I’m taking a look at couple of classic films starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan. It’s time for The Shop Around the Corner blu-ray review. This 1940 romantic comedy is set in a shop in Budapest. The story has since been updated in 1998 film You’ve Got Mail starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.
However I’m interested in the black and white classic The Shop Around the Corner (1940). Unfortunately Warner Bros has so far decided not to release the film on blu-ray in the UK. That said the US release is indeed region free.
- The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
- Blu-ray – USA Import
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
- Directed by Ernst Lubitsch
- UK Rating N/A
- Discs: 1
- Released By Warner Bros / Warner Archive
- Blu-ray Released: 22 December 2020
Plot
Alfred Kralik (James Stewart) is a senior sales clerk at the Matuschek store in the run up to Christmas. He corresponds with a woman via letter that he has yet to meet. However that is all about to change as they decide it’s time to meet. Meanwhile at the Matuschek shop Alfred seems to have upset owner Hugo Matuschek. At the same time Alfred is having difficulties with new sales clerk Klara Novak. The two constantly seem to be clash over anything and everything!
Style / Direction
The Shop Around the Corner (1940) is a romantic comedy directed Ernst Lubitsch. William H. Daniels takes care of the cinematography side of things.
It’s a well made film that flow nicely. Most of the story occurs in and around the shop.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is comes from Werner R. Heymann.
Acting / Characters
The casting is perfect with James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan playing the romantic leads. Both work well together making The Shop Around the Corner (1940) an easy going romantic comedy.
James Stewart plays Alfred Kralik, the senior salesperson at the Matuschek store. Meanwhile Margaret Sullavan takes on the role of Klara Novak. She’s a woman that arrives in the store looking for a job.
Backing them up is a fabulous cast including Frank Morgan as store owner Hugo Matuschek.
Cast
- Margaret Sullavan as Klara Novak
- James Stewart as Alfred Kralik
- Frank Morgan as Hugo Matuschek
- Joseph Schildkraut as Ferencz Vadas
- Sara Haden as Flora Kaczek
- Felix Bressart as Pirovitch
- William Tracy as Pepi Katona
- Inez Courtney as Ilona Novotny
- Charles Smith as Rudy
- Charles Halton as Detective
- Sarah Edwards as Customer
- Edwin Maxwell as Doctor
- Charles Arnt as Policeman
- Mabel Colcord as Aunt Anna
- Grace Hayle as Plump Customer
Conclusion: The Shop Around the Corner (1940) Film Review
If you’re into romantic comedies especially those set in the build up to Christmas then this has a good story and is well acted. Basically look no further than The Shop Around the Corner (1940). James Stewart is always good and he delivers the perfect performance here as does Margaret Sullavan.
I highly recommend giving this one a look.
If you’ve enjoyed my The Shop Around the Corner blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:
- The Whole Town’s Talking (1935)
- Mr Deeds Goes to Town (1936)
- Keep Fit (1937)
- His Girl Friday (1940)
- The Goose Steps Out (1942)
- Who Done It? (1956)
- Anatomy of a Murder (1959)
- North by Northwest (1959)
Conclusion: The Shop Around the Corner Blu-ray Review
Warner Bros are yet to give this classic movie a UK blu-ray release, however the picture quality on their American release is simply flawless.
Add in a fabulous set of extras and you have a perfect blu-ray release. Warner Bros seem to have an exclusive deal with HMV so this film may eventually turn up in the UK.
Extras
- A New Romance of Celluloid: The Miracle of Sound
- Screen Guild Players Radio Broadcast (1940)
- Lux Radio Theater Broadcast (1941)
- Theatrical Trailer
On to my movie rating for The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
- Movie Rating: EXCELLENT
- Blu-ray Picture: PERFECT
- Extras: EXCELLENT
Amazon UK Links
The Shop Around the Corner (1940) has not had an offical UK blu-ray release. However it can be picked up region free via Amazon. Always check the version you are purchasing will play on UK players.
Film Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may NOT be representative of the blu-ray version
That concludes The Shop Around the Corner blu-ray review, I’m aiming to review more classic James Stewart movies soon. What’s next? Check back soon…
Note: The Amazon links on this page are affiliate / associate links. By buying through the links we may receive a commission for the sale. This has no effect on the price you pay.
Summary: The Shop Around the Corner (1940) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Duration: 99 mins
Director(s): Ernst Lubitsch
Actor(s): Margaret Sullavan, James Stewart, Frank Morgan, Joseph Schildkraut, Sara Haden, Felix Bressart, William Tracy, Inez Courtney, Charles Smith
Genre: Romance, Comedy
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
A fabulous classic romantic comedy set a Christmas, what more do you want!
Pros
Good Story Well Made James Stewart & Margaret Sullavan
Cons
No Official UK Bluray Release
