'Sabrina' shines on 4K Ultra HD
Category: Blu-ray's, DVD's and Digital
The 1954 classic black and white film Sabrina is now available in a 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray combo pack. With Audrey Hepburn in her second starring role, Humphrey Bogart in a romantic lead, and William Holden, the story is a classic Billy Wilder film that has stood the test of time. It was remade in 1995. That remake is good, as far as remakes go, however there is no substitute for the original.
Sabrina (Hepburn) has lived her entire life with her father in an apartment above the garage of the Larrabee mansion on Long Island. Her father Thomas Fairchild (John Williams) is the chauffeur for the entire Larrabee family. Sabrina has been in love with the youngest son David (Holden) since she was a child.
After being sent to Paris to cooking school, Sabrina returns to Long Island a completely different and confident young woman. Not only is she more mature, but she has undergone a complete makeover. Her beauty and charm now intrigues ladies-man David who is engaged to another woman but finds his attraction to Sabrina more intense than his relationship with his fiancé.
The Larrabee family is not happy with David’s attraction and attentiveness to Sabrina. His older brother Linus (Bogart), takes it upon himself to charm Sabrina with the intent of squelching her love for David. Unfortunately, he never considered what would happen if he were successful in his endeavors.
It might seem odd for viewers to see Bogart in the role of suitor. Holden is the quintessential ladies man on and off screen, but Bogart is the one that gets the girl this time. At least, he gains her love, but who will ultimately end up with Sabrina? David or Linus? Or neither? Of course, since this is a classic that has been around 70 years most people know the ending. Yes, Linus is the winner of Sabrina’s heart and mind.
The bonus features are wonderful.
There is a featurette focusing on Audrey Hepburn’s style. She is a style icon and some of her outfits are discussed with people from the Otis College of Art and Design. This is an intriguing look at the way Hepburn changed the styles in Hollywood. She basically had simple clothes but her accessories are what elevated her style.
Another bonus feature looks at the world of Sabrina on the North Shore of Long Island. It is referred to as the “Gold Coast” of Long Island due to the oppulant mansions and the rich residents that created the tone and atmosphere of the area. Their lavish parties brought the “who’s who” of high society.
Yet another bonus looks at the supporting cast in the film. There are many recognizable faces among the help at the Larrabee mansion, not to mention the Larrabees and their friends.
William Holden is the focus of another interesting feature. His long and successful career put him in “The Golden Circle” of Paramount contract actors. This is a deep dive into his career which included many classic films. His casual style of acting created the persona he represented on screen.
Paramount in the 1950s was a center of the film industry. Another bonus feature looks at the films and actors that were part of making Paramount a major studio.
And finally, there is a documentary about Sabrina, the movie and the character.
With plenty of bonus features as well as a delightful film, this 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray combo pack from Kino Lorber is a great addition to any film collection. Although it is old, the visuals are clear and the scenes are crisp and clean. Both the 4K and the Blu-ray Discs are remastered for the ultimate viewing experience.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.