Gold Diggers of 1933 {Warner Archive Blu-ray Review}

Reviewed by Jason Lockard

Warner Archive Collection have been releasing some absolute classic musicals on new restored version Blu-rays. Some of the latest Blu-rays are The Pajama Game, Lullaby of Broadway, Damn Yankees, Ziegfeld Follies, In The Good Old Summertime, Annie Gets Your Gun and Take Me Out to the Ballgame. 

Now that latest musical to get a Blu-ray release is the almost 90 year old Pre-Code Musical Gold Diggers of 1933. I must say it is so cool to see another Busby Berkeley film in HD.

When the Great Depression hits it causes the shutdown of Broadway and showgirls Carol (Joan Blondell), Polly (Riby Keller) and Trixie (Aline MacMahon) are out of work. What are entertainers to do in these hard times? Wealthy songwriter Brad (Dick Powell) come to their rescue by funding a new Depression-themed musical for the girls to star in, but when his stuffy high-society brother finds out and threatens to disown Brad, Carol and her gold-digging friends scheme to keep the show going, hooking a couple of millionaires along the way.

Busby Berkeley is a master of musical numbers. The things he envisions are even to this day mind blowing. They are cinematic experiences. The acting is great, but the star of the musical is always the music and the songs included in this film are, "We're in the money", "Shadow Waltz", "I've got to sing a torch song", "Pettin' in the park", "Remember my Forgotten Man".

Warner Archive has transferred Gold Diggers of 1933 in 1080p it is presented in the original 1.37 full frame aspect ratio. The audio is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. As I examined this restored version of this film I must say it is I am so impressed by this restoration. The picture is crisp and clean with no signs of dust marks, scratches. As for the audio it is crystal clear with no signs of pops or hiss. This film looks absolutely amazing for being almost 90 years of age.

Now a pristine looking transfer of this film would be enough for fans of classic musicals to want to add this one to their collection. But Warner Archive added some very cool bonus features to this, which makes this so much more interesting of a release. Take a look at what is included;

* FDR’s New Deal… Broadway Bound
A very nice 15 minute documentary about the depression and the film Gold Diggers of 1933.

Warner Bros. Cartoons

* We’re In the Money (1933) Late at night after the department store closes all the articles or clothes and toys come to life to dance and sing.

* I’ve Got to Sing a Torch Song (1933) A series of celebrity sketches are shown as all around the world they listen to the radio.

* Pettin’ in the Park (1934) While everyone seems to be in love at the park, a group of birds engage in a swimming contest.

Warner Bros. Shorts

* Rambling ‘Round Radio Row #2 (1932) On the way back from a Ocean trip to New York, Loyce Whiteman, Harry Barris and Art Jarrett decide to visit composer Burton Lane, who is also aboard to rehearse a little.

* 42nd Street Special (1934) Warner Bros. publicity video of a cross-country trip on a 7-car train dubbed "The 42nd. Street Special" ending in Washington, D.C. at the inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

* Seasoned Greetings (1933) The owner of an unsuccessful greeting-card store attempts to sell 'talking' greeting cards in the form of records.

* Theatrical Trailer

So as you can see this is quite a Blu-ray! The stunningly restored version of Gold Diggers of 1933 and than all these archive shorts and cartoons. This is one amazing Blu-ray. Fans of pre-code Hollywood rejoice this is one release you are going to need for your collection, without a doubt.

If you are a fan of Busby Berkeley musicals this gorgeous new Blu-ray of Gold Diggers of 1933 is a must own. Head over to Amazon and get your copy today.

Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the Best) Warner Archive Blu-ray of Gold Diggers of 1933 receives...