Warner Archive Collection’s latest multi-film set takes a look at the wonderful career of Doris Day. The incredible singer and actress had a stellar career in both fields from the 40s into the 60s. Whether you’re a fan already or want to find out what made her so special, the Doris Day 4-Film Collection Blu-ray is well worth picking up.
“Doris Day takes the spotlight in four of her hit musicals — Romance on the High Seas (her film debut), Lullaby of Broadway with Gene Nelson, her unforgettable portrayal of Ruth Etting in Love Me or Leave Me, and her final musical film, the spectacular Billy Rose’s Jumbo featuring a Rogers and Hart score,” says the synopsis.
Rather appropriately, the set starts with 1948’s Romance on the High Seas, which was Day’s debut movie. While it’s not Day’s finest performance, the film looks and sounds great with the catchy musical numbers really sticking out. You can see Day’s star power in full effect in 1951’s Lullaby of Broadway, which puts her singing front and center with her performing five numbers. While it has a thin story, it is wonderfully shot and really shines in high-definition.
1955’s Love Me or Leave Me is my favorite of the bunch and pairs Day with James Cagney. A musical biopic, it tells the life story of singer turned movie star Ruth Etting, and won the 1955 Oscar for Best Motion Picture Story. Finally, 1962’s Billy Rose’s Jumbo rounds out the collection, which features a wonderful Rodgers and Hart score. A fun film set at a struggling circus, Day delivers a solid performance as its lead, Kitty Wonder. All four films look and sound great, as Warner Archive’s high-quality standard is once again met.
None of the four discs in the Doris Day 4-Film Collection Blu-ray features a ton of bonus features, but they each come with some extras. Lullaby of Broadway is the most sparse, with just a trailer and the ability to jump around to specific songs. Meanwhile, Romance on the High Seas has both aforementioned features, plus a classic Bugs Bunny short called Hare Splitter, plus a 10-minute look at classic songs in early sound movies. Love Me or Leave Me comes with two shorts, a trailer, and a promotional short that features a set visit to the film. Finally, Billy Rose’s Jumbo features a Rodgers and Hart short called Yours Sincerely, an appropriate Tom and Jerry short (Jerry and Jumbo), plus its trailer.
Doris Day 4-Film Collection Blu-ray Review: Final Verdict
There’s a lot to like about the Doris Day 4-Film Collection Blu-ray. It’s a good look at the breadth of her career, featuring her very first film, two of her films at her peak, and a film from the 60s. Day’s singing and prowess as a performer make it a great collection, as there really has been no one else quite like her.
Disclosure: ComingSoon received product from the distributor for our Doris Day 4-Film Collection Blu-ray review.
