Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

The Bells of St. Mary's Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov November 16, 2019

Leo McCarey's "The Bells of St. Mary's" (1945) arrive son Blu-ray courtesy of independent distributors Olive Films. The supplemental features on the disc include new audio commentary by author and critic Gary Giddins; new video program with film historian Steve Massa; vintage radio adaptations; and more. The release also arrives with an 8-page illustrated booklet featuring an essay by Abbey Bender. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-A "locked".

Leo McCarey's The Bells of St. Mary's made its Blu-ray debut via Olive Films in 2013. For an in-depth analysis of the film, see Jeff Kauffman's review of the first release here.

The Bells of St. Mary's Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.27:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, The Bells of St. Mary's arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Olive Films.

Olive Films' first release of this film appeared 2013 and I actually liked the technical presentation quite a lot. (For what it's worth, I would have given the old transfer at least a 4.25/5.00 as it boasts very solid organic qualities). However, this upcoming release is sourced from a new 4K restoration, and I like it even better. Here's why: There are two areas with noticeable improvements, and the bigger your screen is, the greater your appreciation of them will be. The first is quite predictable -- density levels are better. However, I immediately wish to point out that the density fluctuations that are present on the previous transfer are also retained on the new master. The difference here is that they appear minimized and 'tighter'. (I took screencaptures #12 and 13 to illustrate the difference). So, to be perfectly clear, these drops in density are not a byproduct of digital work, but inherited source limitations. Most close-ups also reveal better delineation, and you don't have to have a big screen to recognize the difference. The second area is stability and overall health of the visuals. For example, virtually all transitions appear smoother and 'tighter', which means that you should expect an overall superior fluidity. Obviously, the age of the elements that were used to produce the new master still shows, but now the visuals are healthier. Other small but meaningful improvements are present in the grading, but the previous release was also done really well. All in all, if you enjoy the film you should consider upgrading because the new presentation is superior. My score is 4.75/5.00. (Note: This is a Region-A "locked" Blu-ray release. Therefore, you must have a native Region-A or Region-Free player in order to access its content).

The Bells of St. Mary's Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There is only one standard audio track on this Blu-ray release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Optional yellow English subtitles are provided for the main feature.

The audio is clear, stable, and easy to follow. Dynamic intensity is also very good for a film from the 1940s. There are no distortions or dropouts. However, if you turn up the volume high enough, form time to time some extremely light background buzz/hiss can be heard. It is never distracting, but people that like to turn up the volume a bit higher than usual will likely notice its presence.

The Bells of St. Mary's Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Screen Guild Theater Radio Adaptations - presented here are two archival radio adaptations of The Bells of St. Mary's:
  
  1. Radio Adaptation One - Archival audio from the August 26, 1946 Screen Guild Theater presentation of the film starring Bing Cosby, Ingrid Bergman, and Jean Carroll reprising their screen roles. This two-act, 30-minute radio performance is directed by Bill Lawrence, hosted by Truman Bradley, and features the songs "Aren't You Glad You're You" and "The Bells of St. Mary's" sung by Bing Crosby.
  
  2. Radio Adaptation Two - Archival audio from the October 6, 1947 Screen Guild Theater presentation of The Bells of St. Mary's starring Bing Crosby, Ingrid Bergman, and Jean Carroll reprising their screen roles. This two-act 30-minute radio performance is directed by Bill Lawrence, hosted by Jean Hersholt, and features the songs "Aren't You Glad You're You" and "The Bells of St. Mary's" sung by Bing Crosby.

• "Before Sequel-itis" - in this new video program, Prof. Emily Carman, author of Independent Stardom: Freelance Women in the Hollywood System, discusses the history of franchises in Hollywood and the production history of The Bells of St. Mary's. In English, not subtitled. (8 min, 1080p).

• Human Nature - in this new video program, film historian Steve Massa discusses the life and career of Leo McCarey, the key qualities that defined his films and the manner in which they evolved over the years, and The Bells of St. Mary's. In English, not subtitled. (22 min, 1080p).

• "Faith and Film" - in this new video program, St. Rose Pacatte, founding director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies, recalls her first viewing of The Bells of St. Mary's and discusses its subtle sense of humor and major themes. In English, not subtitled. (18 min, 1080p).

• Commentary - an exclusive new audio commentary recorded by Bing Crosby biographer Gary Giddins.

• Booklet - 8-page illustrated booklet featuring an essay by Abbey Bender.

The Bells of St. Mary's Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

If you already own Olive Films' first release of The Bells of St. Mary's and have been waiting to hear if the label's upcoming Signature Edition is worth picking up, the answer is yes. It is sourced from a very nice new 4K restoration that offers meaningful improvements. This upcoming release also has a good selection of exclusive new bonus features, including a nice audio commentary by Bing Crosby biographer Gary Giddins. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.