Thornton Wilder's Our Town (1940) Coming to Blu-ray

[ClassicFlix]

Beautifully restored by ClassicFlix from 35mm film elements preserved by the Library of Congress, Thornton Wilder’s immortal classic Our Town (1940) starring William Holden and Martha Scott makes its Blu-ray debut this December 19th.

Details are below, but check out this just posted restoration comparison.

Our Town (1940) ClassicFlix Restoration Comparison - YouTube

Touching, yet unsentimental—tender, yet heart-breaking, Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Our Town is a pensive look surrounding the lives of two families in the fictitious hamlet of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. While a literal time capsule of early 20th century America, the story’s power transcends era and locale with its universally timeless themes of love, loss and the fleeting nature of life.

When independent producer Sol Lesser purchased the film rights to Our Town, he signed Wilder to adapt the play for the silver screen, as well as actor Frank Craven, who also reprised his stage role as the “stage manager” for the movie version. The film would go on to earn six Academy Award nominations in all, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Martha Scott in her film debut) and Best Original Score (Aaron Copland).

Directed by three-time Oscar nominee Sam Wood (Kitty Foyle) and featuring the innovative production design of William Cameron Menzies (Gone With the Wind), Our Town stars William Holden (Sunset Boulevard) in the role of George Gibbs with Scott reprising her role of Emily Webb from the stage play. Rounding out a top-notch cast is Thomas Mitchell (Alias Nick Beal), Beulah Bondi (Make Way for Tomorrow), Fay Bainter (Jezebel), Guy Kibbee (Captain January), Stuart Erwin (Make Me a Star), and the aforementioned Frank Craven.

BONUS FEATURES:

- Audio commentary by actor and film score restorationist Ray Faiola
- Rare interview of Thornton Wilder by actress Lilli Palmer on her TV program from the early 1950s where they discuss prolific Spanish playwright Lope de Vega
- The Campbell Playhouse radio production of Our Town broadcast on May 12, 1939. Produced by Orson Welles and starring Welles as the stage manager and featuring Agnes Moorehead, Ray Collins, Everett Sloane and John Craven reprising his role of George from the 1938 play
- The Lux Radio Theatre production of Our Town broadcast on May 6th, 1940 with most of the stars from the motion picture including William Holden, Martha Scott, Frank Craven, Thomas Mitchell, Fay Bainter, Beulah Bondi, Guy Kibbee and Stuart Irwin
- Restoration comparison

[ClassicFlix]

With an official street date of December 19th, we've started shipping our latest release, Our Town (1940), for those who have purchased their copies at ClassicFlix.com.

Beautifully restored by ClassicFlix from 35mm film elements preserved by the Library of Congress, Thornton Wilder’s immortal classic is making its Blu-ray debut and stars William Holden and Martha Scott. Featured are Fay Bainter, Beulah Bondi, Thomas Mitchell, Guy Kibbee, Stuart Erwin and Frank Craven.

Details are below, but check out our restoration comparison from the film.

Our Town (1940) ClassicFlix Restoration Comparison - YouTube

Touching, yet unsentimental—tender, yet heart-breaking, Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Our Town is a pensive look surrounding the lives of two families in the fictitious hamlet of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. While a literal time capsule of early 20th century America, the story’s power transcends era and locale with its universally timeless themes of love, loss and the fleeting nature of life.

When independent producer Sol Lesser purchased the film rights to Our Town, he signed Wilder to adapt the play for the silver screen, as well as actor Frank Craven, who also reprised his stage role as the “stage manager” for the movie version. The film would go on to earn six Academy Award nominations in all, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Martha Scott in her film debut) and Best Original Score (Aaron Copland).

Directed by three-time Oscar nominee Sam Wood (Kitty Foyle) and featuring the innovative production design of William Cameron Menzies (Gone With the Wind), Our Town stars William Holden (Sunset Boulevard) in the role of George Gibbs with Scott reprising her role of Emily Webb from the stage play. Rounding out a top-notch cast is Thomas Mitchell (Alias Nick Beal), Beulah Bondi (Make Way for Tomorrow), Fay Bainter (Jezebel), Guy Kibbee (Captain January), Stuart Erwin (Make Me a Star), and the aforementioned Frank Craven.

BONUS FEATURES:

- Audio commentary by actor and film score restorationist Ray Faiola
- Rare interview of Thornton Wilder by actress Lilli Palmer on her TV program from the early 1950s where they discuss prolific Spanish playwright Lope de Vega
- The Campbell Playhouse radio production of Our Town broadcast on May 12, 1939. Produced by Orson Welles and starring Welles as the stage manager and featuring Agnes Moorehead, Ray Collins, Everett Sloane and John Craven reprising his role of George from the 1938 play
- The Lux Radio Theatre production of Our Town broadcast on May 6th, 1940 with most of the stars from the motion picture including William Holden, Martha Scott, Frank Craven, Thomas Mitchell, Fay Bainter, Beulah Bondi, Guy Kibbee and Stuart Irwin
- Restoration comparison

[SGFfilmfan]

Ordered!!!!

[glennstl]

Also ordered just now! ( from ClassicFlix)

[MartinScorsesefan]

This is a movie that most people who are familiar with it watched on Public Television because of its public domain status. it's wonderful that such a beautiful transfer is finally available.

[peterjtaylor]

The restoration is so welcome that it made me weepy. I've been longing for this for 30 years.