In 1948 George Stevens directed a film that because of his high production cost it was going to have a tough time making a profit. I Remember Mama recorded a loss of $1,040,000. But it was a critic's darling and over the years people have realized how great of a film it truly is! Now almost 80 years after its theatrical release this film has received a Blu-ray treatment thanks to the good folks at Warner Archive Collection.
Synopsis: The life of a Norwegian immigrant family in 1910 San Francisco centers around Mama (Irene Dunne) and her detailed, pennywise household budget. The Hansen family traverse through joys and sorrows. All with love and the antics of Uncle Chris.
The film is loosely based on Kathryn Forbes' book "Mama's Bank Account" that was turned into a stage play by John Van Druten Director George Stevens brought together a some of Hollywood's best to bring Fores' book to the silver screen. Irene Dunne was joined by Barbara Bel Geddes (Vertigo, TV's Dallas), Oscar Homolka (Mr. Sardonicus), Philip Dorn (Ziegfeld Girl), Cedric Hardwicke (The Ghost of Frankenstein), Edgar Bergen (Look Who's Laughing), Rudy Vallee (International House), Barbara O'Neil (Gone with the Wind), Florence Bates (On the Town) and many more.
Warner Archive has transferred I Remember Mama to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in the film’s original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The soundtrack is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
I Remember Mama has suffered from less than stellar home video releases for years. Those home video releases have seen prints that were extremely damaged. Well, this Blu-ray release fixes all that. This new restoration beings such sharpness to the picture. The film has been cleaned up to remarkable condition. There are no signs of damage, digital artifact and the audio is clear with no hiss, pops or other audio anomalies. Warner Archive has done a tremendous job with this restoration!
Now as for bonus features. This Blu-ray release is a bit on the skimpy side. The only bonus found on this Blu-ray is the Theatrical Trailer. I know that Irene Dunne, Oscar Homolka and Barbara Bel Geddes reprised their roles in a one-hour radio broadcast of the story on Lux Radio Theatre on August 30, 1948. It would have been nice to see that added to this Blu-ray release. I wonder if the copies of the Lux Radio drama were too bad to be restored and so it is possible that that is why Warner Archive choice not to add it to this Blu-ray! Understandable!
Even with the lack of bonus features, the magnificent restoration that Warner Archive preformed on this classic drama makes this Blu-ray something special. If you have I remember Mama on one of the previous releases. It is time to upgrade to this gorgeous looking version of I Remember Mama!
If you are a fan of Irene Dunne or classic Hollywood dramas I Remember Mama is a tremendous film and this new restoration 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 I Remember Mama recieves.....
 Warner Archive Blu-ray Review ){kind=link}
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