Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

It Started with Eve Blu-ray Movie Review

A must-see classic featuring the great Deanna Durbin.

It Started with Eve is an entertaining romantic-comedy with an exceptional lead performance by the great Deanna Durbin. Based on the original story by Hanns Kraly, the film is full of heart and has a compelling tale to tell audiences. Produced by Joe Pasternak (Three Smart Girls, In The Good Old Summertime), It Started with Eve is an essential classic for fans of Deanna Durbin.

Jonathan Reynolds (Charles Laughton) is an elderly millionaire who is thought to be on his deathbed. In speaking with his son, Johnny (Robert Cummings), Jonathan requests to meet his son's spouse before he passes on. As Johnny's spouse is unable to meet Jonathan in time, Johnny decides to ask for a hat-check girl, Anne Terry (Deanna Durbin), to meet his father before dying. Trouble ensues when the father survives to see another day and thinks that Anne is the true spouse. What could possibly happen next?

One of the joys of the film is the strong performances. Deanna Durbin is exceptional in the leading role and manages to bring her unique charm to every scene. The film is worth seeing for her alone. Making things even better, Charles Laughton is pitch-perfect as the millionaire father. The role is played with a sense of wonder that befits the role. An outstanding part for the actor.

Another magic trick by Deanna Durbin.

It Started with Eve is graced with a strong music score composed by Hans J. Salter (Follow That Dream, The Gunfight at Dodge City). The music element of the film makes the story even more fun. Throughout the film, the music serves as a nice backdrop to the production.

Then there's the cinematography by Rudolph Maté (Gilda, Foreign Correspondent): exquisite. The visual element of the film adds a lot to the experience. The black-and-white cinematography shines radiantly from frame-to-frame.

Henry Koster (3 Smart Girls Grow Up, One Hundred Men and a Girl) once again reunites with star Deanna Durbin to create cinematic magic. The production is well-mounted on so many levels. The filmmaking is jubilant from beginning to end. Featuring an entertaining script by Norman Krasna (White Christmas, Let's Make Love) and Leo Townsend (I'd Rather Be Rich, Dangerous Crossing), It Started with Eve is the kind of film that makes for a perfect viewing as a Sunday matinee. The film is charming and sweet in all the right ways. Don't overlook this classic.

It Started with Eve Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, It Started with Eve is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. The scan is tremendous and the print manages to look superb from beginning to end. The black and white cinematography shines here. The visual component of the film makes the experience all the more enthralling and the encode by Kino delivers.

It Started with Eve Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio mono. The release sounds impressive overall and makes a strong impression. The lossless sound quality might not be as crisp as a modern day feature film production but given the age and condition of the elements, the track is surprisingly effective. It features superb dialogue reproduction and that is what matters most of all for classic cinema. While certainly not the best audio presentation of the three films included within the Deanna Durbin Kino collection, It Started with Eve is squarely in the middle.

Please Note: Optional English subtitles are provided.

It Started with Eve Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Film Historian Samm Deighan

It Started with Eve Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:50)

It Started with Eve Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Another exceptional performance by Deanna Durbin. It Started with Eve is a wonderful classic that fans of the actress shouldn't miss. The filmmaking is top-notch. The Blu-ray release is also worthy. Highly recommended.