Blu-ray Review: Goodbye Mr. Chips (1939)

1939 was an amazing year for films. We saw such amazing films as Dark Victory, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Ninotchka, Of Mice and Men, Stagecoach, Wuthering Heights, The Wizard of Oz and Gone With The Wind. That is a stacked field of amazing movies. It's amazing that Goodbye Mr. Chips was nominated for 7 Academy Awards including Best Picture.

Mr. Chips has received home video releases before. But now the good folks at Warner Archive have given this classic tale a chance to shine on Blu-ray.

Young schoolteacher Charles Edward Chipping (Robert Donat, The 39 Steps) imposes strict discipline on his young charges at a Victorian-era English public school, becoming a fearsome presence on the campus grounds. But the love of spirited young suffragette Katherine Ellis (Greer Garson, Mrs. Miniver) brings the Latin instructor out of his shell and makes him a beloved campus institution into the 20th century and through the shattering violence of World War I. The film is based on the best-selling novel by James Hilton.

Goodbye Mr. Chips is a heartwarming tale of commitment that still holds up over 80 years later. Robert Donat is tremendous as The main character Mr. Chips who ages though the film. So great was his performance it is no wonder he was awarded the best actor Oscar for his role. 

Warner Archive has given this classic drama a chance to shine on Blu-ray. It is been transferred in 1080p in 1.37:1 aspect ratio from a 4K scan. Th audio is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track.

This brand new 4K scan truly brings new life to this film. The picture is crisp and sharp the classic black and white palette his simply stunning. There is no signs of damage to this film transfer. The audio track is clean and there is no signs of hiss or pops.

Now one of the cool factors of Blu-rays are the bonus features. Warner Archive add a deluxe four minute Theatrical Trailer of Goodbye Mr. Chips. Sadly that is the only bonus feature on this disc. I wish they would have added a cartoon or a Pete Smith short. That would have made this release even better than it is!

Now as much as I would love to have seen some cool bonus features. The glorious looking transfer is simply amazing and is worth the price alone. If you have the previous DVD release you may want to treat yourself to a tremendous upgrade with this new Blu-ray!

If you love Golden Age cinema no collection is complete without Goodbye Mr. Chips. And this New 4K scan transferred Blu-ray is the perfect way to have it in your collection. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today. 

Out of 4 Film reels (4 being the best) Warner Archive's Blu-ray Goodbye Mr. Chips receives...