Blu-ray Review: If I Were King (1938)

Jason Lockard February 13, 2023

In the early days of cinema period pieces based on real life accounts were extremely successful. Adventures, romance, dramas. It seemed movie goers couldn't get enough of these kind of films.

In 1938 Paramount Pictures released a star-studded biographical film entitled "If I Were King" based on the 1901 novel and play of the same name by Justin Huntly McCarthy. Now the good folks at Kino Lorber under the division KL Studio Classics are bringing this classic to Blu-ray.

King Louis XI (Basil Rathbone, The Hound of the Baskervilles) masquerades as a commoner in Paris, seeking out the treachery he is sure lurks in his kingdom. At a local tavern, he overhears the brash poet François Villon (Ronald Colman, Lost Horizon) extolling why he would be a better king. Annoyed yet intrigued, the King bestows on Villon the title of Grand Constable. Soon Villon begins work and falls for a lovely lady-in-waiting (Frances Dee, I Walked With A Zombie), but then must flee execution when the King turns on him.

The film was masterfully directed by Frank Lloyd (Mutiny on the Bounty) and adapted for the screen by Preston Sturges (The Miracle of Morgan's Creek and Hail the Conquering Hero). The film is an entertaining period piece. No wonder it was nominated for four Academy Awards. Supporting Actor: Basil Rathbone, Art Direction: Hans Dreier and John B. Goodman, Music, Original Score: Richard Hageman and Sound, Recording: Loren L. Ryder.

Kino Lorber has transferred If I Were King to Blu-ray in 1080p and in it's original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. It has been sourced from a new 2K master. The soundtrack is English 2.0 mono DTS-HD Master Audio. English SDH subtitles are an available option.

Now I have seen this film before on DVD and the picture quality was okay. But watching this new transfer is such a delight. This new 2K scan brings new life to this black and white classic. It is that good! Now as for bonus features. Take a look at what Kino Lorber added to this Blu-ray.

* Audio Commentary by Julie Kirgo

* Trailers
* If I Were King Trailer
* Beau Geste Trailer
* Union Pacific Trailer
* Arabian Nights Trailer
* Reap the Wild Wind Trailer
* Against All Flags Trailer

If I were King has never looked better than it does on this Blu-ray. This will make such a great upgrade to anyone's classic cinema wing to their physical media library. I can not recommend it enough. Even with the lack of bonus features. The picture just looks that spectacular.

So if your a fan of Ronald Colman, Basil Rathbone or period pieces from the 1930s, If I were King is one that you need. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.