DVD Corner

Roman Holiday 4K UHD Review

“Roman Holiday” is a true classic.

In 1953’s “Roman Holiday,” the story revolves around a Princess who is physically and mentally tired of touring around Europe making public appearances. After being given a sedative, the Princess (who is not in the right state of mind obviously) hits the streets of Rome where she encounters an American newspaper reporter (Joe). At first Joe doesn’t know she is, but once he does, he thinks he has a hit story on his hands. Together, the two embark on sightseeing adventures around the magical city alongside Joe’s photographer friend Irving. As Joe gets to know her more though, he begins to think less about the story and think more about her. The Princess is also falling for Joe as she gets to live a very different life outside of her normal circumstances. 

It’s always a treat to get classics on 4K, especially one like “Roman Holiday.” The William Wyler romance film has long been a favorite of mine. It’s a heartfelt, charming and ultimately bittersweet forbidden love fairy tale story expertly written by Dalton Trumbo, John Dighton and Ian McLellan Hunter. It’s one of those films where everything clicks. The costumes by Edith Head are stunning, the location shooting in Rome is heavenly, the ending is note perfect and, of course, there’s the cast…

Audrey Hepburn made her starring role debut here and it’s my favorite performance of hers (although “My Fair Lady” is close). She won an Oscar for her performance as the Princess and deservedly so. There’s something so authentic about her portrayal. Gregory Peck had a career full of award worthy performances in a variety of genres, but he is in peak form here with a much more down-to-earth and subtle performance. His chemistry with Hepburn is so apparent from the get-go and the two positively glow on screen. Eddie Albert doesn’t get the recognition he deserves as Irving, but he is a memorable supporting actor.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.37:1 2160p. How does it look? Happy to report the 4K disc is superior to the Blu-ray. The B&W image offers up a cleaner and crisper picture.

Audio Track: Dolby TrueHD Mono. How does it sound? Expect a satisfactory Mono  audio experience.

Extras (On the Blu-ray):
* Blu-ray copy and Digital copy
* production, movie, publicity and premiere galleries
* Original theatrical, original theatrical teaser and theatrical re-release trailers
* “Remembering Audrey”- A moving tribute to the late movie legend.
* “Filmmaker Focus: Leonard Maltin On Roman Holiday”- Film critic/film historian Leonard Maltin talks about the film.
* “Behind The Gates: Costumes” covers Paramount film costumes.
* “Rome With A Princess” revolves around Rome shooting locations.
* “Audrey Hepburn: The Paramount Years”- The title says it all.
* “Dalton Trumbo: From A-List To Blacklist”- A featurette on the life of the screenwriter.
* “Paramount In The 50’s”- Again, the title says it all.

August 14, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Roman Holiday, Roman Holiday 4K UHD Review, Romance Film