High Society (1956) (4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Review)
Directed By: Charles Walters
STARRING: Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra
Rated: UR/Region O/1:85/4K (2160p)/Number of Discs 1
Available from Warner Brothers
If you’re ever in the mood for a movie that feels like sipping chilled champagne on a sunny afternoon, High Society (1956) is your ticket. This sparkling musical remake of The Philadelphia Story trades the original’s screwball wit for elegance, jazz, and an irresistible star-studded cast—Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Louis Armstrong, all in one movie? Yes, please!
Set in the lush, sun-drenched mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, High Society is the story of socialite Tracy Lord (Grace Kelly), whose impending marriage to a respectable (if a bit boring) man is interrupted by the arrival of her charming ex-husband (Crosby) and a nosy tabloid reporter (Sinatra), both of whom are very interested in rekindling something more than just interviews. It’s a romantic comedy love triangle (or is it a square?) wrapped in smooth melodies and sparkling banter.
Let’s talk about the music, because it’s delicious. The entire score was written by Cole Porter, and it’s bursting with catchy, clever songs like “True Love,” “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?,” and the irresistibly cheeky “Well, Did You Evah!”—a duet between Crosby and Sinatra that’s basically two musical legends casually tossing charm grenades at each other for three straight minutes. And then there’s Louis Armstrong, who not only lends his iconic sound to the soundtrack but also pops up throughout the film like a jazz-playing narrator with a twinkle in his eye.
Grace Kelly, in her final film role before becoming actual royalty, is pure radiance. She brings elegance and wit to the role of Tracy, and her chemistry with Crosby is surprisingly warm and affectionate. Sinatra, as the cocky reporter Mike Connor, is sharp and slightly brash, but still likeable, and his voice—unsurprisingly—is magic.
Now, let’s talk about the 4K Ultra HD release, because wow—this movie has never looked this good. The new transfer is absolutely stunning, with vibrant colors that pop off the screen. The pastel dresses, shimmering gowns, and lush green gardens of Newport have been restored with care and precision. Skin tones look natural, the detail is razor sharp, and the grain is nicely preserved, giving it that warm, filmic texture without looking overly scrubbed. You can practically feel the summer breeze and hear the clink of cocktail glasses in the background.
The audio, too, is crisp and clear—making those jazzy arrangements and vocal performances shine. Whether it’s Crosby’s mellow croon or Armstrong’s trumpet solos, the soundtrack feels alive in this remaster.
At its core, High Society is about love, second chances, and knowing when to stop taking yourself so seriously. It’s a film that doesn’t try to be edgy or deep—it just wants to entertain you with glamour, music, and wit. And with its glitzy new 4K presentation, it does exactly that—only now, it does it better than ever.
So, pour yourself a drink, put your feet up, and let High Society sweep you away. It’s classic Hollywood at its most charming—and now, it sparkles brighter than ever.
Extras
Special Features and Technical Specs:
- NEW 13.5K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL VISTAVISION NEGATIVE
- NEW DOLBY ATMOS TRACK, plus priginal 1956 Theatrical Mono Optical Track
- Featurette “Cole Porter in Hollywood: True Love”
- 1956 Premiere Newsreel
- M-G-M CinemaScope cartoon MILLIONAIRE DROOPY
- Audio-only promo spots featuring Bing Crosby with Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra
- Original Theatrical Trailers
- Optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature
