Cabin in the Sky (1943) Warner Archive Blu-ray Review

As we watch classic films through new era eyes, we can sometimes see how offensive stereotypes could be in the early years of film. But that does not diminish their importance. They deserve to be preserved for generations to come. 

First on the Broadway stage Cabin in the Sky was brought to the big screen in 1943 by MGM. As the 80th anniversary came Warner Archive decided to restore this film in 4K. 4 years earlier in 2020, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". Now this new restoration is brought to us in this new Blu-ray release of Cabin in the Sky!

When he is seriously injured in a barroom brawl, Little Joe Jackson (Eddie "Rochester" Anderson) hovers between life and death, dreaming that he is the centerpiece of an epic struggle between Heaven and Hell for his soul: On his side are the prayers of his loyal, pious wife, Petunia (Ethel Waters) battling on the side of darkness is Lucifer Jr. (Rex Ingram) and his most powerful weapon, the beautiful and seductive Georgia Brown (Lena Horne).

Cabin in the Sky is the classic tale of everyone's struggle between doing good and doing bad! Now while we can see the offensive stereotypes in this film, one thing is for sure, the cast is spectacular. Ethel Waters and Eddie Anderson have a sweet chemistry together. Lena Horne is devilishly great as Georgia Brown. Even the supporting cast is just perfect! 

The music in this film is simply amazing! No wonder the film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe" sung by Ethel Waters. The film was expertly directed by the great Vincente Minnelli who is known for directing such musical masterpieces as Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), An American in Paris (1951), The Band Wagon (1953), and Gigi (1958).

Warner Archive have transferred this classic musical Cabin in the Sky to Blu-ray in 1080p and presented in 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The Audio is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There are also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. But most importantly this is sourced from a brand new 4k restoration. 

I have to say I was extremely impressed with how gorgeous this new 4K restoration looked. There is the prefect amount of film grain, and this restoration brings depth and beauty to this film. There is no signs of age-related deterioration and the audio is as clear as a bell with no signs of hiss of pops. Warner Archive has done it again with another beautiful restoration.  

But a stunning restoration is not all this Blu-ray release has going for it. Not by a longshot! Warner Archive added some very cool bonus features. Take a look at what has been included in this release.

* Feature commentary by Evangela Anderson and Eva Anderson (Wife and Daughter of Eddie "Rochester" Anderson), Fayard Nicholas, Black Cultural Scholar Todd Boyd, Film Historian Dr. Drew Casper and Interview Excerpts of Lena Horne

* Studio Visit (1946) In this vintage Pete Smith short film we take a humorous look around various studio film lots. 

* Audio-only bonus: Louis Armstrong "Ain't it the Truth" Outtake

* Original Theatrical Trailer

For all it's stereotypes Cabin in the Sky is still an amazing and beautifully shot musical. Warner Archive's new restoration is a thing of beauty and the addition of a Pete Smith film is amazing. I always loved watching the Pete Smith shorts so this makes this Blu-ray release even better!

If you love classic musicals from the golden age of Hollywood your collection is not complete without Cabin in the Sky. And if you want the absolute best way to see it this new Blu-ray from Warner Archive is the perfect way to see it! Head over to MovieZyng and order your copy today.


Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) Warner Archive's Blu-ray of Cabin in the Sky recieves.....