Because of Him Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		0.0
Overall		4.5

Because of Him Blu-ray Movie Review

A beautiful classic arrives on Blu-ray.

Because of Him is an enchanting musical comedy based on the story “Catherine the Last” by Edmund Beloin and Sig Herzig. Produced by Felix Jackson (I'll Be Yours, Lady on a Train), Because of Him charms with a wonderful storyline and outstanding classic filmmaking. Starring Deanna Durbin, Charles Laughton, and Franchot Tone.

Broadway actor John Sheridan (Charles Laughton) decides to cast an unknown opposite him in his next major role. Enlisting the help of playwright Paul Taylor (Franchot Tone) to bring the story to life, the play begins its creative journey. Waitress Kim Walker (Deanna Durbin) learns of the play and Sheridan's intentions to cast a unknown.

Hoping to get her big break in Broadway, Kim pretends to be a more experienced actress in order to win the role. Drama ensues as Kim becomes cast in the role. Can Kim become a Broadway star?

Deanna Durbin is one of the most beautiful and charming actresses in Hollywood history. Durbin gives an outstanding performance in Because of Him. The role allows her to showcase her comedic abilities and her dramatic range. The performance is one of the best in Durbin's career.

Charles Laughton is similarly impressive in the opposite role. Laughton is a superb actor and this was a great part. The collaboration between Durbin and Laughton provided plenty of opportunities for both actors to shine.

A great performance by Deanna Durbin.

The cinematography by Hal Mohr (A Midsummer Night's Dream, Phantom of the Opera ) radiates beauty. The black-and-white cinematography is stunning. Because of Him is one of the best looking gems in Durbin's career. There is something hypnotic about the visuals.

The art direction by Robert Clatworthy (Psycho, Touch of Evil) and John B. Goodman (Shadow of a Doubt, Hang 'Em High) is outstanding. The Broadway production elements are well detailed. The filmmaking has a sense of genuine authenticity: from the little cafe Durbin's character works in to the backdrop of a hotel.

The score composed by Miklos Rozsa (Double Indemnity, Spellbound) is a wonderful effort by the Academy Award winning composer. The score provides the film with the right sense of gravitas and whimsy. The score includes “Good Bye” and the Rodgers & Hart classic “Lover” (in addition to other gems).

The costumes by Travis Banton (The Paradine Case, The Shanghai Express) are gorgeous and well designed. Deanna Durbin looks beautiful and graceful in her costumes. Charles Laughton benefits thoroughly from a first-rate costume as well.

The screenplay by Edmund Beloin (Lady on a Train, G.I. Blues) is enchanting and full of unexpected delights. Because of Him is one of the most entertaining Durbin films and the screenplay played a big part in the success of the film. The storytelling is vibrant and engaging. There is never a dull moment and the script has great dialogue (witty and unique).

Directed by Richard Wallace (Captain Caution, Kick In), Because of Him is a beautiful classic which no Deanna Durbin fan should ever miss. Wallace crafted a thoroughly entertaining gem with Because of Him and there is something beautiful in every frame. A classic gem.

Because of Him Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Universal, Because of Him is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the theatrical aspect ratio of 1.33:1 full frame. The picture-quality is top notch. The scan has great depth and the black and white cinematography shines on the release. A remarkably crisp presentation, the only nit-picks are occasional specks of dirt on the print and occasional scratches. Because of Him benefits from a mostly clean and naturally filmic scan.

Because of Him Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono. The release has exceptional sound quality. Dialogue is clear and easy to understanding throughout. The track has wonderful detail and clarity. There are no issues with egregious hiss, crackle, pops, or clicks.

Optional English SDH subtitles (for the deaf and hard of hearing) are provided.

Because of Him Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release includes no supplemental features.

Because of Him Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Because of Him is one of the greatest Deanna Durbin films. The filmmaking shines with outstanding direction by Richard Wallace (Captain Caution). The lush black-and-white cinematography looks beautiful and organic. The presentation benefits from a superb video-audio presentation. Highly recommended.