Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.5

Christmas in July Blu-ray Movie Review

A classic gem with an outstanding Blu-ray release worth owning

Christmas in July is a heartwarming drama about following one's dreams. The film is a perfect antidote to anyone having the Christmas blues and is a wonderful experience (that the entire family can enjoy together). Enormously wholesome with remarkable entertainment value at every turn in the story, Christmas in July is a classic that deserves a spot alongside the great Christmas classics to be revisited year-to-year.

Jimmy MacDonald (Dick Powell) is a talented office-clerk with ambitious dreams of being a marketing writer. He dreams up slogans and enters a contest where the best-written one will win a grand prize of $25,000. Fantasizing about the future (and $25,000 in mind!) with the help of his beautiful, intelligent, and supportive girlfriend, Betty Casey (Ellen Drew), the Maxford House Coffee Slogan Competition is entered. Who will win?

Jimmy's dreams seem to come true in an instant when he receives a telegram saying he won the contest and is to receive $25,000. Approaching the Maxford House Coffee headquarters, Jimmy meets the big shot multimillionaire business owner Dr. Maxford (Raymond Walburn) in person and is handed the check. Jimmy's dreams of success become reality in the blink of an eye.

It isn't long before Jimmy and Betty are out spending money left and right (giving presents to relatives around them and poor children in the neighborhood). Yet things might not be as peachy as they seem when it turns out there might have been a mistake in the award being given to Jimmy. Did the kind-hearted Jimmy truly win the competition or was it all in error (or a dastardly prank)? Entering the contest was only the beginning of the journey.

"What's that? You say I won the lottery? Oh, the competition?"

Edited by the gifted Ellsworth Hoagland (Holiday Inn, Union Station), Christmas in July is a perfectly paced experience. There is not a single scene in the film which feels out of place. While many films can blossom during the first or final act of the story while sagging in the middle section, there is nothing of the sort on display throughout Christmas in July. Each and every frame is with purpose.

The music by John Leipold (The Big Wheel, Stick to Your Guns) and Leo Shuken (Sullivan's Travels, New York Town) is charming. A pure delight. There is great whimsy and wonder in the music of the film and it greatly enhances the experience. What a rewarding joy to have this music add to the fun.

Featuring stunning black and white cinematography by Victor Milner (Reap the Wild Wind, The Love Parade), Christmas in July is a gorgeous production. The remarkable production design is brought to life in the imagery on display. From the roof-tops of the opening scenes to the outdoor environments, there is something magical going on here that is truly awe-inspiring.

Preston Sturges (The Great McGinty, Unfaithfully Yours) wrote and directed the film and succeeded in creating a classic. There is something about the film which is irresistible. Viewers will easily find the charming love story between Jimmy MacDonald and Betty Casey heartwarming. At the same time, there's also a wonderful message in the film about why its important to pursue dreams. Jimmy was living out his ordinary day-job while dreaming up great slogans for the competition. The message throughout the film is perfectly clear: pursue dreams. Dreams can (and often do) become reality. Christmas in July is a beautiful masterpiece to cherish each Christmas season.

Christmas in July Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The release is presented with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 (full frame). The video presentation is superb and has a stunning 4K restoration which brings one closer to the filmmaking on display. Black levels are surprisingly robust. The black and white photography looks stunning to behold.

Clarity and fine detail on the 4K scan is enormously impressive from start to finish. The transfer is free from distracting blemishes such as dirt, debris, and detrimental scratches to the print. An exceptional 4K remaster that truly satisfies on all levels.

Christmas in July Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Blu-ray release includes a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio mono track. The audio clarity on the release is superb with exceptional dialogue reproduction throughout the entire feature presentation. Quality issues such as crackling, hiss, warp, static, and other audio detriments are not an issue on the presentation. The fidelity is good considering the age of the elements. The music sounds nice as well and blends in with the sound-stage nicely. There was never a moment where the audio presentation felt distracting or underwhelming. I was quite pleased with the track. Fans will find it highly satisfactory.

Christmas in July Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release includes an audio commentary provided by film historian Samm Deighan.

Christmas in July Theatrical Trailer (SD, 1:49)

Lastly, Kino has also provided a selection of trailers promoting other releases available from the label: Pocketful of Miracles (SD, 3:01), I'll Be Seeing You (SD, 1:51), The Great McGinty (SD, 1:41), and The Good Fairy (SD, 2:46).

Christmas in July Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Christmas in July is a charming, heartfelt, and inspired Christmas film to cherish each and every year. The message of pursuing one's dreams is inspiring. The romance is emotional and riveting. The great performances are breathtaking. The entire experience is perfect from start to finish. What a film. A classic in every sense of the word, Christmas in July deserves my highest accolades. Don't miss it. Highly recommended.