Saratoga (1937) Blu-ray Review

When you think of tragic Hollywood stories probably the one that stands out to most people is the life of Jean Harlow. Jean Harlow fell ill and was diagnosed with kidney disease. She battled the ailment, but then succumbed to the disease at the young age of 26.

The world missed out on all the amazing films that Jean Harlow would make in her career. Before passing away Jean Harlow worked on a romantic comedy with Clark Gable, Lionel Barrymore and Walter Pidgeon entitled Saratoga. This film would become a tribute to Harlow's talent as it was her final film appearance.

Now the good folks at Warner Archive Collection have restored and released this 1937 romantic classic on Blu-ray for this first time ever.

When her father dies shortly after losing his horse farm to Duke Bradley (Gable), Carol Clayton (Harlow) refuses the handsome bookmaker's offer to forget the debt and instead vows to pay him back in full. She even forbids her stockbroker fiancé, Harley Madison (Pidgeon), to make wagers that may benefit Duke, but promises to marry him once her champion horse wins at Saratoga. But against all the odds, Carol falls in love with Duke and when he appears in danger of ruination, she finds herself rooting for the competitor to win the all-important race.

The screenplay is well written. The film moves at a great pace. And the acting of Clark Gable and Jean Harlow is amazing! For her final film she shines. You would never know she was suffering with kidney disease. She put everything she had into this role, and it was an amazing final performance. 

Saratoga has been restored and transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p it is presented in its original full screen format in 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The soundtrack is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and there is English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

The film's restoration looks simply stunning. It is glorious black and white and there are no signs of damages to this print. Warner Archive never ceases to amaze me in their restorations. How they can take a film that is 86 years old and make it look like it was shot yesterday. Simply amazing! But an amazing restoration is not all that in included on this Blu-ray.

* The Romance of Celluloid: (1937) A short documentary narrated by Frank Whitbeck. The film goes behind the scenes and looks at what it takes to make a motion picture. 

* Original Theatrical Trailer

Saratoga is more than just a great romantic comedy; it is a historical film as it is the final appearance of Jean Harlow on screen. For classic films fans this is an absolute must own! And this new Blu-ray is the best way to own it!

So if you love romantic comedies or Jean Harlow, you need this Blu-ray. Head over to MovieZyng and order your copy today. You will not be disappointed.

Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) Warner Archive's Blu-ray of Saratoga receives....