Rating: 
Summary: No sense in struggling with a thing when it has got you...
Review: "My Man Godfrey" is one of the best Capracorn movies that was not directed by Frank Capra, the 1936 classic film being the project of director Gregory La Cava ("She Married Her Boss," "Stage Door"), who shot the film "off the cuff." Set in the Depression "My Man Godfrey" begins in the Hooverville in the dump down by the river in New York City, where spoiled rich girl Cornelia Bullock (Gail Patrick) arrives on a scavenger hunting offering $5 to Godfrey (William Powell) to accompany her back to the party where she can present him as a "forgotten man" and claim the prize. The well-spoken but scruffy-looking Godfrey takes umbrage at her request and sends Cornelia and her date packing, but the idea of putting her in her place persuades Godfrey to allow Cornelia's sister, Irene (Carole Lombard), to claim the prize. The next thing we know the mysterious Godfrey, who has more class than the entire Bullock family put together, if persuaded by the scatter-brained Irene to become the family's butler. In addition to Godfrey saving the Bullocks from themselves, there is the romance between Godfrey and Irene, which in terms of the screwball comedy genre may well be the greatest example of the opposites attract school of romance since Powell's character never loses his dignity throughout the entire proceedings (compare with Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn in "Bringing Up Baby") while Lombard practically glows throughout the film while babbling and dancing around the room. The chemistry between the two is evident, but still interesting, seeing as how Powell and Lombard had been married briefly a few years earlier. In addition to the screwball comedy elements, there is also some serious social commentary involved as well, reminding not only the high society of the film but the viewing audience that millions were out of work in 1936. Screwball comedies are supposed to deal with the eccentric and the whimsical, relying on sophisticated dialogue delivered at high speed and showing irreverence for situations that are usually serious, but "My Man Godfrey" keeps reminding us that there are homeless people are there starving to death, and somebody should be doing something about it. Still, the film delivers on the requisite romantic comedy, which is clearly what matters the most to audiences today. As you would expect, this Criterion Collection edition of "My Man Godfrey" is loaded with extras that will enthrall a dedicated fan of the cinema. Film historian Bob Gilipin provides the insightful commentary track, which even has chapter titles (e.g., "Two Worlds Juxtaposed," "'Screwball Beguiles Rational Man'") as it looks at the film in the context of the entire screwball genre as well as the careers of the two stars and the director. The "Lux Raio Theater" broadcast of the film is provided as well, with Powell, Lombard, and Patrick reprising their film roles. We also find the trailer, a stills gallery, archival newsreel footage regarding the "forgotten man" and the Depression, and some outtake footage of the cast messing up lines and cursing (certainly a rare treat). "My Man Godfrey" received Oscar nominations for director La Cava, screenwriters Eric Hatch and Morrie Ryskind, Powell for Best Actor, Lombard for Best Actress, Mischa Auer (Carlo the freeloader) for Supporting Actor, and Alice Brady (Mrs. Bullock) for Supporting Actress. Powell won the Oscar that year, but for "The Great Ziegfeld" and not this film, although certainly it added momentum to his victory. One of the most successful screwball comedies of all time, "My Man Godfrey" was added to the National Film Registry in 1999.
Rating: 
Summary: Great film deserves better "extras"
Review: The first time I saw "My Man Godfrey" was on VHS. It was hard to enjoy the film due to the poor quality of the picture. Thanks to the good people at Criterion Collection, this classic screwball comedy from 1936 can now be enjoyed with the clarity of picture it deserves.
"My Man Godfrey" features two of the great actors of their time, William Powell and Carole Lombard along with a stellar supporting cast. The witty script is by Morrie Ryskin who helped write a number of the Marx Brothers early films.
Godfrey (Powell) is rescued from the depression-era dumps and a seeming life of poverty by wealthy heiress Irene Bullock (Lombard) ulitmately to serve as her eccentric family's butler. Godfrey has a foil in Irene's sister who goes so far to set him up for a crime. Godrey is not quite what he appears. Suffice it to say the usual screwball comedy wackiness ensues.
