The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm (1962) {Warner Archive Blu-ray Review}

Cinerama Bluray of The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

Warner Archive have been impressing with their Blu-ray releases as of late. Not only are we seeing newly restored classic films, but also amazing bonus features as well.

Now the latest Blu-ray release is the most deluxe Blu-ray we have seen to date. A two disc Blu-ray set with bonus features 2 versions of the film and more. We are talking about 1962's The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm.

The film is a fictionalized story of the lives of the Grimm brothers. In the early nineteenth century, the brothers Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm are commissioned to write a family history for a local Duke. But after an accident the brothers decide to write fairy tales instead. The film features reenactments of three of their stories including "The Dancing Princess", "The Cobbler and the Elves" and "The Singing Bone".

The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm is a charming and visually pleasing experience. There are so many great actors and actresses. Included are Laurence Harvey (The Manchurian Candidate), Claire Bloom (Clash of the Titans), Barbara Eden (I Dream of Jeannie), Walter Slezak (Lifeboat), Russ Tamblyn (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers), Jim Backus (Gilligan's Island), Ian Wolfe (Saboteur), Beulah Bondi (It's A Wonderful Life), Terry-Thomas (It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World), Buddy Hackett (The Love Bug) and Billy Barty (Willow) just to name a few.

The great producer George Pal (World of the Worlds, The Time Machine) produced and co-directed this epic Cinemrama release. Now what is Cinemrama? Well it is a widescreen process that originally projected images simultaneously from three synchronized 35mm projectors onto a huge, deeply curved screen, subtending 146° of arc. It was also known as Smilebox.

A few years ago restoring a Smilebox edition of a film may have been a pipe dream. But technology has made such advances, now we are getting a 4K restored Smilebox edition of The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm.

This 2 disc Blu-ray set included the Cinerama and letterbox edition of this film. They are presented in 1080p in 2.89:1 aspect ratio. The soundtrack is a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround Sound. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. The film looks and sounds simply tremendous. I am so thankful that people in this generation can experience the awe that is Cinerama in high definition.

In addition to both the letterbox and Smilebox editions of the film. These discs hold some very cool bonus feature. Take a look at what is included.

Disc 1:
* Main feature (LetterBox version)
* Announcement trailer
* Letterbox Theatrical Trailer
* Radio Interview with Russ Tamblyn
* Radio Interview with Yvette Mimieux
* The Epic Art of the Bothers Grim
* The Wonderful World of George Pal

Disc 2:
* Main Feature (SmileBox Version)
* Cinerama Announcement trailer
* Smilebox theatrical Trailer
* Rescuing a fantasy classic documentary
* Rothenberg, Germany, location Commemorative plaque
* A Salute to William Forman
* Slideshow

Now as amazing as all these on disc bonuses are, this Warner Archive release doesn't stop there. Included is a booklet insert. In this booklet is write-ups about George Pal the great producer. More about the background story of the Brothers Grimm and What is Cinerama.

Now I have personally been reviewing Warner Archive releases for about 4 years now. And I think I can safely say this is the most amazing, most epic most stunning release Warner Archive has put out, bar none.

Watch the Smilebox Trailer Below:

If you love fantasy films The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm is defiantly one for young and old alike. And this new 4K restoration of the Cinemrama version is the perfect way to experience this film. I can not recommend this release enough. It is simply amazing. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.