Can't Help Singing Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		0.0
Overall		4.5

Can't Help Singing Blu-ray Movie Review

A must-see Technicolor musical.

Can't Help Singing is a Technicolor musical romantic-comedy based on the novel by Samuel J. Warshawsky and Curtis B. Warshawsky. From a story by John D. Klorer (Top of the World, Hers to Hold) and Leo Townsend (Dangerous Crossing, It Started with Eve), Can't Help Singing is a great showcase for song and spectacle. Produced by Felix Jackson (Bundle of Joy, Lady on a Train).

The beautiful and charming Caroline Frost (Deanna Durbin) decides to leave her hometown state of Washington behind in order to pursue the affections of officer Robert Latham (David Bruce). Enraging her controlling father, Sen. Martin Frost (Ray Collins), a reward is offered for someone to find her and bring her back home before she reaches California. With a big bounty placed on her head, Caroline Frost now evades capture and befriends card-shark Lawlor (Robert Paige) and con artists Gregory (Akim Tamiroff) and Koppa (Leonid Kinskey). Can Carorline win the love of Robert Latham?

Deanna Durbin is perfection in the leading role. Durbin is such a gifted actress and she performs her role with a clear sense of dedication to the part. Radiating confidence and beauty, Durbin brings the story forward with a sense of whimsy. Few actresses have as much natural charisma as Durbin does here.

The cinematography by Elwood Bredell (Black Friday, Adventures of Don Juan) and W. Howard Greene (When Worlds Collide, Phantom of the Opera) is visually stunning from top to bottom. The only Deanna Durbin film produced in color (let alone in beautiful Technicolor), Can't Help Singing is remarkably gorgeous: a breathtaking experience. There is something so special about Technicolor films and this is another gem of the era.

The beautiful Deanna Durbin.

The music score composed by Hans J. Salter (It Started with Eve, Incident at Phantom Hill) is fun and charming. The songs are well done as well. The music imbues the filmmaking with a highly spirited and engaging energy.

The art direction by Robert Clatworthy (Touch of Evil, Psycho) and John B. Goodman (Shadow of a Doubt, The Trouble with Harry) impresses in spades. The production merits were commendable in Can't Help Singing and there is a sense of creativity throughout. A beautifully crafted production.

The costumes by Walter Plunkett (Singin' in the Rain, Stagecoach) were some of the best in any Deanna Durbin film. Can't Help Singing has gorgeous gowns and Durbin is well adorned in the outstanding costumes designed for her. A remarkable effort.

Directed by Frank Ryan (So Goes My Love, Patrick the Great), who co-penned the screenplay alongside Lewis R. Foster (Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Tropic Zone), Can't Help Singing mesmerizes from beginning to end. The screenplay has great dialogue and a solid storyline.

Ryan proves to be solid director on Can't Help Singing. The romance soars. The music enchants. The filmmaking stuns. Can't Help Singing is a Technicolor marvel. Don't miss it.

Can't Help Singing Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Universal, Can't Help Singing is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.33:1 full frame. The release presents the film wonderfully. The Technicolor print is in exceptional condition. The colors are well reproduced. The presentation is mostly clean and there is little in the way of print damage. The only negative to the presentation is occasional contrast fluctuations (and yet the picture-quality is mostly stable throughout).

Can't Help Singing Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono. Can't Help Singing has exceptional sound quality. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The music selections and score are well reproduced. The track doesn't suffer from egregious hiss, crackle, warps, pops, clicks, and other audio anomalies.

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

Can't Help Singing Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release has no supplemental features.

Can't Help Singing Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Can't Help Singing is a joy. The filmmaking is creative and energetic. Deanna Durbin radiates with both beauty and charisma. The film is a must-see for Durbin fans. The Blu-ray release has a strong video-audio presentation. Highly recommended.