Rating summary
| Movie |  | 4.5 |
| Video |  | 4.0 |
| Audio | | 4.0 |
| Extras |  | 3.0 |
| Overall | | 4.0 |
The Good Fairy Blu-ray Movie Review
A sweet and charming romantic-comedy classic
Reviewed by Neil Lumbard January 22, 2020
A charming romantic comedy with plenty of heart and genuine pathos, The Good Fairy is a must-see cinematic delight for fans of classic cinema. Based on the 1930 play entitled A jó tündér and written by acclaimed Hungarian author, Ferenc Molnár (Tales of Manhattan, I'll Be Yours), The Good Fairy is a luminous experience which shouldn't go overlooked.
Luisa (Margaret Sullavan) is a sweet-natured girl in an orphanage who find an opportunity to leave that world behind and become an usher working at a movie theater. Tossed into a brand new world with so many different situations, Luisa soon finds that she is attracting the attention of a big-shot millionaire playboy, Konrad (Frank Morgan). Attempting to resist Konrad's ever-growing romantic advances, Luisa becomes entwined in a world of wealth while befriending a waiter (Reginald Owen).
Deciding that she will attempt to help someone who is less fortunate than herself, Luisa meets the poor and struggling Dr. Sporum (Herbert Marshall) and works as a "good fairy" to him. Luisa convinces Konrad to provide him with a five-year long contract. Everything changes for Luisa as her world begins to brighten all around her. Yet can she avoid the unending advances of Konrad?
A good fairy, indeed.
What a delight The Good Fairy is to experience. The film is a surefire charmer with the lead actress Margaret Sullavan (The Shop Around the Corner, Three Comrades) giving the film the kind of star power necessary to make it a truly special experience. Charming, beautiful, and immensely talented (with superb comedic chops), Sullavan is the perfect lead for the film. What could have been a film to watch once and ultimately forget is instead a genuine classic worth revisiting.
There are a number of impressive production aspects to commend. Heinz Roemheld (The Strawberry Blonde, Winners of the West) composed an effective score that matches the comedic sensibilities with relative ease. The music has enough energy and gusto to make the experience a memorable one. The black-and-white cinematography by Norbert Brodine (Merrily We Live, 13 Rue Madeleine) is also highly effective at bringing the storyline to life. Then there's the gorgeous costumes by Vera West (Shadow of a Doubt, Show Boat) to add to the film's inherent charms. What wonderful efforts by everyone involved. Truly outstanding.
Preston Sturges (The Great McGinty, Hail the Conquering Hero) handled the screenwriting duties and assembled a script that is enormously entertaining, comedic, and fun. There's never a dull moment and the entire film zips ahead with energy and wit. It's sometimes hard to believe that a film made in 1935 could feel more energetic than so many modern productions and yet that is absolutely true. Films like The Good Fairy remind us.
William Wyler (The Best Years of Our Lives, The Big Country) is a true legend. Wyler crafted a great film with The Good Fairy and one that is worth cherishing and revisiting for years to come. The film never feels overly dramatic nor does it lack something to say: The Good Fairy explores the earnest nature of humanity and its beauty. A must-see classic.
The Good Fairy Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, The Good Fairy has received a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. The film has received a brand new 4K restoration. This is a marvelous presentation of the film and one which is certain to please fans of the classic.
The beautiful black and white cinematography of The Good Fairy looks outstanding throughout the transfer. The image is remarkably sharp and the intricacies of the scan help make this a highly enjoyable experience. There are occasionally minor specks of dirt or scratches on the print. However, these moments are fleeting and do not deter from an otherwise fantastic presentation. It's a true joy to experience classic cinematic gems with crisp 4K scans like this one. A great presentation. Kino has done an outstanding job with the release and its one that fans of the film will need to experience.
The Good Fairy Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The Blu-ray release has received an excellent DTS-HD Master Audio mono soundtrack presentation. The lossless audio preserves the sound design and has outstanding clarity overall. There are no egregious issues with regards to pops, clicks, and hiss to deter listeners from enjoying the experience. While there are a few scenes with minor background noise there is nothing significant to distract from what is a great audio presentation. This is a commendable audio presentation that should satisfy fans of the film.
The Good Fairy Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
Audio Commentary by Film Critic and Author Simon Abrams
The Good Fairy Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2:46)
Lastly, the release also includes a selection of trailers showcasing other releases that are available from distributor Kino Lorber: The Great McGinty (SD, 1:41), Christmas in July (SD, 1:49), The Children's Hour (SD, 1:52), The Big Country (SD, 2:56), Murder! (SD, 1:12), and Gog (SD, 1:52).
The Good Fairy Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
A charming gem that is a classic romantic-comedy through-and-through, The Good Fairy is a wonderful delight from start to finish and it leaves one smiling. The film is such a remarkable effort from director William Wyler and fans of the filmmaker should make sure to not miss this fantastic production. There is something magical about the experience the film delivers. With a knockout performance by Margaret Sullavan, the film soars to even greater heights. The Blu-ray has an impressive 4K scan and the release comes highly recommended.