Sadly, Criterion has let viewers down with the DVD's special features. Some outtakes are interesting (actors of yore using profanity!) But a bet is missed with an attempt so show the contrast in life (using contemporary footage) of the haves and have-nots. There is hardly enough here to whet the appetite. The features also include a radio presentation of the story and the obligatory trailer. But that's it! Hopefully another edition with more will be offered someday.
Rating:
Summary: "My Man Godfrey" Still Sparkles after 60 Years
Review: Gregory La Cava's 1936 masterpiece "My Man Godfrey" my well be the best comedy of the '30s. This screwball classic features a witty topnotch script, fast paced direction, fabulous art deco sets and wonderful performances from Carole Lombard and William Powell, as well as, supporting players, Gail Patrick, Mischa Auer, Eugene Pallette, Alan Mowbray and, the particularly dizzy, Alice Brady. This film has never looked better than it has on this Criterion edition. The picture is crisp and clear and way better than any public domain print. In fact, during a recent showing of a PD print on TCM I got out my laptop and ran the Criterion DVD simultaneously and wow, what a difference. The clarity and amount of detail is terrific. I wish the extras had been better and the commentary could have been from the actual stars and creators rather than a film historian but these are petty complaints. If you have been thinking of adding this classic to your collection then pay the extra money and get the best version out there.
Rating:
Summary: People, needle in the haystack here. Jump on it
Review: The dialogue and the theateresque feel makes this a diamond in the rough. C'mon, $4.99 for this beauty? I couldn't be luckier. This is a movie you will watch twice a year, easy, maybe 4 times.
Rating:
Summary: Its worth the extra dollars!
Review: I admit I was a bit reluctant to spend the money for this version of the classic movie, being perfectly content (I thought) with the cheaper versions. But having once purchased it, I can assure you it is worth the extra dollars. The picture is crystal clear and the sound (always a problem on some of the other versions) is wonderfully restored. Powell and Lombard never looked or sounded better, even in 1936. The brief missing scene (mentioned in the other review) included here is a nice addition, adding even more... tension between Godrey and Irene. Godrey is appalled that Irene would enter his private domain and Irene, as ever, is oblivious to all disapproval, having only eyes for Godrey. The radio play is an interesting extra, reuniting the two stars, plus Gail Russell is back as the conniving Cornelia. Also, a young David Niven is in the radio play, as Godfrey's friend Tommy Gray. The commentary is interesting, sometimes more for film students than fans, but still a good addition. Outtakes from any film made in the 1930's are rare, so these, although brief, are a bonus.
All in all, the digital transfer itself is worth the money, the rest of these extras are just gravy for the collector. I highly recommend this disc, for those who cherish the immortal screwball comedy films and the discerning fans of William Powell and Carole Lombard.
Rating: 
Summary: Why so expensive?
Review: I rate the film a solid 5, but the average-quality restoration and high price bring the score down to 3 for the Criterion DVD. Yes, it is better than the previous VHS and bargain-basement DVD versions. However, when compared to other companies (e.g., Warners, Paramount, MGM, Fox, and Universal) that have recently produced many DVDs with superior restorations and better bonus features at roughly half Criterion's prices, Criterion no longer seems justified in charging so much money.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Restoration Job
Review: The plot is a classic love story with an interesting twist and is well worth watching if you can get past the fact that this is a restored Black & White masterpiece. I am extremely impressed with the attention to detail that Criterion put into restoring this movie. The audio in particular is a vast improvement from the VHS version, which I also own. Contrary to another reviewer who complained about the price, I thought the extra money was WELL WORTH IT. My only complaint is that I can't buy more quality (Criterion) DVD classics from this era - especially the William Powell & Myrna Loy collaborations. You get what you pay for, in this case a premium price gets you a premium restored product.
