Explore the enchanting world of High Society in its stunning 4K release, featuring iconic performances and timeless music.
High Society 4K Review: A Star-Studded Musical Experience
A musical romantic comedy featuring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Louis Armstrong? Hollywood was once a very different place. One of the greatest joys of the Warner Archive Collection is the opportunity to experience cinematic treasures from the past, coupled with the exceptional quality of their releases. The new High Society 4K release allows audiences to enjoy this star-studded musical in all its glory, beautifully shot in VistaVision and meticulously restored to showcase in Dolby Vision.
“Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and Frank Sinatra elegantly traverse the scenic, affluent landscapes of Newport, Rhode Island, in this witty musical adaptation of Philip Barry’s The Philadelphia Story. The legendary Louis Armstrong appears as himself, playing his trumpet and narrating the romantic escapades of his songwriter friend C.K. Dexter Haven (Crosby), his perfectionist ex-wife Tracy Samantha Lord (Kelly, in her final film role), and her uptight fiancé George Kittredge (John Lund). Sinatra and the witty Celeste Holm play a reporter and photographer who complicate the wedding plans, while Armstrong and his composer friend devise musical schemes to thwart Tracy’s marriage. Dexter wants her back, but she runs off with the magazine writer — all of which provides delightful excuses to break into the timeless songs of Cole Porter. M-G-M went all out to make High Society a must-see film in 1956, even licensing Paramount’s stunning widescreen process VistaVision to ensure the film would be extraordinary. Now, meticulously restored and remastered in 4K UHD HDR and Dolby Vision from its original negative, accompanied by a thrilling new Dolby Atmos remixed soundtrack, High Society looks and sounds better than ever!” says the official description.
Overview of High Society
Directed by Charles Walters, High Society is a musical remake of the 1940 classic The Philadelphia Story. The film centers on Bing Crosby’s character as he attempts to win back his ex-wife, played by the ever-charming Grace Kelly. The star power is palpable, with Frank Sinatra, Celeste Holm, and John Lund completing the main cast, alongside Louis Armstrong and his band. The nine catchy songs are crafted by the legendary Cole Porter, featuring the first collaboration between Sinatra and Crosby in the memorable “Well, Did You Evah!” This film also marks Kelly’s sole musical performance. While it may not reach the heights of The Philadelphia Story, it remains an enjoyable film that brings its own charm through its musical elements.
Visual and Audio Quality
The High Society 4K release is among the best-looking films of the year. Shot in VistaVision, Warner Archive has delivered a new scan of the original negative, expertly cleaning the image while preserving film grain. It’s truly one of the most stunning discs I’ve had the pleasure of owning, with audio equally well-restored through a Dolby Atmos mix. This release is a compelling reason to upgrade to 4K and a must-have for anyone who hasn’t seen it before.
Bonus Features
The High Society 4K release includes over 30 minutes of bonus content, featuring a 2003 retrospective, a newsreel showcasing the red carpet, three radio spots (with Crosby, Kelly, and Sinatra), and three original trailers for the film. Additionally, there’s a fun Droopy cartoon from 1956 titled “Millionaire Droopy,” which serves as a delightful extra, even if it’s unrelated.
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Final Verdict
While High Society may not be my favorite musical, it is a charming film filled with memorable scenes. It marks the final film of Grace Kelly’s career as she transitioned from Hollywood to royalty, making the reunion of the main trio a genuine treat. Warner Archive’s High Society 4K does an exceptional job of restoring this classic, ensuring it has never looked or sounded better.
Disclosure: Distributor provided product for our High Society 4K review.
