Our Town (1940) ClassicFlix Restoration Comparison

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- Our Town (1940)
- Blu-ray & DVD Street date: 12/19/2023
Beautifully restored by ClassicFlix from 35mm film elements preserved by the Library of Congress, Thornton Wilder’s immortal classic Our Town (1940) starring William Holden and Martha Scott makes its Blu-ray debut.
Touching, yet unsentimental-tender, yet heart-breaking, Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Our Town is a pensive look surrounding the lives of two families in the fictitious hamlet of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. While a literal time capsule of early 20th century America, the story’s power transcends era and locale with its universally timeless themes of love, loss and the fleeting nature of life.
When independent producer Sol Lesser purchased the film rights to Our Town, he signed Wilder to adapt the play for the silver screen, as well as actor Frank Craven, who also reprised his stage role as the “stage manager” for the movie version. The film would go on to earn six Academy Award nominations in all, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Martha Scott in her film debut) and Best Original Score (Aaron Copland).
Directed by three-time Oscar nominee Sam Wood (Kitty Foyle) and featuring the innovative production design of William Cameron Menzies (Gone With the Wind), Our Town stars William Holden (Sunset Boulevard) in the role of George Gibbs with Scott reprising her role of Emily Webb from the stage play. Rounding out a top-notch cast is Thomas Mitchell (Alias Nick Beal), Beulah Bondi (Make Way for Tomorrow), Fay Bainter (Jezebel), Guy Kibbee (Captain January), Stuart Erwin (Make Me a Star), and the aforementioned Frank Craven.
BONUS FEATURES:
• Audio commentary by actor and film score restorationist Ray Faiola
• Rare interview of Thornton Wilder by actress Lilli Palmer on her TV program from the early 1950s where they discuss prolific Spanish playwright Lope de Vega
• The Campbell Playhouse radio production of Our Town broadcast on May 12, 1939. Produced by Orson Welles and starring Welles as the stage manager and featuring Agnes Moorehead, Ray Collins, Everett Sloane and John Craven reprising his role of George from the 1938 play
• The Lux Radio Theatre production of Our Town broadcast on May 6th, 1940 with most of the stars from the motion picture including William Holden, Martha Scott, Frank Craven, Thomas Mitchell, Fay Bainter, Beulah Bondi, Guy Kibbee and Stuart Irwin
• Restoration comparison

[@freethinker1908]

Of course, ClassicFlix is a business, but you're also helping preserve our film legacy. Beautiful work, as always.

[@orus68]

Just watched my copy. A great film with a fantastic restoration. Great job on this title.

[@orus68]

Looks fantastic. Definitely picking this up this weekend. I remember Martha Scott as Steve Austin's mother on the Six Million Dollar Man. Just started watching I, The Jury release from you guys. Excellent restoration on that film.

[@popretro1]

Great work, as always, CF!