Rating:
Summary: "Platinum" Disc...Golden Oldie
Review: This review refers to the Platinum Disc Corp(2000 release) DVD edition of "My Man Godfrey" You don't have to spend an amount that can get you three DVD's on this Golden Oldie. Platinum disc has once again made a more than decent transfer to DVD for us to enjoy at a more than reasonable price. No frills, no extras, and there's only eight chapter stops to boot, but an overall enjoyable view. The transfer is not pristeen. This 67 year old black and white classic does show it's age. It's a little on the grainy side and you will notice some scratches from time to time(if you are looking for them), but the sound in Dolby Dig 2.0 mono(same as Criterion) is fine(I did need to turn it up just a little higher than usual), and there is nothing that will keep you from smiling for the enitre hour and a half of pure entertaining fun! "My Man Godfrey" starring William Powell and Carole Lombard is an old fashioned comedy that will delight all ages. Talk about your screwballs...the Bullock family is full of them. Alexander Bullock(Eugene Pallette), a wealthy businessman, is trying to cope with his family's wild ways. His wife,Angelica (Alice Brady) is enjoying living the good life, is a bit of an airhead, and has raised two spoiled and wild party girls(seems like some things never change). Irene and Cornelia(Carole Lombard/Gail Patrick)are the belles of the ball but leave the remnants of their partying for others to clean up. One even left a horse in the library and couldn't remember how it got there! When Irene brings home Godfrey(Powell), "a forgotten man", she found in a garbage dump and used to win a scavenger hunt, he becomes the family butler and her "protege". Godfrey's presence in the Bullock household is a learning experience for all. But Godfrey has his own secrets and turns the situation to his own advantage. Can Godfrey starighten out this quirky family? Is there love in the air for the forgotten man and the spoiled rich girl? It's great fun finding out with these true movie stars of the 30's and one great supporting cast that also includes Jean Dixon, Alan Mowbray and Misch Auer as "Carlo". It was directed by Gregory La Cava with a fabulous screenplay by Morrie Ryskind. I have not seen Criterion's transfer of this film, so I can't compare how it looks. Criterion usually does a pretty good job on these old films, but the reviews here are mixed on that aspect. If you can live without the few extras, this is a good way to go...I found mine on a bargain rack at my neighborhood video store and there were several copies, so they are not too hard to come by. Whichever edition you decide to go for, there is no doubt that the film itself is a treasure and we are lucky to have it on DVD to be able to enjoy for generations to come. You'll smile from the first frame to the last....enjoy...Laurie
Rating:
Summary: Clarification on picture quality
Review: From reading one of the other reviews, I was a little afraid of what I would get from this Criterion version of "My Man Godfrey". However, I was pleasantly surprised. Although it is true that it doesn't compare to the pristine quality of the "All About Eve" restoration (remember that this is a 1950 film), it DOES compare very well with other Criterion restorations from the 1930s which I own (Lubitsch's "Trouble In Paradise" [1932]and Hitchcock's "The 39 Steps" [1935]). The slight graininess is not distracting from the overall picture. Also, the sound quality is good, but not exceptional. Overall, another excellent effort by Criterion.
Rating: 
Summary: Criterion DVD an overpriced disappointment
Review: Unfortunately Criterion has (again) cornered the market on a classic film and no other DVD of reasonable quality exists. This DVD, overpriced as all Criterion entries are, is a disappointment. The restoration is not particularly good, with fuzzy resolution and distortion around the edges in many scenes. The sound quality, too, is well below par for a premium-priced DVD. Compare this disk with the superb DVDs of "Sunset Boulevard" (Paramount) and "All About Eve" (20th Century Fox). On both of these disks, the picture and sound restoration, as well as the bonus features, far surpass Criterion's "Godfrey" at a far, far lower price. Criterion is lazily riding the reputation they built years ago with laser disks when the competition was mainly VHS, and still charging laser disk prices for a product that is less than premium. They need to 1) improve quality and 2) reduce prices to realistic levels. If not, the best thing would be for them to overprice themselves out of business. They certainly are no longer the "criterion" against which all video should be evaluated.
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