Words and Music (1948) Warner Archive Blu-ray Review

In the mid 40s MGM produced a series of biopics that included 'Till the Clouds Roll By' (1946) and followed by 'Three Little Words' (1950) and 'Deep in My Heart' (1954). But the second in the series was 1948's Words and Music.

Now for the 76th anniversary of Words and Music release. Warner Archive Collection now have restored and transferred this musical biopic on Blu-ray for the first time ever. 

Synopsis: In the early 1920s, the diminutive Lorenz Hart (Mickey Rooney) teams up with Richard Rodgers (Tom Drake) to launch a successful 24-year music career, penning nearly 500 songs with him until Hart's death in 1943 at the age of 47. Rodgers marries his dream girl (Janet Leigh) while Hart pines after Peggy (Betty Garrett), eventually spiraling into depression and death after her rejection.

Words and Music is an excellent musical biopic that features a stellar cast in addition to those listed above including; June Allyson, Gene Kelly, Perry Como, Ann Sothern, Mel Torme, Cyd Charisse, Judy Garland, and Lena Horne are just some of the singing sensations featured.

This film has tremendous performances by musical icons, but the story is a very dramatic one. With a less than uplifting ending. but this is an important film, as it is the last movie in which Garland and Rooney appeared together. 

Warner Archive Collection have transferred Words and Music in 1080p and is presented in 1.37:1. The audio is an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Warner Archive Collection restoration of this film is spectacular. The picture is crisp and clean with so signs of damage that I could see, and Technicolor is gorgeous. The audio is clean with no hiss or pops and the vocals and music is amazing. Warner Archive does it again bringing another classic into the world of high definition.

Now Wen it comes to thew classics Warner Archive always goes above and beyond. Not only a wonderful restoration and awesome bonus features as well! Take a look at what is included.

* Commentary by Film Historian Richard Barrios
* Featurette: A Life in Words and Music
* Unused musical sequences: You're Nearer (Perry Como), Lover (Perry Como & M-G-M Orchestra and Chorus) 
* Audio-only musical outtakes
* The Cat that hated People (1948) In this MGM cartoon a black cat shares reasons why he cannot stand people and relocates to the moon. When he arrives, he realizes that people aren't so bad anyway.
* Going to Blazes! (1948) This MGM Theatre of Life series short, produced with the Los Angeles Fire Department, emphasizes fire safety and fire prevention.
* Original Theatrical Trailer
* Song Selection: Click a song title and go right to that song in the film

I have said it before and I'll say it again. I love when Warner Archive adds the bonus of cartoon and short subjects. Sometimes the short subjects are just forgotten over the years and they should be. They need to be rediscovered by this generation. They are so well produced and just as much a part of cinema history as the feature films.

So if you love biopic musicals as much as I do, you need Words and Music in your Blu-ray collection. Head over to MovieZyng and order your copy today! You will be amazed at how great this film looks and sounds on Blu-ray!

Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) the Blu-ray of Words and music receives......