Rating: 
Summary: Worthwhile purchase for Capra buffs
Review: I just watched the DVD version of this light-hearted gem last night for the first time. My first impressions: -Picture quality is usually amazing (considering the film was first released in 1934), but there are several one-shot scenes where the print lapses into the grainy quality one has become accustomed to in the VHS releases of the film. Strange for a "digitally remastered" transfer, and irritating, but not a fatal flaw. -Sound quality is also very good considering the age of the film (soundtrack also"digitally remastered") -Extras are interesting, especially the Lux Theatre radio broadcast (1939) with Claudette and Clark reprising their film roles. Making-of documentary is also interesting. The only criticism I make is the film commentary should have been done by someone instead of or in addition to Frank Capra Jr.- he repeats facts already stated in the documentary short and is silent for several minutes in places. A knowledgable Capra buff/film critic (I know you're out there!) would have been a welcome addition to the commentary. Final verdict: A vast improvement over past VHS versions of this classic romantic comedy, and certainly a worthwhile purchase.
Rating: 
Summary: ONE OF THE ALL TIME BEST, BUT HOW'S THE DVD?
Review: TRULY ONE OF THE ALL TIME BEST FILMS EVER TO COME OUT OF THE AMERICAN CINEMA. BUT HAS ANYONE SEEN THE NEWLY RELEASED DVD VERSION? HOW IS THE PRINT AND AUDIO? KEEP THOSE REVIEWS COMING IN, THEY ARE VERY HELPFUL - AND THANK YOU, AMAZON, FOR PROVIDING US WITH THIS VALUABLE SERVICE.
Rating:
Summary: supernova!
Review: The movie is centered around a very wealthy father's spoiled "escape artist" of a daughter and her runaway quest to get to the man she loves. on the way, she finds a friend, her first true friend, and things begin to change. Brilliant! a jewel for the entire family, or a group of freinds, or a young couple,or by yourself. *sigh* my favourite movie of all time
Rating:
Summary: AN ENCHANTING COMEDY.
Review: A thoroughly entertaining and beautifully acted battle of the sexes comedy classic. When Claudette Colbert finished making this film, she told her friends: "I've just finished the worst picture in the world!" She was nominated for an academy award and at the ceremonies,she was dressed in a traveling suit,ready to catch a train. Later in the evening, the French-born Colbert (31) was presented the academy award for the best actress of 1934 (six-year old Shirley Temple handed it to her). Gable, who was on suspension from Metro won for best actor. It was also the best picture, and Capra won as best director. The movie is actually noted for the fact that men's undershirt sales dwindled considerably when Gable revealed his bare chest! Although the film has a rather faded, dated air, it remains highly entertaining and strangely magical. I have high hopes for the yet-to-be released DVD print; CLARITY is just what this movie needs! I always get a kick out of Roscoe Karns who plays Oscar Shapely (Believe you me!) He says that remark to Ellie once to often and she replies heatedly "Believe you me!-you bore me to distraction!" Gable is usual terrific self as Pete Warne to which Ellie says "Your ego is colassal" to which Pete replies good naturedly "Yeah....not bad.....How's yours?" I felt Claudette could have been photographed in a more flattering way during the scene in which she tells Pete that she loves him - she looked almost unappealing. The mock fight scene is terrific as is the classic hitchhiking bit. Nobody could forgive Ellie for marrying that worm King Wesley - they REALLY made him something mealy and nasty.
Rating:
Summary: They don't make them like this any more.
Review: Well, maybe they do. While You Were Sleeping is the exception. Most other love stories are either selfish or politically correct. This movie is neither. Clark and Cloudette work well together. Human emotion is the best special effect you can see on the screen. The overall feel of the movie is wonderful. I saw it as a child on TV and rediscovered it when I was 18. I loved it ever since.
Rating:
Summary: The first American Classic
Review: This film is the oldest movie that is still watchable. A great film. Much better than most today. Colbert is immortalized.
Rating:
Summary: "A Great Classic"
Review: If you have never seen this movie, go get it! It's truly an enduring movie and a masterpiece for all times. My brother said that back when you didn't have special effects and explosions, all you could rely on was the charm and talent of the actors/actresses and the wit of the dialogue between them. Nothing else can explain this movie better. There is no doubt that this movie was and is influential. I only wish that it was available in widescreen (I hope the status of the original reel is okay)...
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Movie!
Review: This movie is a relief from the in-your-face sexuality of today's films with its wit and subtle sensuality. Clark Gable is a charming fast-talker, and Colbert presents the perfect picture of a spoiled heiress. It has most definitely withstood the test of time!
Rating: 
Summary: ORIGINAL ROAD TRIP HITS A FEW BUMPS IN ITS TRANSFER QUALITY
Review: "It Happened One Night" is the story of Peter Warren (Clark Gable), the happy go lucky newspaper hound who discovers that missing heiress, Ellie McPherson (Claudette Colbert) is actually traveling with him on the cross country night bus. Determined to expose Ellie, Peter finds himself falling for her instead. Director Frank Capra's original road trip movie gives us some real gems, not the least of which is watching Ellie hoist her skirt up to passer-bys on the open road in order to secure suitable transportation. Colbert, not always the most congenial of stars, absolutely refused to make this picture and had to be strong armed by Columbia chief, Harry Cohn. While working, Colbert reportedly didn't try very hard at playing her part, was constantly in conflict with Capra and, after principle photography was completed, stormed off the set declaring that this was the worst picture she had ever made. Small irony that the role Colbert liked the least is the one which garnered her only Best Actress Oscar. Gable, who had been loaned out by MGM as punishment for refusing to do a part in one of their pictures, took home the Best Actor statuette. So much for punishing 'the king'! Unfortunately, Columbia Home Video's presentation of this Academy Award winning masterwork is punishment enough. While the film has had extensive restoration, thanks to the Library of Congress, the DVD exhibits a generally soft picture with slightly out of focus images. Some scenes are so blurry that they suggest a dupe negative was cut into the first generation camera negative. There is some aliasing and shimmering, as well as an almost total loss of fine details during many of the scenes taking place at night.. The soundtrack has been restored as well but continues to exhibit a scratchy background hiss and distracting pops with varying degrees of audibility. The one extra worth mentioning is "Frank Capra Jr. Remembers..." a snippet in which the son of the director talks about his father and the movie. It's too short but interesting nevertheless.
Rating:
Summary: A classic that deserves to endure
Review: A spoiled socialite (Claudette Colbert) flees her wealthy father (Walter Connolly) and heads for New York to marry a rich playboy (Jameson Thomas) against her father's will. The whereabouts of Ellie Andrews and the reward for her return become the stuff of national headlines, so when recently fired reporter Peter Warne (Clark Gable) recognizes her, he decides to stick close so he can write the story. Naturally, romance follows, but it's a bumpy and hugely entertaining road to get there. This is an absolutely wonderful film. It's such a shame that so many people are not interested in watching an old black-and-white movie. Good work is timeless. Gable and Colbert have wonderful chemistry and are both hilarious and touching. The rest of the cast is excellent as well. Even though the story is set during the Great Depression, it doesn't seem dated at all. The wisecracking between characters is sharp and well-written (by screenwriter Robert Riskin); there are lots of laugh-out-loud moments during this film. It's also pretty racy and suggestive for its time, with a genuinely affecting climax. Another level of interest is added by the careful attention that director Frank Capra pays to the depression-era milieu; Colbert's character really doesn't understand the plight of the common man, but Gable's hard-bitten reporter is all too aware of the hard times that people are going through. This adds a fascinating sociological dimension.
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