High Society 4K UHD Review
Great cast, so-so remake.
“High Society” is a 1956 musical remake of the play/film “The Philadelphia Story” with music and lyrics by the legendary Cole Porter. The romantic story takes place in the ritzy Newport, Rhode Island and centers around a forthcoming wedding involving Tracy and the stuffed shirt George. Tracy’s ex Dexter (a singer/songwriter who runs the Newport Jazz Festival) is attending the wedding, but he is still in love with her. Covering the wedding for Spy Magazine (in a sort of blackmail type deal) are Mike (a reporter) and Elizabeth (a photographer). Tracy finds herself in a real predicament when she develops feelings for Mike, but also still realizes she still has affection for Dexter. Will she go through with the wedding to George or will she wind up marrying someone else?
Directed by Charles Walters, “High Society” is not on the level of “The Philadelphia Story” as it lacks the whip smart dialogue, the comedy, and the screwball nature of its predecessor. The pacing is also weirdly sluggish and the middle act drags a bit as a result. The story itself is essentially a very basic romance with Tracy deciding between 3 men. Still, ‘Society’ has one thing going for it and that’s star power.
Any fan of classic Hollywood (and classic Hollywood musicals) will adore seeing Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly together on screen (not to mention Louis Armstrong and a scene stealing Celeste Holm). Bing is, well, Bing, Sinatra doesn’t have a ton to do here, Louis Armstong only has a few scenes, but Grace Kelly (in her final acting role before she became the Princess Of Monaco) owns the screen.
Of course, the real draw here is seeing 2 of the best singers that ever lived with Old Blue Eyes and The Crooner belting out “Well, Did You Evah!” together. There are plenty of other notable numbers here including Sinatra’s solo “You’re Sensational” and the cute duet with Sinatra and Celeste Holm “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? The VistaVision film gets the 4K treatment and the result is nothing short of glorious. The vivid Technicolor really pops on 4K. Love seeing classics like this get stunning restorations.
Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? Talk about an upgrade! The Atmos track gives the sound new life. The Jazz music and musical numbers are especially noteworthy here.
Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* 3 theatrical trailers
* A cartoon titled “Millionaire Droopy.”
* 8 radio spots featuring Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly.
* A newsreel of the Gala Hollywood Premiere.
* “Cole Porter In Hollywood: True Love”- A vintage featurette on Cole Porter and “High Society.”
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