Imagine a timeless musical romantic comedy featuring iconic stars like Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Louis Armstrong. The magic of classic Hollywood is beautifully preserved through the Warner Archive Collection, which consistently delivers high-quality releases. The latest offering, the High Society 4K release, enables audiences to immerse themselves in this star-studded musical extravaganza, presented in its full splendor. Filmed in VistaVision, a format that enhances visual depth, and meticulously restored to feature Dolby Vision, this film promises an extraordinary viewing experience that pays homage to its rich cinematic heritage.
In this delightful film, Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and Frank Sinatra elegantly navigate the lavish landscapes of Newport, Rhode Island, giving life to a witty musical adaptation of Philip Barry’s original play, The Philadelphia Story. The legendary Louis Armstrong appears as himself, skillfully narrating the intricate romantic entanglements of C.K. Dexter Haven (Crosby), his stunning ex-wife Tracy Samantha Lord (Kelly, in her final film role), and her uptight fiancé George Kittredge (John Lund). Meanwhile, Sinatra and the quick-witted Celeste Holm portray a reporter and photographer who complicate the wedding plans. With Armstrong and his musical partner devising clever schemes to rekindle Dexter’s romance with Tracy, the stage is set for a series of enchanting Cole Porter songs that elevate the narrative. In 1956, M-G-M spared no effort to create a cinematic spectacle, utilizing Paramount’s stunning widescreen VistaVision process to ensure that High Society would be a memorable experience. Now, having undergone a meticulous 4K UHD HDR restoration and remastering from its original VistaVision negative, along with an exhilarating new Dolby Atmos remix, High Society dazzles like never before!
Under the direction of Charles Walters, High Society serves as a vibrant musical reinterpretation of the 1940 classic The Philadelphia Story. The plot centers around Crosby’s character as he endeavors to win back the heart of his ex-wife, portrayed by the ever-graceful Grace Kelly. The film exudes star power, featuring not just Crosby and Kelly, but also the legendary Frank Sinatra, Celeste Holm, and John Lund, with Louis Armstrong and his band making memorable appearances. The film’s soundtrack is a testament to Cole Porter‘s genius, featuring nine catchy songs, including the iconic duet “Well, Did You Evah!” that marks the first collaboration between Sinatra and Crosby. Although it may not rival the original The Philadelphia Story in acclaim, it stands on its own as an entertaining musical, showcasing its unique charm and appeal.
The High Society 4K release is undoubtedly one of the most visually stunning films of the year. Filmed in the exquisite VistaVision format, Warner Archive has produced a new scan of the original negative, achieving a remarkable restoration that enhances the image clarity while preserving the film grain that adds character to classic films. This release has become one of the most exquisite discs in my collection, with audio quality that matches the visual splendor, enhanced by a remarkable Dolby Atmos soundtrack. For those contemplating an upgrade to 4K, this release is a compelling reason to make the leap, especially if you have yet to experience this classic musical gem.
In addition to its breathtaking visual and audio quality, the High Society 4K release comes with over 30 minutes of engaging bonus features. This includes a fascinating 2003 retrospective, a newsreel capturing the excitement of the red carpet premiere, three radio spots featuring the legendary voices of Crosby, Kelly, and Sinatra, along with three original trailers for the film. Additionally, the release includes a delightful Droopy cartoon from 1956 titled “Millionaire Droopy,” providing a whimsical touch that, while unrelated, adds extra entertainment value for viewers.
High Society 4K Review: What Are the Final Thoughts on This Classic Musical?
While High Society may not rank among my absolute favorite musicals, it undeniably offers a charming experience filled with unforgettable scenes. As the final film of Grace Kelly’s illustrious career—before her transition to real-life royalty—witnessing the chemistry of this iconic trio is a genuine delight. The Warner Archive has done an exceptional job restoring this classic, ensuring that it has never looked or sounded quite this good, making it a must-see for both fans of classic cinema and newcomers alike.
Disclosure: The distributor provided the product for our High Society 4K review.
