Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Wedding Present Blu-ray Movie Review

A fun romantic-comedy featuring a great Cary Grant performance.

Wedding Present is a romantic-comedy with plenty of charm for audiences. Based on the story by Paul Gallico, the 1936 feature has fun with the screwball comedy concept. Produced by B.P. Schulberg (Wings, The Last Command), there is something magical about it: star Cary Grant steals the show. A worthwhile classic.

Charlie Mason (Cary Grant) and Monica 'Rusty' Fleming (Joan Bennett) are enamored with each other. Both work as reporters at the same Chicago publication. As romantic sparks fly between the two, the pair become inseparable. Yet when opportunity strikes for Charlie to take-over the reigns of the editor's room, ego gets in the way. Monica becomes frustrated by the new power-hungry Charlie and flees for New York. When Charlie realizes Monica is now seeing another man, he wakes from his egotistical slumber and quits as editor. Is there still time for Charlie to win back his girl, Rusty?

The performances are impressive to behold. Cary Grant and Joan Bennett are both commendable in the leading roles. The romantic chemistry between them is certainly undeniable. There is a strong sense of the relationship at play between the two characters. Grant steals the show and is fantastic from start to finish.

The music by Gerard Carbonara (The Big Wheel, Pacific Blackout), John Leipold (Two Yanks in Trinidad, The Big Wheel), Marlin Skiles (The Shepherd of the Hills, The Great Space Adventure) gives the comedic events a fun background. The score also manages to highlight the romantic elements at play. These composers crafted a solid score to accompany the romantic-comedy hijinks.

Love is in the air.

The art direction by Hans Dreier (Frenchman's Creek, Sunset Boulevard) and A. Earl Hedrick (Sullivan's Travels, Ace in the Hole) makes an impression as well. The newspaper room backdrop is convincing and plays a big role in the film. The style on display helps to make the story more effective from start to finish. A commendable effort.

The cinematography by the great Leon Shamroy (Planet of the Apes, Leave Her to Heaven) gives the film an enjoyable black-and-white presentation. The visuals are part of the fun. This is an impressive looking film that has plenty of remarkable visuals to enhance the experience.

Featuring a screenplay by Joseph Anthony (The Spellbinder, Meet Nero Wolfe), Wedding Present is entertaining (in part) because of the storytelling. The script has a good time playing with the quirky concept of the film. As the film unfolds, the characters are given good lines that make the experience more effective.

Richard Wallace (A Night to Remember, Adventure in Baltimore) capably directs the production and brings the best out of his cast of performers. Wedding Present is solid, old-fashioned entertainment. Audiences can sit back and enjoy in a little romantic- comedy fun. Wallace gives the film a nice pace and style. Working alongside editor Robert Bischoff (Little Orphan Annie, Painted Post), the cut has a good rhythm that lasts to the end. Wedding Present is worth checking out.

Wedding Present Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Wedding Present is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. The print quality for the scan looks absolutely superb. There are only minor specks and scratches. Though not a pristine print, it is effective at showcasing the gorgeous black and white cinematography. Wedding Present is the best looking film out of the Cary Grant Kino collection.

Wedding Present Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Blu-ray release includes a DTS HD Master Audio mono soundtrack. Wedding Present sounds quite good given the age and condition of the elements. The release features a highly effective lossless audio soundtrack. Dialogue remains crisp, clear, and easy to understand. There are no egregious issues to report with regards to hiss, clicks, and warps in the recording.

Optional English subtitles are provided.

Wedding Present Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Film Historian Kat Ellinger

The release also includes a selection of trailers promoting other releases available from distributor Kino Lorber: The Woman in the Window (SD, 1:45) and The Young in Heart (HD, 3:26).

Wedding Present Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Wedding Present is entertaining. The romantic-comedy fun will appeal to fans of classic Hollywood productions. Cary Grant delivers a top-notch performance. The production is well-mounted and the filmmaking is all the better as a result. Now available on Blu-ray as part of the fantastic Cary Grant collection from Kino Lorber, the release is well worth a look. Recommended.