The Lady Eve (1941)

[Akijama]

https://www.criterion.com/films/639-the-lady-eve

SPECIAL FEATURES:

New 4K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray
Audio commentary from 2001 featuring film professor Marian Keane
Introduction from 2001 by filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich
Interview from 2020 with writer-director Preston Sturges’s biographer and son Tom Sturges and friends
New video essay by film critic David Cairns
Costume designs by Edith Head
Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of the film from 1942 featuring Barbara Stanwyck and Ray Milland
Audio recording of “Up the Amazon,” a song from an unproduced stage musical based on the film
English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
PLUS: An essay by critic Geoffrey O’Brien and a 1946 profile of Preston Sturges from LIFE magazine
New cover by Maurice Vellekoop

[dmabuse]

Great news!

[whiteberry]

New 4K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray

The long wait was worth it!

[noirjunkie]

This is a stone-cold classic. So glad it's getting the Criterion treatment.

[LPMA]

I’m so excited we’re finally getting a new Sturges release!

[BandyWJ]

I don't really want to be that guy, but this has been one of my top ten movies anticipated for Blu-ray release. I am sure that they will do a great job with the content and that is most important. But really, that cover, Why??? I still haven't gotten around to upgrading The Fisher King for that same reason. Is anyone else disappointed with the hideous caricatures of Henry Fonda and especially Barbara Stanwyck?

[Scottie]

Pre-order is live on Amazon

[The Sovereign]

Originally Posted by BandyWJ

I don't really want to be that guy, but this has been one of my top ten movies anticipated for Blu-ray release. I am sure that they will do a great job with the content and that is most important. But really, that cover, Why??? I still haven't gotten around to upgrading The Fisher King for that same reason. Is anyone else disappointed with the hideous caricatures of Henry Fonda and especially Barbara Stanwyck?

To be honest, I'm not loving it. Looks like Carmen Miranda & a young Bogart. But I've been waiting for this BD for so long, I'm not sweating it.

[Dailyan]

Definitely in for this. I’ve only seen Sturgess’ “Sullivan’s Travels” (which I loved) and I want to dig more into his filmography.

[captainsolo]

Whoa this is fantastic news! I’ve long hoped there could be an update to the Criterion dvd. Admittedly the cartoon caricature art seems a bit off in comparison to the dvd using poster art.

Hopefully this bodes well for classic era comedies. Some really need new transfers or are out of print. Imagine Criterion doing Twentieth Century, Libeled Lady or more Lubitsch!

[Majin Blu]

I think the cover's alright.

I kinda wish Criterion would let me draw a cover.

[dmabuse]

Not liking the cover either. The Criterion DVD cover was just fine:

I think this film and Double Indemnity are sexiest Barbara Stanwyck has been in film not counting her Pre-code films.

[Professor Echo]

So I have to hang onto my DVD to watch the original trailer? What is going on with Criterion lately choosing to ignore original theatrical trailers on many of their releases? I'm happy for this release, of course, but the lack of a trailer and the embarrassingly bad cover art have it running second to WAR OF THE WORLDS as far as today's announcements go. Humbug.

[Poya]

If you’ve never been exposed to Fonda, watch Once Upon A Time in the West and then this immediately afterwards. It’s gonna be a trip.

[dressedtokill]

Originally Posted by Dailyan

Definitely in for thos. I’ve only seen Sturgess’ “Sullivan’s Travels” (which I loved) and I want to dig more into his filmography.

You're in for a treat! This is essential viewing for not only Sturges fans but screwball aficionados. It's a terrific witty, charming and funny film supported by the outstanding coupling and acting of its two leads. Stanwyck, plays two characters and she pulls of both the sassy and confident Jean and the elegant, British Eve. Fonda, also shines by bringing a sweet charm and innocence to the often confused Charlie. So, watch the film and be charmed by the story, actors and dialogue.
I would say that the only films that manages to come close to the energy and general zaniness are Bringing Up Baby and The Palm Beach Story. The latter, considering you want to dig more into Sturges filmography is essential viewing and purchase.

[whiteberry]

Originally Posted by dmabuse

I think this film and Double Indemnity are sexiest Barbara Stanwyck has been in film not counting her Pre-code films.

If you haven't seen it, Ball Of Fire (1941) is great too:

Ball of Fire (1941) Official Trailer - Barbara Stanwyck Movie - YouTube

Sugarpuss arrives -- a scene from Howard Hawks' Ball of Fire (1941) - YouTube

Hopefully, Warner will give us a blu-ray someday.

[javi92]

Thank God this finally emerged on blu - and with a 4K resto too

[gates70]

Blind buy, love HF.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by Dailyan

Definitely in for this. I’ve only seen Sturgess’ “Sullivan’s Travels” (which I loved) and I want to dig more into his filmography.

I had bought this and promptly misplaced it - it's somewhere in this goddamn house ...

[ilenewoodsfan99]

One of the best uses of the song "Isn't It Romantic?"