Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Champagne Blu-ray Movie Review

A charmer from the comedic mind of Alfred Hitchcock

Champagne is a sweet and charming comedic delight from the brilliant mind of Alfred Hitchcock (Rebecca, Notorious). Produced during Hitchcock's early British years, the film comes from an engaging story written by Walter C. Mycroft (A Woman in the Night). An old-fashioned comedic delight that Hitchcock fans will find to be a great diversion (despite it not fitting the form of the auteur).

The sweet and beautiful Betty (Betty Balfour) is a young woman who dreams of finding the perfect romance to whisk her away. Betty meets a handsome and charming man who soon becomes her boyfriend (Jean Bradin). The pair are initially inseparable and the romance emitting from them (understandably) carries real heat.

The once bubbly relationship starts to find trouble when Betty's enormously wealthy father (Gordon Harker) becomes concerned that her boyfriend is nothing more than a gold-digger who is only interested in her for access to his fame and fortune. Making matters much worse, Betty's father soon learn that due to a stock market crash their fortunes are rapidly disappearing. Upon hearing the family news, Betty's boyfriend leaves in a flash. Was Betty's father right about him or will their romance once again be able to be kindled?

"Kiss me?"

An exceptional early production by the great Alfred Hitchcock, Champagne has impressive cinematography on display by Jack E. Cox (Jumping for Joy, The Lady Vanishes). The visuals brings the romantic storyline to life with gusto in every frame. This may be a silent classic but it has the kind of energy necessary to give modern productions a run for their money.

Champagne has a surprisingly vital production aesthetic as well. The quality art direction by C. Wilfred Arnold (The Agitator, Museum Mystery) gives the high-flying environment surrounding Betty and her father a successful drive which simply works wonders by and large. Ultimately, it's worth noting that none of the excitement or drama of the story would be so effective were it not for the memorable compositions created for the score by Ben Model (Hearts and Diamonds, Casey at the Bat). A wondrous score that fits the material like a glove.

Written and Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Champagne showcases the director's affections for crafting entertaining stories first and foremost. Hitchcock was never interested in boring an audience with just craftsmanship and nothing else. A constant entertainer (who crafted art in the filmmaking medium), it doesn't surprise that Champagne is another stellar concoction of the director. Though the film might be outdated it some respects (compared to later Hitchcock productions), Champagne nonetheless has more than enough pleasures to offer audiences. Hitchcock brings the best out of his cast (and Betty Balfour delivers performance worth the price of admission alone). A fun, breezy, and memorable film that is worth a watch.

Champagne Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Champagne has received a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.33:1 full frame. This is a generally satisfactory transfer of the film. Though the scan has heavier grain than on the other prints in the collection (and is sometimes a bit egregious in its appearance), grain is good.

The scan doesn't show signs of DNR and detrimental enhancements that could worsen the overall picture-quality. There are thin scratches on the print throughout and some minor blemishes as well. Even so, Champagne looks to be in excellent condition when one considers the age of the film and its source elements. A job well-done by Kino.

Champagne Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Featuring a superb 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack, Champagne sounds so lovely on this release that viewers might want to celebrate. Champagne, anyone? The auditory experience is a satisfactory one and the piano score is a perfect accompaniment to the filmmaking. The music breathes life into every frame. A worthwhile soundtrack that viewers will not be disappointed by. Crisp, clear, and an altogether fun experience.

Champagne Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Film Historian Farran Smith Nehme

Hitchcock/Truffaut: Archival Audio Interview (Champagne/The Manxman/The Skin Game) (SD, 12:17) is an engaging interview segment focusing on a different set of feature films (than what can be found on the first disc in the collection). The audio is accompanied by pictures from early Hitchcock films presented in a slideshow style. There are some insights into Hitchcock's favorite moments and creative approach which make it worth listening to. Fans should check it out.

Champagne Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

An exceptional early gem by the great Alfred Hitchcock, Champagne is so bubbly that one might think its a substitute for the real thing. The storytelling is invigorating and the performances are compelling to watch unfold. There is real heft to the filmmaking (even within the lighthearted tone established by Hitchcock). While not as impressive as The Ring or The Farmer's Wife, Champagne is an entertaining excursion nonetheless and another exceptional addition to Kino's wonderful Hitchcock: British International Pictures Collection. Well worth one's time. Hitchcock fans should see it.