Restoring Romance and Tragedy: Three Comrades on Blu-ray from Warner Archive

Director: Frank Borzage | Screenwriter: F. Scott Fitzgerald | Producer: Joseph L. Mankiewicz | Actors: Robert Taylor, Margaret Sullavan, Franchot Tone, Robert Young

Novelist Erich Maria Remarque is probably best known for his epic novel All Quiet on the Western Front (1928), but 8 years later he brought the world yet another amazing novel in Three Comrades in 1936. In 1930 All Quiet on the Western Front was adapted to film. Then in 1938 Three Comrades received its all-star film adaption.

It's hard to believe but Three Comrades is 87 years old. So, such a film that is coming upon a 90th birthday, it deserves to be restored and released in HD! Well, that is exactly what Warner Archive Collection has done.

Synopsis: World War I is over, let the living begin. So three German soldiers open a repair shop and get on with their lives. Erich (Robert Taylor) finds unexpected love with frail Patricia (Margaret Sullavan), Gottfried (Robert Young) falls in with a verboten anti-nationalist group. Otto (Franchot Tone) approaches each day with worldly cynicism. And through all that's to come, these men know they will remain Three Comrades. This lyrical adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque's novel is one of F. Scott Fitzgerald's rare screenwriting credits. Melodrama virtuoso Frank Borzage (The Mortal Storm) is at the top of his directorial form here, and as Patricia, Sullavan remains the film's luminous soul, its cherished fourth comrade.

The film featuring wonderful performances by Robert Taylor, Margaret Sullavan, Franchot Tone and Robert Young. The screenplay is faithful to Erich Maria Remarque's novel. Director Frank Borzage (7th Heaven) does a great job bringing this novel to life.

I must admit you have to be in a mindset for this film as it is heartbreaking and a bit depressing. But Margaret Sullavan really pours her heart out into her role. No wonder she was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Warner Archive Collection have restored and transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p and presented in 1.37:1 Aspect Ratio. The audio track is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Warner Archive has done a remarkable job with this film. The picture is crisp and clean. There is not a sign of any dirt, scratches or damage of any kind to this film. The audio is clear as a bell with not a hint of pops or hiss. This is a remarkable looking HD transfer!

Now in addition to this 1938 MGM classic romantic drama film looking spectacular on film. Warner Archive Collection loaded some nice bonus features on this disc. Take a look at what has been added to this disc.

* The Face Behind the Mask (1938) A short film that looks at three possibilities for the identity of France's "man in the iron mask," who was imprisoned for life by King Louis XIV.

* How to Raise a Baby (1938) Robert Benchley takes viewers on a humorous look at the trials and tribulations of fatherhood.

* Theatrical Trailer

The bonus features are always a fun addition for me. I enjoyed The Face behind the mask it was a well-produced short feature and the addition of trailer, although in very rough condition is always welcomed. What I was most excited for the Robert Benchley short. I have always enjoyed his comedy. But sadly, the short goes to black screen and takes you back to the menu in the middle of the program.

Even with the disappointing bonus feature error, the film's restoration and transfer is great! The Blu-ray is worth adding to your collection for that alone. If you enjoy classic romantic dramas well, Warner Archive's Blu-ray of Three Comrades would make a good addition to your home video library. Head over to Amazon or Physical Media Land and order your copy today!