray Holy Grails.

Lucky you! I still have a metric shitload of Blu-ray Holy Grails...

 

[Dick]

For those who like to program double-bill fares for their guests, might I suggest Gold Diggers of 1933 to be followed by Arthur Penn’s Bonnie & Clyde.

A definite purchase and may I never take for granted the excellence being put forth from WAC.

Nice to see you back on the forum, Philip! Your double-feature proposal is certainly esoteric, and, period-wise, the connection is worth making. I'd run GOLDDIGGERS first, probably, since that would make the Barrows gang watching it instantly connectable. Also, BONNIE AND CLYDE shouts out for a new transfer from the negative, as it, along with THE WILD BUNCH, COOL HAND LUKE etc. were among the very early Warner Bros. Blu-rays (in snapper cases!).

 

[Bryan^H]

I have this on order, and I can't wait to watch it!

 

[RobertMG]

One of the quintessential musicals of the '30s, and typical of Warners' output during the era, Melvyn Le Roy's Gold Diggers of 1933 is pure classic Hollywood gold.

And (typically) it's been treated as such by Warner Archive.

With a scan from a beautifully produced fine grain master - no need to return to the negative - it's everything that one might wish from the film.

It's a breezy 98 minutes, kicking into high gear just a minute after the logo hits the screen, with a 21 year-old Ginger Rogers telling the world that the depression was over. A huge musical number that would was only a hint of things to come in the film.

The new Blu-ray has its entire gray scale, film grain, gorgeous black levels, and a steady image. I'm certain that it's DP, Sol Polito (Adventures of Robin Hood, Sergeant York), would be thrilled.

Rack up another perfect release for Warner Archive.

Want more? Support them with purchases.

Image – 5

Audio – 5

Pass / Fail – Pass

Upgrade from DVD - You'd better believe it

Up-rez to 4k - Beautiful

Very Highly Recommended

RAH

Does the original OCN still exist? I am really looking forward to DAMES getting the same TLC!

 

[Waldo Lydecker]

Actually, the perfect double feature pairing with “Goldiggers of 1933” is “The Boyfriend” from 1970. Ken Russell’s paen to Busby Berkeley musicals of the 30’s. MGM’s last lavish musical features Glenda Jackson just after “Sunday Bloody Sunday” The backstage musical from a British slant was recently restored by WB Achives. Twiggy delights and Tommy Tune taps away!

 

[cadavra]

Actually, the perfect double feature pairing with “Goldiggers of 1933” is “The Boyfriend” from 1970. Ken Russell’s paen to Busby Berkeley musicals of the 30’s. MGM’s last lavish musical features Glenda Jackson just after “Sunday Bloody Sunday” The backstage musical from a British slant was recently restored by WB Achives. Twiggy delights and Tommy Tune taps away!

Well, since "Boy Friend" is a parody of "42nd Street" (Jackson plays the Bebe Daniels character), that strikes me as the more logical pairing.

 

[AnthonyClarke]

Either would go nicely as bed-partner for 'the Boyfriend'. Delightful romp.

 

[warnerbro]

Can't wait! Now, Warner Bros., can we get A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (1935)?

 

[Mark Mayes]

Can we just say how a performance like Aline MacMahon's is another big reason this film is the best of the "Golddiggers" series. She is the template for how to zing 'em .

 

[Will Krupp]

Can we just say how a performance like Aline MacMahon's is another big reason this film is the best of the "Golddiggers" series. She is the template for how to zing 'em .

"Another look at him with those bedroom eyes and I'll BREAK your LEG!"

 

[sbjork]

She's the best:

"Aw, gee. I look much better in clothes than any of you. If Barney could see me in clothes --”

"He wouldn't recognize you."