Plot: What’s it about?
“So happy…”
Perhaps one of the most utterly satisfying things about movies, romantic comedies in particular, is the fact that you know two people are destined for each other, yet they (as characters) don’t. Such is the case with one of the best romance movies ever made – Roman Holiday. William Wyler, who helmed such films as Funny Girl, Ben-Hur and The Best Years of Our Lives just to name a few, put together a film for the ages. Not only did this introduce the world to Audrey Hepburn, but it won her an Academy Award for the part of the princess as well. Perhaps one of the only complaints about the movie was the casting of Gregory Peck as her love interest, Joe Bradley. Evidently, everyone thought the part was custom-made for Cary Grant; but I feel that Peck’s performance was excellent, and he has a more laid back attitude than the sometimes, seemingly “up tight” Grant (not to take anything away from Cary Grant, mind you). Perhaps the only thing that this movie has going against it, assuming you’ve never seen it before, is the fact that the plot has been done so many times afterwards (the film was made in 1953), Meg Ryan herself has made a career out of this sort of film! Still, Roman Holiday was a real treat to watch and Paramount has done it right.
We meet Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn, also known as Anya Smith to Joe and Irving in the film) as she is going through the motions of being a Princess. She’s not to terribly happy about it and her “goodwill tour” throughout Europe is beginning to take its toll on her. As she is being read the next day’s agenda, make that “schedule”, she has a breakdown. The doctor gives her a shot, something to make her sleep, and in a fit she flees her room and escapes to the streets of Rome for a little fun. However, the shot has its effect and when a Correspondent of the American News Service, Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck) finds her asleep on a park bench, he takes her back to his place. Naturally, he thinks she’s drunk and doesn’t recognize who she is, even though he’s supposed to interview her the very next day! And as the next day arrives, Anya is trying to figure out what happened and Joe, fresh off a “chewing out” from his boss, needs to get an exclusive story with her as he needs the money.
Now this is where the fun part comes in, Joe lies to her and says that he’s a salesman that deals in fertilizers and chemicals, conversely Anya says that she is a student. Joe, of course, knows who she really is, but she has no idea that he’s a reporter only out to get an exclusive story on her that will merit him $5,000. Add to this Joe’s friend and partner in crime, Irving Radovich (Eddie Albert), a quirky photographer who seems to have his way with the Italian women. After a day of fun, we all know what must happen, but we also want the best for our characters. What ever will happen?
Video: How does it look?
Paramount pulled out all the stops with its Paramount Presents version (Blu-ray) of this film a few years ago. Flash forward and we’ve got a 4K version. This isn’t new for Paramount and as much of a head scratcher as it is, it’s nice to have this in 4K. Contrast has been improved, grain removed and detail is sharp as a tack. Honestly, I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that this is simply amazing. If you’re one for optimal picture quality – this is the version to get.
Audio: How does it sound?
In addition to the improved picture, we also get a restored soundtrack. That might sound odd when the track is a Dolby TrueHD 2.0 mono mix, but the elements to the film’s original mix have been restored and corrected. That said, a mono track can only sound so good. I found vocals pure, no distortion persisted and very lifelike. Obviously the dynamic range is a bit limited, but I really had no complaints with the way this sounded. You won’t either.
Supplements: What are the extras?
It’s rather odd that this version actually takes away a few of the features found on the previously-released Paramount Presents version. We lose the feature on the restoration of this movie as well as the “Remembering Audrey” featurette. Nevertheless, there’s still a lot here – just not as much as we had a few years ago. Again, odd.
- Filmmaker Focus: Leonard Maltin on Roman Holiday – As is the case with most of the Paramount Presents line, film critic Leonard Maltin gives us a brief introduction as well as some commentary on the film, its history and long-lasting impact.
- Behind the Gates: Costumes -Paramount Archivist Randall Thropp gives us a tour of the extensive Paramount wardrobe department. We see the thousands of costumes and the movies they were from. Of note, a red-striped T-shirt worn by Natalie Wood, but they don’t know from which film.
- Rome with a Princess – This is essentially a 9 minute video tour of Rome with some shots from the film and what they look like now. Though “now” might be a bit misleading since some of the footage looks quite old. Still, it’s Rome we’re talking about so I’m guessing much doesn’t change in a few decades.
- Audrey Hepburn: The Paramount Years – The most robust supplement is this documentary on Audrey Hepburn and her time at Paramount. Films like Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Sabrina are all discussed at length.
- Dalton Trumbo: From A-List to Blacklist – Dalton Trumbo didn’t have the best reputation in Hollywood and even though his screenplay won the Academy Award for Best Writing, it wasn’t until 1993 (long after his death) that he was posthumously awarded it. This feature gives us a brief look at the man who wrote in his bathtub.
- Paramount in the 50’s – Essentially the title says it all, we get a look at one of the major studios and some of the film highlights of the 50’s. Sunset Boulevard, Come Back Little Sheeba, Shane, The War of the Worlds and Stalag 17 are just a few of the films profiled.
- Edith Head: The Paramount Years – This feature was originally on several Paramount discs. We get a look inside the mind of Edith Head and her amazing eye for costume design (Roman Holiday won an Academy Award for her work on costume design).
- Theatrical Trailers – Two original theatrical trailers as well as the re-release trailer are included.
- Galleries
The Bottom Line
Most other romantic comedies (or romantic movies) pale in comparison to this one. It’s one of the jewels in Paramount’s crown. As always, it’s not a bonafide “slam dunk” we lose a few supplements, but gain a bit in the picture quality department. The choice is yours, but either way this film is one to have on the shelf.
