The Life of Emile Zola (1937) Blu-ray Review

Paul Muni was a prolific actor. He is so underrated. He was known for his biographical films. In 1932 he starred as Antonio "Tony" Camonte in Scarface. In 1936 as the renowned scientist in The Story of Louis Pasteur and in 1937 as the French author in The Life of Emile Zola.

Here recently Warner Archive Collection have been releasing some absolutely stunning Blu-rays. Now it is time for another great Blu-ray. And this time it is a Paul Muni classic The Life of Emile Zola. This Blu-ray comes with some very cool bonus features as well! 

Emile Zola was one of the world's greatest writers, a man who proved that one voice can overcome injustice and change the course of a nation. Starting in his days as a struggling writer in Paris to his first success with the publication of Nana and his brilliant J'accuse, which exposes the Dreyfuss affair as a gross miscarriage of justice to cover up government incompetence, Emile Zola grows into an important voice for art, truth and justice.

I have seen Paul Muni is a lot of films, but this may be his best performance. He throws everything he has into this role and you really believe he is Emile Zola. It is a tremendous, little biographical film. Now wonder the film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture!

The life of Emile Zola makes it's Blu-ray debut in 1080p in the original full screen format (1.37:1). The film has been restored in 4K from the Original Camera Negative. The audio soundtrack is a newly restored DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track. There is also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

It is miraculous how amazing this film looks when you think this film is over 85 years old. Warner Archive continues to shock and amaze me at how that take these old films that you would never dream would look so good and restore them to make them look and sound as if they were films yesterday.

Now a gorgeous transfer is not all that is included here they added some very cool bonus feature on this Blu-ray disc. Take a look at what is included.

* 5/8/39 Lux Radio Theater Broadcast: An hour long radio production of this movie, featuring Paul Muni reprising the title role.

* WB Classic Shorts 
Taking the Count: An over 20 minute short. Boxer Joe Palooka and his girl Ann are now engaged. She wants him to retire from the ring, seeing as how he's the heavyweight champ. Ann's mother, who doesn't want her daughter marrying "beneath" the wealthy family's standing, to set Ann up with a European count. 

Mal Hallett and his Orchestra: And almost 10 minute short featuring the music of the orchestra.

* Original Theatrical Trailer

As a radio DJ myself and a lover of old radio programs. I think it is so amazing when Warner Archive adds the old radio programs to the Blu-ray discs. These programs are just as entertaining as the films! But than add in the shorts along with the restored film you have a winning Blu-ray disc.

So if you love biographical films as much as I do. You need this amazing and spectacular looking new Blu-ray release in your collection. Head over to MovieZyng and order your copy today. You are going to be impressed at how amazing this films looks.

Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) The Life of Emile Zola recieves.....