Rating summary
| Movie |  | 4.5 |
| Video |  | 4.0 |
| Audio | | 4.0 |
| Extras |  | 3.0 |
| Overall | | 4.5 |
Love Me Tonight Blu-ray Movie Review
A must-see musical receives a stunning 4K restoration.
Reviewed by Neil Lumbard December 15, 2020
Love Me Tonight is a thrilling and magical musical: the sort of romantic romp that will make audiences swoon from beginning to
end. Based on the play by Léopold Marchand and Paul Armont, the film is the work of the great auteur director, Rouben Mamoulian
(The Gay Desperado, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde). Starring Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette MacDonald, the showstopping
musical is a true masterpiece of the genre. A must-see classic.
Maurice (Maurice Chevalier) is a quality tailor who crafted attire for the wealthy aristocrat Viscount Gilvert de Varèze (Charles Ruggles).
Unfortunately for Maurice, the aristocrat has a history of not paying his bills and leaving merchants behind in the dust. Determined to not be
conned out of his earnings, Maurice sets forth to retrieve payment from Viscount Gilvert de Varèze in person.
Upon meeting with the buyer face-to-face, Maurice is assured by the aristocrat that the payment will be made soon. The tailor finds himself
waiting for his payment at the family chateau. The journey brings Maurice to the gorgeous (and goofy) Princess Jeanette (Jeanette MacDonald),
and an unexpected relationship starts to unfold. Romance is in the air as love strikes between Maurice and Jeanette.
The performances in Love Me Tonight are some of the strongest elements of the entire production. Both Maurice Chevalier and
Jeanette MacDonald are terrific in their respective roles. There is a clear sense of chemistry that emanates between the two performers. The
romance seems to simply bounce off of the actors in spades and this element makes the experience all the more entertaining. Both actors are
perfectly suited to these roles and manage to help make the film soar to greater heights.
The music by John Leipold (Two Yanks in Trinidad) and the songs by Rodgers and Hart (Pal Joey) are
essential to the backbone of the film. As a musical, Love Me Tonight is an enormously fun and rewarding experience that will keep
audiences glued to their seats. From the opening number to the concluding act, the musical is consistently charming. There is a sense of quality
craftsmanship with each musical sequence. The score and songs uplift, enchant, and delight.
Love is in the air.
Another impressive element of the production comes in the form of the costumes designed by Travis Banton (Shanghai Express,
Trouble in Paradise) and Edith Head (Roman Holiday, The Sting). The superb collaborative efforts on the
costumes resulted in some stunning gowns. Most notably, the exquisite attire that Jeanette MacDonald wears is quite lovely and impressive
– princess attire (befitting the character).
Love Me Tonight is a visual splendor that offers viewers an engaging cinematic experience. The cinematography by Victor
Milner (The General Died at Dawn, Reap the Wild Wind) is striking and memorable. The lush black-and-white
cinematography
is delicate and thoughtful, giving the film a fun backdrop and tone that befits the musical genre. The visuals are impressive and pull one in to the
experience.
The art direction by Hans Dreier (Double Indemnity, Frenchman's Creek) is a rousing success. Throughout
the film, Love Me Tonight managed to impress with great production aesthetics. The environment for the tailor is simplistic while the
larger-than-life world of the family chateau is unquestionably different. The art direction reflects the compelling contrast between these worlds.
The screenplay by Samuel Hoffenstein (Laura, Phantom of the Opera), George Marion Jr. (The Eagle,
Adorable), and Waldemar Young (The Girl of the Golden West, The Lives of a Bengal Lancer) is fun, too.
The storytelling is perhaps not the biggest draw – the music is – but the script never bores and is sure to entertain audiences. The
concept is somewhat simplistic but the execution is exceptional and it delivers a fun romance (as audiences would expect).
Directed by Rouben Mamoulian (The Gay Desperado, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde), Love Me Tonight is
a cotton-candy confection. The music and craftsmanship of the production is impeccable and will take audiences on an unforgettable
journey. Fans of classic musicals will be delighted by this gem. Mamoulian brings the best out of his cast and the crew and the results are
undeniably impressive.
Love Me Tonight Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Love Me Tonight is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original
theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. Love Me Tonight has received a brand new 4K remaster that beautifully preserves the film. The
film looks altogether excellent and there is an amazing degree of detail in the cinematography. The black and white visuals are truly exceptional. The
print is in excellent shape throughout. A satisfying encode.
Love Me Tonight Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The release features an engaging DTS-HD Master Audio mono track. The quality of the encode was rather impressive throughout the entire viewing
experience. The music sounds lovely and the track sounds more robust than expected given the age of the film and its elements. This was a satisfying
audio presentation that is a perfect match to the quality video-transfer.
Optional English subtitles are provided.
Love Me Tonight Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
Audio Commentary by Film Historian Miles Kreuger
Maurice Chevalier Sings "Louise" (SD, 2:06)
Jeanette MacDonald Sings "Love Me Tonight" (SD, 2:18)
Screenplay Excerpts of Deleted Scenes (feat. click-through navigation)
Production Documents (feat. click-through navigation)
Censorship Records (feat. click-through navigation)
Love Me Tonight Theatrical Trailer (HD, 1:46)
The Song of Songs Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2:42)
Love Me Tonight Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
Mamoulian crafted an outstanding musical with the vibrant Love Me Tonight. The performances are extraordinary: Maurice Chevalier
and Jeanette MacDonald are delightful in their respective parts. The filmmaking is top-notch and the music featured throughout the film delivers in
spades. The Blu-ray release features a stunning new 4K restoration that is sure to delight fans of the film. Highly recommended.
